7:30 p.m.,
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Call to Order: The regular meeting
of the Planning Commission was called to order by Summers
at 7:30 p.m., at the
Members Present: Summers, Chair; Breiseth, Johnson, Miller, McNemar, Rafferty
Member Absent: Costello.
Announcements: None.
1. Draft Ordinances – Review and Comment:
(a) Waste Management and Recycling – McNemar noted minor mark ups to the Draft Ordinance. She cited the following deletions: (1) the word formal from §90.2 C. so that the same now reads “the establishment of a leaf collection program”; (2) the phrase “as provided by a municipal waste collector” from §90-4 A; (3) the reference to permission of composting certain agricultural materials per §90-26. Composting. She noted an edit to §90-4 B. to specify container placement at curb no more than twenty-four (24) hours rather than a specific time schedule. Miller and Johnson requested clarification to §90-4. D; particularly, what is the definition of container security and distance from dwellings for enclosures. Following discussion, the section was edited to remove the 50' reference for enclosures and amended to read in part “Container security or secure encloses . . . shall be provided where the location is within 100' of another residence or 20' of a street.” McNemar reported that waste haulers have to be on board with the ordinance and will be required to provide recycling services to all their customers. She acknowledged that proper written notice must be provided Township-wide in order to communicate that mandatory recycling is in effect. Breiseth strongly suggested that a summary of the salient points of the ordinance be printed in the newsletter. The draft should be reviewed by the Township Solicitor for the violation and penalty section as well as an overall review before submission to the Supervisors.
Motion: Summers moved that the Planning Commission approve Draft #1 of the Waste Management and Recycling Ordinance with the minor edits discussed; Johnson seconded; motion carried.
(b) Burning – following discussion, Commission members agreed to edits to the draft as follows: (1) amend §35-2 C to permit open fires no less than 50' with a preferred distance of 100’ from any building or structure of any kind; (2) clarification of a recreational fire as an outdoor contained fire; (3) amend §35-2 E to burn or authorize to burn or permit an open fire within 50’ of a utility pole or utility equipment. McNemar stressed the importance of changes to the open burning ordinance in order to comply with statewide guidelines.
Motion: Breiseth moved that the Planning Commission approve Draft #1 of the Burning Ordinance with the minor edits discussed; Rafferty seconded; motion carried.
(c) Sign – Breiseth noted one substantive change from the previous
draft to §250-51 F(3)(b) to read that signs shall not exceed 3’ in height from
the average or finished surrounding grade to the top. She also cited changes to
the layout in order to provide reference to determine permitting requirements.
Question was raised if the new BVA sign is in compliance with the current
ordinance and whether the sign would be grandfathered under the new ordinance.
Discussed ensued regarding the use of directional signs for open house events.
Commission agreed that individual activity needs no regulation. Rafferty and
Summers suggested that directional signs be permitted the day of the open house
and that signs be removed immediately at the conclusion of the event or no
later than sunset the day of the event. Breiseth and Brutscher will continue to
work on the draft including provisions for community-related events. Breiseth
pointed out that the Board of Supervisors can supersede the provisions of the
ordinance and grant permission for signs for community-related events for
Motion: Summers moved that the Planning Commission approve Draft #2 of the Sign Ordinance with the minor edits discussed; Rafferty seconded; motion carried.
(d) Keeping of Animals – Breiseth reported that the framework is complete for the draft to be presented during the Planning Commission meeting in September.
2. Home Occupation Registration: Rafferty shared his research noting that surrounding municipalities have extensive zoning on home-based business some of which is similar to Pocopson’s Code. The ordinances for surrounding municipalities take into consideration the effects of noise, odors, and vibrations caused by business activity. McNemar noted that Pocopson’s Code is not too restrictive but there are gaps that need clarification. Miller suggested that the home occupation application process include consideration of foot and vehicle traffic. The Planning Commission agreed that an application process should be developed to distinguish major and minor home occupations. Rafferty agreed that the application process will aid in identifying business practices that may require regulation and may serve as a reference for business activity in the Township. He will proceed with preparing a formal application and process to be presented at the September meeting.
3. BOCA/Township Ordinance Update: Costello was not able to attend the meeting.
4. Other Business: Secretary reported that Flinchbaugh requested a sixty (60) day review extension for the Bell Subdivision.
Motion: Rafferty moved that the Planning Commission grant the Bell Subdivision Plan a sixty (60) day extension to September 19, 2008; seconded by Breiseth, motion carried.
McNemar noted that the Planning Commission may need to consider amending the zoning map as the mobile home park is now affected by recently acquired open space.
5. Minutes of June 18, 2008:
Motion: Breiseth moved to approve the Minutes of June 18, 2008 as submitted and amended; Summers seconded; motion carried.
Adjournment: Summers moved to adjourn at 9:20 p.m.; McNemar seconded. The next regularly scheduled Planning Commission Meeting is Wednesday, September 17, 2008.
___________________________ ___________________________________
Susan Simone, Secretary