LEWES PLANNING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes April 18, 2012

The regular meeting of the Lewes Planning Commission was held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. in Lewes City Hall in accordance with proper notification with the following present: Chairperson Mike Mahaffie, Nina Cannata, Mike Tyler, Joe Hoechner, John Zechiel, Candace Vessella of the Board of Public Works, Building Official Henry Baynum, Ex-Officio City Councilwoman Barbara Vaughan, City Manager Paul Eckrich and Recording Secretary Jackie Doherty. James Linnen, Kay Carnahan, Jody Ware and City Solicitor Glenn Mandalas were excused. City Council members Victor Letonoff and Fred Beaufait were also present.

1. Presentation and consideration of the March 29, 2012 regular meeting minutes.

ACTION: Mr. Zechiel made a motion to approve the March 29, 2012 regular meeting minutes as corrected; Mr. Hoechner seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mr. Tyler did not vote because he was not present at the meeting.

Ms. Cannata requested the two cases discussed by Mr. Hoffman at the March 29, 2012 meeting, in reference to DNREC and water buffers and a case involving a challenge to zoning codes, be placed on the May agenda.

2. Presentation and consideration of a request by Tom King, owner of property located at 117 Schley Avenue (SCTM 3-35-8.08-133.00, R-4) for a minor subdivision into two (2) lots.

Mr. King was present and provided copies of the site plan.

Mr. Baynum read the DRT report into the record stating the application is for a minor subdivision; located in a residential, medium density R-4 district with a warehouse containing a small office area; frontage is located on Schley Avenue; subdivide 6,522 square feet off the canal into the property to create a single-family lot; proposed lot would be zoned R-4; water, sewer and electric are available; minimum of two off-street parking spaces need to be provided for the new lot and six for the warehouse; original shed was removed, the ramp filled in and all violations were corrected for the warehouse to remain on the partial lot.

Mr. King stated the plan was to subdivide the lot for a single-family home leaving the warehouse in place now that the property has been zoned residential. Mr. King said the shed had been removed, ramp filled in and the bump-out at the canal end has been straightened. The hedge in front of the main part of the warehouse will remain since there is still room for parking, but the small hedge at the new lot will be removed.

Mr. Baynum stated he has spoken to Mr. King in reference to the zoning changes to the property.

ACTION: Mr. Tyler made a motion to recommend to Mayor and City Council approval of the request by Tom King, owner of property located at 117 Schley Avenue (SCTM 3-35-8.08-133.00,R-4) for a minor subdivision into two (2) lots according to the new design submitted; Mr. Zechiel seconded the motion.

Alan Vessels, 112 Schley Avenue, stated he has spoken to Mr. King about the parking and is concerned that it is inadequate. More parking spaces are needed to keep traffic off the street. Mr. Vessels said he is also concerned about other activities in the commercial building.

Mr. King stated the front hedge could be removed to provide more parking in front of the building

Mr. Baynum said there could not be any changes to the warehouse activities with the zoning change. Mr. King stated the building will be used for medical record storage with the office in front used by Beebe Medical Center.

Ms. Cannata stated she is concerned there will be a duplex built on the single-family home lot because of the size. Mr. Baynum said this would be very difficult since there would be changes to the setbacks and number of parking spaces required.

1 ACTION: Mr. Mahaffie stated there is a motion and a second and called for a vote, the motion passed unanimously.

3. Continued Review of the Subdivision Ordinance Rewriting Project.

Mr. Mahaffie stated this agenda item would be postponed until Ms. Carnahan, Mr. Baynum and Mr. Mandalas meet again for discussion.

Mr. Mahaffie apologized for not having the agenda items requested at the March 29 meeting on tonight's agenda. This was because the March meeting was late in the month after being rescheduled from March 21st.

4. Reports and Updates: Mayor & City Council, BPW, CARC, LBPAC, HPC, PRC, Issues of General Interest

Mayor & City Council: Ms. Vaughan reported Mayor and City Council met on April 9 and approved the emergency well for Beebe Medical Center; received resolution from the library to stay within the City; discussed alcohol consumption in the parks, this was not resolved and are waiting to see if there is any impact from the party given by Friends of Canalfront Park where beer and wine will be served; charter changes because of redistricting were discussed; agenda items on redistricting and the need to accept the lowest competitive bids were discussed; approval of LPC recommendation for the Bryan property subdivision including input from the city solicitor in reference to the easement; Linda Palmer and Alan Keffer were reappointed to the Historic Preservation Commission.

Mr. Mahaffie thanked Ms. Vaughan for all her work and contributions to the Planning Commission since this will be her last meeting tonight.

BPW: Ms. Vessella reported the Board of Public Works will have a Wastewater Treatment Plant tour tomorrow, April 19, from 10:00 A.M. to Noon with a light lunch served at Noon. On May 4 there will be a workshop meeting to discuss the budget from7:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. The next BPW meeting will be on May 16 at 7:00 P.M.

LBPAC: Mr. Tyler reported the Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Committee had a meeting on March 14. The comprehensive plan was updated including new goals and aims including more bike racks, silent police locations and to promote "Bike to Work Week" from May 14 to May 18. Mayor and City Council issued a proclamation naming May as bicycle month which is also national. On May 18 Mayor Ford will lead a "Bike to Work Day" beginning 8:00 A.M going through the streets in town. There will also be tee shirts with "Bike to Work Day" printed. Curbing and crosswalks that are not conforming to ADA standards will be identified. Cycling may be added to the "Lewes Steps Out" fitness program; July will be promoted as Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Month. Mr. Tyler stated he has not heard back in reference to the application for Lewes to be named a Bicycle-Friendly City; consider adding core values in regards to the health benefits of cycling and walking as suggested by Mr. Letonoff; there will be a walk on April 26 for "Walkable/Bikeable" Delaware from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the Biggs Museum in Dover.

Mr. Mahaffie stated the website Pathways and Trails is available and shows a map of planned trails. There is also a plan to identify the walking portion between DART bus stops in Lewes with a sidewalk and pavement audit to identify intersections and advise DART and PARATRANSIT on ADA standards.

CARC: Mr. Zechiel stated there was no meeting scheduled for CARC in April.

HPC: Ms. Vaughan reported HPC will be holding a workshop meeting with Russ McCabe discussing the historic connection between Milton and Lewes and a demonstration on saving and working with historic windows by Steven Rogers and Rusty Laporte on Friday, May 11 at 7:00 P.M. in the Lewes Public Library.

PRC: Ms. Vaughan reported PRC discussed the identifying signs planned for each of the parks. The ad hoc sign committee suggested each sign be similar to the sign in George H.P. Smith Park in the design and colors, Lewes flag be on the sign, no metal materials, held by poles similar to the 'Welcome to Lewes' signs on Second Street. This was accepted by PRC. Arbor Day will be celebrated in Zwaanendael Park on April 27 with a dedication honoring Bailey Lester.

2 Issues of General Interest:

Ms. Cannata stated the City of Lewes, Cape Henlopen High School and Jefferson Awards are holding a food drive for the Food Bank of Delaware. Information, bags, list of items needed and a list to sign if you want the items picked up at your home are available in the lobby of City Hall.

Mr. Mahaffie stated he is invited to a meeting of the Scenic Byways Advisory Committee on April 30th and will be attending and report at the LPC meeting in May.

Mr. Eckrich stated DelDOT is planning a workshop meeting at City Hall on May 17th from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. to discuss Rails to Trails.

ACTION: Ms. Cannata made a motion to adjourn; Mr. Tyler seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Jackie Doherty, Recording Secretary Lewes Planning Commission

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