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 7:25 p.m.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Hank J. Clarke

Meeting started as a Public Hearing for the North Berks Regional Planning at 7:00 p.m.

The Planning Commission will make a recommendation to Borough Council to take action on the plan. Then Borough Council must have a public hearing and accept/deny the plan.

The drawings showing zoning districts, circulation and conceptual trail were gone over. The circulation map is to show flow between the municipalities. The conceptual trail is for the future and not necessarily vehicular.

Leon Balthaser asked where the mountain land area stops. For the most part it is at the base of the mountain.

Roy Heffner stated that he expects a recommendation to move forward with the plans. The motion must be made in an open meeting.

There was no one from the public in attendance. The Public Hearing adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

The regular Planning Commission meeting commenced with Jim Gilmartin commending the commission for developing the plan and stated that follow up should be done periodically. Jim Gilmartin feels that the Library presence is not emphasized enough. The Library is an asset and serves the entire plan area. Senior Citizens should have been explored more and is not mentioned in the commentary. 25% of Hamburg residents are seniors. The State Street bridge is mentioned, however, there are 2 bridges on State Street in need of repair. It is presumed the one being discussed is the one over the river.

A motion was made by Jim Gilmartin and seconded by George Confer to accept the North Berks Regional Planning document.

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

Nayes-None

(Based on above, the Planning Commission is recommending Borough Council take action to accept the North Berks Regional Planning document.)

A motion was made by George Confer and seconded by Jim Gilmartin to accept the July minutes as written.

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

Nayes-None

None

Jim Gilmartin asked for an update on the policy for removing members who do not attend meetings on a regular basis. Lynda Albright stated that it is with the personnel committee. Dale Schlenker asked if a letter could be sent to the member who is not attending. Lynda Albright thought of sending a letter of resignation with a self addressed stamped envelope and that all that would be needed was a signature and then returned. Lynda Albright will send a letter to Hank Clarke.

Jim Gilmartin thanked John Leonforte for the copies of the 17th edition of the MPC.

Dale Schlenker received a call from Edward Zweizig from Eddy’s Newsstand regarding a lot owned by Chip Vaughn from Fairmount Foundry. Mr. Vaughn was sued because someone fell on his lot and now he wants to avoid this happening again by cordoning off the lot. This lot is along State Street near the location of the old railroad tracks. The reason for the cordoning is because Mr. Vaughn could lose his insurance coverage if something is not done. The parking areas will be cabled. Mr. Zweizig and Carol Emery, owner of the Hamburg Diner, are both concerned with this loss of parking that their customers use as well. What will happen if there is a snow emergency for some other emergency and residents from State and Washington Streets must move their cars? Where will they park? John Leonforte suggested having the Borough lease the lot and keep the area as parking. Maybe use CDBG monies to pave and line the area. Jim Gilmartin asked if this is really a Planning Commission issue. It is a Borough Council issue but anyone can make a suggestion or submit an idea.

John Leonforte handed out an updated zoning ordinance for review at the next meeting.

The comprehensive plan will be reviewed, probably yearly, for updates, issues that arise, etc. The new zoning ordinance will be based on it. There are advantages for having regional planning. Each municipality does not have to accommodate every use. A use must be allowed somewhere in the regional area.

There being no further business, and on motion of Dale Schlenker seconded by Jim Gilmartin to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary