Chairperson Thomas Zug convened the October 27, 2010 meeting of the Warwick Township Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m. Present were Commissioners Thomas Zug, Jane Boyce, John Gazsi, Craig Kimmel, John Hohman, Daniel Garrett, and Kenneth Kauffman. In attendance were Township Manager Daniel Zimmerman, Township Engineer Charles Hess, Craig Mellott, Aaron Navarro, Bruce Garner, John Lippa, James Strong, and Gwen Newell.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the September 22, 2010 meeting as written.

CONSIDER THE CONDITIONAL USE APPLICATION FOR MEMBERS FIRST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FOR A DRIVE- THRU FACILITY: Attorney James Strong, representing Members First Credit Union, explained that the Commission has previously reviewed the proposal. He stated that the Applicant was before the Zoning Hearing Board on October 13, 2010 to request Variances for the proposal, and the Zoning Hearing Board approved those Variance requests. He noted that the project was before the Board of Supervisors on October 20, 2010 for a rezoning request. Attorney Strong explained that the Zoning Ordinance allows banks & financial institutions by right in the Local Commercial zone; however, the drive-through requires Conditional Use approval. He addressed the criteria under Section 340-66 of the Zoning Ordinance, which pertains to a drive-through facilities in the Local Commercial zone. He stated that the Zoning Hearing Board granted a Variance of Section 340-66.F to allow the drive-through to be closer than 200' from residentially zoned land. He noted that the odd configuration of the lot and topographic limitations affect the ability to provide the 200' setback. He added that a 50' foot wide buffer yard, including vegetative cover, would be located between the proposed drive-through facility and the residentially-zoned properties to the south and east. Garrett inquired whether any of the existing vegetation on the lot would be used to create the buffer. Aaron Navarro, representing J. Michael Brill & Associates, explained that they have not made that determination. He added that if it is possible to use the existing vegetation, they would incorporate some of the existing mature trees into the buffer design. On a motion by Garrett, seconded by Kimmel, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Conditional Use application for the proposed drive-through for Members First Credit Union.

DISCUSS CREATING A SUBCOMMITTEE FOR ESTABLISHING STANDARD FOR ALTERNATE ENERGY: The Township Manager explained that the Commission reviewed a draft ordinance for alternative energy sources at last month’s meeting. He stated that the Board reviewed the draft at their meeting on October 6, 2010. The Board suggested that the Township establish a subcommittee to further review the guidelines. They recommended that the subcommittee include two representatives of the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission, as well as firms in the field of alternative energy (Sun Lion Energy, etc.). Kauffman, Zug and Kimmel stated that they would be willing to serve on the subcommittee.

OTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION: The Township Manager stated that Township staff is reviewing several regions in the Township to focus on economic development possibilities. He stated that these areas are being discussed with Economic Development Corporation. He explained that the initiative also includes possibilities to modify the existing rail service line.

ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel L. Zimmerman
Township Manager