FYI – In these previews I may indicate a voting inclination, but it in no way means my mind is made up on an issue. During a critical hearing for the Jaindl issue, a Commissioner once spoke before public comment outlining he was voting to move forward the project regardless of what people said during public comment. That was wrong.
My hope is by doing this I open the door for conversations before public meetings. One of my biggest issues with the Jaindl debacle was people didn’t truly understand what was happening until it was “too late”. I plan on doing everything I can to make sure residents have background information and then my thoughts on issues before they come to a vote in front of the board. This is one mechanism to do that. I hope people find it useful. Please contact me at ronbeitler@gmail.com if you have any questions about any issues.
Announcements & Presentations
LMFD Chief David Nosal will present 2013 fire statistics. This will likely be posted to the township website. If not I will ask that it is.
Hearings & Approvals
None
Public Comment on non-agenda items
-There are 2 letters praising the township for enforcing the snow ordinance regulations.
-Liza Gantert the interim Parks & Recreation president writes a letter thanking township staff for support of cyclocross event. I believe this is the 3rd year of cyclocross at Camp Olympic. Here are some photos *Correction this is the 4th year of this event at CO!
-Tax collector Pat Vassilaros submitted a letter naming Daniel Vassilaros as Deputy Tax collector
Appointments to Boards
None
The solicitor is reviewing 3 new ordinances. One amending the terms of the Parks and Recreation board. This is to have the terms expire on the last day of the year as opposed to in Oct. This brings the PR terms in line with all other appointments.
Second is a weight reduction for a bridge at Wild Cherry Lane to 21 tons. This is to bring the bridge in conformance with state regulations.
Last is a new 3 way stop at Riverbend and Orchid Place. (all new traffic control signage must be accompanied with an ordinance authorizing)
Committees:
Light agenda here since the committees haven’t met in the new year yet. New committee assignments will be made this meeting. Our system in Lower Macungie places 2 Commissioners on each committee. Here is a link to a list of committees & corresponding responsibilities.
“The President shall appoint two Commissioners to each of the Committees of the Board. Such appointments shall be affirmed by a majority of the Board of Commissioners. Terms shall be for two years commencing with the second meeting in January of the year following a municipal election year, unless changed by the President with consent of a majority of the Board of Commissioners.”
President’s appointments will be as follows:
Planning and Zoning – Lancsek/Beitler
Budget Finance – Conrad/Lancsek
Public Safety – Beitler/Brown
Public Works – Brown/Higgins
General Administration – Higgins/Conrad
The Board must vote to affirm these nominations.
Planning & Zoning
The planning commission has nominated Barry Isett and Associates to conduct the East Texas comprehensive planning. We rec’d a 10,000 matching grant from the county to pay for this. The purpose of this study is to explore zoning and planning options for the East Texas area of the township.
We will explore adopting a new Village Zoning District for East Texas that allows a mix of lower-intensity commercial and residential uses. The idea is to use Traditional Neighborhood Development principles as part of infill construction or any redevelopment of parts of any portion of Day-Timers not utilized by a future tenant. Zoning should help preserve and enhance the historic character and walkability of the village.
The BOC will likely send this recommendation to Committee for consideration. It’s my hope we can get this approved quickly so that East Texas visioning lines up with the potential new owner of the Day-timers property.
These concepts as they relate to LMT are also outlined in the townships draft smart growth plan.