Planning Commission
Summary
The Halifax Township Planning Commission held its monthly meeting on April 5, 2010, with Chairman Fred Ford, Vice Chairman Bob Artman, and members Randy Paul and Mark Reed present. Township Secretary Shanemarie Ferguson recorded minutes, while Engineer Tom Wilson and Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky were excused as no formal development business was on the agenda. The brief 45-minute session focused on a resident inquiry about a new business venture, welcoming two new commission members, and ongoing ordinance discussions.
Outdoor wedding venue inquiry: Residents Michael Bower and James Bower appeared to discuss plans for an outdoor wedding business. The Commission determined no formal plan submission was needed yet, but directed them to contact Township Sewage Enforcement Officer Michael Brown about sewage capacity and PennDOT about whether a highway occupancy permit would be required given anticipated traffic increases. The Bowers were asked to return with a sketch plan after consulting both agencies.
New members welcomed: Chairman Fred Ford formally welcomed Randy Paul and Mark Reed as new Planning Commission members.
Outdoor lighting ordinance explored: Fred Ford and Mark Reed reported on a regional outdoor lighting meeting held March 31 at Lower Dauphin Middle School. Mark Reed summarized the problems caused by poor outdoor lighting and noted that the Pennsylvania Outdoor Lighting Council offers to help municipalities draft a Lighting Ordinance.
Accu-Mold & Tool Co. as-built plan update: The Board of Supervisors conditionally approved the Accu-Mold & Tool Co., Inc. as-built plan at their March 8, 2010 meeting.
Act 24 (Appalachian Trail Act) postponed: The Commission discussed uncertainties around compliance requirements for Act 24 and decided to delay a formal response until a feasible approach could be identified.
Who was there
Fred Ford (Chairman) · Bob Artman (Vice Chairman) · Randy Paul (Planning Commission Member) · Mark Reed (Planning Commission Member) · Shanemarie Ferguson (Township Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
Public Comment
Michael Bower and James Bower appeared before the Planning Commission to discuss a potential outdoor wedding business. The Commission indicated no formal plan submission was needed at this time but recommended contacting Michael Brown (Township SEO) regarding sewage concerns and PennDOT about a possible highway occupancy permit due to anticipated increased traffic. The Bowers were advised to return with a sketch plan based on those consultations.
Approval of Minutes
Bob Artman motioned to approve the February 1, 2010 minutes as presented, seconded by Fred Ford, passing 4-0. Bob Artman then motioned to approve the March 1, 2010 minutes as presented, seconded by Fred Ford, also passing 4-0.
New Business
Chairman Fred Ford welcomed new members Randy Paul and Mark Reed to the Planning Commission. Fred Ford and Mark Reed reported on an Outdoor Lighting meeting held March 31, 2010 at Lower Dauphin Middle School. Mark Reed summarized the implications of poor outdoor lighting and benefits of efficient lighting, noting that the Pennsylvania Outdoor Lighting Council would assist municipalities in generating a Lighting Ordinance.
Old Business
Chairman Fred Ford noted that the Accu-Mold & Tool Co., Inc. As-Built Plan had been conditionally approved by the Board of Supervisors at their March 8, 2010 meeting. The Commission also discussed Act 24 (Appalachian Trail Act), including its intent and uncertainties surrounding compliance requirements, and decided to postpone a response until a feasible solution could be determined.
Announcements
Chairman Fred Ford announced that the Dauphin County Spring Outreach meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2010.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.