The Hamburg Planning Commission met this evening in the Council Chambers of the Hamburg Municipal Center with Chairman Leon Balthaser presiding. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Leon A. Balthaser, George E. Confer, Dale R. Schlenker, James A. Gilmartin

MEMBERS ABSENT: Hank J. Clarke

ALSO PRESENT: Jeffrey Smith, Howard Smith, Merav Bushlin-Reading Eagle, Richard W. Boyd-Council

President, Roy R. Heffner-Councilman, John Leonforte-Zoning Officer, Lynda G.

Albright-Borough Manager, Denise L. Clare-Secretary

The meeting was turned over to the Secretary for the purpose of reorganization.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by George Confer to nominate Leon Balthaser chairman.

A motion was made by Jim Gilmartin and seconded by George Confer to close the nominations.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jim Gilmartin to nominate George Confer Vice-Chairman.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Jim Gilmartin to close the nominations.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by George Confer to nominate Denise Clare Secretary.

A motion was made by Jim Gilmartin and seconded by Dale Schlenker to have the Secretary cast the votes for the above nominations.

ROLL CALL: Ayes-Balthaser, Confer, Schlenker, Gilmartin

Nayes-None

At this time Chairman Balthaser welcomed Dale Schlenker and Jim Gilmartin to the Planning Commission.

At this time the press was asked if she had anything for the meeting. Merav Bushlin of the Reading Eagle stated that she did not.

Smith Subdivision-Jeffrey and Howard Smith were in attendance regarding the subdivision of Howard Smith’s lot on South 7th Street. They would like to divide the plot into 2 parcels so that Jeff Smith can build a house on the 2nd parcel. A variance was obtained for the side yard setback in 2000. Review letters have been received from GVC, SDE and BCPC. The plans have not been updated since the review letters have been done. Jeff Smith stated that Paul Grube, the architect, is no longer in the area. It was stated that there are several issues that need to be addressed and items that need to be added to the plans. It was suggested that the Smith’s find another architect to revise the plans.

A motion was made by George Confer and seconded by Dale Schlenker to accept the July 2002 minutes as written.

ROLL CALL: Ayes-Balthaser, Confer, Schlenker, Gilmartin

Nayes-None

Copies of the proposed Zoning Ordinance and map were handed out for review. John Leonforte would like the Board to review the ordinance and have comments, suggestions, etc. for the next meeting. John Leonforte stated that he tried to bring the current ordinance into compliance with Berks Regional Planning. There will be a public meeting before the final review is done. There are several steps and Boards that need to review the ordinance before adoption.

Roy Heffner spoke about the joint comprehensive plan to file with the county. There are 7 Berks municipalities that have been working on this plan for about 2 years. The first draft has been put together. There will be a copy for review in the Councilman’s mailbox in the Borough office. The next meeting of the North Berks Regional Planning is scheduled for May 1, 2003 (first Thursday of the month). If there are any changes, comments, suggestions, etc., have ready for the May 1 meeting. John Leonforte stated that this is a good thing to have in place because it allows areas for everything but you don’t necessarily have to have it in your municipality. Example: Landfills, there would be no place in Hamburg for this but there would be somewhere in the 7 municipalities and is in the plan. This way Hamburg does not have to address it in their ordinance.

Leon Balthaser asked if a second representative is needed to replace Diana Edwards. Roy Heffner stated that they are near the end and it would not be necessary. It would be too hard to bring them up to speed at this late date.

Leon Balthaser stated that there are still 2 vacancies on the Planning Commission if anyone knows of someone who would be interested in serving.

Roy Heffner asked if a resignation was received from Hank Clarke. Lynda Albright stated that she has not received anything and was not aware of him wanting to resign.

There being no further business, and on motion of George Confer seconded by Jim Gilmartin to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary