MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 1, 2001 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

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, Diana L. Edwards, Dale R. Schlenker

MEMBERS ABSENT: Bryon S. Ruhl, Jeffrey A. Metz, Charles Cuthbert

A motion was made by George Confer and seconded by Diana Edwards to approve the August minutes as presented.

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

Nayes-None

Eric and Rebekah Armisik of 71 North 4th Street were in attendance regarding a situation at 72 North 4th Street. The apartment has turned into a hangout for children/adults of all ages, all hours of the night and day. There is foul language and young children out at all hours. The police have been called there several times recently. The police cannot do anything until someone wants to press charges. Leon Balthaser suggested talking with the Section 8 housing people (which the tenant is under Section 8) to make sure the people that are living there are listed as living there. The Armusik’s have also been in contact with the owner of the property and they were not aware of a problem. Several other people in the close vicinity have small children and will not let them out to play because of this hangout.

The zoning ordinance revisions were discussed. A definition for agriculture should be added but John Leonforte felt the rest of the agriculture section of the current ordinance is fine. Dale Schlenker suggested using the agriculture definition that Kutztown used and add that products raised for commerce would not be allowed.

John Leonforte stated that animal control is not a zoning issue and needs to be addressed by Council and an ordinance be done.

Accessory buildings definitions and provisions were discussed. Dale Schlenker suggested using Kutztown’s and that would be done.

Lynda Albright asked how much of Kutztown’s ordinance would be usable. John Leonforte thinks that the areas perceived as problems should be addressed before getting an engineer involved. Lynda also stated that the detail Kutztown has is what is needed for Hamburg’s ordinance.

It was noticed that some of the copies of Kutztown’s ordinance had pages missing. Lynda Albright will get correct copies of the Kutztown ordinance for the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Diana Edwards stated that she had no idea when the next regional planning meeting would be held but felt it would be beneficial for the Planning Commission to attend.

Leon Balthaser read over seminar information that has been received. If anyone wants more information or would like to sign up please see the Planning Commission secretary.

There being no further business, and on motion of George Confer seconded by Dale Schlenker to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m.

ATTEST:

NOTE: Lynda Albright and John Leonforte will prepare recommend changes to the zoning ordinance for discussion at the next meeting.