MINUTES OF THE MARCH 15, 2004 MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION

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

MEMBERS PRESENT: George E. Confer, Dale R. Schlenker, Hank J. Clarke, Roy R. Heffner

MEMBERS ABSENT: Leon A. Balthaser, James A. Gilmartin

ALSO PRESENT: Deena Kershner, John Leonforte-Building/Zoning Officer, Lynda G. Albright-Borough Manager, Denise L. Clare-Secretary

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by George Confer to approve the January minutes as written.

ROLL CALL: Ayes-Confer, Schlenker, Clarke, Heffner

Nayes-None

None

John Leonforte stated that he received a letter from Sal Fiore asking for a 90 day extension on his land development plans.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by George Confer to grant the extension to Sal Fiore for his land development plan.

ROLL CALL: Ayes-Confer, Schlenker, Clarke, Heffner

Nayes-None

Zoning Ordinance-Some corrections have been made by Systems Design Engineering, Inc.. There are some typos and the paging is still incorrect. John Leonforte asked if there were any substantive errors. John Leonforte noticed that the definition for since family dwelling and 2 family dwellings was the same. The proposed zoning ordinance needs to be recommended to Borough Council to adopt.

Deena Kershner was in attendance regarding signage in the downtown area. The Main Street committee asked about backlit signs. John Leonforte asked everyone to read the area on this and then it would be discussed.

The area affected would be 4th Street from Maple North to I-78 and State Street from the bridge to Franklin Street. The current backlit signs would not be eliminated but new ones cannot be added. Main Street is trying to keep a nostalgic look. Dale Schlenker thinks this is a good idea and the ordinance should be changed to reflect this. Signs overhanging the sidewalk is what most other Main Street groups do. Our ordinance prohibits these types of signs. John Leonforte suggested having Deena Kershner write up specifications for signage. Dale Schlenker suggested taking it to SDE for review. Roy Heffner asked if backlit signs are going into the new zoning ordinance. John Leonforte stated that it was and that the changes will be sent to SDE and then sent to Council. It was decided to make the area on 4th Street from Maple Street north to Franklin Street so that the Getty would be allowed to change signs if sold.

A motion was made by George Confer and seconded by Hank Clarke to have the Planning Commission recommend to Borough Council to go to the next step in the progression of acceptance of the zoning ordinance pending the modifications being completed and spell checked.

ROLL CALL: Ayes-Confer, Schlenker, Clarke, Heffner

Nayes-None

Roy Heffner asked Lynda Albright to call Spotts, Stevens & McCoy about getting a copy of the zoning map.

Roy Heffner asked Deena Kershner if Tilden Township passed the regional planning ordinance. Deena Kershner stated that they had.

John Leonforte stated that the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) will have to be reviewed to see if it is in line with the regional planning documents as well as the new zoning ordinance.

Roy Heffner talked about the land use course flyer the secretary received. If anyone is interested in attending please let the secretary know.

John Leonforte discussed Planning Commission seminars/classes that he has been to that are worth going to. There have been classes on Planning Commission duties and what types of thing they should be doing. Most Planning Commission’s have regular meetings even when there is nothing pending to have discussions of future issues, what may be coming into the area, sidewalk requirements and traffic patterns. Dale Schlenker thinks sidewalk requirements should be put on the agenda.

John Leonforte will let the members know when the next round of classes are upcoming.

John Leonforte stated that ideas should be discussed with other organizations as well such as the school, fire department, and police department. They may have other ideas in the areas that affect them.

There being no further business, and on motion of Hank Clarke and seconded by George Confer to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary