ew London Township
NLT PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MINUTES 9/10/14
The New London Township Planning Regular opened at 7:03 PM. Present were: Ronald Ragan, Chair; Members, Bob Barto, Charlie Humkey and Martha Straus. The minutes were recorded by Kim Malone.
Minutes
Mr. Ragan asked if there were any corrections or additions to the Minutes for 8/13/14. Mr. Barto made a motion to approve the Minutes and Mr. Humkey seconded the motion. Ms. Straus abstained from the vote as she was not in attendance at the 8/13/14 Meeting.
Public Comment
None.
New/Old Business
Joel Brown – Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan
Mr. Ragan recognized Ken Crossan who was in attendance on behalf of Mr. Brown and stated that he was there to discuss one more waiver which is bonding for construction, brought to his attention by Mr. Ragan. Mr. Brown feels that since it’s a private agricultural project and that he doesn’t have an immediate timeline, he is not ready to start the project as soon as he receives approval (next 2-5 years likely), and he doesn’t want to tie up funds until he begins the project. Mr. Ragan advised that in lieu of completion of the site improvements shown on the land development plan, the applicant must deposit some Township-approved form of security (i.e., letter of credit or performance guarantee). Mr. Ragan advised that there is presently an appeal filed with the PA Attorney General’s Office under ACRE (Right to Farm). Mr. Ragan suggested the plan not be finalized until the decision comes back from the Attorney General’s Office, then to proceed from there.
George Duncan – Final Subdivision Plan
Ken Crossan and George Duncan were both in attendance. There was discussion about an easement on the plan that is unrecorded. There is concern that when the residential lot sells, will Camp Saginaw and the farm still have the right to use the common driveway. Mr. Ragan suggested that a legal easement be recorded. Mr. Crossan and Mr. Duncan researched the easement and found out that it is in fact, an unrecorded easement. Mr. Duncan advised that when he purchased the land in 1981, Camp Saginaw had the right to use the driveway back then and he suggested that they have adverse possession. He advised further that Camp Saginaw maintains the driveway whenever it’s needed. Ken Crossan advised that they are trying to establish a lot with the residence on it, but he is not sure how to document the right-of-way. Mr. Crossan asked Mr. Ragan what exactly the Township is looking for and Mr. Ragan recommended a strip of land be created and conveyed to Camp Saginaw so they would have an undisputed right-of-way and the easement should be recorded. Mr. Ragan suggested a formal agreement or a note that says which party has the right to do what. Mr. Ragan advised he would like Sam McMichael’s opinion. Mr. Crossan asked Mr. Ragan if the Township has the ability to regulate this matter. Mr. Ragan said that he’s not sure but will research. Mr. Ragan advised that he feels it would be best for Mr. McMichael and Mr. Duncan’s attorney to discuss the matter.
Margaret Cole, et al.
Margaret (“Peggy”) Cole was present with her neighbors, the Hermans, to discuss a shared right-of-way (driveway) on Mary Lane. Ms. Cole advised that the driveway is shared by her, the Hermans, a member of the Schnelle family and a bank (foreclosure property). Ms. Cole wanted to come before the Planning Commission to see what could be done regarding agreement for no further subdivision before consulting lawyers and surveyors. Mr. Ragan suggested all parties be consulted, then go to a surveyor to have proposed plan drawn up, and then come back before the Planning Commission.
Junior Lester – Kirks Mill Road
Mr. Lester came before the Planning Commission to discuss possible subdivision and sale of his lots. Mr. Ragan offered suggestions.
Refuse & Recycling Ordinance
There was brief discussion about Recycling and Charlie Humkey distributed a suggested timeline for public education through ordinance adoption, and also distributed a draft public information piece for the Township Newsletter. Ms. Straus is assisting with the public information piece and would like to find out if she can be paid for her work and research will be done to determine what portion of grant money can be used to pay Ms. Straus for her work.
Adjournment
On a motion made by Ms. Straus and seconded by Mr. Humkey and approved unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM.