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The New Castle City’s Planning Commission Meeting took place on Members Present: Dr. Jack Norsworthy, Chairman Members Absent: George Freebery Staff Present: Douglas Lloyd, City Planner City Staff Present: Building Official Jeff Bergstrom City Council Members Present: Janet Churchill, John Gaworski Mr. Steele called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Roll call was taken. Approval of Minutes – Mr. Steele made a motion to approve the minutes of the 4/23/07 meeting as presented; Mr. Tatum seconded the motion. The motion was passed by unanimous vote. Discussion on Comprehensive Plan Updates & Review -- At the last meeting the Mayor asked to bring additional input regarding the comprehensive plan to this meeting but he is not present. In addition, City Council passed a resolution to move forward with the University of Delaware (UD). (Members received the resolution.) Mr. Bird asked what the impetus of the resolution was. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes expect in the report. (Brief discussion followed about what to present to Council.) Dr. Norsworthy informed that city staff is currently reviewing the action plan to determine what has been done and what has not been done. That input would then be used with the annual report which is required yearly by the state. (Discussion about the budget history of the Planning Commission and the amount to be requested at the budget hearing followed.) Mr. Bird asked what the Planning Commission currently has in its budget. Although he doesn’t have the exact amount Dr. Norsworthy feels we have approximately $2,000 available through 7/1/07. The Council gave us $10,000 last year and we should request an additional $10,000 that would include the annual report update plus the annual report for next year. Community outreach would come out of the budget also. The rest of the operating budget would be for general consultants and other expenses. Mr. Steele will speak with Jackie Seneschal of KCI to see if a report was prepared for 2006 that we have not received due to the change in city planner. It was suggested that Cathie Thomas, City Administrator, make contact with the State Planning Office to determine what is expected from us, i.e., whether they want to receive the 2007 plan or do they want past reports. It was also suggested that contact be made with Mr. Inden to learn whether a 2006 comprehensive plan implementation activities report was on file. Mr. Simpson made a motion to direct the City Administrator to inquire from the State of Delaware whether they have on file the annual report from the City of New Castle for the year 2005 and if not what does the state require with the information we are currently updating regarding our comprehensive plan and our activities. Mr. Bird seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken with affirmative votes cast by all members. Planning Checklist Review – Dr. Norsworthy reported that he has not addressed this issue. Mr. Steele made a motion to table the item until the next meeting. Mr. Simpson seconded the motion. Mr. Lloyd informed that he has completed Planning Commission Meeting Minutes a section of the checklist that addresses the planning process pertaining to steps for site plan review, subdivision review and Historic Area Commission review and will provide the information to Planning Commission members at the end of the meeting. Budget Review -- Dr. Norsworthy asked if anyone had any suggestions regarding the action plan that we feel needs to be a priority to recommend to Council. Council’s Request to Review Ordinance #451-Dangerous or Vacant Buildings to be known as Section 141-19-Annual Registration of Vacant Buildings and Registration Fees – Mr. DiAngelo expressed concern about the period of time to be considered a vacant building. (Discussion followed about the definition/parameters of a vacant building.) Mr. Bergstrom reported there are substantial fees involved with getting permits when you have a vacant building and the idea is to eliminate vacant buildings. It encourages occupancy. There is no distinction between commercial and residential properties. The previous city solicitor has reviewed the document. He added that this type of ordinance is becoming very popular. Mr. Simpson feels that anyone who has a property they are maintaining that is vacant should fall under this. Any vacant property is an object for other people to do something with. That building is susceptible for use for something it shouldn’t be used for. Mr. Bird looks at this ordinance as a tool to look at abandoned/vacant/run down buildings and charge the owner with a registration fee encouraging that owner to come forward and do something with that property. There is no fee associated at this time. Mr. Bergstrom believes this ordinance is firm. Mr. Steele made a motion that we recommend Ordinance 451 to Council upon review from the city solicitor. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bird. A roll call vote was called. The motion was approved by unanimous vote. General Discussion – None.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Adjournment – Mr. Steele made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Bird seconded the motion which was approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Turner
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