MINUTES

June 1, 2010

ROLL CALL:

Members Present:

Members Absent:

Patrick Temples

OPEN MEETING:

Chair B. Sadow opened the June 1, 2010 Planning Commission with a salute to the flag at 8:00 PM.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

A motion was made by J. Petersen, seconded by C. Hall, to approve the minutes of the April 6, 2010 PC meeting as presented. D. Haubert arrived after minute approval. The motion carried 5-0-0.

NEW BUSINESS:Ag Security Properties – Discussion – S. Baluh explained that the state run program allows properties to be included in the agricultural security area. It protects the property from zoning changes and nuisance complaints contrary to farming activities on the property. It must be reviewed every 7 years, and was last reviewed in 2005.

S. Baluh reviewed the basic criteria. At least 50 percent of the soils must be suitable soils; the land needs to be zoned appropriate of agricultural use; the land shall be viable agricultural land; and needs to be minimum 10 acres in size.

S. Baluh explained the procedural process; a public 30 day notice needs to go out stating that the Township is reevaluating their agricultural security list, then an advertised public hearing, and then it is reported to the county. S. Baluh explained that often a property comes up developed that are on the list. Such a property may be considered for removal from the list. A letter must be sent to everyone on the list asking them if they would like to remain on the list. S. Baluh also recommended creating a map that shows properties on the list.

In other business, B. Sadow recommended contacting state representatives regarding House Bill 24-31, which would eliminate local township governments and give the state control.

A motion was made by M. Kulp, seconded by C. Hall, to recommend to the Board of Supervisors to begin the process of the review of potential properties to added or removed from the agricultural security district which may or may not involve re-establishing the agricultural security committee. The motion carried 6-0-0.

10-year Water Management Plan – Discussion- Todd Stone –

T. Stone explained to the Commission he was present at the request of the Supervisors about presenting a path forward to protect Nockamixon’s water resources. T. Stone stated that water is the most serious issue the Township is facing. He recommended having an emergency plan in place in case of a drought. Nockamixon has a history of dumping and superfund sites and a landfill, and suggested knowing what is in those sites. The Township also has exceptional water value and is in need of an inline system to alert the DEP to a leak occurring from drilling. He explained that the exceptional water value status can be removed. His committee is reading well levels over time to get an idea of trends in the Township, and doing stream monitoring in Gallows Run. T. Stone suggested doing a 10 year management plan for water. S. Baluh suggested to not to make an ordinance but a recommendation.

M. Kulp stated that if the Township is allowed to develop to the point of water depletion, the Township is not in any financial position to bring in water from elsewhere.

S. Baluh stated that the study could help if the water resource (well) ordinance is challenged.

The general consensus is to suggest to the Board of Supervisors forming a committee to create a 10 year comprehensive plan for water management. It was suggested to have all members from the Planning Commission, one Board of Supervisors member, one EAC member, and a representative of Gallows Run Watershed Association to be part of the committee, and suggested holding the meetings after the adjournment of the Planning Commission meeting.

A motion was made by M. Kulp, seconded by C. Hall, to recommend to the Board of Supervisors the formation of a water management planning committee consisting of the 7 members of the Planning Commission, an additional member of the EAC, an additional member of the Board of Supervisors, and a representative of the Gallows Run Watershed Association, and to also redevelop a comprehensive plan. The motion carried 6-0-0.

OLD BUSINESS:

PUBLIC COMMENT: None

CORRESPONDENCE:

A. Wynn Sub/Land Development Status – 5/26/2010

B. Revere Chemical Superfund Site Inspection Report–5/14/2010

C. Board of Supervisors Minutes of April 26, 2010

An extension was received for the DiPalantino Land Development to 9/28/2010.

A motion was made by A. Schad, seconded by M. Kulp, to recommend to the Board of Supervisors denial of the pending approval of Nockamixon Crossing Shopping Center, Wehrung Phase II Land Development, Gross-Byers Road Subdivision and Morton Subdivision unless extensions are submitted prior to the existing deadlines. The motion carried 6-0-0.

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion was made by A. Schad, seconded by M. Kulp, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting at 9:15 PM. The motion carried 6-0-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Heather DiSario

Recording Secretary