Planning Commission
Summary
The Halifax Township Planning Commission held its monthly meeting on May 3, 2010, with all five members present: Chairman Fred Ford, Vice Chairman Bob Artman, Randy Paul, Mark Reed, and Steve Sipe. Neither the township engineer nor solicitor attended, as there was no formal business requiring their presence. The brief, 40-minute session focused on ongoing ordinance reviews and a land-use determination.
- New member Steve Sipe welcomed to the Planning Commission by Chairman Ford.
- Dauphin County outreach report: Fred Ford and Mark Reed attended the county Planning Commission's April 15 outreach meeting, where topics included floodplain ordinance updates required for FEMA compliance.
- Hazardous waste ordinance review paused: The Board of Supervisors had authorized the commission to review hazardous waste ordinances, but Chairman Ford reported that initial research indicates oversight authority likely falls under the EPA and DEP, not the township. The commission will seek further guidance before proceeding.
- Bowers wedding tent facility cleared: Chairman Ford determined that the proposed Bowers wedding tent facility does not constitute a subdivision or land development under SALDO and therefore is not subject to its provisions. The other members agreed with this determination.
- Act 23 (Appalachian Trail Act) — no action: The commission will not develop compliance measures for the act due to unresolved uncertainties about its requirements. Resident Flo Mallonee raised the issue during public comment, and Chairman Ford confirmed the commission's position on the record.
- Upcoming meeting: Bob Artman announced the Valleys Regional Comprehensive Plan meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2010 at 7 PM at Wayne Township.
Who was there
Fred Ford (Chairman) · Bob Artman (Vice Chairman) · Randy Paul (Planning Commission Member) · Mark Reed (Planning Commission Member) · Steve Sipe (Planning Commission Member) · Shanemarie Ferguson (Township Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
Approval of Minutes
Randy Paul motioned to approve the April 5, 2010 Planning Commission minutes as presented. Bob Artman seconded and the motion carried 5:0.
New Business
Chairman Fred Ford welcomed new member Steven Sipe to the Planning Commission. Fred Ford and Mark Reed attended the Dauphin County Planning Commission's Outreach meeting on April 15, 2010, where Mark Reed summarized topics discussed including Floodplain Ordinance updates for FEMA compliance.
The Board of Supervisors authorized the Planning Commission at their April 12, 2010 meeting to review hazardous waste ordinances. Chairman Fred Ford reported that initial research indicated oversight authority for hazardous waste sites likely falls under federal and state agencies (EPA and DEP), not the Township, and additional information from the board and oversight agencies is needed before proceeding.
Old Business
Chairman Fred Ford reported that after further review of the SALDO, the proposed Bowers wedding tent facility did not constitute a subdivision or land development and therefore should not be subject to SALDO provisions. The other Planning Commission members agreed with this determination.
Fred Ford reiterated that due to uncertainties surrounding the Act's requirements, the Planning Commission would not be developing any compliance measures at this time. During public comment, Flo Mallonee had inquired about the Commission's intent regarding Act 23.
Announcements
Bob Artman announced the Valleys Regional Comprehensive Plan meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 7 PM at Wayne Township.
Adjournment
Bob Artman motioned to adjourn at 7:40 PM. Steven Sipe seconded and the motion carried 5:0.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.