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Present were:   Joseph Solomon, Chairman, Jim Martin, Vice Chairman, Emilio DiMatteo, Thomas Finan, Jennifer Hunter and William Montgomery.

Also present:   Kevin Matson with the Township Engineer’s office, Robert Pappano, Township Solicitor, Anthony Hamaday, Township Manager, and Doug Williamson, Council Liaison.

None

Special Reports
Mr. DiMatteo suggested that Council consider conducting an annual luncheon for staff and volunteers. He indicated that other municipalities do such and could allow for increased communication between the various boards and commissions.

Mr. Montgomery made a motion, seconded by Mr. Finan to approve the Planning Commission meeting minutes for July 25, 2006: September 26, 2006 and November 21, 2006.

Mr. Finan Yes Mr. Montgomery Yes
Mr. DiMatteo Yes Mr. Solomon Yes
Mr. Martin Yes

Motion passed 5-0 (Ms. Hunter was not present for the vote)

Mr. Solomon noted that there was an upcoming planning seminar in March 2007 and anyone interested in attending should contact Mr. Hamaday.

Burgy Subdivision, 541 Gelbert Street
Mr. Hamaday indicated that the developer has granted the Township a continuance until March 2007 with regard to a decision on the subdivision. He indicated that during talks with the developer, the developer has indicated that he was pursuing a deed of consolidation for the 2 adjoining lots and that additions to the existing dwelling would be constructed rather than constructing a new dwelling. At their November meeting the planners voted to inform Council that they could not make a recommendation on the plan since the developer had not presented revised plans for review. Mr. Hamaday indicated that he would update the planners as needed.

New Business
113 Water Mill Lane – Conditional Use request
Timothy Brouse, P. E. of Alta Design provided an overview of the Conditional Use request of the Rushton’s 113 Water Mill Lane. He indicated that the request is for disturbance of approximately 5.8% of the steep and very steep slope areas of the property in order to construct a swimming pool and sports court. The proposed disturbance will require the removal of approximately 12 trees. Mr. Brouse indicated that the only area of the property not within steep slopes that would accommodate the proposed construction is the area of the lot designated as the onsite septic system replacement area. He added that disturbance in that area would require the removal of 50 or more trees.

Mr. Matson reviewed the Engineer’s report and indicated that the proposed sports court is prohibited under the current Zoning regulations in areas of very steep slope. The planners briefly discussed the use and Mr. Pappano indicated that zoning relief for the use would be necessary. He also informed the applicant that the standards for conditional use under Section 1266.06 of the Township Code must be demonstrated before Council.

The planners agreed that since the only outstanding issue on the plan is the proposed use, which needs zoning relief, they would make a recommendation to Council on the Conditional Use request rather than have the applicant return to another meeting.

Mr. DiMatteo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Finan to recommend approval of the conditional use request of the Rushton’s 113 Water Mill Lane subject to:

1. Compliance with the Engineer’s review dated 12/13.2006 regarding the conditional use approval for slope disturbance.
2. The either the Zoning Officer determines that the proposed sport court is not a prohibited use or the applicant obtains a variance from the Zoning Hearing Board before proceeding to Council.

Mr. Finan Yes Mr. Martin Yes
Mr. DiMatteo Yes Mr. Montgomery Yes
Ms. Hunter Yes Mr. Solomon Yes

Motion passed 6-0

Mr. Solomon indicated that the critical issue of obtaining an endorsement from the Township Council indicating that the Planning Commission is in charge of the Comprehensive plan remains outstanding. He suggested that this is necessary to formalize the approach to move the plan forward especially those items within the scope of the Recreation and Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Solomon asked Mr. Williamson to facilitate this issue before Council.

Mr. Solomon informed the members and those in attendance that this evening was Mr. DiMatteo’s last meeting. Mr. DiMatteo has completed his 2 terms on the commission and Mr. Solomon thanked him for his many years of service to the commission. Mr. Solomon also indicated that it was great working together and that he would make a recommendation to Council that Mr. DiMatteo continue service to the Township by filling the vacant seat on the Zoning Hearing board.

Mr. DiMatteo thank Mr. Solomon and the members of the commission and commented that they were the best group of people he has worked with during his 18 years of planning.

There being no further business, Mr. DiMatteo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Montgomery to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM. The motion was unanimously approved.



Respectfully submitted,