MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION,
WHICH TOOK PLACE ON
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL,
1. Roll Call
PRESENT: Baker, Geisler, Kozakiewicz,
Max, Senesac, and Slicker
ABSENT: Dowling, Svenson, Wieland
(previously arranged)
OTHERS PRESENT: Jon Lynch, Director of Planning
& Community Development; Cheri Standfest, Administrative Assistant; and 7 others
2. Organizational
Meeting
Commissioner Kozakiewicz reported on behalf of the Nominating Committee
which recommends Geisler as Chairperson and Senesac and Vice-Chairperson for
the 2002-2003 fiscal year. There being
no further nominations it was moved by Baker and seconded by Max to approve the
slate of officers recommended. The
motion was unanimously approved.
3.
Approval of the minutes of the meeting of
Senesac
moved approval of the minutes of the meeting of
4. Public
Hearings
Zoning Petition No. 493 – initiated by Birchwood Pointe Apartments to zone property at the
northwest corner of Wheeler Street and Swede Avenue from Business-A to
Residential-B. [See transcript]
5. Public
Comments (not related to agenda items)
None
6.
Old
Business
Site Plan No. 214 – request of Affordable Housing Alliance of Midland to review and approve a
site plan for construction of 22 dwelling units in four buildings at 3100
Isabella Road (M-20). Mr. Lynch provided
a brief review of the public hearing for this project conducted on June 25th. Amendments to the initial site plan were
highlighted and Mr. Lynch noted that the Transportation Department of Midland
Public Schools stated that students would be picked up and dropped off from
M-20.
Jim Pappas, project architect, noted that grading had been altered to
provide a 20’ long driveway approach at the same grade as M-20. In addition, acceleration and deceleration
lanes will be added to the driveway design.
The development will rely on cut-off lighting fixtures and the site will
be screened on the west, north, and east with a six foot tall wood fence. It was noted that the original version of the
site plan incorrectly illustrated the north property line.
Commissioner Senesac stated that the problems identified during the
technical review had been addressed and he is in favor of the plan with the
contingency items applied. Commissioner
Max also expressed support.
Commissioner Slicker stated that the proposed development density is
severe and the project is an accident waiting to happen.
It was moved by Senesac and seconded by Baker to recommend to City
Council approval of Site Plan No. 214 with contingency items 1, 4, 6, 7, and
8 identified in Staff Report SP No. 214
included. The vote proceeded as follows:
YEA: Baker, Geisler, Kozakiewicz,
Max, Senesac
NAY: Slicker
ABSENT: Dowling, Svenson, Wieland
7. New
Business
Commissioners discussed potential amendments to the Planning Commission
Rules of Procedure. Members discussed
providing opportunities for member comments on the agenda, the process of
appointing the Commission Secretary, and language addressing conflicts of
interest. Revised language will be
returned to the Commission for review as soon as the City Attorney can consider
it.
8. Communications
None
9. Report
of the Chairman
Upon
inviting Commissioner comment Commissioner Slicker discussed urbanized land
projections from the Michigan Future Trends Report.
10. Report of the Planning Director
The
Director reported on the following matters:
July 15
ZP No. 492, Public Hearing
Site Plan No. 214
July
9
SP No. 214 Action
PH ZP No. 493
Rules of Procedure discussion
July
23
ZP No. 493 Action
11. Adjourn.
Adjournment at approximately 8:04 PM was moved by Senesac, seconded by
Slicker, and unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Jon Lynch, AICP
Planning Commission Secretary
MINUTES ARE NOT FINAL UNTIL APPROVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION