Pocopson Township Planning Commission Meeting

7:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Members Present: Gary Summers, Robert Miller, Suzy Breiseth, Meg Johnson

Members Absent: Sean Rafferty, Chris Sperber, Robert Costello

1. Call to Order: Summers called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

2. Public Comment: Paige and Michael Tomaszewicz appeared before the Planning Commission (PC) regarding their interest in purchasing 748 Locust Grove Road as a single-family residence and to construct an indoor commercial fish farm in a detached greenhouse. Tomaszewicz understands the Township zoning ordinances to permit a fish farm as an agricultural pursuit as same is established by federal fish farm guidelines. Holding tanks for the fish would be installed in a greenhouse to be constructed on the property. Tomaszewicz made no formal submission of plans or sketches at this time. PC generally could not comment regarding the proposal and suggested that Tomaszewicz pursue the matter with an attorney and an engineer as issues that may need to be addressed include impervious surfaces, steep slopes, environmental issues, and compliance with Township Code for property setbacks, accessory building setbacks, commercial operations, and net acreage.

3. Northbrook Associates Ltd., SE Corner Lenape-Unionville Road/Tax Parcel 63-3-123: Debbie and Bill Murphy, general partner in Northbrook Associates, Ltd., appeared before the PC regarding their interest in subdividing the property. Murphy presented a map prepared by the Chester County Geographic Information System depicting a proposed division of the property into three lots: 1 four-acre lot and 2 two-acre lots. The two-acre lots are adjacent to Folly Hill Road. PC members discussed provision of Township Code generally including reference to usable acres after net out of floodplain. PC could not comment regarding viability of the proposal and suggested that Murphy pursue the matter with an attorney and an engineer as issues that may need to be addressed include impervious surfaces, steep slopes, floodplain issues, and compliance with Township Code.

4. Ordinances:

a) Green Initiative Ordinances – William Haaf presented a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the Edgemont Township, Delaware County, Windmills for Residential Wind Energy Generation Ordinance 211 of 2009, Section 1930. Haaf suggested changes and additions to the Edgemont Township Ordinance for adoption by Pocopson Township including a definition section from the Pennsylvania Model Wind Ordinance. He also suggested that Pocopson table an Ordinance until such time that the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission submits sample language for commercial applications. He cautioned that new technology allows for wind-powered devices that are not what is commonly recognized as windmills. Haaf will incorporate PC suggestions and submit a pre-draft ordinance for the January meeting. He will also contact Edgemont Township regarding their reasoning for enacting the windmill ordinance. Haaf will present a brief lecture on climate control for the January 2010 meeting.

b) Draft Fence/Walls – Breiseth submitted a pre-draft for the fence/wall ordinance. Discussion ensued regarding edits to the pre-draft. Secretary is directed to re-key the text for submission of a draft for the January meeting.

c) Draft Noxious Weeds Ordinance – Secretary distributed sample ordinances enacted by Kennett, Upper Uwchlan, Brighton, and Elizabeth Townships and by West Chester Borough. PC discussion concluded that a pre-draft ordinance for Pocopson should incorporation elements of Kennett and Upper Uwchlan Townships. Bill Sellers appeared before the PC to ask that the pre-draft include language that will not penalize landowners in mandating control of weeds. Secretary is directed to prepare a pre-draft for the January meeting.

d) Administrative updates/housekeeping – Secretary requested a proposal from General Code to complete an editorial analysis to identify inconsistencies within the Code as well as deviations from state and county regulations.

e) Public Hearing December 21, 2009 – Sign Amendment – Secretary reported that the public hearing will be held on Monday, December 21, 2009 as advertised.

5. Correspondence – none submitted. PC directs the Secretary to seek guidance from the Board in preparation of a contact list of engineers that may be shared with parties interested in submitting project applications.

6. Approval of Meeting Minutes of October 21, 2009 and November 18, 2009: Approval of meeting minutes tabled.

6. Adjournment: Summers moved, Johnson seconded to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. The next regular meeting schedule for the Planning Commission Meeting will be determined by the Board of Supervisors during the Organizational Meeting to be held January 4, 2010.

___________________________ ___________________________________

Susan Simone, Secretary Gary Summers, Chair