Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
7:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Call to order: Chaiman Waddington called the meeting to order at 7:35.
Meeting Attendees: William Waddington, Suzie Breiseth, Steve Conary, Meg Johnson, Sarah Mims, Sean Rafferty, Gary Summers.
Announcements: Chairman Waddington welcomed Gary Summers as the newest member of the Planning Commission.
Schaftleins / Minor Subdivision: The Schaftleins put together a table reflecting the 33 items that Township Engineer John Fenn has asked them to address. They will use a surveyor to address a number of the issues. There was discussion of the need for an NPDES permit. Waddington explained that because this County requirement for erosion sedimentation control only comes into play when more than an acre will be disturbed, the Schaftleins may want to consider this in their plans.
Other issues: Allowing for the required 50 feet of right of way would reduce the total acreage of the property, which could affect the 10 acre minimum for conservation. Seepage beds or tanks (an engineer could determine which is feasible for this property) will be needed for stormwater management, and would require a perc test Both lots (existing and proposed) will require working septic systems and a reserve septic location that’s passed a perc test.
Sight distances and floodplain location may affect the placement of the driveway and whether there is one driveway or two. The Schaftleins may need to remove trees (depending on species and condition) to increase sight distances. Waddington noted that a topographical survey would be required for the driveway. The Schaftleins requested, in writing, a 90 day extension.
Jim & Pat Burnett: Minor Subdivision Sketch Plan: The Burnetts live on a 15 acre lot at 155 Hickory Hill Rd.. They’ve retained Tom Comitta and would like to come back on March 15 with a sketch plan after they’ve investigated options about how many lots they could subdivide into. Waddington said that the Burnetts will need a topographical survey to show terrain and recommended that the sites of the future homes on the proposed lots be included in the sketch plan. Rafferty and Johnson commented that the Burnetts may wish to consider the tax implications of switching from 10 acre+ farmland to smaller parcels, both in terms of back taxes and future tax obligations.
Kevin Kelly: Preliminary Subdivision Plan: Deferred until the March meeting, but the members discussed potential access into the two proposed lots. The existing driveway has poor sight distances. Can perhaps use Wayne Drive to access all three lots, but will wait to discuss in detail until Kelly has done more research.
Open Space Committee & Task Force Report: Conary said that there will be a mailing to all residents in mid-March. Public meetings will be held on March 23, and in April and May to explain what land is available to be preserved, financial impact of development, etc.
WCRPC: Johnson said WCRPC will soon be sending a letter to each member Township requesting $400 in annual dues. She recommended to the Commission that Pocopson not continue participating in the WCRPC. The members discussed the value that Pocopson has gotten out of its membership in the group in the last ten years.
Motion: Conary moved, Rafferty seconded, that the Planning Commission recommend to the Board of Supervisors that Pocopson resign membership in the WCRPC and not pay dues for 2006. Also, Breiseth suggested that Bob Woodward be formally thanked for his contributions and service to the WCRPC.
Motion carried with all in agreement.
Motion: Rafferty moved, Bresiseth seconded, that the Planning Commission recommend to the Board of Supervisors that Judy Cousins’ years of service to the Township be formally recognized. Suggestion was to frame a Historic Pocopson Township map and include in the matting something like “In gratitude for XX years of service to Pocopson Township.”
Motion carried with all in agreement.
KARPC: No report. Johnson would be willing to attend this meeting if Pocopson is permitted to have a Planning Commission member attend (in addition to a Supervisor) when her WCRPC obligation ends.
Minutes of January 18, 2006: Several changes were made.
Conary motioned, Mims seconded to accept the January 18, 2006 minutes as amended. Motion carried with all in agreement.
Other Business:
Judy Cousins provided Karen Eckard with some information on the October meeting; Waddington can review those notes and provide additional information so that Karen can formalize the minutes.
Steve will e-mail Natural Resources Task Force Ordinance changes to all Planning Commission members
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM.
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Peggy Lennon, Acting Secretary William Waddiington, Chairman