Pocopson Township Planning Commission Meeting

7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2008

 

Call to Order:  The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m., at the Pocopson Township Building.

 

Members Present:  Summers, Chair; Breiseth, Rafferty, Johnson, McNemar, Costello.

 

Announcements:  none.

 

Bell Subdivision:  Township Secretary reported that Bob Flinchbaugh, Regester Associates, contacted the Township Office to report that he and the applicant were not prepared to review John Fenn’s report dated April 10, 2008.  McNemar noted that in general, John Fenn’s report seems to include suggestions that are productive and beneficial to the applicant, including suggestions to relocate the storm water management catch area to eliminate the retaining wall. Generally, McNemar reported that the Board is looking into impact fees and she reminded the Planning Commission to continue to consider fees-in-lieu when the proposed developed land cannot accommodate installation of trails.

 

Corrine Village:  A copy of the Application submitted by Aqua Pennsylvania was distributed. Summers commented that submission of the Application to the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission appears to be a formality. The substantive nature of the Application reflects details previously negotiated and resolved. McNemar asked the Secretary to confirm that the Township Solicitor is aware of the ownership of the Wastewater Treatment Facility.

 

Ordinances Update:   

(a)                Recycling – McNemar reported that by enacting a Recycling Ordinance, the Township will be eligible for funding for equipment for the Public Works Department.  She and Bill Harwood will be meeting with the County to review the particulars for a recycling grant application. The grant includes a requirement that the Township enact a Recycling Ordinance. Costello commented that during a recent seminar he learned that state law makers are reviewing a pre-draft of a statewide program mandating recycling.  The pre-draft includes a directive for mandatory composting of food waste, although it is not clear how this directive will be enforced. Costello will advise the Planning Commission of any updates on the pre-draft.

 

(b)        Sewer – McNemar reported that the Board enacted Ordinance No. 2008-1, Amending Chapter 170, Sewers.  Prior to enacting the Ordinance, the Board adopted Resolution No. 2008-2 regarding daily sewage flows; Resolution No. 2008-3 regarding sewer rental/user fees; and Resolution No. 2008-4 delineating sewer service area map 2 to identify users required to connect to the sanitary sewerage system. 

 

(c)        Animal Ordinance – Breiseth reported that work continues on the text required to amend the Ordinance. She believes that the substantive changes to the Ordinance should distinguish the size of the animals. She also indicated that the intent is to avoid the keeping of animals on what might appear to be feed lots.  Additionally, the text should clearly define exotics such as snakes and other reptiles. Johnson and Rafferty noted that Pennsylvania state law requires permits for keeping of exotic animals and this should be reflected in the Ordinance. Planning Commission members voiced concern regarding a potential violation at Red Bridge Farm in the keeping of the number of horses on the total available pastured acreage. McNemar asked the Secretary to advise the Zoning Enforcement Office to look into the matter. Finally, Breiseth announced that she would not be available for the May 21st meeting but will be prepared to update the Planning Commission in June on the Animal Ordinance.

 

(d)        Sign Ordinance – Breiseth announced that she and Georgia Brutscher will be meeting in May to begin work on updating the current Sign Ordinance.

 

Olmsted Zoning Hearing Board Application:  At the request of the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission reviewed the Olmsted Property Owners Association (POA) Application currently before the Zoning Hearing Board. A variance is requested by the Olmsted POA for installation of two entranceway signs larger in size than currently allowed in order to match an existing entranceway sign. Installation of two larger size signs similar to the size of the existing sign will create a uniform appearance for the entranceways.

 

Rafferty asked if Olmsted was in possession of a permit for the existing sign and if Olmsted has submitted any proof of hardship regarding the variance? The Planning Commission reviewed Section 250-50 of the Township Code as applied to the Olmsted Application and determined that the current sign does not comply with provisions of the Code.

 

Motion:  Rafferty moved that the Planning Commission recommends that the Zoning Hearing Board not grant the sign variance as requested in the application received March 10, 2008, as no hardship exists; further, the Planning Commission requests that the Olmsted Property Owners Association (POA) show proof that the POA applied for and received a permit or variance for the existing signage. Sign size is limited by Section 250-51 E(4)(f) of the Township Code; Summers seconded, unanimously carried.  The Secretary is directed to attach a copy of Section 250-51. “Signs in residential districts” to be marked as Exhibit “A” and circulated to the Board of Supervisors and the Zoning Hearing Board.


Minutes of March 19, 2008:  Summers moved to approve the Minutes of March 19, 2008 as submitted; Johnson seconded. Motion carried.

 

Adjournment:  Johnson moved to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.; McNemar seconded.

 

 

_________________________                                              __________________________
Susan Simone, PC Secretary                                                    Gary Summers, Chair