Yearly Archives: 2010

MEETING MINUTES – December 21, 2010

The regular meeting of the Lancaster Township Planning Commission was held Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at the Lancaster Township Municipal Building . The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Melissa Kelly at 7:00 p.m. She led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The following members were in attendance: Edwina Coder, Richard Hendricks, Melanie LeFevre, and Gordon Reed. Also present, Tom Daniels, Director of Planning & Zoning and Rebecca French, Planning & Zoning Assistant.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 16, 2010

The LTPC did not approve the November 16, 2010 LTPC minutes. The November 16, 2010 minutes will be resubmitted at the January 18, 2011 LTPC meeting.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION/COMMENTS : None

SUBDIVISION/LAND DEVELOPMENT PLA N:

Lancaster Township – Final Plan Subdivision and Lot Add-On Plan: Located at 1201 Millersville Pike. Zoning of the property is (S) Campus/Open Space District; the purpose of this plan is to subdivide a 2.2 acre parcel (Lot 3) from existing Lot 2, which is currently used as a public park. In addition a Lot-Add-on is shown to convey 2.2 acres from vacant Lot 1 to Lot 2 to maintain the tract size for recreation use. Both lots are owned by the School District of Lancaster and are in excess of twenty acres.

Mr. Laudien reviewed the plan drawings for the Final Plan Subdivision and Lot Add-On Plan to the LTPC. This is the site for the planned for the future Twp Fire Station.

Current zoning for existing Lots 1 & 2 is (S) Campus/Open Space District, which requires a 3 acre minimum lot. Proposed Lot 3 will be .8 acres smaller than this required minimum. A Zoning application will run concurrently to re-zone Proposed Lot 3 to (C2) Composite Commercial Zone. The 2.2 acre lot size is the maximum that can be subdivided from this tract without impacting existing recreational facilities. No improvements will be made to the newly created Lot 3 at this time. A storm water management plan still needs to be planned and approved.

NEW BUSINESS

Proposed Ordinance : Amend Chapter 280, Article II, add a definition for Municipal services; to amend Chapter 280, Article XIV to include Municipal Services as a permitted use in the Campus/Open Space District; and exempt Municipal Services from the Requirements of § 280-72.

• The current definition for Municipal Services is vague. LTPC suggested eliminating part of the sentence that reads…‘ and other locally operated service agencies’… from the definition. This discussion will be continued at the January 18, 2011 LTPC meeting.

OLD BUSINESS : None

Discussion :

Mr. Laudien stated that the Twp has applied for a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. There is a total of $100,000 in grant funds; 5 grants for $10,000, and one showcase grant for $50,000. The Chesapeake Bay will announce the awards decision for the grantees on January 15, 2011.

Acknowledgement:

Melissa Kelly stated that Edwina Coder announced that she will not be returning to the LTPC when her term ends on December 31, 2010. Ms. Kelly acknowledged Mrs. Coder’s dedication and support throughout the years and the LTPC will miss her participation. Mrs. Coder has been a long time member of the LTPC, serving over a decade on the LTPC.

ADJOURNMENT : 7:55 PM The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 7 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Rebecca French

Pro Tem Secretary

December 13, 2010

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I. Pledge of Allegiance, Call to Order, and Roll Call

The duly advertised Lancaster Township Board of Supervisors meeting was held on December 13, 2010 in the township building at 1240 Maple Avenue , Lancaster , PA. Chair Thomas H. Schaller called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Vice Chair Kathleen M. Wasong and Treasurer Benjamin H. Bamford were also present. Others in attendance included township management staff and interested parties. Mr. Schaller led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. Public Comment on Agenda Items: There were no comments.

III. Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the November 8, 2010 board meeting were approved by general consent.

IV. Treasurer’s Report

Mr. Bamford presented the report with the following amounts as of November 30, 2010:

General Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………. $3,938,318.61

Highway Aid Fund ……………………………………………………………………………………. 535,532.24

Parks/Open Space Fund ……………………………………………………………………………… 33,052.09

Capital Reserve Fund ……………………………………………………………………………….. 547,265.03

TOTAL …………………………………………………………………………………… $5,054,167.97

Mr. Schaller stated the treasurer’s report would be filed for audit.

