MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION,

WHICH TOOK PLACE ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2001, 7:00 P.M.,

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

 

1.   Roll Call.

PRESENT:    Commission members – Baker, Garner, Geisler, Kozakiewicz, Senesac, Rapanos, Slicker, Wieland

ABSENT:     Lind (excused)

OTHERS PRESENT:   Jon Lynch, Director of Planning and Community Development; Mark Ostgarden, City Planner; Cheri Standfest, Administrative Assistant; and four others

2.   Approval of the minutes of the meeting of February 13, 2001.

It was moved by Baker, seconded by Garner, to approve the minutes of the meeting of February 13, 2001.  The minutes were approved as presented.

 

3.   Public hearings:

Site Plan No. 200 – the request of Jeffery and Shelly Weckesser for site plan review and approval of Danberry Place Townhouses, a 12-unit residential development on 1.96 acres on the north side of Universal Drive west of Hedgewood Drive [see transcript].

4.  Public Comments.

There were no public comments regarding non-agenda items.

 

5.  Old Business.

a.      Zoning Petition No. 473 – initiated by the Planning Commission, to zone property on the east side of Perrine Road south of Letts Road to Residential A-4.  After a brief overview by Mark Ostgarden, Chairman Wieland asked if there were any public comments regarding the petition.  There were no public comments, and the Commissioners engaged in a discussion of the petition.  Commissioner Senesac noted that the petition was in compliance with the Master Plan and, therefore, would support it.  Other members of the Commission echoed his comment.

It was moved by Senesac and supported by Geisler to recommend approval of Zoning Petition No. 473 to the City Council.  The vote proceeded as follows:

YEA:  Baker, Garner, Geisler, Kozakiewicz, Rapanos, Senesac, Slicker, Wieland

NAY:  None

b.      Zoning Petition No. 474 – initiated by the Planning Commission, to zone property on the west side of Jefferson north of the US-10 Expressway to Business C.  Mr. Ostgarden provided the Commission with a brief reorientation to the request. There being no additional public comment regarding the matter, the Commission began its discussion. 

Several of the Commissioners noted that while some property owners in the subject area may object to a business zoning classification, such a classification is consistent with the Master Plan and is also desirable to other property owners in the subject area. The objective is to apply a zoning classification that best serves the community.  Commis-sioners also discussed broad ramifications of zoning-based takings claims.

It was moved by Slicker and seconded by Baker to recommend approval of Zoning Petition No. 474 to the City Council.  The vote proceeded as follows:

YEA:  Baker, Garner, Geisler, Kozakiewicz, Rapanos, Senesac, Slicker, Wieland

NAY:  None

6.  New Business.

Noting a request by the petitioner to act on Site Plan No. 200, it was moved by Rapanos and seconded by Kozakiewicz to place consideration of the petition under New Business.  The vote proceeded as follows:

YEA:  Garner, Kozakiewicz, Rapanos, Slicker, Wieland

NAY:  Baker, Geisler, Senesac

The Planning Commission engaged in a discussion regarding recommended contingencies of approval.  Mr. Jeff Weckesser addressed the Commission and indicated that he would comply with all of the contingencies, noting that the proposed two-story buildings would be less than 28 feet tall (as structure height is measured to the mid-point of the eave and peak).  Commissioners noted that this plan had been approved approximately six years earlier and is identical to the previously approved plan.

Member Baker indicated that he felt it prudent to delay action on this request for two weeks but that he is supportive of the project.

It was moved by Rapanos and seconded by Geisler to recommend approval of Site Plan No. 200 to the City Council contingent upon:

1.      Structure heights will not exceed 28 feet.

2.      Site lighting will not be cast off site but will adequately illuminate building entrances and the street.

3.      The private street will be named Danberry Court.

4.      The proposed sanitary sewer main will be relocated to a position satisfactory to City staff, so that the water and sewer mains do not cross.

YEA:  Baker, Garner, Geisler, Kozakiewicz, Rapanos, Senesac, Slicker, Wieland

NAY:  None

7.                  Communications.

None

8.                  Report of the Chairman.

Chairman Wieland complimented the staff on the quality of the training program conducted for the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals on February 17th.

9.   Report of the Planning Director.

Jon Lynch provided the Commission with a brief update of City Council activity.

Mr. Lynch informed the Commission that he would not be attending the March 13th meeting, as he would be out of town.  He also noted that two public hearings on site plans are anticipated to take place on March 13th.  The projects include Granite Club Acres, a 11-unit residential complex on Gerald Court, and an 8-unit residential dwelling on Meyers Street.

Adjournment at approximately 7:48 p.m. was moved by Geisler, seconded by Rapanos, and unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jon Lynch

Planning Commission Secretary