EAST AMWELL PLANNING BOARD MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER, ATTENDANCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

This meeting of the East Amwell Planning Board was opened on April 11, 2007 at 7:30 PM. The following notice was read: “In compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, this is a regularly scheduled meeting pursuant to the annual meeting notice as published in the January 25, 2007 issue of the Hunterdon County Democrat, a copy of the agenda for this meeting was forwarded to the Hunterdon County Democrat, filed in the Township Clerk’s Office and posted on the bulletin board on April 5, 2007.”

Present: Bela Kamensky

Linda Lenox

Don Reilly, Chairman

Dart Sageser

Larry Tatsch

Michael Weis

Excused: Emmerson Bowes

Fred Gardner

Gail Glashoff

Philip Ward

Joe Wolfgang

Regarding the agenda review, it was noted that the discussion on the run-in sheds will be postponed until the May agenda so that Fred Gardner can participate in the discussion.

CITIZENS’ PRIVILEGE TO SPEAK ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Chairman Reilly opened to the public. Bill Reiter of 12 Dutch Lane came forward on behalf of the Rescue Squad. He explained that the squad has an option to buy 4 acres of land on the former Drake Farm. The property is located across from the school on Wertsville Road and he wanted to get an idea of how long the process would take to get all of the necessary approvals to build on the property. Planner Banisch commented that their main concern with this property is its proximity to the school and the potential for traffic issues if there were rescue squad emergencies in the morning with all of the bus and school activity. Mr. Banisch also noted that although the use is allowed in the zone, the lot is undersized and several variances would be needed. The best case scenario for “timing” was determined to be about 6 to 9 months for the plans to get delivered to the Township Professionals and the proposed project to get before the Board.

A motion by Larry Tatsch, seconded by Linda Lenox to close to the public was unanimously approved.

REVIEW OF MINUTES

A motion by Linda Lenox, seconded by Bela Kamensky to approve the minutes from March 14, 2007 was approved with Michael Weis abstaining.

It was noted that the minutes from the Special Meeting on March 30, 2007 regarding Pete Crisafulli’s Minor Subdivision will be moved to the May agenda for approval in order to give the Board members time to review them.

NEW BUSINESS - OTHER

1. Discussion: Sidewalk Circulation Project.

Engineer O’Neal explained that the County is proposing to replace the existing yield sign on 579, just before the Carousel Deli and Wertsville Road, with a concrete island and a stop sign which would bring traffic around to a 90 degree angle essentially creating a separation between the thru lane and the turning lane. Additionally, they are proposing a stop sign at Mom’s Restaurant on 179. After some discussion among Planning Board members, a motion by Bela Kamensky, seconded by Linda Lenox to open to the public was unanimously approved. The following members of the public commented on the matter:

Lora Olsen - an Old York Road resident

Wilfred Harrison - a Larison Lane resident

Dick Ginman - a Mountain Road resident

Barbara Harrison - a Larison Road resident

Nancy Cunningham - a Wertsville Road resident

Terry Golda - a John Ringo Road resident

The consensus of the residents was to put a stop sign on 579 and remove the proposed stop sign on 179. It was noted that if a stop sign can’t be installed on 579, the yield sign should be left there. The idea of possibly installing some type of traffic calming device on the roadway was also suggested. A motion by Larry Tatsch, seconded by Linda Lenox to close to the public was unanimously approved.

The Planning Board’s recommendation to the Township Committee on this matter was as follows:

g Place a stop sign at the intersection of 579 and 179 for the south bound traffic on 579 that will continue south on 179 (where the current yield sign is).

g Make the 90 degree turn as shown for 579 and add the stop as shown for traffic wanting to head north on 179. It was suggested that instead of dividing 579 with an island, build out a “peninsula” from the west curb of 579 at the intersection to about where the proposed island is located. That would direct both the north and southbound lanes to a right angle tee with 179. This would force traffic going north on 179 and wanting to turn north on 579 to yield to traffic coming south on 179 before making the turn. Traffic going south on 579 would have a full stop before turning either north or south on 179. The stop on the southbound lane of 179 could be eliminated because the stop on 579 would eliminate its need. Another advantage of this plan is that the peninsula could be planted with flowers/shrubs/small trees and would make the intersection more appealing with less pavement.

g Eliminate the stop sign on south bound 179 at Mom’s Restaurant.

g Add traffic calming devices on both 579 and 179 to slow traffic. Suggestions were for “bump-outs” and to paint the shoulders a different color than the cart way.

If the above suggestions are not possible, then the Planning Board suggests the following:

g Keep the yield sign as is at the intersection of 579 and 179 for the south bound trafic on 579 that will continue south on 179.

g Make the 90 degree turn as shown for 579 and add the stop as shown for traffic wanting to head north on 179.

g Eliminate the stop sign on south bound 179 at Mom’s Restaurant.

g Add traffic calming devices on both 579 and 179 to slow traffic. Suggestions were “bump-outs” and to paint the shoulders a different color than the cart way.

