It is an eye opening experience when one is exposed to how things are suppose to be done, verses how things are actually carried out. I will be the first person to admit that "textbook" solutions will not always work in the real world; however, the textbook approach and Delmont's current practices are so far apart no wonder that our Planning Commission doesn't feel like they are a vital part of Delmont's future and they have nothing to do.
What are the major deficiencies in the way Delmont's Planning Commission as I see them so far based on what I learned. 1) Delmont Council does not support the efforts of the Planning Commission at all. This may sound harsh but a) The Planning Commission is not given any funding in the current budget. b) There is no mandate from Council that Planning Commission members receive the most basic of training to learn their jobs. c) Council has not provided the Planning Commission the most rudimentary of the basic tools to fulfill their role. ( Note: I need to research further the extent of our subdivision Regulations and Standards for creating Community Assets;our Zoning Ordinances;The extent that Delmont has incorporated the Municipal Planning Code: and, if Bylaws exist for the Planing Commission) For example, We do not have a Comprehensive Plan and the only Capital Improvement Budget Items the Borough currently has listed are 1) Boiler and 2) Wheeled Vehicle. Most government entities that have a Plan include such items as Storm Sewers, Sanitary Sewers, Fire Equipment, Parkland Purchases,Road improvements, municipal building repairs and others. Currently, we look at most of these areas on an annual basis. d) I am not sure that our Planing Commission has a set of bylaws for consistency that clearly outline the Governing body's expectations for the Commission. Finally, Government bodies that take Planning Commissions seriously usually have one or two elected officials who are also on the commission.
Here is something to think about in regards to the proposed Shield's Farm project. Planning Commissions are suppose to have the municipality's demographics and trends. This information is to be taken into account in decisions. (I am not sure about Delmont's information, but I am going to research this as well) Major trends discussed in PA demographics suggest 1&2 person households are the fastest growing household types. The number of households with children is decreasing and the number of childless households is increasing. If these trends are true in Delmont, is increasing the number and type of baseball fields in our community really the best use for our town's most valuable resource?
Well, I am going to end this post here. I have a number of questions to send to our solicitor in an e-mail based on what I have learned. But before I go, what are some actions that can be taken? 1) Personally, I am going to get answers to all the points mentioned in this post. 2) I am going to get a copy of the Municipal Planning Code. 3) I have acquired all the Ordinances of Delmont and want to read them all, but will concentrate on the ones pertaining to planning. 4) I will continue working with my ad visors on Delmont Community Out reach. 5) I will research the possibilities of bringing other planning commission trainers into our area.
What can all citizens of Delmont do? 1) Encourage all members of Council to take the Planning Commission Seriously. 2) Persuade Council to appoint some elected officials to the planning commission. 3) Get serious about using the consultant and Develop a Comprehensive Plan for Delmont. 4) Encourage council to possibly consider paying the planning commission a small steepen 5) Encourage Council to pay more attention to Capital Expenditures and include Planning objectives. 6) Develop groups and start discourse about what you want your community to be like 75 years or more in the future and work to the end.
I had to take great pause at mentioning 75 years in the future, because I started thinking back when I was a child and placed some items in the time capsule that was buried, How very different Delmont was back then.....How many historical treasures were lost.....I can't help thinking that a Comprehensive Plan could have preserved that. And....... I can't help thinking how much Delmont could change again until the time capsule is opened in I believe it will be about 17 more years, perhaps to its determent if we continue to fail to plan for the future.
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