SWARTHMORE PLANNING COMMISSION (SPC)
Minutes of January 15, 2003 Meeting
Borough Hall Council Room

The meeting was convened at 7:35 PM, with Jay Woolford presiding. Jay Woolford was elected chairman and Steve Laxton (attending) vice chair. Jay introduced new members Leslie Price and Tim Kearney. Also attending: Joan Apt, Nancy Crickman, Susan Wright, Tom Shaffer and Ed Heller. Susan Wright was appointed recording secretary.

Minutes of the December meeting were approved as noted.

There was a discussion of rules of conduct for Planning Commission members. It was agreed that inter-commission e-mail communication would be acceptable for administrative details, interchange of information, proposals for discussion, but not for substantive debate or discussion. Susan Wright is to draft a statement regarding rules of the posture appropriate for planning commissioners in different situations for discussion and review at a future meeting.

A Bed and Breakfast Ordinance passed by Borough Council was received for information.

Borough Council has given us a Natural Feature, Conservation, Landscaping, Buffering, Screening and Lighting Ordinance for study.

A Multi-Municipal Comprehensive Planning Executive Committee will be formed upon the funding of the multi-municipal comprehensive planning project. Susan volunteered to represent the Planning Commission at that body after the funding comes through.

The need to review the Land Development and Subdivision Ordinance was discussed. There is a concern that it is geared toward larger developments and may be somewhat too onerous for the protection we need in Swarthmore, and there are some procedural problems with waivers for minor subdivisions that need to be addressed.

Lisa advised the Planning Commission that Council's Planning and Zoning Committee had decided to prepare the first draft of the revised accessory structures ordinance, which it would be forwarding to the Planning Commission for its review.

A discussion was held on the Historic Resources Committee status. It was agreed that Planning Commission would review October minutes, Goals and Objectives statement, and November minutes. Ed noted his concern about identifying all relevant structures for the Survey.

Bulk zoning (tearing down existing structures and rebuilding with larger, less desirable structures) Ordinance will be considered at future meeting.

Susan Wright reported that there are State Requirements for Home Occupation. Does Borough have any additions to statutes? Borough Council wants the Planning Commission to consider neighborhood impact.

Lisa Aaron, representing Borough Council, advises that local business owners want to have the sign ordinance reviewed. They believe that larger signs should be permitted.

Susan Wright noted that State law requires a report from Planning Commission to Borough Council by Mar. 1 and that it was her belief that a summary made from the minutes of the Planning Commission would probably fulfil this requirement.

Jay requests Home Occupation review and Historic Commission Statute in future. In the event that the Planning Commission thinks a change to any Borough ordinance is advisable, Susan Wright suggested that the Planning Commission should make a statement in support of that request. The draft framework for the adjustments to zoning for the inn property will be reviewed at the February meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Ed Heller