Lancaster County Zoning and Building Permit Officials Association

CALL TO ORDER

President Lynn Stauffer called the meeting to order at 9:07 AM in the Lancaster Township Municipal Building.  President Stauffer welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that some of our normal attendees were attending a training event conducted by Don Forry’s group

MINUTES

The minutes of the previous meeting were distributed.  President Stauffer called for any errors or corrections to the minutes.  Hearing no comments on the minutes, President Stauffer noted the minutes were approved as distributed.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Treasurer Bob Mohn reported a balance, as of November 11, 2005, of $2,048.24.  A copy of the Treasurer’s report for the year 2005, to date, was distributed.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

There was no change in membership.  A copy of next year’s enrollment form was distributed to those present. 

SPEAKER

President Stauffer introduced a panel of speakers who will speak on the increased need for Child Care Homes in Lancaster County as well as the Zoning/Building Code Officials role.  The speakers are Rhea Starr, a consultant of the Early Care and Learning Team, Melissa Stueck, Director of Success by 6 of the United Way, and Louise Brown, Director of Child Care Information Service. 

Rhea Starr began the presentation by noting that Family Child Care Homes care for up to 6 children and are state licensed.  Group Child Care Homes care for 7 to 12 children and are also licensed by the state.  She noted that the children spend 8 to 12 hours in these facilities while parents work or go to school.  In the past these facilities needed inspection and approval by L&I for their state license, but with the UCC taking effect, the shift is now to local municipalities.  The problem that now presents itself is that many municipalities have no regulations or very outdated regulations which do not properly address child care providers.  Ms. Starr noted there is an increased need for more child care homes and, because of no municipal cooperation and outdated regulations, many are now operating underground so to speak without the necessary approvals. 

Melissa Stueck said the United Way of Lancaster County is trying to find ways to meet the need of providing quality, affordable and accessible child care.  She noted that, by meeting with our group, we collectively will begin to find solutions to this problem since they don’t have the funds to meet with every municipality. 

Louise Brown said the Child Care Information Service serves Lancaster County residents as a “free of charge” resource and referral service for those looking for child care providers.  Her agency is a Community Action Program which enables financial subsidy to those who qualify and enter into an agreement with them.  She also noted that her group keeps providers abreast of training opportunities and regulation changes.

All the speakers noted that they would be available as a resource to municipalities who want to update their regulations or who want information on child care homes.  They also provided the group with regulation information and website links for additional information. 

MEETING SPONSOR

Lancaster Township sponsored the meeting today and we thank Lynn Stauffer for arranging that.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. PROGRAM-  No Report  
   
2. HOSPITALITY- Rita Snavely noted that she is looking for sponsors for next year’s meetings.  
   
3. PUBLICITY- Lori McEntarfer noted that we are officially on line with our website.  She is looking for additional information to place on our website.

OLD BUSINESS

No old business was brought before the group.  

NEW BUSINESS

1.   President Stauffer noted that several software vendors approached her on the possibility of making presentations.  She solicited comments from the group.  The group’s opinion was that our organization is not where they should be, but rather a setting like the PSATS convention in Hershey.  We are looking for educational type speakers.

2.   Critique of the September Training - The group was well satisfied with the presentation and is looking for additional opportunities.

3.   Continuing Education - Bob Mohn indicated that he was negotiating with PSATS to schedule a training course for the spring of 2006.  More details will be available at our next meeting.  

MEMBERSHIP PARTICIPATION/DISCUSSION

The group discussed the use of hard-wired smoke detectors and battery-operated detectors with lithium batteries.  Several in the group noted that the battery-operated ones are currently being used, especially in the Amish/Mennonite residences.  The code does allow for the use of battery smoke detectors in non-electric situations and some remodeling instances.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be held on January 17, 2006 in the Lancaster Township Building.  President Stauffer reminded the group that election of officers will be held at our next meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

President Stauffer adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert L. Mohn,
Secretary/Treasurer