Members present: Chairman Brian Rumsey, Matt Moulds, Nina Consolatti, Marv Flick, Steve Manning, Bill Van Tassel, and Ron Marvin. There were a few residents in attendance. Professional Planner, Greg Milliken, was also present.
I. CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chairman Rumsey.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA -
MOTION:
Motion by Matt Moulds to approve the agenda as presented,
second by Steve Manning.
Motion approved.
III CORRECTIONS AND/OR APPROVAL OF APRIL 7, 2008 PC MEETING MINUTES: There was one correction by Ron Marvin, located in the last paragraph at the bottom of page two, The word premature should be
changed to abrupt .
MOTION:
Motion by Ron Marvin to approve the meeting minutes of April 7, 2008 as amended,
second by Bill Van Tassel. All voted in favor,
motion approved.
IV PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON-AGENDA ITEMS -
Scott Goodwin, 30839 29th St., questioned the board regarding discussion of road frontage in the CARR district. Brian answered this will be discussed as part of the rewrite later in the meeting.
V CONNIE SELLES - Report on water quality review conducted by SWMPC Connie Selles, on behalf of the Van Buren County Planning Commission, reported on the findings, for Almena, as a result of the water quality review conducted by Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. She presented information to the PC members for review. A grant was issued to Almena Township one year ago as part of the river watershed project. The overall outcome was very good, but some areas were, as suggested by the SWMPC, recommended to work on during the zoning ordinance rewrite process. She shared that Almena Township is located in the Paw Paw river watershed. There is a summary document presented, and the weblink given. She shared that the Master Plan information seems to be in place per SWMPC reference. SWMPC has many sample ordinances on hand. Suggestions were given, some of which follow: Environmental checklist, possibly the PC will consider looking at environmental effects when reviewing site plans; Natural features; Open Space - contiguous to parcels; Consider adding an antifunneling ordinance to the waterfront district to ensure reasonable activity on surface water (keyholing). She concluded stating that, hopefully, Almena will be able to incorporate some of these ideas/suggestions into the new zoning ordinance. She thanked the board for their time.
Connie Selles also mentioned an upcoming Michigan Planning and Zoning Enabling Act workshop, that will be held June 10 in Kalamazoo at KVCC. If the PC registers as a group the rate (fee) would be lower. Early registration must be made by May 31st.
Findings that will be forwarded to the applicant, include the requirement of a sealed engineered drawing showing:
1- Water runoff calculations.
2- Water containment solutions.
3- Topography, showing intervals of change in topography to verify containment of water runoff (specifically due to the site being near the creek - for water runoff area).
These drawings, although being requested now for review only, are a requirement for final approval.
VI SITE PLAN REVIEW - Almena Recycling Center - Terry Boley, 43542 30th St Chairman Rumsey asked the PC their feeling of reviewing this additional information regarding the site plan without the applicant in attendance. It was the consensus of the PC, despite the absence of the applicant, to proceed with taking some kind of action. The PC reviewed the new drawing, as provided by Mr. Boley. The presentation of this new information does not appear to be complete or adequate. More detail is needed before a recommendation for approval can be made, specifically in regards to topography. Run off containment is indicated, but the slope/elevation is not shown, nor the method of containment. Calculation of volume of water, direction of flow, and how it will be contained is needed. Also, the intent, as stated at the top of the drawing, is not completely clear. It appears to be a collection (transfer) station, which should be completely indicated. It was the consensus of the PC that additional information is needed to comply; before a recommendation for approval can be made to the Township Board.
The PC tabled this decision due to lack of information at this time.
VII ELECTION OF OFFICERS - Professional Planner, Greg Milliken, offered that motions are not necessary for election of officers, only recommendations.
Marv Flick would like to recommend Brian Rumsey for (continuation of) Chairman of the PC, support by Matt Moulds.
Brian Rumsey would like to recommend Ron Marvin for Chairman of the PC, if interested.
Brian Rumsey will be glad to continue on as Chairman, providing he receive assistance by the vice-chairman, he does not have the time to dedicate solely to this. Unanimously approved.
Marv Flick made a recommendation for Ron Marvin for Vice Chairman of the PC, support by Matt Moulds. Unanimously approved.
Professional Planner, Greg Milliken, shared that, by law a three (3) member advisory board is required, consisting of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary.
The Secretary is a member of the Planning Commission, but can delegate all of the duties of Secretary.
Brian Rumsey recommended Nina Consolatti as Secretary, second by Bill Van Tassel. Unanimously approved.
Finalize the wording of the Commercial District.
Milliken, with Ron Marvin, and Supervisor, Doug Stiles sitting in. The PC then began discussions on some of the memo detailing their discussion, as summarized by Section 17.19- Fences, was discussed, in relation to Agricultural land. Minimum lot size in the AG District was discussed. There was discussion of five (5) acre minimums, and also allowing family members to possibly split the property, which would tie the property to individual family owners. Commercial was discussed at length, specifically conditional rezoning. If businesses presently have a special-use permit, conditional rezoning is something they should consider pursuing. Corridor overlay was also briefly mentioned. This is not allowable in the current draft,
but is something that can be changed (allowed), in this draft. Three-tiered level of commercial was mentioned, to be used as a tool. This memo will continue to be reviewed by the PC members, and follow up discussion on the conclusion of this memo will occur at the next regularly scheduled meeting, on June 2, 2008.
Chairman Rumsey also commented on the watershed information shared by Connie Selles this evening. Very informative and helpful information was presented, and it would be good to include this within the zoning ordinance rewrite, the question is how to include this within, and in what capacity.
This discussion regarding Commercial will be finished and decisions will need to be made at the June 2nd PC meeting. Possibly the PC will be ready for an open house in August. The PC will make a decision so this information can be included in the summer tax bill newsletter.
VIII ZONING ORDINANCE REWRITE DRAFT - Professional Planner, Greg Milliken, in attendance. Chairman Rumsey moved directly to the memo provided by Greg Milliken which was a result of the small separate meeting of Chairman Rumsey, and Professional Planner, Greg
No further discussion led to a motion to adjourn.
ADJOURNMENT -
MOTION:
Motion by Steve Manning,
second by Ron Marvin. The meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
