WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2006

 

MEMBERS PRESENT                                                                  MEMBERS ABSENT

Jim Zeiters                                                                                         Dave Wingeard

Marlin Moyer  

Rick Bolt                                                                                           

Carol Buskirk

Bill Ostermayer

Gerry Longenecker

 

STAFF PRESENT

Julie Hoepfer, Administrative Assistant                                          Al Brulo, Township Engineer

Robert Leonard, Zoning Administrator                                           Brian Dickson, DCPC

 

OTHERS PRESENT

Brenda Wick                                                                                      Randy Wright

Bob Raffensperger                                                                            Mark Salisbury

Kevin Brown                                                                                      Steve Millard

Mr. & Mrs. Daubert                                                                          Frank Lentz

Drew Williams                                                                                  Tim Mellott

Henry Schmidt                                                                                   Chad Shaffer

 

I.               CALL TO ORDER

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Zeiters.

 

II.             ROLL CALL - Noted by recording secretary.

 

III.           APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Mr. Ostermayer moved, seconded by Mr. Moyer to approve the July 27, 2006 meeting minutes.  The motion passed with Ms. Buskirk and Mr. Longenecker abstaining.

 

IV.        PUBLIC COMMENT

 

V.          SUBDIVISION/LAND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

 

A.             Sketch Plan

 

B.             Preliminary and/or Final Subdivision/Land Development Plans

 

1.     #06.009 F/SB/LD Lexington Woods Revised. – Frank Lentz, Alpha Consulting Engineers, and Drew Williams, developer, were in attendance to represent the plan. 

 

Mr. Brulo presented comments from his report dated 8/17/06 as follows:

#4  Traffic Impact Study – comments to be addressed

#5D  Address the drainage behind (on the east side) of the proposed retaining wall

#6 Confirm that the dimensions and turning data for emergency vehicles.

Mr. Brulo reported that at the last meeting a question regarding what would happen if the infiltration facilities failed.  It would appear the stormwater system would still function ok, since they are two separate facilities and the development took no credit for the infiltration portion.

 

Mr. Leonard presented comments from his report dated 8/18/06 as follows:

#2  E & S Control Plan does not reflect actual conditions of the site.

#4  Submission of appraisal of one buildable acre for FILO calculations

#5  Inlets in front of units 41, 20, 17, & 10 still appear to be too close to driveways

Submit ownership and maintenance agreements for open space

 

Ms. Buskirk presented the EAC comments as follows:

#4  LOD Lines on eastern and western sides of the property are so close to the property line that trees on adjoining properties whose root zones encroach on to the proposed site, along with proposed trees to be protected on site would be adversely affected.  Mr. Williams stated they are reviewing the possibility of moving driveways further east or tiering the wall to reduce disturbance along the property line.

Other #1  Soil stock pile has been trucked on the site.  Mr. Williams stated the new tract will provide enough topsoil for the tract.

 

Bob Raffensperger, Novak Road – Mr. Raffensperger expressed the following concerns:

·       Western side of channel does not flow into the pond, goes around onto his property

·       The problem with the stone wall has still not been addressed.  Mr. Brulo agreed that Mr. Weihbrecht indicated he would address the problem with the stone wall.

·       Pond does not appear to be designed correctly as there has been no rain in weeks and it is still full of water.  Considerable discussion was held on pond size and correct functioning upon completion.  Mr. Brulo added that the stormwater plan exceeds the requirements of Township Ordinances.  Ms. Buskirk asked if Mr. Raffensperger has any recourse, should the facilities fail.  Mr. Brulo stated that would become a civil matter.

·       How many trees will be saved with all the extra homes being proposed.  Mr. Leonard stated the ordinance indicates trees to be saved where practical and the developer is required to make an attempt to save as many as “practical.”

·       Mile-a-Minute weed is all over his property.  Mr. Willams offered to spray but Mr. Raffensperger stated is farm is certified organic and cannot be sprayed.

·       Roadway is already sinking and there hasn’t been any traffic on it yet.

·       Does not feel this plan should have been allowed to be revised, but should have been an entirely new plan.  Mr. Buskirk asked if the revised plan is under the Township’s new stormwater ordinance.  Mr. Brulo stated it is not, however, it is meeting the NPDES requirements which are very close to the new ordinance.

