During the meeting, the board addressed ordinance 0435 concerning family home daycares in residential zones. The ordinance, set for a public hearing and potential adoption at the council’s upcoming meeting, sparked considerable debate among board members. One member expressed significant apprehension, recalling past environmental safety issues at childcare facilities, including a notable incident involving mercury exposure that led to health complications for children. This member emphasized the need for comprehensive environmental assessments before homes could be used as daycare centers, advocating for regulations that would require environmental professionals to evaluate properties.

Another board member highlighted that family daycare regulations are less than those for commercial daycare centers, which must adhere to comprehensive safety standards. The board discussed the feasibility of including environmental compliance requirements in the ordinance. Concerns were raised about the potential for unregulated expansion of family daycares, with examples given of facilities starting with a few children but later expanding without proper licensing or environmental clearance.

The practicality of enforcing such regulations and the township’s capability to monitor compliance were debated. Suggestions were made to append a recommendation to the ordinance mandating adherence to environmental safety guidelines. The conversation concluded with a consensus to formalize these concerns in a resolution to forward to the governing body.

The meeting also included the approval of several site plans and subdivisions. Notably, case number SP115 J Howell LLC received preliminary and final site plan approval for phase one and preliminary approval for phase two, including ancillary variance and design waiver relief. The motion for approval was made by Mr. Cristiano and seconded, receiving unanimous support from eligible voters.

Subsequent resolutions involved proposed amendments to Chapter 188 of the Land Use article. One resolution aimed at amending titles and definitions was passed unanimously after a motion by Mr. Mercer and seconding by Mr. Greenfield. Another resolution sought to add a section for farm-related special events, also receiving unanimous approval.

Further approvals included submission waivers for case number SP-11 127 by Diversified Acquisitions LLC and final major subdivision approval for case number SD-2998 for Wadsworth Development LLC. The latter involved modifications such as the addition of snowmelt inlets and a detention basin for improved drainage. After confirming compliance with various technical items, the application was moved for final approval without opposition.

A proposed subdivision application for a 16.7-acre site on Church Road was also discussed. The plan involved establishing six new single-family homes while retaining the existing home on a 9.19-acre lot designated for open space. The proposal included a new road with a cul-de-sac, compliant with Residential Site Improvements Standards, and provisions for adequate parking. Concerns were raised about tree replacement, with the board recommending against granting a woodland management waiver and emphasizing the importance of consulting with the board’s tree expert.

The development plan also included a private homeowners association responsible for maintaining stormwater management systems, compliant with Department of Environmental Protection requirements. Given the lack of access to public water and sewer services, the installation of private wells and individual septic systems was deemed feasible through soil testing.

Another topic was the designation of open space versus agricultural land. The board debated the efficacy of homeowners associations in maintaining open spaces, with some members advocating for a conservation easement to prevent future clearing or development. The need for a refined plan that clearly separates the existing home from the open space and ensures compliance with the 20% preservation requirement was emphasized.