MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION,

WHICH TOOK PLACE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2001, 7:00 P.M.,

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

 

1.   Roll Call

PRESENT:    Baker, Garner, Geisler, Senesac, Slicker,  Rapanos, Wieland

ABSENT:      Lind

OTHERS PRESENT:   Jon Lynch, Director of Planning and Community Development; Mark Ostgarden, City Planner; Cheri Standfest, Administrative Assistant; Sally Sutton, ZBA Member, and 5 others

2.   Approval of the minutes of the meeting of June 12, 2001

Member Senesac noted that his vote on item 6(a) is recorded as both yea and nay.  He voted nay and requests that the minutes be changed to reflect that vote.

It was moved by Rapanos, seconded by Slicker, to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 12, 2001.  The minutes were approved as amended.

 

3.   Public hearings

None.

 

4.   Public Comments

None.

 

5.      Old Business

a.      Zoning Petition No. 479 – the request of John Popp to rezone property on the west side of Plumer Street between Austin Street and Bay City Road from Business C to Industrial A.  Mr. Lynch provided a brief overview of the public hearing regarding this matter conducted on June 12th.  At the conclusion of the overview there was no additional public comment.

Planning Commissioners discussed the fact that the future land use map in this area illustrates commercial land uses but that the existing uses were rather industrial in nature.  Members felt that the industrial zoning classification would be more in keeping with existing land use patterns, is supported by the goals of the Master Plan, and is generally supported by landowners in the area.

Chairman Wieland stated that the petitioner should take care to improve and landscape his property in a manner similar to the trucking company to the south.

It was moved by Baker and seconded by Slicker to recommend to the City Council that Zoning Petition No. 479 be approved.

Vote on the motion:

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

NAYS:  None

ABSENT:  Lind

b.      Site Plan No. 206 – the request of Grainger Associates, on behalf of RPF Oil company, for site plan review and approval of a 3,590 square foot convenience store / gas station / car wash at 4816 Bay City Road (the southwest corner of Bay City Road and Rockwell Drive).  Mr. Lynch reviewed the items discussed during the public hearing conducted on June 12th.

During the hearing, Commissioner Rapanos requested that the proposed curb cut locations be closely examined by Stan Cool, consulting traffic engineer.  Upon review, Mr. Cool remains confident that the proposed curb cut locations will function well now, and in the future, given traffic volumes, intersection alignment, and trip generation characteristics of the proposed gas station / convenience store.  Commissioners discussed further the position of the curb cuts, concluding that the proposed locations are acceptable.

It was moved by Senesac and seconded by Kozakiewicz to recommend approval of Site Plan No. 206 contingent upon:

1.      The Rockwell Drive access is relocated approximately 20 feet south so as to align with the travel aisle between the pump canopy and the building.

2.      The property owner retains the right to provide a future physical connection, if determined desirable, to the site at the northwest corner.

3.      An easement for utilization of the off-site storm water retention basin is provided.

4.      Storm water facility design and retention calculations are approved by the Engineering Department.

            Vote on the motion:

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

NAYS:  None

ABSENT:  Lind

6.  New Business

      None.

7.  Communications

An article from the Planning Commissioner’s Journal regarding barriers to better development was provided.

8.  Report of the Chairman

Chairman Wieland recognized the efforts of outgoing Commissioners Tom Lind and Steve Rapanos.  He thanked them for their hard work and dedication.

9.   Report of the Planning Director

CITY COUNCIL

ACTION – JUNE 25, 2001

Ø      Tentative and final approval granted to preliminary plat of Hearthstone Estates No. 3.

Ø      Public hearing scheduled for Zoning Petition No. 477 (July 23rd)

Ø      Public hearing scheduled for Zoning Petition No. 478 (July 23rd)

 

10.  Adjourn.

Adjournment at approximately 7:33 p.m. was moved by Senesac, seconded by Baker, and unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jon Lynch, AICP

Planning Commission Secretary