 

Mr. Ostermayer wondered why there is a different engineer representing this plan at every meeting and presented the following comments:

·       2 years ago he warned about mile-a- minute weed on this site.  He asked the engineer from the last meeting to meet him on the site the next day.  It took five days for someone to call him and another 30 days before it was sprayed. 

·       There are trees standing in water in the man-made ponds.  Some are dead and it appears many more will die.

·       Roadway appears to be sinking

·       Who will be responsible when water damages the new homes?

·       Mosquitoes appear to be in the standing water in the ponds

·       Engineering fees on this plan are past due

·       Topsoil has been removed from the site and it has been contaminated with Mile-a-Minute weed.  A letter must be sent to the recipients of the soil notifying them of the contamination.

·       The project should be discontinued and returned to its original state.

 

Mr. Williams responded to several of the comments as follows:

·       The dip in the road was caused by PA American Water Company and they have been notified to correct it.  The roads will not be dedicated to the Township

·       It was not a matter of not wanting to address the mile-a-minute weed issue but one of understanding what needed to be done.

·       They tried to save as many trees as possible, but are not obligated to do so by ordinance.

·       They were not hiding anything by hauling soil out.  There was an excess of top soil on the site due to the road construction.  This is a common practice during construction.

 

MOTION

Mr. Ostermayer moved to deny the plan and forward it to the Board of Supervisors for action.  The motion failed due to lack of a second.

 

Mr. Bolt expressed his concerns with the stormwater leaving the site and asked if there was some way the developer and Mr. Raffensperger could reach an acceptable resolution of the problem.  There was more discussion on stormwater issues for this site.

 

Mr. Moyer expressed concern with the development and asked Mr. Brulo how significant he felt the outstanding items were.  Mr. Brulo stated most are minor and even the water problem with the wall should be an easy fix if there is enough room.

 

MOTION #1

Ms. Buskirk moved, seconded by Mr. Bolt to recommend approval of the following waiver:

1.          Section 173-37B(2) Parkland dedication

The motion passed 5-1 with Mr. Ostermayer voting nay

 

MOTION #2

Ms. Buskirk moved, seconded by Mr. Bolt to recommend approval of final subdivision/land development plan #06.009 of Lexington Woods Revised, tax parcel #68-022-034 & 035 contingent upon:

·       Approval of the revised sewage planning module by DEP

·       Approval of the E & S and NPDES Phase II by DCCD

·       Paying the fee in lieu of parkland dedication

·       Approval of waivers by the BOS

·       Approval of the public sewer design by the Water & Sewer Authority

·       Addressing outstanding review comments from the Township staff, Township Engineer, and other reviewing agencies, boards, and committees

·       Other items determined necessary by Township Ordinances

             

              Ms. Buskirk added that the Commission has profound reservations regarding the stormwater issues related to this site and questions the advisability of the development although it meets Township ordinances.

 

              The motion passed 5-1 with Mr. Ostermayer voting nay.

 

2.     #06.011 P/SB Village Glen – Randy Wright, Lake Roeder & Hillard, and Kevin Brown, E G Stoltzfus were in attendance to represent the plan.

 

Mr. Brulo presented comments from his report dated 8/17/06 as follows:

#1A  Slate curbs – provide further explanation

#1D  An appropriate trash rack needs to be constructed in order to recommend a basin outlet waiver.

#8  Provide autoturn analysis

#18  Provide access & maintenance easement for the existing driveway encroachment by the Keefer property.  Mr. Brown indicated he is working on this with the existing owners.

#23 Provide photometric plan

 

Brian Dickson, DCPC provided the following comments dated 8/17/06:

#14  Provide traffic impact study

#16  Sidewalks should be shown on the plan.  Ped path is proposed

#19  Show building setback lines

#24  Roadway should have two separate names.

 

Mr. Leonard presented comments dated 8/14/06:

#1  Jonestown Road ROW identification is missing

#2  Identify specimen trees

#5  Wetland report needs to be cleaned up from earlier subdivision

#12  Need second street name for eastern part of loop road

Zoning #1  Better define open space

#2  Need connection from trail system to sidewalk system

#9  Future residents should be alerted to the fact that small building envelopes may preclude rear patios and/or decks.

