Meeting Minutes
MERCER COUNTY
REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday - March 28, 2000 - 7:30
p.m.
MCRPC/COG Offices
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MUNICIPALITY
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PRESENT
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ABSENT
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FARRELL CITY
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Mark A. Petrillo
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Jerry Miller
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HERMITAGE CITY
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James A. Rollinson
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Rita Ferringer
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James Pat White
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SHARON CITY
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Pat Miller
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Frank Smeraglia
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Joseph L. Baldwin
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CLARK BOROUGH
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Michael Leonetti
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Russell Shaffer
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FREDONIA BOROUGH
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Larry McAdams
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Patricia McAdams
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GREENVILLE BOROUGH
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Earl Butterfield
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Burroughs Price
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GROVE CITY BOROUGH
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Clifford McCandless
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JACKSON CENTER BOROUGH
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Angel Tharp
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Lee Tharp
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JAMESTOWN BOROUGH
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Darryl Pinney
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MERCER BOROUGH
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Jim Carnes
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Jerry Johnson
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NEW LEBANON BOROUGH
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Janice Good
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Mary A. Ziegler
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SANDY LAKE BOROUGH
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Carol Paul
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Robert W. Kaltenbaugh
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SHARPSVILLE BOROUGH
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Alex Kovach
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Bob Piccirilli
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STONEBORO BOROUGH
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Samuel A. Scott
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Brian Reiser
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WEST MIDDLESEX BOROUGH
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Linda Bollinger
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Joseph Walsh
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WHEATLAND BOROUGH
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Ray Foster
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Thomas R. Stanton
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FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP
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Jane Clark
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Mont Clark
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FINDLEY TOWNSHIP
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John B. Courtney
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Elliott Lengel
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HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP
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Russell L. Dawes
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Pamela Brown
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JACKSON TOWNSHIP
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Mary Gealy
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W. Jerry Vernam
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JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP
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Robert F. Angermeier
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Joanne Brown
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LIBERTY TOWNSHIP
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Dave Beatty
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Ron Faull
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NEW VERNON TOWNSHIP
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Frank Cochran
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Albert W. Law
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OTTER CREEK TOWNSHIP
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Richard Straub
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Paulette Young
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PERRY TOWNSHIP
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Richard Marshall
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PINE TOWNSHIP
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Fred Brenner
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Thomas B. Miller
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PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP
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Joseph A. Selnekovic
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George W. Lescisin
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SHENANGO TOWNSHIP
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Kristen Robinson
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John Draskovic
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S. PYMATUNING TOWNSHIP
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Mike Nashtock
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Mourice Waltz
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SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP
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Larry T. Gruntz
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Judy L. Hassler
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WILMINGTON TOWNSHIP
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Jeff Hoy
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Charles Garrett
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WOLF CREEK TOWNSHIP
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Jim Morton
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Mark Smith
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MERCER COUNTY
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Richard A. Mackell
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Dean Alexander
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Jean Hodge
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Patricia Meehan
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James L. Hogan
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Tom Jack
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Ethel Friede
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Paul E. Mehalko
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BOROUGHS ASSOCIATION
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David George
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SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION
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Kenneth Seamans
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COUNTY COMMISSIONER
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Brian Shipley
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STAFF
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OTHERS PRESENT
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Dennis
G. Puko, Executive Director
Julie
Widel, Assistant Director
Daniel Gracenin, Senior Planner
Lisa
Holm, Planner
Jeremy Coxe, Planner
Carmen
Reichard, Program Administrator
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Attorney
Robert G. Kochems, Solicitor
Barb
Conroy, Springfield Township
Larry
Robinson, Shenango Twp.
Brent
Mortimer, CBF Contracting
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CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jeff Hoy, Chairman, called the first
official meeting to order in the new MCRPC/COG office building at 7:30 p.m.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Ron Faull, 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.
MINUTES OF
THE JANUARY 25, 2000 MEETING
A motion was made by Mr. Scott and
seconded by Mr. Garrett to approve the Minutes of the January 25, 2000 meeting
with no additions, corrections, or deletions. The motion passed.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
A motion was made by Mr. Stanton and
seconded by Mr. Selnekovic to approve the February 2000 Financial Statement as
presented. The motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ANY AGENDA ITEM
There were no public comments.
STAFF REPORTS
Ms. Holm noted that a Growing Greener Land
Use Program would be held at the Mercer County Cooperative Extension Office on
April 4th. She stated that this is a very interesting program on
conservation zoning and conservation subdivision. If anyone is interested in
attending, she asked that they meet with her after the meeting and reservations
will be taken.