V. Payment of Bills

On a motion by Mr. Bamford, seconded by Ms. Wasong, the board approved the payment of bills (11/09/10–12/13/10):

General Fund …………………………………………………………………………………………. $290,076.67

Escrow Fund …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 595.56

Highway Aid Fund ……………………………………………………………………………………… 13,209.37

Parks/Open Space Fund ………………………………………………………………………………….. 490.88

Capital Reserve Fund …………………………………………………………………………………. 16,675.48

TOTAL ……………………………………………………………………………………… $321,047.96

VI. Reports

A. Lancaster Township Fire Department: Mr. Schaller reported 45 calls for service in November for a year-to-date total of 561 calls. It was noted at this point that Tom Schaller was honored at the LTFD annual meeting with the “Pookie Award” for 50 years of service to the fire department. After a brief discussion of plans for a new emergency facility, Mr. Schaller thanked School District of Lancaster board member Mike Rowan for his tireless efforts in supporting a new facility.

B. Lafayette Fire Company: There were five calls to the east side in November.

C. Police: There was no representative from the police but Mr. Schaller reminded everyone to lock doors, windows, and vehicles. It was also mentioned that one should not leave a car running while in a convenience store. Not only is theft a possibility, but it is against the law.

D. Sewer, and Subsidiary Reports: These reports are available for public inspection at this meeting and during regular business hours.

E. Recycling Report: The recycling rate for October 2010 was 14.66%. Also collected were 3,206 yard waste bags, 175 yard waste bundles, 1.56 tons of cardboard, and 1.64 tons of appliances.

F. Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee: William M. Laudien, township manager, reported on the December 8, 2010 LIMC meeting. After discussion, it was decided to join the Clean Water Consortium with the provision that two members sit on the committee’s board. It was announced that the executive director, John Ahlfeld, would be retiring. A transition team will be redefining the LIMC’s goals and begin the process for hiring a new executive director. As a cost-saving step, the offices will be moved to the county building on North Queen Street where rent is less than the current amount. The next meeting will be January 12, 7:30 AM at Manor Township .

VII. Announcements

A. Next Lancaster Township Board of Supervisors Meetings:

January 3, 2011, 5:30 PM : Workshop

January 3, 2011, 6:30 PM : Organization Meeting

January 3, 2011, 7:00 PM : Regular Board Meeting

VIII. Old Business: There was none.

IX. Planning/Zoning Business: There was none.

X. New Business

A. Resolution No. 2010-11

Ms. Wasong moved, Mr. Bamford seconded, and the board unanimously set the real estate tax rate for 2011 at .6 mils ($.0006).

B. Resolution No. 2010-12

Mr. Bamford moved, Ms. Wasong seconded, and the board unanimously adopted the proposed 2011 annual budget. Mr. Laudien noted there is an approximate deficit of $250,000.00 in this budget because of an expected decrease in revenue. The good news is that the real estate tax was not increased. The board thanked township staff for all they do to stay within budget.

C. Resolution No. 2010-13

Ms. Wasong moved, Mr. Bamford seconded, and the board unanimously authorized the balancing of all accounts for fiscal year 2010.

D. Ordinance No. 2010-05

Mr. Bamford moved, Ms. Wasong seconded, and the board unanimously approved updates to the regulation of public sanitary sewers in the township within the LASA service area.

E. Ordinance No. 2010-06

Ms. Wasong moved, Mr. Bamford seconded, and the board unanimously adopted a solicitation and canvassing ordinance for the township.

F. Ordinance No. 2010-07

Mr. Bamford moved, Ms. Wasong seconded, and the board unanimously amended Chapter 110 of the building construction code of Lancaster Township .

G. Ordinance No. 2010-08

Ms. Wasong moved, Mr. Bamford seconded, and the board unanimously amended Chapter 126, Uniform Construction Codes of Lancaster Township.

H. Appointment to Lancaster Township Planning Commission

This appointment was delayed until the January 3, 2011 organization meeting.

I. Contract Award for Snow Plowing

Ms. Wasong moved, Mr. Bamford seconded, and the board unanimously awarded contracts to BRG Recovery ($74.90/hour for Hamilton Park area) and Michael Aponte ($73.35/hour for alleys).

XI. Guest Recognition and Participation

• Peggie L. Miller, Valley Road , wished everyone a merry Christmas. • Vicki Comfort, Springhouse Road , commented that changing to the Manheim Township Police Department was the “best decision ever made” by the board. • The board then wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

XII. Executive Session

The board retired into an executive session on personnel matters at 7:31 PM .