 

Ms. Buskirk presented the EAC comments dated 8/8/06:

#4 Wetland delineation for reflect only the wetlands and watercourses on current plan

Zoning #1 EPODS data should be included in the site data table

#5 Water Quality Basin and Plantings and Detention Basin Floor Seeding should be clarified.

 

MOTION

Mr. Bolt moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer to table plan #06.011 P/SB of Village Glen, due to outstanding staff and engineering comments.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

3.     #06.012 F/LD Vermicomposting Facility, WH Twp Water & Sewer Authority – Brenda Wick, HRG Engineering was in attendance representing the plan.  Ms. Wick reported this plan proposes a 20,700 sq ft building for vermicomposting of the sewage treatment plant sludge.  Also, shown is a future expansion.

 

Mr. Brulo presented comments from his report dated 8/17/06 as follows:

#1D  Waiver for traffic impact study – not needed

#6  Provide ped path detail along Jonestown Road.  Staff to clarify.

#11G  Provide actual infiltration tests to confirm infiltration rates in the proposed stormwater basin.

 

Mr. Dickson – comments administrative in nature.

 

Mr. Leonard asked for more detail of the natural features around the stormwater pond outlet.  Are there any significant trees?

 

Ms. Buskirk presented the EAC comments dated 8/8/06:

#2  Water supply – private well is being used for the existing processes and use for the proposed improvements.  Ms. Wick stated additional use will be less than 240 gallons per day.

#3  LOD should reflect enough room for equipment to maneuver so that damage to trees, vegetation and stream bank is kept to a minimum within the easement.

MOTION #1

Mr. Bolt moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer to recommend approval of the following waivers:

1.     Section 173-11A Preliminary plan requirements

2.     Section 173-11B(2)(bb)  Two foot contours

3.     Section 173-11B(3)(h) Wetlands study

4.     Section 173-11B(3)(i) Traffic impact study

5.     Section 173-37B(3) & G(1) Parkland dedication and FILO

The motion passed unanimously.

 

MOTION #2

Mr. Bolt moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer to recommend approval of final land development plan #06.012 for the Vermicomposting Facility of the West Hanover Water and Sewer Authority, tax parcel #68-024-223 contingent upon:

·       Approval of waivers by the BOS

·       Approval of the E & S and NPDES Phase II permit by DCCD

·       Addressing outstanding review comments from the Township staff, Township engineer and other reviewing agencies, boards and committees.

·       Other items determined necessary by Township Ordinances

The motion passed unanimously.

 

4.     #06.013 F/SB 1524 Pine Tree Avenue, Triple Crown Corporation – Mr. Mellott, Mellott Engineering, was in attendance to present the plan.  This is a 3 lot subdivision creating two new building lots of 2.5 acres each.

 

Mr. Brulo presented comments from his report dated 8/17/06 as follows:

#1B  Remove waiver for land for recreation of open space and request an exemption of land dedication.

#4  Show floodway on the plan.

 

Mr. Dickson stated his comments were administrative in nature.

 

Mr. Leonard asked that open space maintenance documents be submitted.

 

Ms. Buskirk asked if any trees would be saved.  Mr. Mellott stated the whole area is wooded and as many trees as possible would remain.

 

MOTION #1

Mr. Moyer moved, seconded by Ms. Buskirk, to recommend approval of the following waivers:

1.     Section 173-11A Preliminary plan requirements

2.     Section 173-37B(2) Dedication of parkland

3.     Section 173-11B(2)(c) Driveway profile scale

4.     Section 173-11B(2)(cc)  Driveway sight distance

The motion passed unanimously.

 

MOTION #2

Mr. Moyer moved, seconded by Ms. Buskirk to recommend approval of final subdivision plan #06.014, 1524 Pine Tree Avenue of Triple Crown Corporation contingent upon:

·       Approval of waivers by the BOS

·       Approval of the E & S Control plan by DCCD

·       Providing open space maintenance documents

·       Paying the fee in lieu of land dedication

·       Addressing outstanding review comments from the Township staff, Township engineer and other reviewing agencies, boards and committees.

·       Other items determined necessary by Township Ordinances

The motion passed unanimously.

