Meeting Minutes

Mercer County Regional Planning Commission
TUESDAY, January 24, 2006
7:30pm, MCRPC Office, Hermitage

MUNICIPALITY	PRESENT	ABSENT
FARRELL CITY	William Morocco	Jerry Miller
HERMITAGE CITY	Rita Ferringer
SHARON CITY	Stephen Theiss	Vic Heutsche
		Darin Flower
CLARK BOROUGH	Richard Dunlap	James Carucci, Sr.
FREDONIA BOROUGH	Patricia McAdams
GREENVILLE BOROUGH	Lisa Holm-Schrader	Pete Longiotti
GROVE CITY BOROUGH	Clifford McCandless
	Jeffery P. Black
JACKSON CENTER BOROUGH		Debbi Stevenson
		Marvin R. McAfoose
JAMESTOWN BOROUGH	Doug McElhaney
MERCER BOROUGH	Jerry Johnson
	Cindy Hewitt
NEW LEBANON BOROUGH		Janice Good
SANDY LAKE BOROUGH	Brad Martin	Robert W. Kaltenbaugh
SHARPSVILLE BOROUGH	Thomas Lally
	Guy Moderelli
STONEBORO BOROUGH	Samuel A. Scott
WEST MIDDLESEX BOROUGH	Ray Lucich	Tracy Thompson
WHEATLAND BOROUGH	Thomas R. Stanton
	Bob Davis
COOLSPRING TOWNSHIP	Robert L. McGhee	Robert M. Addison
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP		Donald Kremm
EAST LACKAWANNOCK TOWNSHIP	Nancy Givens
FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP		Jane Clark
		Mont Clark
FINDLEY TOWNSHIP	John B. Courtney	Elliott Lengel
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP		Pamela Brown
JACKSON TOWNSHIP		Oretha Rodgers
		Mary Gealy
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP	Richard H. McCullough
	Bert Weston
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP	Dave Beatty
	Ron Faull
NEW VERNON TOWNSHIP	Kenneth Dodson
	Charles Henderson
OTTER CREEK TOWNSHIP	Paulette Young	Richard Straub
PERRY TOWNSHIP		Richard Marshall
PINE TOWNSHIP	H. Thomas Paxton
	Fred Brenner
PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP	Richard Witten	Merle Mason
SHENANGO TOWNSHIP	Charles Gilliland
	James Eakin
S. PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP	Dennis Sump	Joseph Christoff
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP	Judy L. Hassler	Larry T. Gruntz
WILMINGTON TOWNSHIP	Charles Garrett
	Tim Coulter
WOLF CREEK TOWNSHIP	Mark Smith	Ray Penland
MERCER COUNTY	James Hughes	Julie Widel
	Patty McClusky	James L. Hogan
	Jean Hodge	Jeff Fiedler
	Larry McAdams
BOROUGHS ASSOCIATION	David George
SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION		Robert Birtciel
COUNTY COMMISSIONER	Michele Brooks

 

STAFF	OTHERS PRESENT
Dan Gracenin, Executive Director Carmen Reichard, Assistant Director, Admin. Jeremy Coxe, Assistant Director, Planning Brian Barnheizer, Senior Planner Andrew Dash, Planner Matt Stewart, Planner Margaret Heldorfer, Associate Planner	Robert Kochems, Solicitor Barb Brown, Springfield Twp. Angelo Stamoolis, Community Counseling Center Fern Torok, Community Counseling Center Lizette Olsen, AWARE Tina Hovis, Greenville-Reynolds Development Maureen Lapikas, Gannett Fleming Lorraine Jones, Wheatland Borough Phil & Mary Yasnowsky

CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Mark Smith, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mr. Patty McAdams, Vice-Chairman, led the Commission in the prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

ATTENDANCE SIGN-IN

An attendance sign-in sheet was passed around and representatives present were asked to mark their attendance. A quorum was present.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEM

There were no public comments.

PRESENTATION OF GAVEL TO 2005 CHAIRMAN TOM STANTON

Mr. Smith, 2006 Chairman presented the gavel to Mr. Tom Stanton, 2005 Chairman and thanked him for his dedication and service to the Commission during the past year. Mr. Stanton thanked everyone.

RATIFICATION OF ACTIONS TAKEN WITHOUT A QUORUM AT THE OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER MEETINGS AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 20, 2005 MEETING

A motion was made by Mr. Stanton and seconded by Mr. Johnson to ratify the actions taken at the October 25, November 22, and December 20, 2005 meetings and to approve the Minutes of the December 20, 2005 meeting with no additions, corrections, or deletions. The motion passed.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

A motion was made by Mr. Stanton and seconded by Ms. McCluskey to approve the December 2005 Financial Statement as presented. The motion passed.

ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Scott, Committee Chairman, explained that the Committee met last week, a quorum was present and took action on the following item:

1. Rezoning Request by Shenango Township landowners to rezone approximately 70 acres with frontage along Spangler Road, Trudy Lane, and Leali Lane in Shenango Township from Residential-Agricultural (R-1) to Residential Medium Density (R-2). This rezoning is being requested to allow for residential development to occur in the area, which is serviced by public sewer, at a density that is not allowed in the Residential-Agricultural (R-1) zone. A motion was made by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr. McAdams to approve the Rezoning Request in Shenango Township. The motion passed.

FINANCE-PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Brenner, Committee Chairman, explained that the Committee met prior to tonight’s meeting, a quorum was present and took action on the following items:

1. Final MCRPC Budget for 2006 – Mr. Brenner stated that the Committee reviewed and recommended approval of the final budget noting that the total revenue for 2006 would be $1,276,045. He noted that the total expenditures for 2006 would be $1,168,589, with an ending balance projected of $107,455. A motion was made by Mr. Brenner and seconded by Mr. Scott to approve the Final MCRPC Budget for 2006. The motion passed.

2. Final Mercer County Rodent Control Budget for 2006 – This item was tabled until February 2006.

3. Staff salary changes for 2006 – Mr. Brenner stated that the Committee recommended approval of a 3% salary increase for the staff and $1,100 in merit raises that was proportioned out amongst the different members of the staff. A motion was made by Mr. Brenner and seconded by Mr. Morocco to approve the staff salary changes for 2006. The motion passed.

PROPOSED PROJECTS FOR MERCER COUNTY 2006 CDBG FUNDING

Mr. Gracenin explained that MCRPC administers Mercer County’s CDBG program. A summary sheet was mailed to the members in their meeting packet, which listed the proposed projects for Mercer County FY 2006 CDBG funding. (A copy of the summary sheet is attached to and made a part of the permanent record of Minutes.) Mr. Stewart next explained that on the summary sheet there was a misunderstanding on the amount shown for the Liberty Township Sanitary Sewer System project. The $12,400 shown is per home. There are three homes, so the total amount requested would be $37,200. He noted that Mercer County would receive an entitlement "estimated" at $323,509 for FY 2006 CDBG, and the estimated amount available for project expenses after MCRPC administration (18% of the total entitlement) would be $265,278. He noted that we are unaware at this time what the actual funding will be, but should expect a 10% decrease from last year.

Mr. Stewart noted that this year we received 9 projects, 7 were brick and mortar projects and 2 were public service projects. He noted that at this time we will give each representative present an opportunity to speak on behalf of their project to give a little more detail. Ms. Tina Hovis from Greenville-Reynolds Development Corporation spoke on behalf of the Pymatuning Township Sanitary Sewer System project. She noted that they are under mandate by DEP to perform over $2 million in waste water treatment plant renovations, which is required to be done by October 2007. They had applied for monies through Penn Works. They were approved for a $2.1 million loan from Penn Vest. She noted that if they would fund the entire project through Penn Vest, the residents will see a 70% rate increase. An income survey was completed and it was determined that the project area is 56.4% LMI. She stated that any grant funds they receive will be a benefit to the residents as well as the businesses/industries of the Reynolds Development area. Mr. Whitten from Pymatuning Township explained that the Township has agreed to be the project sponsor since the Greenville-Reynolds Development Corporation is a "for profit entity", so the Township had to apply on their behalf for sewer system upgrades to areas serving the Reynolds Development and surrounding area (Pymatuning, and portions of West Salem and Hempfield).

Mr. Stanton asked if we could take a percentage and divide it up between the projects. Mr. Gracenin explained that at tonight’s meeting we are to discuss and review project proposals and make a recommendation for consideration to the Mercer County Board of Commissioners for their February meeting.

Mr. Ron Faull, Liberty Township Supervisor, explained that the Township has applied for funds for construction of sewer laterals for three homes on Schmidt Road, where residents are required to have laterals as per Township Code. He noted that the project area is 100% LMI.

Ms. Lorraine Jones from Wheatland Borough explained that there is a dilapidated home in Wheatland that is a nuisance/hazard to the Borough and they are seeking funds for demolition, which she just found out would qualify for CDBG funds under slums/blight removal. She stated that this has been a major complaint in the community for years.

Ms. Maureen Lapikas from Gannett Fleming explained that they are the engineers for Coolspring Township. The Township is requesting $194,000 to be used for tap-in fees to LMI households on U.S. 19 and surrounding streets near Mercer Borough. The current on-lot systems in this area do not comply with DEP regulations and they must be replaced. The waste water will be transported to the Mercer Waste Water Treatment Plant, where it will be treated and disposed. Mr. Bob McGhee, Coolspring Township Supervisor, stated that this is not only a project which they had two phases on, but DEP stepped in and said that it had to be done all in one phase.

Mr. Jerry Johnson from Mercer Borough Council explained that the Borough is seeking funds to construct storm sewers along West Butler Street and S. Maple Street to provide adequate drainage of storm water along the two streets. He also explained that the Borough has another project proposal that would replace sanitary sewer laterals for approximately 10 homes for LMI qualifying homeowners throughout the borough.

Mr. Doug McElhaney from Jamestown Borough Council explained that the Borough is looking to purchase two blower assemblies for their waste water treatment plant. The current blowers are almost 40 years old and the Borough is now experiencing some problems with them. It is difficult to find parts for them, since they are so old. It was recommended by their engineer that they purchase two new ones since they would be more efficient.

Mr. Stewart stated that the next two public service projects can account for up to 15% of the grant and the two projects this year, assuming that we receive the amount of funding we hope we will, only add up to 8% of the grant.

Ms. Lizette Olsen from AWARE, Inc., explained that they are requesting support to continue and expand the Rural Legal Advocacy Program. Last year, they received support from MCRPC and Northern Mercer County United Way in order to pilot the Legal Advocacy Program. They had anticipated to serve 50 people in the rural communities, but stated that with the support they received from MCRPC, they were able to serve 89 people. She noted that overall they had received over 200 requests from victims of domestic and sexual violence who reside in rural areas throughout Mercer County.

Mr. Angelo Stamoolis, from Community Counseling Center explained that they work with individuals who have mental health and substance abuse problems. He noted that they are a public service and any help that they receive would benefit their program. He noted that last year they submitted a project proposal, and it was turned down by this Commission. Community Counseling appealed this to the Mercer County Commissioners who in turn had thoughts that this was a valuable service to the community and funded the project last year. Ms. Fern Torok explained why they are a public service.

After comments from those who spoke on behalf of their project, Mr. Smith stated that the estimated amount available for project expenses is $265,278. He then asked for a recommendation for one or multiple projects and amounts of funding from Commission representatives. Mr. Gracenin noted that over the past years we have funded Wheatland, Mercer and Jamestown Boroughs, AWARE and Community Counseling. He also noted public service projects can only apply for funds for three years before the project has to have a significant change before they can request funds again. He stated that municipalities will look at other sources of funding to help offset their projects, such as Pymatuning and Coolspring Township have done. Mr. Stanton questioned if the Pymatuning Township project is in an industrial development area and can’t they apply for other funds. Mr. Gracenin stated yes. Ms. Hovis from Greenville-Reynolds Development stated that they are a private, for-profit corporation and they are not eligible for any free money and that is why the Township has agreed to help them with this project. They had applied for monies through Penn Works and they were approved for a $2.1 million loan from Penn Vest to cover the project. She noted that if they would use all of the loan money from Penn Vest, the residents will see a 70% rate increase. Various people spoke on behalf of projects which they felt should be funded. Mr. Gracenin stated that all of the projects submitted are good projects, unfortunately we do not have enough money to fund all of them.

Mr. Stanton made a motion that we recommend to the Mercer County Commissioners that we strike the two public service projects, limit Mercer Borough to one project and split by a percentage to fund the other projects. Mr. Dunlap seconded. Mr. Gracenin asked what percentage would we use and would the project still be feasible if we only gave them a certain percentage; would the municipality have funds to complete the project. After discussion from various representatives, Mr. Smith stated that there was a motion on the floor, there was a lot of discussion, but it seems that we need to clarify it better. With the motion on the floor, Mr. Gracenin wanted to clarify which Mercer Borough project we would not fund. It was noted that Mercer Borough would drop the sanitary sewer system project for $53,000. After brief discussion, Mr. Smith stated that the motion on the floor is to strike the two public service projects, strike the Mercer Borough sanitary sewer system project, which would leave the other projects receiving 34.18% of their project request. It was determined that a roll call vote is necessary. Mr. Smith conducted a roll call vote on the motion. After the roll call vote, it was determined that there were 12 votes for the motion, 14 votes against the motion and 2 abstentions. The motion died.