XIII. Adjournment

The board returned to the regular meeting at 8:15 PM and with no other business brought forward, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM .

Respectfully submitted,

William M. Laudien, Secretary

MEETING MINUTES – November 16, 2010

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The regular meeting of the Lancaster Township Planning Commission was held Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at the Lancaster Township Municipal Building . The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Melissa Kelly at 7:00 p.m. She led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. The following members were in attendance: Edwina Coder, Melanie LeFevre, and Gordon Reed. Also present, Tom Daniels, Director of Planning & Zoning.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 17, 2010

The October 19, 2010 LTPC minutes were approved as submitted.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION/COMMENTS : None

SUBDIVISION/LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN : None

NEW BUSINESS : None

OLD BUSINESS :

Zoning Ordinance Update – Review of Progress

Based on the LTPC Conformity and Non-Conformity Regulations questions that were presented to the Township’s solicitor, Matt Crème, and his response; the LTPC agreed to keep the 12 month timeline in the Non-Conformity Uses regulation.

The LTPC reviewed the recommendations for the ‘Intended Purpose’ paragraph of the Articles in the Zoning Ordinances.

• Create a statement of ‘Intended Purpose’ for each Article of the Zoning Ordinance

• Change prior use of the word ‘Applications’ to ‘Intended Purpose’

Recommendations for ‘Intended Purpose’ Statements:

Article XVII – Landscaping Regulations

Intended Purpose

• To provide requirements for visual and/or physical natural screens for residential, commercial and industrial properties and parking lots within the municipality.

Considering Subdivision Plan Development

• Need creative ideas for sustainable storm water management that include landscaping strategies such as rain gardens and infiltration systems within the retention basin

Article XVIII – Performance Regulations

Intended Purpose

• To establish criteria for specific uses and/or activities with the municipality that limits the adverse consequences of those uses and/or activities on adjacent properties.

Article XIX – Supplemental Regulations

Intended Purpose

• To provide clarification to certain activities, uses, limitations and/or exceptions that are not covered in the Zoning District sections of this Ordinance.

Article XX – Conformity and Non-Conformity Regulations

Intended Purpose

• To provide guidance in mitigating processes that exists as “non-conforming” uses under the current ordinance.

• Gordon Reed cited the City of Lancaster’s ‘Section 045 Historically Significant Structures’ (below) and suggested that Lancaster Township consider implementing a ‘supplemental’ ordinance within the Non-Conforming Regulations regarding the following:

• ‘Residential Structures: In zoning districts that do not permit single-family dwellings, any historically significant structure originally constructed as a single-family residence may, upon application to the Zoning Officer for a Certificate of Use and Occupancy by the owner or equitable owner of said structure, revert to a single-family residential usage. Further, the owner of the historically significant structure may restore said structure to its original dimension/specifications regardless of the zoning restrictions which prevail in the district in which said structure is located.’

Article XXI – Administration and Enforcement

Intended Purpose

• To define the process through which the Zoning Ordinance will be administered and enforced within the municipality.

Article XXII – Zoning Hearing Board

Intended Purpose

• To define the process through appeals by property owners to the municipality regarding provisions of the Zoning Ordinance are resolved.

Article XXIII – Amendments

Intended Purpose

• To establish the process through which the Zoning Ordinance is amended.

When the final changes to the Zoning Ordinances are clarified and summarized, and the LTPC approves the changes, the ordinances will be updated and the new zoning ordinances will be presented to the Twp engineer and the Twp solicitors for review. The BOS will review the ordinances and approve them after a public meeting.

ADJOURNMENT : 7:50 PM

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 7 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Desmarais

November 8, 2010

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I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, CALL TO ORDER, AND ROLL CALL

The duly advertised Lancaster Township Board of Supervisors meeting was held on November 8, 2010 in the township building at 1240 Maple Avenue , Lancaster , PA. Chair Thomas H. Schaller called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM . Vice Chair Kathleen M. Wasong and Treasurer Benjamin H. Bamford were also present. Others in attendance included township management staff and interested parties. Mr. Schaller led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

II. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: There were no comments.

III. SECRETARY’S REPORT

The minutes of the October 11, 2010 Lancaster Township Board of Supervisors meeting were approved as presented by general consent.

