Planning Commission
Summary
The Halifax Township Planning Commission met on May 6, 2013, with members Fred Ford, Randy Paul, and Flo Mallonee present; Bob Artman was absent. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky and Engineer Tom Wilson also attended. The session focused on land development reviews and stormwater management issues, with no formal action taken beyond routine business.
Members 1st FCU branch on Parmer Drive: J. Michael Brill presented plans for a credit union off Parmer Drive. Flo Mallonee raised concerns about the need for a turning lane and traffic signal. Brill reported a meeting with PennDOT and Sheetz was being scheduled for May to discuss access issues, and invited the township to attend. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky suggested Brill advocate with PennDOT for right-in/right-out lanes along Route 225, and the commission discussed a possible right-of-way dedication at the Parmer Drive intersection.
Halifax Middle and High School renovation: EI Associates requested a letter confirming the proposed school renovation complies with the comprehensive plan and SALDO. Warshawsky clarified that a full land development plan must be submitted for SALDO compliance, but offered to draft a letter for the commission chairman to sign with board approval.
Long-Hoffman retention pond: Emily Long-Hoffman reported persistent standing water and insect concerns in a retention pond on their property and asked to fill it with on-site topsoil. Warshawsky directed the Hoffmans to submit a Stormwater Management Application including a narrative, sketch, checklist, and $300 fee.
Sketch plan fee policy clarified: Following a question from the township secretary, the commission established that simple sketches reviewed at meetings will incur no fee, while more extensive sketch plans requiring engineer or solicitor research will be charged.
Bechtel stormwater management plan: Engineer Tom Wilson will continue his review of the plan; no further action was taken.
Who was there
Fred Ford (Planning Commission Member) · Randy Paul (Planning Commission Member) · Flo Mallonee (Planning Commission Member) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Tom Wilson (Engineer)
Meeting business
Approval of Minutes
Fred Ford made a motion to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Randy Paul. Motion carried.
New Business
Flo Mallonee raised the issue of a turning lane with a proper light signal. J. Michael Brill reported that a meeting with PennDOT and Sheetz was being scheduled for May to discuss the bank plan and access issues. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky suggested Brill advocate with PennDOT for right-turn-in and right-turn-out lanes along Route 225, and a dedicated increase of the right-of-way at the end of Parmer Drive at the intersection was also discussed.
EI Associates requested a letter from the Planning Commission stating the school renovation project complies with the comprehensive plan and SALDO. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky stated that EI Associates must submit a land development plan for SALDO compliance, but he would draft an appropriate letter for the Planning Commission chairman to sign with Board approval.
Emily Hoffman reported standing water with various insects in their retention pond and requested to fill it with topsoil from their property. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky said the Hoffmans would need to submit a Storm Water Management Application including the application, a checklist, a narrative on the proposed action, a drawing or sketch, and a $300 fee.
The Board discussed when to charge sketch plan fees following an inquiry from the township secretary. It was recommended that simple sketches brought to the Planning Commission would have no charge, but more extensive sketch plans requiring engineer or solicitor research would incur a fee.
Old Business
Township Engineer Tom Wilson will review the plan. No further discussion was reported.
Adjournment
Randy Paul made a motion to adjourn at 7:48 p.m., seconded by Fred Ford. Motion carried.
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