Planning Commission
Summary
Halifax Township's Planning Commission met on May 2, 2011, called to order at 7:02 PM by Chairman Fred Ford. Members Mark Reed, Bob Artman, and Randy Paul were present, along with Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky, Engineer Tom Wilson, and Secretary Carolyn Nye; member Steve Sipe was absent. The meeting's central action was a recommendation to deny the Lebo Subdivision plan, while also leaving the developer a 60-day window to request an extension before the review deadline.
- Lebo Subdivision — denial recommended (4-0): Mark Reed moved and Bob Artman seconded a recommendation to deny the subdivision plan, with the 90-day review period expiring June 5, 2011. A companion motion by Fred Ford, seconded by Bob Artman, conditionally approved a developer-requested extension of up to 60 days if formally submitted; both motions passed unanimously.
- Recreation Plan/Fee Schedule: Mark Reed reported on an ad hoc committee workshop with Donna Rode and Flo Mallonee to discuss a proposed recreation plan. Solicitor Warshawsky and Engineer Wilson will review and develop recommendations, with further discussion scheduled for the May 16 workshop.
- HARA Property (former Dahmus property): Fred Ford reported plans for ball fields — soccer, football, teeners' park, and little league — on the property, which is projected to be paid off this year or next.
- Ft. Halifax Park Plan: Members raised concerns about maintenance costs, a dangerous railroad crossing, a proposed parking area currently under water, and lack of public right-of-way for access. Solicitor Warshawsky stated he believes an easement exists for the crossing and that the railroad bears primary liability.
- Intergovernmental Agreement of Cooperation: Fred Ford expressed concern the township would end up paying 90% of the costs under the proposed agreement. Randy Paul warned the township would lose complete control. Ken Bechtel indicated a public workshop may be held to discuss the matter further.
- Public comment — SALDO review requested: Flo Mallonee urged the commission to examine the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance more closely, citing gray areas in land development provisions that need clearer definition.
Who was there
Fred Ford (Chairman) · Mark Reed (Planning Commission Member) · Bob Artman (Planning Commission Member) · Randy Paul (Planning Commission Member) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Tom Wilson (Engineer) · Carolyn Nye (Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
Old Business
Mark Reed reported on the ADHOC Committee workshop held with himself, Donna Rode, and Flo Mallonee to discuss the proposed recreation plan. Tom Wilson and Bruce Warshawsky will review the plan and develop recommendations. Further workshops and research are needed before bringing it back to the Planning Commission, with additional discussion planned for the May 16 Workshop meeting.
Fred Ford reported that ball fields are proposed for the former Dahmus property, including soccer, football, teeners' park, and little league fields. The property is projected to be paid off this year or next.
The 90-day review expires June 5, 2011. Mark Reed motioned to recommend denial of the plan, seconded by Bob Artman, passing 4-0. Fred Ford then motioned to recommend conditional approval of a requested 60-day extension if submitted by the developer, seconded by Bob Artman, noting Tom Wilson's review was straightforward; motion carried 4-0.
New Business
Fred Ford raised questions about maintenance costs and responsibility for the park layout. Mark Reed noted dangers of the railroad crossing. Discussion covered the proposed parking area currently under water, Randy Paul's concern that there is no right-of-way for public access, and Ken Bechtel's comment on liability for the private crossing. The Solicitor stated he believes there is an easement for the crossing and that the railroad is primarily liable.
Fred Ford read from the agreement document and expressed concern that the township would end up paying 90% of the costs. Randy Paul felt the township would lose complete control if the agreement goes through. Ken Bechtel stated there may be a public workshop meeting held in the near future to discuss the matter.
Adjournment
Bob Artman motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mark Reed; motion carried 4-0.
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