Mercer County Regional Planning Commission

Meeting Minutes

Mercer County Regional Planning Commission Meeting
Tuesday, May 22, 2001 – 7:30 PM
MCRPC Office, Hermitage

MUNICIPALITY

PRESENT

ABSENT

FARRELL CITY

Jerry Miller

Mark A. Petrillo

HERMITAGE CITY

Rita Ferringer

James A. Rollinson

James Pat White

SHARON CITY

George Gulla

Frank Smeraglia

Lou Rotunno

Pat Miller

CLARK BOROUGH

Russell Shaffer

James Carucci, Jr.

FREDONIA BOROUGH

Larry McAdams

Patricia McAdams

GREENVILLE BOROUGH

Earl Butterfield

Burroughs Price

GROVE CITY BOROUGH

Clifford McCandless

JACKSON CENTER BOROUGH

Todd Sturgeon

Lee Tharp

JAMESTOWN BOROUGH

Darryl Pinney

Doug McElhaney

MERCER BOROUGH

Jerry Johnson

Jim Carnes

NEW LEBANON BOROUGH

Janice Good

Mary A. Ziegler

SANDY LAKE BOROUGH

Carol Paul

Robert W. Kaltenbaugh

SHARPSVILLE BOROUGH

Alex Kovach

Bob Piccirilli

STONEBORO BOROUGH

Samuel A. Scott

WEST MIDDLESEX BOROUGH

Linda Bollinger

Raymond Lucich, Jr.

WHEATLAND BOROUGH

Ray Foster

Thomas R. Stanton

FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP

Jane Clark

Mont Clark

FINDLEY TOWNSHIP

John B. Courtney

Elliott Lengel

HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP

Pamela Brown

Russell L. Dawes

JACKSON TOWNSHIP

W. Jerry Vernam

Mary Gealy

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP

Robert F. Angermeier

Bert Weston

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP

Dave Beatty

Ron Faull

NEW VERNON TOWNSHIP

Albert W. Law

Frank Cochran

OTTER CREEK TOWNSHIP

Paulette Young

Richard Straub

PERRY TOWNSHIP

Richard Marshall

PINE TOWNSHIP

H. Thomas Paxton

Fred Brenner

PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP

Joseph A. Selnekovic

James F. Rowe

SHENANGO TOWNSHIP



Mathew Frontino

Kristen Robinson

S. PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP

Mike Nashtock

Mourice Waltz

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP

Judy L. Hassler

Larry T. Gruntz

WILMINGTON TOWNSHIP

Charles Garrett

Jeff Hoy

WOLF CREEK TOWNSHIP

Jim Morton

Mark Smith

MERCER COUNTY

Richard A. Mackell

Paul E. Mehalko

Jean Hodge

Ethel Friede

James L. Hogan

Tom Jack

BOROUGHS ASSOCIATION

David George

SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION

Kenneth Seamans

COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Brian Shipley

STAFF

OTHERS PRESENT

Dennis G. Puko, Executive Director
Dan Gracenin, Assistant Director

Don Blakesley, Recycling Coordinator
Jeremy Coxe, Planner
Carmen Reichard, Program Administrator
Peggy Heldorfer, Associate Planner

Attorney Robert G. Kochems, Solicitor
Marian Scott, Stoneboro Borough
Ron Fassett, Fassett & Associates
Dennis Ford, Fassett & Associates
Gerald Fry, Developer

CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Ron Faull, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mr. Larry 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. Also, Mr. Puko circulated copies of the audit for review and noted that later in the meeting we would act on the audit.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEM

There were no public comments.

RATIFICATION OF ACTIONS TAKEN WITHOUT A QUORUM AT 4/30/01 & 3/27/01 MEETINGS

A motion was made by Mr. Beatty and seconded by Ms. Hodge to ratify the actions taken without a quorum at the April 30, 2001 and March 27, 2001 meetings and to accept the Minutes as presented. The motion passed.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

A motion was made by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Stanton to approve the April 2001 Financial Statement as presented. The motion passed.

STAFF REPORTS

Mr. Blakesley noted that the last round of the 902 Grants, which were due last October 2000, announced the award winners. Three winners were selected in Mercer County: Greenville Borough - $20,790 to fund rental of a chipper (bio-grinder for their compost site); West Middlesex Borough - $21,811 to fund part of the cost of a truck to be used for leaf and yard waste in the Borough; and Mercer County - $745,260 to fund setting up 10 recycling sites around the County. He also stated that the Mercer County Solid Waste Authority grant program is still going on and would accept applications through October 1^st.

Mr. Gracenin stated that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is updating their 12-Year Highway Program. He noted that the State Transportation Hearing is scheduled for September 13^th at which time representatives would have the opportunity to speak in support of a certain project. Also, he stated that sometime in July a Countywide work session would be held to discuss and come up with priorities for the transportation program. He noted that a letter would be sent to all the municipalities in Mercer County informing them of this work session.

