I wanted to highlight a letter we rec’d in our agenda packet this week. It’s from my friend Bob Rust. Bob was the attorney representing residents when together we fought the ill-advised spring creek Jaindl rezoning before I was on the board back in 2010. I first got to know Mr. Rust then. I rely on him today for advise and council.

Below is his letter. First, some background. The issue is a proposal to exempt the township from municipal ordinances on a limited basis. Here is a copy of the text. 

This is a very common ordinance that many (most?) municipalities have already have in place. There was an argument made by staff and our solicitor to adopt it as a way to streamline certain municipal projects. The recent catalyst was the township having to go in front of our own zoning hearing board to exceed the allowed light standard height for new ball field lights that will be installed at Wescosville park this spring. Having to do this slowed down the process and took staff time and resources.

That being said, given the strong objection by our planning commission, outlined best by Mr. Rust’s letter below I think our recommendation to approve this was a mistake. And perhaps even a little bit shortsighted. Like many things in life “everyone else is doing it” is not always a good enough justification. Yes, this would make things alot easier for staff and the board.  I don’t believe the move would have impacted transparency directly (since there is still always very public process) but the main problem is it creates a perception issue.

My goal is to hold this township to higher standards. There isn’t anything more I would add then what was outlined by Rust below. He is correct. This was a needed reminder. I will not be supporting the exemption ordinance Thursday. 

Related: Mr. Rust is currently on our planning commission. He was a few years ago on the zoning hearing board but was unceremoniously not re-appointed by the Eichenberg/Conrad board. I believe till this day it had less to do with Rust’s qualifications or performance and more to do with the fact he opposed the township during the Jaindl issue. When I got on the board it was a priority for me to find a position for Rust. We did that last year by putting him on the Planning Commission. This reconfirms the reasons I felt it was so important. We need to fill volunteer positions with moral compasses like Bob.