PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR 7/9/08
The meeting of the New London Township Planning Commission opened at 7:45 p.m.
Present were: Bob Barto, Acting Chair; Members Mary Anne Steel, Eileen Sparling, Jack Weber and Margaret Healy.
There was no public comment.
Minutes
Mr. Barto asked if there minutes to review and there were none, due to the cancellation of the regular meeting in June.
Logue Subdivision – Final Subdivision
Changes were made to the plans per comments by Ragan Engineering. Waivers per Ragan Engineering’s review letter of July 8, 2008 were addressed and Mr. Ragan didn’t oppose any of the waivers, therefore Mr. Barto suggested that the Planning Commission recommend that the BOS grant conditional approval until the sewer module is submitted and approved by PA DEP. Mr. Weber motioned and Ms. Sparling seconded the motion to recommend conditional approval of the Logue Subdivision to the Board of Supervisors. The vote was unanimous among the members present.
Road Enhancement Committee – Stop Sign Issue
Mr. Weber introduced a memorandum dated 7/6/08 that he prepared at the request of the Planning Commission to determine the need for stop signs as requested by the residents of The Estates of London Bridge. Based on the Road Enhancement Committee’s observations, it was determined that the stop signs are merely an attempt to control speed and are therefore, not recommended. The Federal Highway Administration “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” states, in pertinent part, “STOP signs should not be used for speed control. STOP signs should be installed in a manner that minimizes the number of vehicles having to stop.” Ms. Steel asked if the HOA could absorb the costs of putting up the stop signs and maintaining them, and Mr. Weber’s concern is that the Township is liable since the roads at issue are Township roads. Mr. Weber mentioned that 300 vehicles in one hour in any 24 hour period is what is warranted by the Highway Administration to install a stop sign. Ms. Steel suggested that we explain to the HOA that we understand their concerns, however, it would be up to the HOA to pay for an engineering study to determine the necessity of stop sign installation. Mr. Barto reiterated that a bad precedent was set with Havenstone, even though the HOA paid for the stop signs that were installed, and that the Township’s job is to maintain the traffic flow and circulation. The Planning Commission concurs with the Road Enhancement Committee and concludes that the Township is encouraged to find alternative means of speed enforcement. A Motion from Ms. Steel was made recommending that that Board of Supervisors accept the recommendation of the Road Enhancement Committee as set forth in their 7/6/08 memorandum, and Ms. Healy seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous among the members present
New Business
None.
Public Comments
None.
Adjournment
On a motion made by Mr. Weber and seconded by Ms. Steel and approved unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 8:28
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR 7/9/08
The meeting of the New London Township Planning Commission opened at 7:45 p.m.
Present were: Bob Barto, Acting Chair; Members Mary Anne Steel, Eileen Sparling, Jack Weber and Margaret Healy.
There was no public comment.
Minutes
Mr. Barto asked if there minutes to review and there were none, due to the cancellation of the regular meeting in June.
Logue Subdivision – Final Subdivision
Changes were made to the plans per comments by Ragan Engineering. Waivers per Ragan Engineering’s review letter of July 8, 2008 were addressed and Mr. Ragan didn’t oppose any of the waivers, therefore Mr. Barto suggested that the Planning Commission recommend that the BOS grant conditional approval until the sewer module is submitted and approved by PA DEP. Mr. Weber motioned and Ms. Sparling seconded the motion to recommend conditional approval of the Logue Subdivision to the Board of Supervisors. The vote was unanimous among the members present.
Road Enhancement Committee – Stop Sign Issue
Mr. Weber introduced a memorandum dated 7/6/08 that he prepared at the request of the Planning Commission to determine the need for stop signs as requested by the residents of The Estates of London Bridge. Based on the Road Enhancement Committee’s observations, it was determined that the stop signs are merely an attempt to control speed and are therefore, not recommended. The Federal Highway Administration “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices” states, in pertinent part, “STOP signs should not be used for speed control. STOP signs should be installed in a manner that minimizes the number of vehicles having to stop.” Ms. Steel asked if the HOA could absorb the costs of putting up the stop signs and maintaining them, and Mr. Weber’s concern is that the Township is liable since the roads at issue are Township roads. Mr. Weber mentioned that 300 vehicles in one hour in any 24 hour period is what is warranted by the Highway Administration to install a stop sign. Ms. Steel suggested that we explain to the HOA that we understand their concerns, however, it would be up to the HOA to pay for an engineering study to determine the necessity of stop sign installation. Mr. Barto reiterated that a bad precedent was set with Havenstone, even though the HOA paid for the stop signs that were installed, and that the Township’s job is to maintain the traffic flow and circulation. The Planning Commission concurs with the Road Enhancement Committee and concludes that the Township is encouraged to find alternative means of speed enforcement. A Motion from Ms. Steel was made recommending that that Board of Supervisors accept the recommendation of the Road Enhancement Committee as set forth in their 7/6/08 memorandum, and Ms. Healy seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous among the members present
New Business
None.
Public Comments
None.
Adjournment
On a motion made by Mr. Weber and seconded by Ms. Steel and approved unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 8:28