Mr. Puko stated that the Mercer County Commissioners have scheduled on their agenda for their upcoming meeting an action to authorize the undertaking in Mercer County of a Natural Heritage Inventory. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in conjunction with State funding have been endeavoring to complete as many as these on a Countywide basis. This is an inventory of natural (unique) communities, which could be used for planning purposes. He stated funding for this inventory is being provided through the Commonwealth of PA through two sources: Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, which is being supplemented through the Department of Community & Economic Development and an additional 20% that is not state funded, the Conservancy would raise from private sources. The Mercer County Commissioners have asked MCRPC to serve in somewhat of an oversight rule to work with the Conservancy and to organize a local advisory committee that would work with the Conservancy as well.

ZONING & SUBDIVISION REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT

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

1. Major Subdivision – Preliminary Plan – Country Village Estates – Lots 166-170 & two replatted lots plus new streets & utilities – Hempfield Township – Mr. Scott noted that the Committee reviewed this preliminary plan of developer Gerald Fry for 5 new lots and 2 replatted lots located in Hempfield Township, north of Hadley Road near the Greenville Plaza. This subdivision includes construction of two new streets and public water and sewer facilities. The lots meet the requirements of the Hempfield Township Zoning Ordinance, streets and utilities meet the requirements of the County Subdivision Ordinance, with one minor adjustment in the street specs. In order to gain authorization to construct streets and utilities prior to the final plan, Mr. Fry will need to submit additional water system construction details and documentation of approvals by the Township for all of the utilities. The Committee recommended approval of the preliminary plan with further authorization to construct the road and utilities contingent upon receipt of the additional construction details and approvals. A motion was made by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr. Hogan to approve the Committee’s recommendation. The motion passed.

2. Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment – Request to rezone two properties at different locations from Agricultural-Residential to Business Highway – Otter Creek Township – Mr. Scott noted that the Committee reviewed a proposal to rezone land in two areas: one along the north side of Hadley Road and the other along both sides of Donation Road near the Township’s southern border from R-1 Agricultural-Residential to B-1 Business Highway. The amendment addresses requests of two of the property owners plus requests from the Township itself and extends the existing business zone. The Committee recommended approval of the rezoning as proposed in both areas. A motion was made by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr. Garrett to approve the Committee’s recommendation. The motion passed.

3. Major Subdivision – Preliminary Plan – Filer Plumbing, Heating & Construction, Inc. – 38 lots plus a new street & utilities – Pine Township – Mr. Scott noted that the Committee reviewed the preliminary plan for 38 lots and a new street and public sewers on 27-acres in Pine Township off Irishtown Road. The lots, with the exception of 6, meet the requirements of the Pine Township Zoning Ordinance. Six lots are smaller than the minimum lot area. The road meets construction requirements except in areas has less than the 1% minimum slope required in the County Subdivision Ordinance. The developer requested a modification of the 1% slope requirement because the extreme flatness of the land and the ability to handle drainage without using fill to create a slope. The Committee recommended approval of the modification for the 1% slope requirement and approval of the preliminary plan as presented with the understanding that Township zoning approval will be needed of the 6 lots with less than required lot area. A motion was made by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr. Nashtock to approve the Committee’s recommendation. The motion passed.

4. Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment – Request to rezone small lot on West Main Street from R-1 Residential to Highway Commercial – Grove City Borough – Mr. Scott noted that the Committee reviewed a proposal to rezone 1 lot along West Main Street from R-1 Residential Single-Family to HC Highway Commercial. The property in question and adjacent property owned by the Borough are zoned Residential, while properties in the Borough and Pine Township are zoned Commercial and the West Main Street corridor in general is zoned Commercial. The Committee recommended approval of the rezoning as presented with the additional recommendation that the Borough owned property be also rezoned to be uniform with the surrounding area. A motion was made by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr. Beatty to approve the Committee’s recommendation. The motion passed.

FINANCE-PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Puko noted that the Committee has one item to report for information only. He stated that at the last full Commission meeting on April 30^th, an offer was made to Dan Gracenin for the Assistant Director position, which he accepted the position. Mr. Gracenin thanked everyone for giving him this opportunity.

Mr. Puko reported that the Committee had been authorized, with some sit in/stand in members, to interview Mr. Fred Frank for the position of Planner. Mr. Frank was interviewed on May 3^rd and the Committee took action to hire him for the position of Planner at a salary of $27,000 beginning June 5^th. The Committee noted that Mr. Frank’s credentials are top-notch, his references are stellar, and his interview went well. The Committee noted that the salary offer was $2,000 to $3,000 above the level customarily offered to prospective employees with his qualifications, but the Committee believed the higher offer was necessary and appropriate in view of the shortage of qualified planners and the escalating planners’ salaries in the region. Mr. Puko noted that the Committee had been discussing the salary situation and the shortage of planners and had decided at year’s end to consider changing the salary schedules and evaluate planners’ salaries in the region. A motion was made by Mr. Stanton and seconded by Mr. Shipley to ratify the action of the Committee in hiring Fred Frank as Planner. The motion passed.

