May 17, 2018

There was a lengthy discussion regarding the proposed ramp design. Vice Chairman Neuer asked Mr. Pellon how they would clean snow off of the ramp; Mr. Pellon referred to photo of a ramp that was included in the application package and detailed how the snow is removed. Mr. Quentzel asked Mr. Pellon if he submitted a rendering of the ramp they are proposing; he said the photo of the ramp in the package is the same ramp that they are proposing. Mr. Quentzel stated that the Board needs to see an exact design of the ramp; he said the Board cannot vote on a ramp if they do not see a rendering of it. There was discussion regarding the side ramp not being able to take Ethan to the driveway which defeated the purpose of a second means of egress in case of an emergency or a fire. Mr. Pellon stated that they could install a concrete pad in the rear yard that would enable Ethan to get away from the house. Mr. Pellon continued with his testimony and stated that the original idea was to make the ramp as small as possible; he said that the ramp is eighty three (83) feet long and that every thirty (30) feet a 3’ x 3’ landing is required. Mr. Pellon said that this design is the least intrusive in his opinion. Mr. Pellon presented a copy of the survey, with a revision date of March 15, 2018, outlining where the ramps are being proposed that was marked as Exhibit A-3 for identification. Chairman Buechler referred to Exhibit A-3 and detailed the configuration of the ramp in the front yard for clarification. Chairman Buechler asked Mr. Pellon how far the ramp was from the fire hydrant on the street; he said that it looks to be close to the next door neighbor’s driveway. Mr. Pellon said that the ramp will be approximately twenty seven (27) feet from the fire hydrant. Vice Chairman Neuer instructed the Board Secretary to send this application to the Township’s Fire Official and have him submit a report to the Board regarding the safety issues that were addressed at the meeting. Ms. Durkin asked Chairman Buechler if all Zoning Board applications are sent to the Fire Department; he said most of them are, yes. Ms. Durkin asked if this application was sent to the Fire Department; the Board Secretary replied no. Chairman Buechler asked Ms. Durkin who prepared Exhibit A-3; she replied their engineer, Charles Stewart.