Chairman Thomas Zug convened the July 28, 2010 meeting of the Warwick Township Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m. Present were Commissioners Thomas Zug, Jane Boyce, John Gazsi, John Hohman, Daniel Garrett, and Kenneth Kauffman. Craig Kimmel was absent. In attendance were Township Manager Daniel Zimmerman, and Township Engineer Charles Hess.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the June 23, 2010 meeting as written.

CONSIDER THE JOHN & REBECCA KING STORM WATER PLAN, PREPARED BY SAXINGER & ASSOCIATES, INC., PLAN DATED 6/21/10: The Township Manager explained that the tract is located along Woodcrest Avenue. He stated that the proposal is part of the Moravian Manor project in Lititz Borough. The plan proposes relocating an existing dwelling from Second Avenue to this lot. He explained that the project includes a proposal for right-of-way to extend West Sixth Street in Warwick Township to meet the portion of the roadway in Lititz Borough. He noted that this lot was part of the original Minnich tract. The proposal would also provide additional right-of-way along Woodcrest Avenue. The Township Manager explained that the lot would be served by public sewer and public water. He stated that the plan is required to address stormwater management since the lot is currently vacant. He stated that a temporary driveway would be constructed within the right-of-way area for the West Sixth Street extension.

The Applicant is requesting a Waiver of Section 285-7 pertaining to Preliminary Plan submittal, and Section 285-7.D pertaining to Final Plan submittal. The property owners have prepared a Stormwater Management Plan to address the additional impervious cover being added to the property. On a motion by Hohman, seconded by Kauffman, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a Waiver of Section 285-7 and a Waiver of Section 285-7.D as requested. On a motion by Hohman, seconded by Gazsi, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the John & Rebecca King Storm Water Plan contingent upon the Township Engineer’s July 10, 2010 comment letter being addressed. Garrett abstained from action on the Waivers & Plan due to a conflict of interest.

DISCUSS AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE TO ACCOMMODATE ALTERNATE ENERGY STANDARDS: The Township Manager stated that the draft was prepared based on previous discussions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. He explained that the Board of Supervisors requested that Township staff draft an Ordinance to address alternative energy standards due to the number of requests for solar panel installation projects. In addition, several municipalities have recently adopted regulations addressing alternative energy standards. He requested the Commission to review the document and provide their comments and suggestions. He stated that the draft ordinance also addresses geo-thermal projects.

The Township Manager explained that a draft slope easement is also provided for the Commission’s review. He noted that the Board reviewed the document, which addresses slopes that are 25% or higher. The Chairman inquired whether the Ordinance would address slopes between 10%-24%, or whether the building code ordinance addresses this issue. The Township Manager explained that he will need to research the issue. The Township Manager explained that he anticipates that a formal draft will be prepared in September or October of this year.

DISCUSS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES: The Township Manager explained that the issue is part of the economic stimulus initiative. He stated that the Regional Economic Development Committee (which is part of the Joint Strategic Plan) will be reviewing this initiative, which is intended to ensure a vibrant economic base. He noted that this region increased jobs last year, although employment in most areas decreased. He added that options regarding cluster industries with sustainable jobs are being reviewed.

The Township Manager explained that Sue Barry contacted him regarding an application for stimulus money for Spruce Avenue/Highlands Drive. He explained that Weis Markets has offered to contribute $100,000.00 as matching funds toward the Highlands Drive extension project. He added that this would add points toward the application, in addition to the joint municipal approach. He explained that the affected businesses in this area would benefit from the Highlands Drive extension project.

The Township Manager explained that discussions have been ongoing regarding Snavely Mill and their desire to improve rail use to bring wheat into their location. He noted that they purchase wheat from local producers; however, they continue to bring additional wheat from the west (Iowa, etc.).

The Township Manager provided examples of other businesses that could benefit from economic stimulus funding to facilitate their continuing operations in the region. He added that they also want to encourage the Economic Development Committee to consider the region for projects that would encourage job growth.

ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel L. Zimmerman
Township Manager