Mr. Puko noted that the Finance-Personnel Committee met with the Executive Committee prior to this evening’s meeting and noted that in view of the hiring of Mr. Frank, Committee members suggested increasing the salary of Planner Jeremy Coxe who is now salaried at $25,162, but working at the same position as will be Mr. Frank and having exhibited 2 ½ years of loyal and solid performance for MCRPC. The Committee recommended to raise the salary of Jeremy Coxe to $27,000, with the understanding that the Commission overall look at salaries in the region and make further recommendations at the end of the year. A motion was made by Mr. Shipley and seconded by Ms. Ferringer to approve the salary raise of Jeremy Coxe to $27,000. The motion passed.

Mr. Puko presented the audit report prepared for the Commission by Black, Bashor & Porsch. He noted that the Commission’s financial statements for the year were acceptable and that no problems or deficiencies were found. After reviewing the audit report by those in attendance, a motion was made by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Ms. Ferringer to approve the 2000 MCRPC audit as presented and to approve of the payment of the fee to Black, Bashor & Porsch of $4,100 in accord with the audit proposal approved by the Commission. The motion passed.

MCRPC 50^TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Puko stated that the 50^th Anniversary Committee met on May 16^th. Committee members are: Jerry Johnson, Patty McAdams, Pat White, Denny Puko and Jeremy Coxe. It was noted that more committee members are desired. He stated that in December 2002 would be the Commission’s 50^th year and they would like to celebrate, recognize the organization and people involved, present and past. He also noted that he would call attention to planning and its value over the years to Mercer County and communities and recognize member local governments and attract new members. The Committee discussed proposed activities such as new logo and motto adaptable for use both in 50^th anniversary and thereafter; promotional items; commemorative booklet; school education kit; declare a week or month to celebrate planning in Mercer County; celebration/homecoming event in late-spring or summer; or a 50^th anniversary dinner with a distinguished keynote speaker to be held in December 2002. Mr. Johnson volunteered to be the Committee chairperson for the 50^th anniversary committee. The Commission noted that they would accept him to be the chairperson. After a brief discussion, Mr. Puko asked for an affirmation from everyone that the proposed activities/schedule are on the right track. A motion was made by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr. Beatty that the Commission goes ahead with these ideas, but no coffee mugs. The motion passed.

PROPOSAL FOR ACT 137 AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND

Mr. Puko stated that Mercer County is considering creating an Act 137 affordable housing trust fund to assist affordable housing projects and activities. The Mercer County Housing Authority, Mercer County Community Action Agency and MCRPC researched a proposal and proposed a workable program that includes annual applications for county funding, review and ranking by an administrative agency and a housing advisory committee. MCRPC was suggested as the administering agency for the trust fund. PA Act 137 allows the governing body of each county to increase the fees charged for recording deeds and mortgages (by no more than 100%), said new revenue to be used for affordable housing efforts in the county. An affordable housing effort would be a program or project, which increases the availability of quality housing, sales or rental, or county residents with income below the county median. Mercer County Commissioners have scheduled a public meeting for Wednesday, June 6^th, 6:00 p.m. at the courthouse to discuss a proposal to create a county trust fund to assist affordable housing projects and activities. MCRPC representatives and municipal officials are invited.

FARRELL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

Mr. Puko noted that everyone should have received in their meeting packet a proposed Memorandum of Understanding. He noted that the City of Farrell is an Act 47 Distressed Municipality, which the State has been providing financial assistance, advice and direction to the City. The State felt it would be wise for Farrell to cooperate with other organizations in the development and execution of their economic development programs. If the City of Farrell would agree to these terms, the State would provide funding to help the City employ a full time Community and Economic Development Director. Mr. Puko noted that he met with the City of Farrell and suggested that the Shenango Valley Industrial Development Corporation and MCRPC in conjunction with the City of Farrell collaborate with them on various economic development programs. A question was asked if the individual hired for the community and economic development director would fall under the jurisdiction of the City and not MCRPC? Mr. Puko noted that all of those issues have not been resolved, but the employee would primarily work for the City of Farrell. A motion was made by Mr. George and seconded by Mr. Nashtock to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding. The motion passed.

MCRPC PICNIC TUESDAY, JUNE 26^TH LAKESIDE PARK, STONEBORO

Mr. Faull reminded Commission members that the MCRPC picnic would be held on Tuesday, June 26^th at Lakeside Park in Stoneboro Borough. Ms. Julie Widel, former Assistant Director invited everyone as guests of her lake too not only partake in the picnic, but swimming, fishing, etc. Invitations would be mailed soon by MCRPC.

AUTHORIZATION FOR COMMITTEES TO ACT ON BEHALF OF FULL COMMISSION IN JUNE, JULY & AUGUST

A motion was made by Mr. Pinney and seconded by Ms. Ferringer to authorize the Committees of the Commission to act on behalf of the full Commission in the months of June, July and August. The motion passed.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Faull noted that Supervisor John Lindey has cancer and would be undergoing surgery tomorrow and asked everyone if they would please pray for him.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business or discussion, a motion was made by Mr. George and seconded by Mr. Scott that the meeting adjourns at 8:15 p.m.

Submitted and Certified By:

Clifford McCandless, Secretary - MCRPC

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

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