MINUTES OF THE

MAXATAWNY TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2011      

                 Members of the Maxatawny Township Planning Commission met for the regular monthly meeting on Thursday, September 15, 2011, in the Township Building.  Chairman Ken Bleiler called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with members Ed Simpson, and Nancy Unger present.  Also in attendance were Solicitor Jill Nagy, Engineer Chris Falencki, and Municipal Authority Member Michael Berger.  

ACTION ON MINUTES

                Reading of the Minutes of the July 21^st Planning Commission Meeting was waived since copies of the Minutes were distributed prior to the meeting.  On motion by Nancy Unger, seconded by Ed Simpson, and approved by all members, the Minutes were accepted as presented. 

PLANS TO REVIEW

1.                   Leiby Farms – Preliminary/Final – Sketch Plan for Record

Leiby representative John O’Neil opened the presentation stating that the overall intent is to continue to keep the Leiby Farm in farming even after the subdivision would be approved.

O’Neil also commented that he understands Chris Falencki’s letter of 9/15/2011 and has no problem complying, with the exception of the waivers requests that were made.

A lengthy discussion took place regarding the waiver requests. 

* On a motion by Ed Simpson, seconded by Nancy Unger, and approved by all members, the following waivers were recommended for approval.

·         Section 214

·         Section 302.1.H

·         Section 303.1.H

·         Section 402.3

·         Section 404.1.C

·         Section 408

·         Section 409

·         Section 502.2 and 502.3

·         Section 502.4

·         Section 502.9

·         Section 503.1

·         Section 503.2 

*  On a motion by Nancy Unger, seconded by Ed Simpson, the plan was recommended for final approval contingent upon the comments of Chris Falencki’s letter dated 9/15/2011. 

2.                   Harding – Final – Sketch Plan for Record

Engineer William Beitler was present to represent the subdivision.

Engineer Chris Falencki stated that all prior requested changes have appear to have been made and all outstanding issues are either resolved or in the process.  The remaining items are technical items that can be worked out between the engineers. 

                                *  On a motion by Ed Simpson, seconded by Nancy Unger, and approved by all members                        the Final Sketch Plan for record was recommended for approval.               

3.                   Kutztown University – Schaeffer Auditorium – Final Land Development

Engineer Anne Anderson represented the plans for Kutztown University.  Terry Brown of Kutztown University was also in attendance.

It was noted by Terry Brown that an additional site lighting plan would be included with the overall final civil engineered drawings.

Engineer Anne Anderson submitted a request for a waiver of section 301.C.2.F (fencing) of the proposed retention basis. 

*  On a motion by Ed Simpson, seconded by Nancy Unger, and approved by all members, the waiver was recommended for approval. 

A discussion took place regarding Luckenbill Road.  Representatives of the University stated they intend make improvements in terms of repairing the base and top of the roadway once construction is completed.  In addition, it was suggested that the University reach out to the property owner at the intersection of Luckenbill and ______ regarding a corner curbing to keep traffic from driving in his yard. 

* On a motion by Ed Simpson, seconded by Nancy Unger, and approved by all members, the plan was recommended for approval. 

MONTHLY SUBDIVISION & LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN STATUS REPORT               

                Nothing to report at this time 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 

1.       Engineer Chris Falencki – Nothing to additional to report

2.       Solicitor Jill Nagy – Solicitor Nagy updated the Planning Commission on matters concerning Agricultural Zoning.  She presented the Commission with 3 sample ordinances for them to review and select which sections best suit their intentions.

A discussion took place regarding opinions on Animals per Acre and the ability to transfer development rights to neighboring farms.

No decisions or recommendations were made at this time.

Solicitor Nagy asked the Commission to review the sample ordinances and bring comments back to her at the October 2011 meeting. 

HEARING OF THE VISITORS & PUBLIC COMMENT 

                Municipal Authority Member Michael Berger questioned the status of the Tucker development.  Solicitor Nagy stated that the land is “status quo” since Mr. Tucker has withdrawn his plans for development.  Mr. Berger also questioned how the search for purchasers of the additional sewer capacity is going. 

ADJOURNMENT

                On motion by Nancy Unger, seconded by Ed Simpson, and approved by all members, the meeting was adjourned. 

Respectfully submitted,

Justin Yaich – Rec. Sec.