2. Discussion: Planning Board Priorities for 2007: Land use along Route 31

Chairman Reilly suggested that the Board review land use along all of the state corridors: 179, 31 and 202. Planner Banisch supplied a report with color coded maps depicting the land use along Route 31. He commented that the Board will see linkage between the corridors and the best way to protect it is to review all the state roadways. It was determined that the previously submitted maps will be revised to include the 179 and 202 corridors.

3. Discussion: Run-in sheds

It was noted that this item will be moved to the Board’s May agenda so that Fred Gardner can participate in the discussion.

4. Discussion: Waiving notice requirements for minor subdivisions

Chairman Reilly noted that the Planning Board has not been waiving noticing requirements and stated he wanted to discuss the issue and get concurrence with the Board that in situations where the professionals would recommend doing so, that as a policy the Board would have the option to consider waiving the noticing requirements. Chairman Reilly specifically noted a recent application for a simple lot line adjustment between two lots owned by the same person with no impact on any neighbors. He said, “It was the poster child for such a waiver.” The Board agreed that as long as none of the professionals had a problem with waiving the noticing requirements in certain situations, the Board would consider doing so.

5. Discussion: Possible resolution for ARC to deem application incomplete

Chairman Reilly noted that what the Board calls the Application Review Committee is in fact the Subdivision Review Committee based on the Township’s Land Management Ordinance. Attorney Norman had previously recommended to Chairman Reilly that the Board acknowledges, by Resolution, that when they refer to the Application Review Committee they are referring to what is the Subdivision Review Committee according to the ordinance. A motion by Michael Weis, seconded by Larry Tatsch to approve a resolution making it known that the Application Review Committee is also known as the Subdivision Review Committee under LMO 92:15 to eliminate any confusion with the public, pending Attorney review, was unanimously approved.

6. Planning Board Administrator Position: Interview Process

The Planning Board decided to have Township Administrator Tim Matheny review all resumes received for the position and narrow them down to the top three candidates. The Planning Board subcommittee consisting of Chairman Reilly, Fred Gardner, Tim Matheny and one other Planning Board member will interview the top three candidates. The subcommittee will then make a recommendation to the Planning Board. That individual will then be interviewed by the entire Board and the Board can decide to appoint or decide to interview the other two candidates.

ORAL REPORTS

FOSPC: Linda Lenox reported that a few meetings had been held to establish criteria on preserved farms and they are continuing to work on it. She also reported that Peabody/Manners closed on 3/9/07 consisting of about 48 acres.

Agricultural Advisory Committee: Linda Lenox reported that there was no meeting for lack of a quorum.

Environmental Commission: Dart Sageser reported that they had a meeting on April 26, 2007 and stated, “I learned that bamboo is only a minimally invasive plant because it dies after 75 years!” He also reported that the road salt study is still on-going and the committee is reviewing goals and priorities.

SM Smart Growth Grant: Planner Banisch reported that there is a team of three consultants who are working together to prepare the phase two plan. Larry Tatsch commented on the article in the New York Times regarding the trail system for the Sourland Mountain.

Stormwater Committee: Tracy Carluccio reported on behalf of Emmerson Bowes. She noted that the Committee is reviewing the process they will use in order to take on and complete the next task of making sure that all of the Ordinances are “in concert” with the stormwater ordinance. Ms. Carluccio clarified that the proposed changes will be forwarded to Engineer O’Neal for his review and then passed on to the Planning Board. Chairman Reilly further clarified that this was a matter of “consistency” within the ordinances relative to the already adopted stormwater ordinance. Ms. Carluccio commented that there was a statement made by one of the Township Committee members at their last meeting that the Zoning Officer should review the proposed ordinance changes rather than having Engineer O’Neal do it. Ms. Carluccio stated, “The Stormwater Committee does not consider this to be a good idea.” Chairman Reilly replied, “If they’re (the ordinances) coming to the Planning Board, we want Dennis to review them.”

COAH: Chairman Reilly had no COAH report. Planner Banisch stated he received a press release that the appellate division agreed to stay the argument against the growth share ordinances, so those ordinances remain in effect and towns can continue to collect those monies. Larry Tatsch commented on a letter received by the State of NJ regarding grant money for TDR Receiving Zone feasibility and stated that the Township will not be applying for the grant.

PB Interim Secretary: Maria Andrews reminded everyone of the required training classes on Saturday and also reminded the Board to return their Financial Disclosure Statements.

Chairman: Chairman Reilly had nothing to report.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Chairman Reilly opened the meeting to the public. There were no members of the public left at the meeting. Chairman Reilly closed the meeting to the public.

PRESENTATION OF VOUCHERS

A motion by Linda Lenox, seconded by Larry Tatsch to pay the vouchers was unanimously approved. Ms. Andrews noted for the record that the professionals were notified not to work on any applications where the applicant has not replenished their escrow account.

A motion by Michael Weis, seconded by Linda Lenox to adjourn was unanimously approved.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM.

___________________________

Maria Andrews, Interim Secretary