Mr. Gracenin reported that at the February
MPO Meeting, the MPO Coordinating Committee divided up $357,000 in
Transportation Enhancement monies, which was made available to Mercer County
from PaDOT for local control. A number of local projects were submitted, and the
Committee decided to fund only two of the projects: 1) Wheatland walkway for
pedestrians/students to walk to the Farrell City School District for $212,000;
and 2) the completion of a trail which was started back in 1992/93 for the Grove
City Hunter Farm for $145,000. He also noted that under the Transportation
Enhancement Program, a third project for bicycle /pedestrian/walkway for the
City of Hermitage was recommended to be submitted to the Secretary of
Transportation for review and possible funding out of an $8 million
discretionary fund.
Mr. Puko welcomed everyone to the new
office. He stated that the move was lengthy and tedious, but successful. He
noted that we are planning to hold an Open House mid-April, the same night as
the COG monthly meeting. He also wanted to give thanks to Penn Power for the
large document engineering copier, which was donated to the Commission. He
reported the Commission is in their 2nd year of administering the
Keystone Opportunity Zone Program. Both large and small business investment
occurred in 1999. Duferco restarted the idle Caparo/Sharon Steel Corporation,
investing $50+ million in fixing up the place and hired over 500 people. Also,
Sharon Tube completed construction of its cold-draw mill in Wheatland/Farrell
and invested over $18 million and will hire about 65 people. Site development
continued with clearance, infrastructure work taken place for sale at SVIDC’s
Broadway South. The old National Castings facility is being torn down. Winner
Development purchased the idle Westinghouse site and is aggressively pursuing
plans to reuse that site. He also noted that the MCHA initiated plans and
accepted private-partner proposals for redevelopment of Steel City Terrace, 100
units. He commented briefly on the new Select Sites program, which the
Commonwealth gives an opportunity for locals to apply for basically shovel ready
sites. Ten sites were selected by MCRPC, along with Penn-Northwest Development
Corporation, Penn Power and other economic and community development
organizations.
ZONING & SUBDIVISION REVIEW
COMMITTEE REPORT
Committee Chairman, Sam Scott reported
that the Committee met last week, a quorum was present, and took action on the
following items:
1. Preliminary - Major Subdivision Plan
– Woodland Professional Center – Pine Township – The Committee
reviewed the preliminary plan of lots, for sewers and streets for the 9-lot
subdivision. This proposed development is to be done in different phases. The
plan meets the requirements of the Mercer County Subdivision and Land
Development Ordinance for the preliminary plan, noting one exception.
"Acknowledging that the road, if constructed to that design, would require
a modification when it is constructed". A motion was made by Mr. Scott and
seconded by Mr. Paxton to approve the preliminary plan with this one condition.
The motion passed.
2. Major Subdivision – Preliminary
Plan – Robert Lucas – Pine Township – The Committee reviewed a revised
preliminary plan. Subsequent to the Committee meeting and in discussion with
Pine Township, finds the plan inadequate. The following conditions must be shown
prior to preliminary plan approval: the accurate contours, existing watercourses
and drainage for the site. A motion was made by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr.
Nashtock to approve the preliminary plan with the added condition that the plan
be revised to meet these requirements. A question was raised concerning setbacks
related to a few garages built close to the street. Dr. Brenner questioned
tabling this item, until all requirements are met. A motion was then made by Mr.
Shipley and seconded by Dr. Brenner that we table this item until the next
meeting. The motion passed.
3. Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment –
Shenango Township – The Committee reviewed a proposed zoning amendment
concerning Adult Entertainment Establishments. The Township is looking at
creating a new zoning district SD Special District, and would be located on land
currently zoned Industrial, north of I-80. This district would continue to allow
industrial uses and would also allow adult entertainment establishments and
restrict them to locate 1,000’ to any home, school, church, parks and other
adult uses. The Committee recommended approval of the amendment. A motion was
made by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr. Leonetti to approve this text amendment as
presented. The motion passed.
4. Grove City Shops – Pine Township
– Ms. Holm noted that this plan was not reviewed prior to the Committee
meeting last week, but the Staff has since reviewed it and will present it this
evening. This is a preliminary plan for a 5-lot subdivision with a sewer
extension. The proposed development is for commercial property. The site is
located at the corner of George Junior Road and Route 58. She noted to the north
of the site is the George Junior property; to the west is commercial property;
to the south is Grove City Borough’s Multi-Family Residential and to the east
is commercial property. The zoning in Pine Township designates this as General
Business, similar to what is occurring currently on both the properties to the
east and west. The local sewer and water requirements for this plan have been
approved by Pine Township and also Grove City Borough, since they will tap-into
their lines. The lot sizes and setbacks meet the requirements of the Mercer
County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and the local zoning, except
that in the County Ordinance there is a requirement of 50’ for access to lots
that are of sufficient size to be further subdivided. Lot #5, narrows down to an
access of approximately 30’ at one point, and the engineer is looking at
revising prior to final plan approval. If the final plan were submitted exactly
as shown, a modification request would be required for the 50’ access
requirement. Other than this requirement, all the other requirements for
preliminary plan have been met. A question was raised concerning a buffer zone
between the commercial and residential properties? It was stated that Pine
Township has a buffer requirement in their zoning ordinance. A motion was made
by Mr. Scott and seconded by Mr. Beatty to approve this preliminary plan noting
a need for a modification of the 50’ access requirement. The motion passed.
