LOWER MILFORD TOWNSHIP

SPECIAL JOINT MEETING

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND PLANNING COMMISSION

Thursday, June 29, 2006

MINUTES

Present:            Board of Supervisors Richard Harris, Arland Schantz, and Donna Wright

                        Planning Commission Members Eileen Howatt, Ann Frey, Lois Gadek, Denise                                      Holub, Jean Schock, and Ted Zapach.  Ellen Koplin, Twp. Mgr.

The meeting came to order at 7:42 pm.

John Theilacker of Brandywine Conservancy, and Sara Pandl of Pandl Associates, a professional land planner who is sub-contacted by Brandywine, were present to give an overview of the services Brandywine Conservancy, a non-profit organization, offers in municipal and private consultation. 

A slide presentation was given outlining the various types of zoning provisions designed to conserve open space:  TDR’s, Cluster Design (Growing Greener), Agricultural Zoning, and Resource Protection Overlay.

The use of a municipalities’ “Official Map” was explained.  Future roads could be designated and properties could be identified for open space interest, giving the municipality the right of first refusal if the property were listed for sale.

John answered questions concerning TDR’s.  He indicated that as of now, none have crossed boundaries.

Board Chairman Harris called for a short recess for John and Sara to pack their equipment and thanked them for their presentation.

The meeting resumed with Board Chairman Harris requesting feedback from the Planning Commission concerning the other two proposals received, Spotts, Stevens, & McCoy and Rettew which are both engineering firms with planning departments.

A discussion took place concerning planning consultation provided by engineering firms versus a conservancy. 

Denise Holub, Planning Commission member, made a motion to recommend to the Board of Supervisors retaining Brandywine Conservancy as the planning consultant for Lower Milford’s Zoning Ordinance, subject to receipt of a favorable scope of service and price quotation.  Ann Frey seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Other discussion took place concerning how the grant for the regional group would be applied for and coordination between consultants.  Charles Schmehl of URDC will be the consultant for the other regional members and he will also be preparing a quote for Lower Milford.  If the quote from URDC is itemized, a copy will be forwarded to Brandywine to assist in the comparison of services. 

The meeting adjourned at 10:20 pm.