SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING – October 22, 2009
1.) CALL to ORDER
Chris Niemann, Planning Commission Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:04 P.M.
2.) ROLL CALL:
• PRESENT: NIEMANN, IAGNEMMA, HOFFMAN, BOEHMER and RAMAGE
• ABSENT: NONE
• ALSO PRESENT: Township Engineer, J. David Gardner
Township Solicitor, Jonathan Arminas
3.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
It was moved by Hoffman and seconded by Ramage to APPROVE the minutes for September 24, 2009. Boehmer abstained due to being absent from the September 24, 2009 meeting.
4.) OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A. Review and discuss F-08-09, Bursca Plan of Lots, Minor Subdivision, 3107 Washington Pike, Zoned C-2.
There was no one in attendance for this application.
Mr. Gardner reminded all in attendance that this application was tabled at the September meeting. He stated that revised plans have been received from Gales Engineering, which addressed many of the review comments presented at the last meeting. Members of the Planning Commission (P.C.) discussed and reviewed the comments presented in the Twp. Staff review letter, and Mr. Gardner stated that the remaining comments were minor in nature.
It was moved by Iagnemma and seconded by Ramage with all members present voting AYE to approve the Minor Subdivision of the Bursca Plan of Lots, (F-08-09), in accordance with the review comments as presented in the Twp. Staff Review Letter dated October 16, 2009.
B. Review and discuss SP-06-09, Gillece Warehouse, Land Development Plan, 3000 Washington Pike, Zoned C-2.
In attendance was Tom Gillece, owner; Ed McClory of C. Tucker Cope & Associates, Inc.,
and Scott Rusmisel of Gateway Engineers.
Mr. Gardner reminded all in attendance that this application was tabled at the September P.C. Meeting. Mr. Gardner stated that since the subject meeting, the applicant has enlisted the services of Gateway Engineers to assist him in the site plan review process. He continued by saying that revised plans were received by the township; and the plans addressed many of the review comments listed in the P.C. Letter that tabled this application.
Members of the P.C. reviewed and discussed the comments presented in the Township Staff Review Letter dated 10/16/09. Points of discussion included concern that the applicant had not properly identified/classified what the proposed use of building would be. Mr. Gillece responded that the building was primarily for storage of his machinery and equipment. Members of the P.C. questioned if the proposed expansion would be used as a “contractor’s business” or a “contractor’s yard”; due to the fact that a “contractor’s yard” is NOT permitted within the C-2 Zoning District. Mr. Gardner stated that a meeting between the Township Administration and Mr. Gillece was held previously, where the administration outlined in-depth to Mr. Gillece what he was permitted to construct/perform in this zoning district, and how the township would be handling enforcement of these zoning restrictions. Mr. Gillece again stated that he is fully aware of what he is – and is not – permitted to do within the C-2 Zoning District.
Discussions were held with respect to the location of some of the proposed landscaping; specifically along the Chartiers Flood Authority property boundaries. Members of the P.C. expressed concern that the plans indicate that landscaping is to be constructed on property not owned by the applicant. After various discussions, the applicant stated that they would either get written permission from the Flood Authority or relocate the subject landscaping.
Members of the P.C. questioned if the revised plans had adequately addressed the previous concern(s) of what the proposed use(s) of both the existing and proposed buildings would be and how that would impact the required parking spaces. Mr. Gardner referred all to the parking table included in the revised site plan submission. The subject table provided an itemized breakdown on the different uses in each building, the number of parking spaces required as a result of the different uses, as well as the proposed number of parking spaces.
Further discussions were held with respect to the PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP). Mr. Gardner informed all P.C. Members that he has had discussions with PennDOT’s Permit Department regarding this application and was informed that an HOP Permit was actually never granted to the previous owner of this property (Burgunder Dodge). Gateway Engineers stated that they are in the process of submitting an application for an HOP, and that they have met with PennDOT in an effort to expedite the review/approval process. After further discussions, the applicant was informed the township could issue a building permit for the proposed building but that NO occupancy permit will be issued until written verification is received, informing the township that an HOP has been issued by PennDOT for this property.
