Land Use Board Meeting Minutes February 23, 2022

FREDON TOWNSHIP LAND USE BOARD

February 23, 2022

MEMBERS PRESENT:      Andrews, Boland, Boyle, Conklin, Deitz, Erb, Holenstein, Lazzaro, Prommel, Passafaro, and Rome

MEMBERS ABSENT:         Wilcox

ALSO PRESENT:                Mr. David Brady, Esq., Mr. David Simmons, P.E.                                              

Mr. Boland called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M. with the statement that this meeting is in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, Public Law 1975, Chapter 231, Sections 4 and 13, as advertised by Annual Notice.  If the applicant is a partnership or corporation, an attorney must represent it.  No new applications will be heard after 10:00 P. M.  No new testimony will be heard after 11:00 P. M.

Mr. Boland invited all present to participate in the salute to the flag.

Reappointed member, Mr. Lazzaro was sworn in at this time.

MINUTES

Mr. Rome moved acceptance of the minutes for the January 26, 2022 meeting as posted and waived reading.  Ms. Holenstein second.  Roll call vote: In favor, Holenstein, Prommel, Rome, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None.  So moved.

CORRESPONDENCE

As shown on the attached agenda.

RESOLUTIONS

None

ADJOURNED CASES

None

HEARING OF NEW CASES

SCARC, Inc. Application #529-2022, Block 1001, Lot 1.04,  “C” Variance –  

Mr. Jonathan Frodella, attorney for the applicant, came forward and invited their engineer to also come forward to begin testimony.

Mr. Brady confirmed that proper notice had been given for this application to proceed.

Mr. Michael Fisher, P. E. was sworn in by Mr. Brady. He stated his qualifications and was accepted as an expert in his field. Mr. Fisher handed out copies of the proposed deck expansion (Exhibit A-101 Deck Expansion Exhibit prepared by Dykstra Walker dated 2/23/22) and gave an overview of the application. The home is located at 307 Ridge Road. SCARC, Inc. is requesting to build a deck expansion, as well as provide a sidewalk as part of their emergency access plan. The extension of the deck doesn’t meet the rear yard setback. Minor changes were made to the original plan based on recommendations from Mr. Dave Simmons.

Mr. Richard Lecher, President and CEO of SCARC, Inc., came forward and was sworn in by Mr. Brady. Mr. Lecher provided testimony regarding the need for the deck expansion. He stated that the residents enjoy the deck and the expansion would allow for all of the residents to enjoy the deck at the same time. He stated that he considered it a “quality of life” issue for the residents, which is part of the core values of SCARC.  Mr. Lazzaro asked if the deck is big enough for their needs as designed. Mr. Lecher stated that it is. Mr. Rome asked about the septic, and Mr. Fisher testified that the proposed deck is not near the septic and would not impact it.

Mr. Simmons reviewed his report dated January 18, 2022.

Mr. Deitz arrived at 7:35 P.M.

Mr. Lazzaro made a motion to find the application complete as recommended by Mr. Simmons. Mr. Rome second. Roll call vote: In favor: Boyle, Holenstein, Lazzaro, Prommel, Rome, Erb, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None. So moved.

Mr. Boland asked the Board if they had any additional questions or comments. There were none.

Mr. Boland opened the meeting to the public. No public was in attendance. The meeting was closed to the public.

Mr. Andrews made a motion to approve the application as proposed. Ms. Prommel second. Roll call vote: In favor: Boyle, Deitz, Holenstein, Lazzaro, Prommel, Rome, Erb, Andrews, and Boland. Opposed: None. So moved.

OTHER BUSINESS

Discussion on Electronic Applications

Electronic delivery of applications was discussed due to the delay in postal mail delivery. Mr. Brady stated that the applicant could be required to provide paper copies as well as a digital copy. The application checklist would have to be modified to make this change. The Township Committee would need to adopt an ordinance to make it part of the checklist. Mr. Brady will contact the Township attorney to begin the process.

LIAISON REPORTS

Township Committee

Mr. Lazzaro stated that it has been relatively quiet lately. The Township Committee has been addressing the issue of excessive speeding on Running Hills Drive.

Environmental Committee

Mr. Boyle stated that the Environmental Committee recently had a meeting to review and discuss a new land use application (Chris Rudeau App #530-2022). The committee welcomed several new members.

There being no further business before the Board, a motion was made to adjourn at 8:00 P. M.  All in favor.  So moved.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Carlson

Land Use Board Secretary