IV. TREASURER’S REPORT

Mr. Bamford presented the treasurer’s report with the following amounts as of October 31, 2010:

General Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………. $3,667,258.77

Highway Aid Fund ……………………………………………………………………………………. 543,451.27

Parks and Open Space Fund ………………………………………………………………………… 33,224.72

Capital Reserve Fund ………………………………………………………………………………… 558,874.80

TOTAL ……………………………………………………………………………………………… $4,802,809.56

Mr. Schaller stated the treasurer’s report would be filed for audit.

V. PAYMENT OF BILLS

On a motion by Mr. Bamford, seconded by Ms. Wasong, the board approved the payment of bills (10/12/10–11/8/10):

General Fund ……………………………………………………………………………………….. $74,050.8383

Escrow Fund ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 0.00

Highway Aid Fund ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 4,904.26

Park and Open Space Fund ……………………………………………………………………………… 344.45

Capital Reserve Fund ………………………………………………………………………………… 4,324.72 26

TOTAL ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. $83,624.26

VI. REPORTS

A. Lancaster Township Fire Department: Mr. Schaller reported 35 calls in October for a year-to-date total of 516 calls.

B. Lafayette Fire Company: There were 10 responses to the east side of the township.

C. Police: Sergeant Thomas Rudzinski was present. He answered questions about the meaning of bars on his uniform and the number of police incidents that occurred in Sterling Place . Mr. Schaller then relayed news of the theft of important documents from an exchange student living with a township resident. The Manheim Township police apprehended the perpetrator and recovered the documents. Mr. Bamford stated how great it is to have such a proactive police force. Sergeant Rudzinski informed everyone that the police department is state accredited with 132 standards that must be met. They are now working toward national accreditation with 464 standards to be met. He noted there is a public meeting scheduled for December 13, 2010, 4:30 PM , at the Manheim Township Police Department. National officials perform an on-site assessment of the department and gathering information from the public is only one part of the accreditation process. Sergeant Rudzinski also mentioned that they will call upon the Lancaster Township Fire Department to assist in searches for missing persons who may have wandered away. Mr. Schaller then reminded residents to lock doors, windows, and cars.

D. Sewer/Other Reports: These reports are available for public inspection before and after this meeting as well as during regular business hours.

E. Recycling Report: The September recycling rate was 15.18%. Also collected were 2,911 yard waste bags and 85 yard waste bundles. It was announced that curbside leaf collection ends December 17 and the last open date for the yard waste drop-off facility is November 27.

F. Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee: Mr. Bamford reported that discussion continued on whether or not to join a newly formed Lancaster County Clean Water Consortium. The next meeting will be on November 10 at Manheim Township .

VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. The next Lancaster Township Board of Supervisors meeting will be held Monday, December 13, 2010, 7:00 PM ; the workshop at 6:00 PM .

VIII. OLD BUSINESS : There was no old business.

IX. PLANNING & ZONING

A. Country Meadows Overflow Parking Area, Reduction in Financial Security

Mr. Bamford moved, Ms. Wasong seconded, and the board unanimously authorized a reduction of $70,882.00 leaving a balance of $25,000.00, which is adequate to complete the project as per the township engineer’s letter of October 7, 2010.

X. NEW BUSINESS

A. Presentation of Proposed Lancaster Township 2011 Budget

The proposed 2011 budget is available for public inspection until December 13, 2010 at which time the board will take action. William M. Laudien, township manager, gave a brief presentation on the budget. The reduced revenue from earned income tax is the primary reason for a projected deficit of approximately $200,000.00. There will be no property tax increase as there is money in the general fund to cover this deficit. We will also begin putting away monies to pay for future capital expenses.

B. Resolution No. 2010-10

Mr. Bamford moved, Ms. Wasong seconded, and the board unanimously adopted “Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards” as a part of the Lancaster Township Personnel Handbook.

XI. GUEST RECOGNITION & PARTICIPATION

•Peggie Miller, Valley Road , thanked staff for incorporating her suggestions on the agenda. She then reminded everyone that November 11 is Armistice Day (Veteran’s Day). The board thanked all vets for their service to our country.

XII. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS : Mr. Schaller announced two executive sessions: one session was held from 5:00 to 6:00 PM for the purpose of interviewing prospective members for the planning commission; one to discuss other personnel matters from 6:30 to 6:45 PM .

XIII. ADJOURNMENT

With no further business brought forward, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM .

Respectfully submitted,

William M. Laudien, Secretary