A motion was then made by Mr. Moderelli that we recommend to the Mercer County Commissioners that we fund the two public service projects, strike the Mercer Borough sanitary sewer system project for $53,000 and recalculate the percentage for the remaining projects. Mr. Whitten seconded. Mr. Gracenin recalculated the percentage, which would leave the other projects receiving 33.05% of their project request. A second roll call vote was taken for the motion on the floor. After the roll call vote, it was determined that there were 17 votes for the motion, 10 votes against the motion and 1 abstention. The motion passed.

Mr. Gracenin again stated that this is only a recommendation to the County Commissioners. The Commissioners will hold a public hearing, at which time each agency will have a chance to speak on behalf of their project again, with a final decision to be held a week later at the Commissioner’s meeting.

Mr. Smith stated that there was discussion to create a committee in September of this year to look at the 2007 proposed projects, when they are submitted, and they in turn would make a recommendation to this Board in January.

CDBG COOPERATION AGREEMENTS – GREENVILLE, PINE & COUNTY

Ms. Reichard, Assistant Director-Administration, explained that authorization is needed to enter into the standard cooperation agreements with Greenville Borough, Pine Township and Mercer County to provide for full administration by MCRPC of their FY 2006 CDBG Programs. It was explained that these are standard agreements adopted yearly. A motion was made by Mr. Stanton and seconded by Mr. Faull to approve entering into Cooperation Agreements with Greenville, Pine and Mercer County for administration of FY 2006 CDBG Programs. The motion passed.

AUTHORIZATION FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT CONTRACT

Mr. Gracenin, Executive Director, explained that a simple resolution is needed authorizing the chairman (or vice-chairman or secretary respectively if chairman is not available) to sign the annual grant agreement with PennDOT for transportation planning. A motion was made by Mr. Beatty and seconded by Mr. McCandless to sign the annual grant agreement with PennDOT for transportation planning. The motion passed.

ANNUAL WORK PROGRAM FOR 2006

Mr. Gracenin, Executive Director, explained that the Commission must approve a list of projects and work activities to be undertaken by the staff in 2006, as required by the Commission’s Bylaws. (A copy is attached to and made a part of the permanent record of Minutes.) A motion was made by Mr. Stanton and seconded by Ms. Ferringer to approve the Annual Work Program for 2006. The motion passed.

APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A motion was made by Mr. Stanton and seconded by Ms. Ferringer to reappoint Daniel Gracenin as Executive Director of the Commission for 2006. This action is required annually by the Commission’s Bylaws. The motion passed.

APPOINTMENT OF SOLICITOR

A motion was made by Ms. McCluskey and seconded by Mr. Eakin to reappoint Robert Kochems as Solicitor of the Commission for 2006. This action is required annually by the Commission’s Bylaws. The motion passed.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES

Mr. Smith explained that a list of committees was mailed to all Commission members in their meeting packet. He stated that he would like to see more involvement under the Finance-Personnel Committee, since we lost three members. He asked that if there were any representatives who wanted to be added to that committee to see him after the meeting.

AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF APPROVAL OF MINOR SUBDIVISIONS

Mr. Smith explained that this action is to be taken annually, which authorizes the approval by MCRPC staff on behalf of the full Commission to approve minor subdivisions under the Mercer County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. A motion was made by Mr. Hughes and seconded by Mr. McElhaney to approve the authorization for staff to approve minor subdivisions. The motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

Attorney Kochems stated that since the staff has authorization to approve minor subdivisions and since we have had problems in obtaining quorums at Commission meetings, it was brought to his attention that we need to address the issue with major subdivisions, zoning requests and land development plans. By law, they would be deemed approved if we do not act on them in so many days. Attorney Kochems is seeking authorization of the Zoning and Subdivision Review Committee to allow all actions deemed approved or rejected for major subdivisions, zoning requests and land development plans be properly approved or disapproved when there is no quorum at the next meeting. A motion was made by Mr. Hughes and seconded by Mr. Paxton that the report that the Zoning and Subdivision Review Committee has regarding all actions are deemed approved if they are not approved or rejected at the next meeting of the Commission due to a lack of a quorum. The motion passed.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business or discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Submitted and Certified By:

Charles Garrett, Secretary - MCRPC

 

Mercer County Regional Planning Commission
2491 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA 16148
mail@mcrpc.com    www.mcrpc.com

 

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