EAST AMWELL PLANNING BOARD MINUTES

August 8, 2007 at 7:30 PM East Amwell Municipal Building

 

CALL TO ORDER, ATTENDANCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

This meeting of the East Amwell Planning Board was opened on August 8, 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 August 1, 2007.”

 

Present:          Fred Gardner, Vice Chairman

                        Gail Glashoff

                        Linda Lenox

                        Dart Sageser

                        Larry Tatsch

                        Michael Weis

 

Excused:         Emmerson Bowes

                        Bela Kamensky

                        Don Reilly, Chairman

                        Phillip Ward

                        Joe Wolfgang

 

Vice Chairman Fred Gardner opened the floor to the public for any comments on items not on the agenda. No one came forward. A motion by Larry Tatsch, seconded by Linda Lenox to close the floor to public comment was unanimously approved.

 

A motion by Gail Glashoff, seconded by Michael Weis to approve the minutes from 7/18/07 with a minor revision was approved with Linda Lenox abstaining.

 

NEW BUSINESS – OTHER

Public Hearing: Estate of Lillian Kanach – Minor Subdivision: Block 21  Lots 11.01 and 12

Present for the application was John Kanach, Executor of the Estate. Engineer O’Neal reviewed the checklist for the Board noting that the requested waivers were reasonable, while other items should be conditions of approval. A motion by Gail Glashoff, seconded by Larry Tatsch to deem the application complete was unanimously approved.

 

Engineer O’Neal explained the applicant is proposing to merge existing lots 11 and 12, consisting of approximately 42 acres to create lot 11.01 which will be approximately 3 acres, leaving lot 12 with approximately 39 acres. Mr. Kanach is proposing a single family dwelling on lot 11.01. Lot 12 will have a 3 acre non-severable exception for a proposed single family dwelling. The remaining portion of lot 12 will be preserved farmland.

 

Planner Bolan addressed the zoning issues. He noted that in the Amwell Valley District there are 10 acre minimum lot requirements. Mr. Kanach’s current subdivision proposal would require two variances: One for lot area and the other for lot width. However, under the Open Lands Subdivision option, parcel 11.01 could be as small as 1.5 acres and no variances would be required. Planner Bolan noted that he would be supportive of the requested variances because to require the lots to be conforming 10 acre parcels would

East Amwell Planning Board Minutes – August 8, 2007

 

mean that you would be cutting into the preserved land. Attorney Norman asked if there would be any detriment to the Master Plan if the application was approved. Planner Bolan stated he believed the proposal was consistent with the Zone Plan.

 

Vice Chairman Fred Gardner opened to the public. Steve Hart of 128 Amwell Road asked where the intended location for the driveway on lot 11.01 is. Engineer O’Neal commented that the intention is to move it as far North as possible on Rainbow Hill Road, but noted that NJDEP would have to weigh in on the exact location because of the wetlands in the area.

 

A motion by Larry Tatsch, seconded by Gail Glashoff to close to the public was unanimously approved.

 

Attorney Norman summarized the application was for a minor subdivision with waivers and two bulk variances: Lot area and lot width. The conditions that the Board is considering are: Submission of the deeds including the language for the larger lot on the deed restriction, submission of the site triangle easements for review and approval by Engineer O’Neal and Attorney Norman and the inclusion of the “right to farm” language on the deed be in compliance with the existing stormwater management regulations. Additionally, any other agency approvals, including local and County Board of Health will be required.

 

A motion by Michael Weis, seconded by Gail Glashoff to approve the application as summarized by Attorney Norman was unanimously approved.

Roll Call Vote: Michael Weis: Yes, Gail Glashoff: Yes, Fred Gardner: Yes, Linda Lenox: Yes, Dart Sageser: Yes, Larry Tatsch: Yes

 

Discussion: Proposed Run-in Shed Ordinance

Attorney Norman provided the Board with a draft copy of a proposed run-in shed ordinance. The Board suggested the most recent definition of “farm building” be included in the proposed ordinance in its entirety. A motion by Dart Sageser, seconded by Linda Lenox recommending the proposed ordinance be forwarded to the Township Committee for their review and approval was unanimously approved. Attorney Norman will make the revisions for the Board to review one last time before it gets forwarded to the Township Committee.

 

ORAL REPORTS

FOSPC: No report.

Agricultural Advisory Committee: No report.

Environmental Commission: Mr. Sageser noted there were plans for two tables to be at the 4-H Fair to include literature and other related items.

SM Smart Growth Grant: No report.

Stormwater Committee: No report.

COAH: Mr. Tatsch provided an update on Easter Seals, noting that they were no longer interested in purchasing the home in town, but they are still interested in pursuing their options with the Rescue Squad building.

PB Secretary: Ms. Andrews let the Board know that she had a copy of the latest ANJEC’s publication regarding the “Transfer of Development Rights: A Market Driven Planning Tool” if anyone cared to have a copy. Additionally the Hunterdon County Planning Board was holding their 17th annual planning and design awards if anyone had a nomination, Ms. Andrews would provide them with the application.

Chairman: No report.

 

 

East Amwell Planning Board Minutes – August 8, 2007

 

 

CORRESPONDENCE

Mr. Tatsch commented on a letter the Board had received from resident Andrea Bonette regarding the Planning Board minutes from 5/9/07. Ms. Bonette believed her comments at the meeting were not accurately reflected in the minutes. The minutes indicate Ms. Bonette “endorsed” the Miller application. The Board agreed that the minutes from 5/9/07 should not be amended, but rather it should be noted what Ms. Bonette actually said, which was, “I really don’t have a problem with this project...”

 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Andrea Bonette of 17 Ridge Road commented on the proposed run-in shed ordinance saying, “It sounds to me like this is going to be putting in run-in sheds close to property lines...I’m just concerned about the neighbors as opposed to the horses.” Vice Chair Gardner commented that under this proposed ordinance, run-in sheds would be considered class III accessory structures and therefore subject to placement of 40’ from property lines. Ms. Bonette stated, “Well...I endorse run-in sheds. I’m just a little concerned about the effect on the neighbors.” Additionally, Ms. Bonette questioned the status of  the recommended ordinance changes per the Stormwater regulations. The Board clarified that it was their recommendation that all of the requested changes per Engineer O’Neal be forwarded to the Township Committee for their review and approval.

 

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

 

PRESENTATION OF VOUCHERS

A motion Gail Glashoff, seconded by Linda Lenox to pay the vouchers as listed on the agenda was unanimously approved.

 

A motion by Larry Tatsch, seconded by Linda Lenox to adjourn was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 PM.

 

 

_____________________________________________

Maria Andrews, Planning Board Administrative Officer