Single Family Conservation Development Committee
Minutes
June 21, 2000
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ron Atkinson at 7:00 p.m. Ted Berr, Andy Bushman, Jeff Fanger, Irene McMullen, Kevin Metcalf, Renee Paolino, Todd Petersen, Todd Ray and Secretary Paula Friebertshauser were present.
Mr. Fanger moved and Mr. Berr seconded to approve the minutes of May 25, 2000, as written. Motion carried.
Ms. McMullen informed the Committee that she had received information from the Geauga Soil & Water Conservation District. She explained that in regard to conservation easements they are going to have policies in place soon. Ms. McMullen also received a draft of Grand River Partners’ first conservation easement. She also spoke with Kirby Date about contacting a local member of the Land Conservancy in Chardon.
Mr. Petersen told about a Stephen Small seminar he attended. He felt it was Mr. Small’s opinion that conservation easements aren’t much to worry about – they are enforceable. The seminar seemed to support Eddie Dengg’s comment about the ratio challenged.
Mr. Ray commented that he thought the Chagrin River Land Conservancy would like to play “coach” to the process. Mr. Fanger volunteered to contact the conservancy.
Mr. Atkinson explained that he and Ms. Roussey have worked on drafting zoning regulations that would apply to the township using part of Kirby Date’s information and Portage County.
Referendums were discussed and Mr. Atkinson agreed to look into the matter.
Mr. Bushman explained that he will be getting access to a digital camera and will be able to cut and paste into a document. He is using the list the Committee put together plus extras from the Land Use Committee. Mr. Berr suggested adding aerials to the plan. It was mentioned that maybe slides could be made for a public presentation. Mapping was also discussed.
Todd Ray, Todd Petersen and Jerry Petersen visited a conservation development called Deer Run in Richfield County. Mr. Atkinson questioned how the process works with the EPA. Mr. Petersen explained that the EPA gets involved if there is an onsite facility that is considered offsite because it’s not on a two-acre lot. Mr. Ray explained that the greatest appeal was that there wasn’t any surface effluent – it’s contained and can be reactivated. There was also no odor or saturation point. Mr. Petersen commented that there is more flexibility with an off lot system. It was discussed whether it was the committee’s charge to look at onsite versus offsite. Todd Petersen volunteered to contact someone from the EPA and find out how they are involved.
Mr. Atkinson again reiterated from a prior meeting that Lorrie Sass felt 1-½ acres was defensible and that density neutral is the key. Ms. Roussey commented that in looking at several examples in the Countryside Manual they all seem to have access in a common area for a leech field. Mr. Fanger added that if there were a replacement field in the common area it would protect large lot zoning.
Single Family Conservation Development
Meeting Minutes – June 21, 2000
Page 2
Mr. Atkinson suggested that the Committee doesn’t indicate lot size or septic type in the report but instead say that there are options and variations that need to be further looked at with the important issue being density neutral. Mr. Ray suggested letting the developer decide which option and then have an appropriate regulatory body with the technical and legal know how behind it to decide. All members agreed.
Mr. Fanger wondered if the committee could put a preamble that shows a clear, defined desire for density neutral.
It was agreed that members would continue to work on the draft plan and email any information to Mr. Berr ().
The next meeting is Wednesday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Petersen and Ms. McMullen will not be able to attend.
Mr. Atkinson adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
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Ron Atkinson, Chairman Paula Friebertshauser, Secretary