October 24, 2022 – Regular Meeting

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

October 24, 2022

A REGULAR MEETING of the Stillwater Township Zoning Board of Adjustment was held on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.  The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lippencott in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.  The flag was saluted and roll call taken:

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mr. Lippencott, Mrs. Draghi, Mr. van der Haeghen, Mr. Wykoff, and Mr. Sarni.

MEMBER ABSENT:       Mr. Kochenthal and Ms. Mountford

ALSO PRESENT:            Board Attorney Haggerty

MINUTES:

Mrs. Draghi made the motion to approve the minutes of September 26, 2022, seconded by Mr. Sarni.  Roll call vote in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen-Abstain, Mr. Sarni-Yes, and Mrs. Draghi-Yes.

MEMORIALIZING RESOLUTION:  

   #624   Sky lands 10x LLC, Block 310, Lot 16

Mrs. Draghi made the motion to adopt the Resolution.  Motion seconded by Mr. Wykoff.  Roll call vote in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen-Abstain, Mr. Sarni-Yes, and Mrs. Draghi-Yes.

COMPLETENESS:

   #627    Bill & Donna Urban, Block 3804, Lot 2.01

Dan Benkendorf, Esq. was present on behalf of the Applicant and he briefly summarized the proposal to construct a single family home and a detached barn on the subject property.  He stated that variances are required due to slopes disturbance.

Alan Campbell, P.E. and P.P., was sworn in and he stated that he has prepared the submitted plans.  He stated that the lot was subdivided back in 1987 and it was a conforming lot. He went on to display a colored drawing, which was marked as an Exhibit:

A-1  Colorized drawing, dated 8-8-22

Mr. Campbell reviewed Exhibit A-1 and the county approved location of the driveway.  He also described the proposed designed driveway, the storm water basin, and the home.  He reviewed the 15 percent slopes and the slopes disturbance.  He also addressed the tree disturbance.  The following was submitted and marked as an Exhibit:

A-2   Tree Removal and Planting Plan-Colorized drawing, dated 8-8-22

Mr. Campbell went on to describe Exhibit A-2, the tree disturbance, storm water management, and the location of the storm water basin.  He state that he feels that variance relief can be granted as the proposal is being reasonably designed and they have taken into consideration any impacts that there may be.  He reviewed the hardship being created by the topography and the proofs that support the requested relief.   The following was submitted and marked as an Exhibit:

A-3   Aerial photograph

Mr. Campbell then described the existing switchback driveways in the area of the property.  The Board had several questions regarding the proposal and whether a variance is needed for the height of the proposed barn, which will be utilized for the storage of personal property.

The hearing was opened to the public.

Tom Neenan, was sworn in and he stated his concern with the proposed location of the driveway and the water runoff.   The Board stated that the driveway location is approved by the County.

With there being no further public comment, the hearing was closed to the public.

Mr. Haggerty reviewed the variance for the slopes and the height of the barn, along with the approval of the tree removal plan.

Mrs. Draghi made the motion to approve the proposal as discussed and agreed to this evening.   Motion seconded by Mr. Wykoff.   Roll call vote in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen-Yes, Mr. Sarni-Yes, and Mrs. Draghi-Yes.

BILLS:

Mr. Sarni made the motion to pay the following bills, seconded by Mr. van der Haeghen.

Dolan & Dolan              Re:  General                                     41.25

Dolan & Dolan              Re:  First Presbyterian Church       140.25

Dolan & Dolan              Re:  Skylands                                 231.00

Dolan & Dolan              Re:  Skylands                                 132.00

Dolan & Dolan              Re:  General                                   325.00

Dolan & Dolan              Re:  Urban                                        33.00

Dolan & Dolan              Re:  Fisher                                      156.75

Golden                           Re:  Burton                                     240.00

Golden                           Re:  Urban                                      930.00

Golden                           Re:  Skylands                                 240.00

Golden                           Re:  Fisher                                      420.00

Roll call vote in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen-Yes, Mr. Sarni-Yes, and Mrs. Draghi-Yes.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Board Secretary Retirement  

The Board acknowledged the retirement letter received from Ms. Schemm.  

Budget 2023

   The Board reviewed the Budget and it was agreed to increase the budget by $650.00; an additional $500.00 in Legal and $150.00 in Office Supplies.

Mr. Sarni made the motion to recommend the budget for 2023 as discussed.  Motion seconded by Mr. van der Haeghen.  Roll call vote in favor: Mr. Lippencott-Yes, Mr. Wykoff-Yes, Mr. van der Haeghen, Mr. Sarni-Yes, and Mrs. Draghi-Yes.

     Other

   Mr. Benkendorf was prersent and he asked it the Board would agree to waiving the reading of the Urban Resolution, so that his client can pull permits.  Some concerns were raised and Mr. Haggerty stated that he will have the Resolution prepared for adoption next month.

   RFP-Engineer

   The Board briefly discussed the Engineer RFP received by the Board.  Ms. Schemm stated that the Planning Board is scheduled to hold interviews on 12/7/22.  After a brief discussion, it was agreed to advertise for 12/7/22, just in case there is a quorum of the Zoning Board present at that meeting.

The Board also discussed the December meeting date as it falls on the day that Christmas is being observed.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:

Chairman Lippencott opened the meeting to the public.  With there being no public comment, the meeting was closed to the public.

COMMITEE LIAISON REPORT:

Ms. Chammings was in attendance and thanked Ms. Schemm for her years of service.  She then went on to report on: complaints on noise and a possible illegal structure, tax foreclosure list, retirement of the tax collector, two ordinances: residency requirements and weight limits, concern over fallen/falling trees, evaluation table, driver age insurance for DPW employees, regionalized court system, and a DPW promotion.

ADJOURNMENT:

With there being no further business, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m.  In a voice vote, all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Alfia Schemm, Board Secretary