 

5.          #06.014 F/SB Kenneth Neiswender, Fishing Creek Valley Road – Mr. Schmidt was in attendance to represent the plan, which is a boundary line adjustment.

 

Mr. Brulo presented comments from his report dated 8/17/06 as follows:

#1D  Request an exemption of land dedication and a wavier from payment of FILO

#2  Provide metes and bounds of the dedication right-of-way to the existing legal right-of-way line, not the centerline of SR 433

 

Mr. Dickson asked that an easement for the Mausteller driveway be provided.

 

Mr. Leonard had no additional comments.

 

EAC had no additional comments.

 

MOTION #1

Mr. Bolt moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer to recommend approval of the following waivers:

1.              Section 173-11A Preliminary plan requirements

2.              Section 173-11B(2)(bb) Two foot contours

3.              Section 173-11B(3)(b) Sewage planning module

4.              Section 173-37B Dedication of parkland and FILO

The motion passed unanimously.

 

MOTION #2

Mr. Bolt moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer to recommend approval of final subdivision plan #06.014 for Kenneth Neiswender, tax parcel #68-003-046 contingent upon:

·       Approval of waivers by the BOS

·       Addressing outstanding review comments from the Township staff, Township engineer and other reviewing agencies, boards and committees.

·       Other items determined necessary by Township Ordinances

The motion passed unanimously.

 

6.          #06.015 F/LD CBHNP II Office Building, Clover Hill Business Park – Chad Shaffer of R J Fisher was present to represent the plan.

 

Mr. Brulo presented comments from his report dated 8/17/06 as follows:

#9A  Provide Best Management Practices to treat the required water quality volume.

#10  Run a lighting calculation  zone for the parking lot.  Address lighting with the new building and associated pedestrian areas.

 

Mr. Dickson asked that a pedestrian pathway through the parking lot be provided, similar to the one at the previous building.

 

Mr. Leonard presented comments dated 8/14/06:

#1  Engineer’s block should read reviewed by not approved by

Zoning #1  Level three screening choices should be identified and met

#2  Ground cover needs to be identified in parking lot stalls

#3 Need island in middle parking row

 

EAC asked to see some pervious materials used on at least a portion of the parking area to improve water quality and reduce quantity of stormwater runoff.

 

Mr. Leonard asked Mr. Brulo to check to see if this plan meets the warrant for requiring the traffic light at Bretz Drive and Rt 22.

 

MOTION #1

Ms. Buskirk moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer to recommend approval of the following waivers:

1.              Section 173-11A Preliminary plan requirements

2.              Section 173-37B(3) Parkland dedication and FILO

3.              Section 173-71 Traffic Impact Study

The motion passed unanimously.

 

MOTION #2

Ms. Buskirk moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer to recommend approval of final land development plan #06.015 for CBHNP II Office Building, tax parcel #68-035-113 & 114 contingent upon:

·       Approval of waivers by BOS

·       Approval of the E & S and NPDES Phase II permit by DCCD

·       Execution of improvement agreements

·       Addressing outstanding review comments from the Township staff, Township engineer and other reviewing agencies, boards and committees.

·       Other items determined necessary by Township Ordinances

The motion passed unanimously.

 

VI.        OLD BUSINESS
 

A.    Airport Ordinance – Tabled

B.    SALDO Update - Tabled.

C.    Heliport Ordinance – Mr. Leonard provided the Commission with a revised heliport/helipad ordinance that was reviewed by the Board.  The Board will review the Ordinance again at a future workshop meeting.

 

VII.     NEW BUSINESS

 

VIII.   ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION

 

Mr. Leonard reported that the hearing for the rezoning of the properties along Rt 22 (Hall/Hatter, Barry Marlin & Jeffrey & Sandra Fitser) was held on August 21st.  The request was denied by the Board and the properties remain zoned Business Enterprise.

 

Ms. Buskirk announced the Forestry Workshop on September 19, 2006 to be held at the Township building.  The Historical Society is holding a Barn Tour on Saturday August 26, 2006.

 

Chairman Zeiters stated the Township Manager is working on finalizing the RFP for the update of the Transportation section of the Comprehensive Plan.  Mr. Dickson indicated the County would like to review the RFP when completed.

 

IX.      ADJOURNMENT
 
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.