10-13-2021 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes

                                 NLT PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR                                                                                                                                                                                                                  10/13/2021

 

The New London Township Planning Commission Meeting opened at 7:00 PM.   Present were:  Ron Ragan, Chairman; Mary Anne Steel, Vice Chairman; and Members, Martha Straus, Charlie Humkey, and Lynn Klingensmith.  The Minutes were recorded by Mary Anne Steel.

Public Comment

There was no public comment.

Landscape Ordinance

Township Consultant, David Sweet, and Martha Straus presented the latest draft of the Landscape Ordinance dated October 13, 2021.  It was mentioned that David Sweet sent a list of questions to the Township Solicitor, Sam McMichael, for legal review.  David and Martha are waiting for Sam McMichael’s response.

There was a lengthy discussion on the actual Ordinance with specific discussion regarding enforcement of the street trees, buffer, and maintenance of these items when the Ordinance is in place.  It was also discussed if there would be a need for a landscape consultant to oversee the enforcement and plan review as required in the draft Ordinance.

Planning Commission Chairman, Ron Ragan, suggested that a further attempt be made to simplify the Ordinance and also asked that we go back to the Board of Supervisors with a request for clarification and direction on the proposed Ordinance.  Member, Mary Anne Steel, agreed to present the information to the Board of Supervisors at the work session on October 20, 2021 and report back to the Planning Commission.

Several questions were raised to be presented to the Board of Supervisors regarding noxious plants being incorporated in to the Landscape Ordinance, or be prepared as a stand alone Ordinance.  Other items are whether or not to have a stand alone Landscape Ordinance or to incorporate with in the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

New London Township Park

Planning Commission Member, Martha Straus, suggested asking the Board of Supervisors to add the park maintenance in to the 2022 Budget.  Martha also would like to ask the Board of Supervisors to fill the park steward position.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM.