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08/24/2016 Public Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Warren County Commissioners Public Meeting

August 24, 2016 12:00 p.m.

Jackson Courtroom

 

Commissioner Cindy Morrison called the meeting of the Warren County Commissioners to order with Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin and Commissioner Jeff Eggleston present.

Staff Present: Pam Matve, Chief Clerk, John Shreve, Fiscal Director Judith Albaugh, Lori Bimber, Karen Beardsley, Ed Burris, Mary Kushner, Angela Faga, Linda Critzer, and Mike Lyon

Citizens Present: Brian Ferry (WTO), James Decker, Charmell Feaster, and Arden Knapp

Public Hearing:

Commissioner Cindy Morrison stated that today we are holding a public hearing on three text changes to the Warren County Zoning Ordinance, she deferred to Mike Lyon, Zoning Officer at this time for review.

Mike Lyon stated that Article VI, Section 602 we are looking to remove the work “retail” from lumber yards, Article VI Section 602 we want to add personal storage buildings as a listed permitted use in ACR, R1and R2 zoning districts, and of course Article IV Section 401.50 “back yard chickens as a permitted use in ACR, R1 and R2 zoning districts.

With most the discussions taking place on the “back yard chickens”; Commissioner Cindy Morrison asked how many people were involved in discussions. Mike stated that this has been in discussions well before he came on board with the county. There was a committee of at least 12-20 people ranging from the zoning committee as well as residents.

Charmell Feaster spoke and stated that she was part of this group and everyone likes to have fresh eggs, and by allowing a setback of 40 feet rather than the normal 150 feet this will be feasible.

Commissioner Cindy Morrison went on to ask about the fees and permits, to which Mike stated that the permit cost is $15.00 just as any other permit. Commissioner Cindy Morrison also asked about Roosters, to which it was stated that roosters are not allowed, nor is free range.

Arden Knapp asked about the smell, and has this been taken into consideration. Mike Lyon stated that yes, this is addressed and they have to follow the manure ordinance.

Commissioner Jeff Eggleston asked Mike Lyon to point out any other major changes, and Mike stated that this is the major change. Other than the setback, this is all new.

After no other comments or concerns, Commissioner Cindy Morrison closed the public hearing at 12:19pm and the normal meeting resumed.

 Old Business:

New Business:

 Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston to approve the minutes from August 3, 2016. Motion carried unanimously.

Fiscal Report: Fiscal Director Judith Albaugh stated there was cash on hand of $915,390.00 and in the restricted account a balance of $743,032.00. Accounts payable for this week is $100,401.00. Judy stated that there is nothing out of the ordinary to report.

Motion was made by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston to approve the fiscal report as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

Agreement with the PA Fish & Boat Commission for the space on the Watson Tower: Motion was made by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston to approve the five year agreement with the PA Fish & Boat Commission for lease of space on the Watson tower for radio use as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

 Acceptance of Attorney John Shreve as County Solicitor: Motion was made by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston to approve the appointment of Attorney John Shreve as the solicitor for Warren County.

Commissioner Jeff Eggleston stated that with the resignation of our previous solicitor we did a brief and speedy search for a new solicitor. It was a difficult decision to make with the very qualified applicants we had. I was very pleased with my discussions with Mr. John Shreve.

Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin echoed Commissioner Jeff Eggleston feelings, and I feel this will work out.

Commissioner Cindy Morrison stated that with the new board of commissioners and many issues, the attorney I would have chosen gave a lower rate, and was raised in Warren County. With that being said I look forward to building a professional relationship with Mr. Shreve.

After no further discussions the above motion was called and the motion carried two to one noting Commissioner Cindy Morrison stating nay.

 Proclamation – 2016 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day: Motion was made by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston, seconded by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin to adopt the proclamation proclaiming September 9, 2016 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness day in Warren County. Motion carried unanimously.

 Resolution #3073 Fair Housing Resolution: Motion was made by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston, seconded by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin to approve and adopt the Fair Housing Resolution #3073. Motion carried unanimously.

 Proclamation – Remembrance and Commemoration of 9-11: Motion was made Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston to adopt the proclamation to proclaim September 11, 2016 as Remembrance & Commemoration of September 11, 2001. Motion carried unanimously.

 Ordinance 244 adding the definition of Lumber Yard and removing “Retail”: Motion was made by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston to allow the text changes of Ordinance 244 removing “retail” from lumber yard. Motion carried unanimously.

 Ordinance 245 adding the definition of Personal Storage Building: Motion was made by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston to allow the text changes to Ordinance 245 allowing the changes for personal storage buildings. Motion carried unanimously.

 Ordinance 246 Adding “back yard chickens” Motion was made by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston, seconded by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin to allow the changes to Ordinance 246 allowing back yard chickens.

Commissioner Cindy Morrison stated that she feels these proposed text changes will be a burden to the residents of Warren County.

Commissioner Jeff Eggleston stated that this will allow for more people to have chickens in a zoned area, which will give them fresh eggs. I also feel that the annual fee will allow for the watching very carefully so that they are complying with no free range and they also follow the manure ordinance.

Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin stated that he does to a certain extent echo Commissioner Cindy Morrison’s feelings with its more government involvement but this is coming from the people as to something they want.

Commissioner Cindy Morrison also stated that 20 people on a committee does not represent everyone in Warren County. I believe the footage could be changed to accommodate without having an annual fee.

After no further discussions the above motion was called and the motion carried two to one noting Commissioner Cindy Morrison stating nay.

 Resolution #3074 Farm Colony property utilization: James Decker gave a brief explanation as to the challenge of development with the wet lands restrictions. Shults Auto would like to expand their property to a lot across from their current lot on 62 but it is designated wet lands; so in order to develop this land the wet lands designation must be lifted, and a new lot designated. He went on to state that the newly designated wet lands area in the farm colony will in no way affect the ball fields.

Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin stated that he feels this will help prepare for future development, support a local business, and help the organizations at Farm Colony with storm water management. It is a win, win, win situation.

After no further discussions the above question was called, and Commissioner Cindy Morrison stated that she does apologize that she did not do the research she wanted to do before today’s meeting therefore she abstained from voting.Motion carried with two votes.

 Agreement with Vision – Web hosting of Assessment database: Motion was made by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston, seconded by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin to approve the agreement with Vision Software with regards to the assessment records and online access in the amount of $7,500 per year. Motion carried unanimously.

 Agreement with National Fuel Resources: Motion was made by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston to table this agreement as what is presented is a three year agreement and everyone thought it was to be a one year agreement. Motion carried unanimously.

 Homeland Security Grant Program Agreement: Motion was made by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston to approve the agreement with PEMA regarding the homeland security grant program. Motion carried unanimously.

 Municipal Police Cooperative Agreement: Motion was made by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston to approve the Municipal Police Cooperative Agreement for 2016. Motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin stated that he would like to commend the camaraderie between all the agencies that are involved with this agreement and how well they work together.

 Agreements for the Homeless Assistance Program through Salvation Army: Motion was made by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston, seconded by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin to approve the agreement with the Salvation Army for the implementation of the homeless assistance program for 2016-2017 in the amount of $29,028 to cover case management, emergency shelter, and housing assistance. Motion carried unanimously.

Agreements for the Homeless Assistance Program through Warren Forest EOC: Motion was made by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston, seconded by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin to approve the agreement with Warren Forest EOC for the implementation of the homeless assistance program for 2016-2017 in the amount of $29,027 to cover case management and housing assistance. Motion carried unanimously.

Human Services:

Children & Youth:

Request for additional funding for C&Y county match: Motion was made by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston, seconded by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin to approve the additional $94,844.60 in county match due to the unforeseen costs in placement of our juvenile placements and our unfortunate audit results. Motion carried unanimously.

Commissioner Cindy Morrison stated that this is funding to cover already placed juveniles in outside facilities, and zero dollars goes to personnel costs.

Children and Youth Needs Based Plan: Motion was made by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston, seconded by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin to approve the 2017/2018 Children and Youth Needs Based Plan and the 2016/2017 Children and Youth Implementation Plan. Motion carried unanimously.

 Citizens Comments/Concerns:

 Ed Burris asked if the expansion of the Farm Colony if a traffic study has been done to which it was stated that there will be no increase in traffic patterns as Shults Auto will be expanding on the property across from their current lot on Route 62. This is lifting the wet land designation from one parcel to another.

Commissioner Comments/Concerns:

Adjournment: Motion was made by Commissioner Benjamin Kafferlin, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Eggleston to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned 1:23 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,                                                                     Approved:

Pamela J. Matve                                                                                  Jeff Eggleston, Secretary

Chief Clerk                                                                                           Warren County Commissioner