5. Ratification of actions taken at
February 15, 2000 Committee Meeting - Mr. Hoy stated that as a result of not
having a full Commission meeting in February, the Commission needs to ratify the
actions taken at the Zoning and Subdivision Review Committee on February 15,
2000. A motion was made by Mr. Shipley and seconded by Mr. Garrett to ratify the
actions taken by the Zoning and Subdivision Review Committee. The motion passed.
FINANCE-PERSONNEL COMMITTEE REPORT
Dr. Brenner, Committee Chairman gave the
Finance-Personnel Committee Report noting that the Committee met on March 23rd
and took the following actions:
1. The Committee received notice of
retirement from Marilyn Ciprich, Administrative Secretary, and recommends
accepting her retirement with regret and appreciation for 38 years of loyal
service to the Commission. A motion was made by Dr. Brenner and seconded by Mr.
Foster to accept Marilyn Ciprich’s notice of retirement. The motion passed.
2. The Committee recommends hiring Jill
Boozer to the full-time position of Secretary at an annual salary of $15,500
effective April 1, 2000. Ms. Boozer has been serving as temporary secretary
since October and has met or exceeded expectations. The proposed salary conforms
to area salaries for secretaries according to the PA Job Center. A motion was
made by Dr. Brenner and seconded by Mr. Foster to approve hiring Jill Boozer to
the full-time position of Secretary. The motion passed.
3. The Committee recommended promoting
Evelyn Wike to the position of Administrative Secretary at an annual salary of
$22,980 effective April 1, 2000. Ms. Wike has been performing the duties of
administrative secretary in Ms. Cirpich's absence since May 1999 and has been
Secretary for the Commission since 1975. Her salary conforms to salaries for
administrative secretaries in planning commissions in PA. A motion was made by
Dr. Brenner and seconded by Mr. Beatty to approve promoting Evelyn Wike to
Administrative Secretary. The motion passed.
4. The Committee received a request for
unpaid leave of absence from Julie Widel, Assistant Director beginning May 1 and
ending September 18, 2000. The leave will enable her to handle large
responsibilities of the estate and business of her recently deceased parents.
She will continue to perform some necessary functions of the Commission while on
leave. Other responsibilities will be contracted to private consultants, an
arrangement which the director and staff find workable. The Committee recommends
approval of her request for unpaid leave from May 1 to September 18, 2000. The
Committee also recommends continuation of her benefit insurance coverage during
the leave or, if such is not allowable by the Commission’s insurance carrier,
payment of equivalent compensation in cash in return for her continued services
to the Commission while on leave. A motion was made by Dr. Brenner and seconded
by Mr. Law to approve the request for unpaid leave and continue her benefit
insurance coverage during the leave. The motion passed.
CDBG COOPERATION AGREEMENTS –
GREENVILLE, PINE & COUNTY
Ms. Widel asked for approval of
Cooperation Agreements between the Commission and Greenville Borough, Pine
Township and Mercer County to administer their CDBG grants for FY 2000. These
are standard agreements adopted yearly. A motion was made by Dr. Brenner and
seconded by Mr. Garrett to approve entering into Cooperation Agreements with
Greenville, Pine and Mercer County for administration of FY 2000 CDBG Programs.
The motion passed.
ANNUAL WORK PROGRAM
Mr. Puko distributed the annual work
program to the members present. He noted that according to our Bylaws, the
Commission must approve a list of projects and work activities to be undertaken
by the staff in 2000. After Mr. Puko highlighted some of the work activities, it
was suggested that we add Farrell planning. A motion was made by Mr. Butterfield
and seconded by Mr. Gruntz to approve the annual work program for 2000. The
motion passed.
UPDATE – CURRENT PLANNING
LEGISLATION AND PROGRAMS
Mr. Puko noted that PA has been looking at
revising the PA Municipalities Planning Code, which gives communities new
planning tools and flexibility. Governor Ridge has announced that he plans to
encourage effective land use. The Governor is proposing in the 2000-01 budget,
$3.6 million to support local governments in their efforts to work cooperatively
with their neighboring communities and to develop regional land use plans.
These funds will give local governments
grants for land use planning ($2.6 million) and support added technical
assistance ($1 million) from the Governor’s Center for Local Government
Services.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business or discussion,
the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Submitted and Certified By:
Larry McAdams, Secretary - MCRPC
Mercer
County Regional Planning Commission
2491 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA 16148
mail@mcrpc.com www.mcrpc.com
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