Land Use Board Minutes

LAND USE BOARD MEETING 
Meeting Minutes 
July 16, 2018 
DRAFT

MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrews, Benes, Boland, Boyle, Conklin, Erb, Lazzaro, Prommel, Rome, Smith

MEMBERS ABSENT: Holenstein, Richardson, Wilcox

ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Lyn Aaroe, Esq., Mr. David Simmons P.E. 

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

New member, Mr. William Conklin, was sworn in at this time.

MINUTES
Ms. Prommel moved acceptance of the minutes for the June 18, 2018 meeting as posted and waived reading. Mr. Rome second. Roll call vote: In favor: Andrews, Boland, Erb, Lazzaro, Prommel, and Rome. Opposed: none. So moved.

CORRESPONDENCE 
As shown on the attached agenda. 

RESOLUTIONS
Conklin Application #513-2018 Block 1803 Lot 1 “C” Variance Application 
Mr. Boland motioned to approve the Resolution for C variance as decided upon by the board at the June 18, 2018 meeting. Ms. Prommel second. Roll call vote: In favor: Andrews, Boland, Erb, Lazzaro, Prommel, and Rome. Opposed: none. So moved.

HEARING OF NEW CASES 
Huff Application #514-2018 Block 1603 Lot 3.03 Variance and Lot Line Adjustment Application
The applicant, Mr. William Huff and his attorney, Mr. William Haggerty, came forward to describe the project. The project seeks approval to permit minor subdivision (lot line adjustment) to convey property from Block 1603, Lot 3.09 and annex that property to adjacent property known as Block 1603, Lot 3.03. Each property is improved with a single family home. Each property is currently undersized. Variances will be needed for minimum lot area for both lots and minimum front yard and side yard for Block 1603, Lot 3.09 (preexisting). The applicant is proposing to construct a detached garage on a portion of the property to be subdivided from adjacent Lot 3.09 and annexed to the applicant’s property. The lot line adjustment would not affect existing wells or septics or ingress or egress to either property.

Mr. Simmons, the township engineer, reviewed his report. Prior to the case being discussed, it was discovered that several property owners within 200 feet were not notified of this application. It was decided that it was not appropriate to hear the case at this time. Mr. Lazzaro made a motion for administrative completeness subject to County Approval and notification to property owners previously omitted. The applicant doesn’t need to re-publish in the newspaper. 
Mr. Boland second. Roll Call Vote: In favor: Andrews, Benes, Boland, Boyle, Erb, Lazzaro, Prommel, Rome, and Smith. Opposed: none. So moved. 


ADJOURNED CASES
None. 

OTHER BUSINESS
Review of Escrow Fees – A discussion was held regarding the current escrow fees. Mr. Aaroe indicated that the escrow fees should be reviewed every couple of years to make sure that they have a close relationship to the actual costs. If they are not adequate, then the ordinance needs to be updated to reflect current costs. Applicants should have a better idea of what it will cost so that the final bill is not as much of a surprise. It was decided that the current escrow fees are inadequate and need to be reviewed. Escrow fees from other local towns will be requested and provided to the Board Members for review before a final determination is made.

Fredon School – Mr. Smith stated that Fredon School is supposed to submit long range plans to the Land Use Board. The last one was submitted in 2006. Mr. Aaroe stated that the purpose of the long range plans is primarily for expansion projects/major construction, not for normal upgrades to the building (new roof, furniture, bathrooms). Mr. Aaroe suggested that Mr. Smith, representing the Township Committee, ask the attorney for the Board of Education to write a letter on his/her position referencing Section 31 of the Land Use Law.

LIAISON REPORTS

Township Committee
Mr. Smith reported that the Township is re-doing the website. Also, a fireworks issue has been addressed.

Environmental Committee
No Report

There being no further business before the Board, Mr. Boland made a motion to adjourn at 8:16 P. M. Mr. Smith second. All in favor. So moved.


Respectfully submitted,


Patricia Carlson
Land Use Board Secretary