The applicant’s engineer and representative presented a colored rendering of the proposed building as well as samples of various materials proposed for use during construction. Discussions were held with respect to the prominent location the building will hold within the township, and how important it is that the building be similar in color and material(s) with the existing structure. Mr. Gillece stated it was always his intention to have the building be symmetrical with the existing structure and that he fully understands the importance this commercial property has within South Fayette Township.
It was moved by Iagnemma and seconded by Ramage with Niemann and Boehmer voting AYE and Hoffman abstaining to approve the Land Development Plan of the Gillece Warehouse (SP-06-09), in accordance with the review comments as presented in the Twp. Staff Review Letter dated October 16, 2009. In addition, approval is dependent upon the following:
• The applicant must complete a new application letter, which properly outlines the zoning use of the proposed building.
• The township must receive verification from PennDOT with respect to the status of the Highway Occupancy Permit for this location.
• The color rendering of the building submitted and discussed at this meeting should be included in the review files for this application.
• Documentation must be received from the Chartiers Flood Authority, granting permission to the applicant to construct landscaping on the Flood Authority’s property as shown on the plans.
5.) NEW BUSINESS:
A. Review and discuss SP-07-09, South Fayette Twp. Municipal Authority Garage, Land Development Plan, Presto-Sygan Road, Zoned PED.
In attendance were Jerry Brown, Manager of South Fayette Municipal Authority and John Nawry of KLH Engineers.
Mr. Brown reviewed for all in attendance the background history with respect to the reason(s) for this proposed building and subsequent site plan application by the S.F. Municipal Authority (SFMA). Mr. Gardner stated that he has reviewed the comments contained within the Twp. Staff Review Letter with both Mr. Brown and the Municipal Authority’s engineer. The applicant has already agreed to revise their drawings to reflect the township’s review comments.
Mr. Brown stated that the proposed landscaping and lighting would be installed/constructed by EQA Landmarks during the work associated with the Newbury Development. The reason for this is related to previous written agreements between EQA and the SFMA. Mr. Gardner stated that he does not see a conflict or a concern with respect to EQA’s responsibility for this work. He requested that notes be inserted on the plans, specifically outlining and detailing EQA’s responsibility.
It was moved by Hoffman and seconded by Iagnemma with all members present voting AYE to approve the Land Development Plan of the South Fayette Twp. Municipal Authority Garage (SP-07-09), in accordance with the review comments as presented in the Twp. Staff Review Letter dated October 16, 2009.
B. Review and discuss proposed “draft” ordinance for Gas Well Facilities.
Mr. Gardner stated the Board of Commissioners has instructed the solicitor to prepare a legal opinion of this matter, which would outline the township’s rights and permitted responsibilities. He further stated that a draft ordnance was received from Mr. Arminas, and that he has met with Mr. Arminas separately to review the draft.
Additionally, member of the Board of Commissioners and the Township Administration attended a tour of a gas well facility located in the Houston area. Mr. Gardner stated that the tour was very informative and suggested the members of the P.C. also participate in a tour to get a better understating of the work associated with gas well installation and operation.
After further discussions, members of the P.C. agreed that a special meeting should be held before the next regularly scheduled meeting, specifically to discuss this topic. Members of the P.C. instructed Mr. Gardner to advertise for a special meeting to be held on November 18, 2009.
6.) OPEN DISCUSSIONS
A. November/December Regular Planned Planning Commission Meeting.
Due to the holidays, it was agreed to have a November/December Combination Meeting on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at the regular scheduled time of 7:00 P.M. Mr. Gardner stated that this meeting has already been publicly advertised.
B. Advertise for Public Hearing for Proposed revisions to the Conservation District Ordinance
Mr. Gardner stated that a public hearing will be advertised for the next regularly scheduled meeting to receive comments on proposed changes to the new zoning ordinance identified as Conservation District (CD-1). Since the ordinance was adopted, suggestions have been made with respect to proposed uses within the district. The Board of Commissioners has requested that the P.C. review the proposed changes and make a recommendation to the Board.
7.) ADJOURNMENT
At 9:25 P.M., it was moved by Ramage and seconded by Hoffman with all members present voting AYE to adjourn this meeting.
______________________________ _______________________________
Michael W. Hoy, Township Secretary Chris Niemann, President
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