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MINUTES
FROM THE JANUARY 17, 2005 OF THE HAMBURG PLANNING COMMISSION The Hamburg Planning Commission met this evening in
the Council Chambers of the Hamburg Municipal Center with Council Representative
Dale Schlenker presiding. The
meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dale R. Schlenker, Roy R. Heffner, Sylvia S. Summons, Neven J. Dries,
Richard W. Boyd, Lori Guldin MEMBERS
ABSENT: Heather A. Breininger ALSO PRESENT: Jessica
Schnur-SDE, John Leonforte-Zoning Officer, Lynda G.
Albright-Borough Manager, Denise L. Clare-Secretary Nominations for chairman were taken at this time.
A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Sylvia
Summons to nominate Roy Heffner for chairman.
Dale Schlenker his reasoning for this was because of Roy Heffner and his
work with the North Berks Regional Planning. A motion was made by Neven Dries and seconded by Sylvia
Summons to close the nominations for chairman. ROLL CALL: Ayes-Schlenker,
Heffner, Summons, Dries, Boyd, Guldin
Nayes-None Chairman nomination ROLL CALL: Ayes-Schlenker, Summons, Dries, Boyd, Guldin Nominations for vice-chairman were taken at this
time. A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by
Sylvia Summons to nominate Neven Dries for
vice-chairman. A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Roy
Heffner to close the nominations for vice-chairman. ROLL CALL: Ayes-Schlenker,
Heffner, Summons, Boyd, Guldin
Nayes-None
Abstain-Dries Vice-Chairman nomination A motion was made by Sylvia Summons and seconded by Lori
Guldin to appoint Denise Clare as Secretary. The meeting was turned over to Roy Heffner at this time.
A motion was made by Sylvia Summons and seconded by Neven
Dries to approve the December minutes as written. ROLL CALL: Ayes-Schlenker,
Heffner, Summons, Dries, Boyd, Guldin
Nayes-None VISITORS None Jessica Schnur from Systems Design Engineering, Inc. was in
attendance regarding the Hamburg Municipal Authority’s planning module for the
expansion of the WWTP. The
Authority shows its needs with the planning module and not an Act 537 plan.
The component confirms that zoning laws have been met and that the
expansion is not infringing on anything. The
footprint of the plant will not be changing. Rick Boyd asked what Tilden Township requested in
their Act 537 plan that was just completed.
Jessica Schnur stated that Tilden Township is asking for 200,000 gallons
of the proposed 500,000-gallon expansion. Cabela’s
will buy the capacity and give back what it already has borrowed from Tilden
Township. Dale Schlenker asked who is running into the Hamburg
system currently. Jessica Schnur
stated that it is Hamburg Borough, Windsor Township and Tilden Township.
Dale Schlenker asked how much Tilden Township is discharging.
Rick Boyd stated less than 10% of the discharge is from Tilden Township.
Dale Schlenker stated that he is not happy with having to pay for the
expansion. Hamburg has the capacity
it needs for now. Dale Schlenker stated that he endorses an upgrade if it is
needed (like to fix the pump station problems).
Dale Schlenker stated that the Borough is at full status building wise.
There is nowhere to build anything large.
The only places would be industrial buildings like Exide or the former
Wright’s building. Jessica Schnur
stated that Tilden Township is seeking funding and will be paying their share of
the upgrade. Dale Schlenker feels
that the Borough is paying for the largest chunk.
Sylvia Summons agrees with this. Jessica
Schnur stated that Tilden Township will be paying for their portion of the
upgrade. Rick Boyd stated that only
some of the current modules need to be upgraded. Jessica Schnur will pen a letter with the Planning
Commission’s concerns and send to Borough Council, the Hamburg Municipal
Authority and other involved parties. It
was asked if the Authority is expanding enough since the planning module is only
an estimate. Component 4A was gone over question by question.
Roy Heffner read the questions and the group answered them.
The completed form will be submitted to Systems Design Engineering, Inc. A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by
Sylvia Summons to approve the amended planning commission guidelines as
presented. Dale
Schlenker asked if the guidelines are really needed since most of it is covered
in the MPC and the rest is common sense.
Neven Dries thinks the MPC requires it.
John Leonforte stated that you can have guidelines but it is not a must.
Dale Schlenker stated the reason this came about was the way
Leon Balthaser was removed from the board.
Rick Boyd asked what was inconsistent with the MPC.
John Leonforte stated that nothing contradicts the MPC it basically tells
members their responsibilities. ROLL
CALL: Ayes-Summons,
Dries, Guldin
Abstain-Boyd Rick Boyd stated that if someone has to apply for a
variance because a permit was denied by John Leonforte and the Planning
Commission disagrees with John Leonforte’s ruling the Planning Commission
cannot veto John Leonforte’s denial. Roy Heffner reported that Tilden Township has adopted
the North Berks Joint Comprehensive Plan. Strausstown’s
status is unknown at this time. There are 7 Boroughs/Townships in the North Berks Region.
This is the largest group in the county.
After everything is completed with the Joint Planning, Joint Zoning would
be the next step. This will be
several years before this gets underway. The
Joint Zoning however will open up for the state to come in with funding for
projects. Roy Heffner stated that
an electronic copy of the Joint Comprehensive should be able to be obtained. Rick Boyd suggested getting copies of the Brownfield’s
list out to the Planning Commission members.
Roy Heffner stated that the Planning Commission will meet
every month. John Leonforte will
get out any issues to be brought up to the Planning Commission early for review.
These items will be worked on as time allows (other business). NEW BUSINESS None None There being no further
business, and on motion of Rick Boyd seconded by Sylvia Summons to adjourn the
meeting at 8:15 p.m.
ATTEST:
Denise L. Clare, Secretary |
