MINUTES

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD

REGULAR MEETING

AUGUST 20, 2003

Chairman Giordano called the meeting of the Mendham Township Planning Board to order at 7:35 p.m.  

ROLL CALL:

Present:  Mr. Giordano, Mr. Tolley, Mayor Pierson, Mr. Majorossy, Mrs. Kinsel, Mr. Timpson

Absent:  Mr. D’Emidio, Mr. Mountain

Also Present:  Mr. Falcon, Attorney

Absent:  Mr. Kimball, Planner; Mr. Balut, Engineer; and Mr. Aubin, Environmentalist

SALUTE TO THE FLAG

ADEQUATE NOTICE OF MEETING of the Mendham Township Planning Board was given as follows:  Notice was sent to the Daily Record and the Observer Tribune on January 9, 2003 .  Notice was posted on the bulletin board in the Township Hall in Brookside , New Jersey , on January 9, 2003 , and Notice was filed with the Township Clerk on January 9, 2003 .

STATEMENT OF EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE:  “In case of an emergency requiring the evacuation of this room there are two emergency exit doors along the side that you entered.  In the foyer you may then either exit down the open stairwell to the exterior or enter the enclosed stairwell and exit to the exterior at the bottom.  Then please move away from the building until instructed that it is safe to re-enter.”

MINUTES FOR APPROVAL – None

Chairman Giordano apologized to the members of the Board for having to table the discussion of the draft Historic Preservation Ordinance due to the uncertainly surrounding the closure of Town Hall between sundown and sunrise by order of the Mendham Township Fire Official.    He noted that the meeting room violations had been corrected and approved for use late this afternoon but the office area across the hall is not yet approved for access after sundown. 

VON POELNITZ

Application 02-07

Mr. Falcon led the discussion with a review of the resolution he had prepared and circulated, and noted that it recites the nature and variances requested, summarizes the testimony presented on behalf of the applicant, and states the Board’s findings. 

Mr. Osmun stated that he read the resolution and finds it acceptable.

Mrs. Kinsel inquired as to whether this is a private driveway or private road and a full discussion ensued.  Mr. Osmun noted that the map lists it as a private road, and Mr. Falcon stated that he would eliminate any reference to private driveway and amend the resolution to say private road throughout.

Mayor Pierson confirmed with Mr. Osmun that Mr. Von Poelnitz has not yet decided when any work on this subdivision would be initiated.  Mayor Pierson noted his continuing concern about Township procedures being adequate enough to ensure that, if Mr. Von Poelnitz waits several years to start work on this subdivision, the resolution pops right up with all its nuances and it is there and understood by everyone.  Mr. Falcon stated that Mr. Mountain was satisfied that by logging this information into the GIS System, the requirements would pop up when the construction permit is applied for.  Mr. Osmun noted that the requirements will also be in the developer’s agreement and recorded, and there will be a note on the subdivision plat that refers to the guarantee. 

Mr. Majorossy noted for the record that he has listened to the recorded proceedings of the July 16, 2003 , PB Regular Meeting and has signed the Certificate of Absent Member and is therefore eligible to vote.

Mrs. Kinsel raised the issue of encouraging private roads over public roads, and the need for the Board to have standards in place regarding the naming of these private roads.  Mayor Pierson stated that we have not been consistent and noted that if the homeowner chooses to use a concrete marker, they must request it from the Township and are responsible for the cost of the marker and its installation. 

Mr. Tolley made a motion to approve Resolution PB-03-18 as amended; Mrs. Kinsel seconded the motion, vote all aye.

CORRESPONDENCE

Chairman Giordano referred to a letter received this evening from Mr. Brian Hayes, Chairman of the Tree Protection Committee, regarding Irene’s Spring Tree Farms, and the Board Secretary will copy the applicant/attorney. 

Chairman Giordano referred to the NJDEP and Morris County Planning Board invitation to a presentation on the “Big Map” on September 8, 2003 , and noted that this is a presentation that Mr. Kimball should attend and report back on at a subsequent meeting of the Planning Board.  Mr. Majorossy offered to check his schedule for his availability to attend as well.

Chairman Giordano asked everyone in attendance to kindly take notification of the Order of the Mendham Township Fire Official so that everyone is familiar with the emergency exit door locations. 

ADOURN

There being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded, all aye, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Hope Warrington, Secretary