Q. 2008-07-07 July 7th PC RegularA. ALMENA TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
JULY 7, 2008
Members present: Chairman Brian Rumsey, Matt Moulds, Nina Consolatti, Marv Flick, Steve Manning, Bill Van Tassel, and Ron Marvin. Professional Planner, Greg Milliken of McKenna Associates was also present, as were two residents.
I CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Chairman Rumsey.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA -
MOTION: Motion by Bill Van Tassel to approve the agenda as presented, second by Steve Manning. Motion approved.
III APPROVAL OF JUNE 2, 2008 PC MEETING MINUTES -
Two suggested changes were made, under III, Corrections and/or approval of May 12, 2008 PC meeting minutes; the first to read corrected, second by Steve Manning, not Jim Manning. The second correction, on page two, paragraph 3, contract versus conditional rezoning, to read corrected, which is not legal in some other states, deleting the word everywhere.
MOTION: Motion by Marv Flick to approve as amended, second by Marv Flick. Motion approved.
APPROVAL OF JUNE 16, 2008 PC WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES-
One change was suggested, under II Work Session, fourth paragraph, beginning, “Marv also added that the consensus among the board members (to be added), seems to be a two (2) acre minimum.
MOTION: Motion by Steve Manning to approve the meeting minutes of June 16, 2008 as amended, second by Ron Marvin. Motion approved.
IV PUBLIC COMMENT FOR NON-AGENDA -
Kristen Garceau, 30th St., presented two pages pertaining to the zoning ordinance draft, referenced by page numbers in the proposed draft ordinance (see attached documents). Kristen offered wind energy guidelines for Michigan, also information regarding Leonidas Township as an example of ordinance language to control CAFO’s via water rights.
V ZONING ORDINANCE REWRITE -
Professional Planner, Greg Milliken, to attend
Chair Rumsey brought up the topic of commercial for discussion. The proposed zoning plan, in regards to commercial, was reviewed. It appeared to be the consensus of the PC that they were comfortable with the status and location of the commercial as proposed. In regards to conditional rezoning, and per a memo from Attorney Kelly Page stating his interpretation of this option, there was much discussion and opinion by the PC, which resulted in a decision to leave the concept in the proposed zoning ordinance draft, for the open house purposes, but
will be reevaluated after the open house following public comment. It is a good option (tool) in the right situation, and if used correctly.
PLANNING COMMISSION - JULY 7, 2008 PAGE TWO
More discussion continued regarding commercial. Greg Milliken of McKenna will look in the verbiage (text) for commercial, commercial overlay and conditional rezoning. Marv Flick discussed the water tables of the two corridors of M-40 and M-43. Setbacks along M-43 were briefly discussed. A 200 ft. setback remains along M-43 for allowance of any future service roads.
The Planning Commission is generally comfortable with how the proposed document is written (presented), when looking at existing versus proposed language.
Chair Rumsey will be gone for the next regular August meeting, Vice Chairman Ron Marvin will be chairing the meeting.
There was discussion regarding the visuals needed for the open house and/or presentation, to be made by the Professional Planner, which have been decided upon. One additional enlargement is the schedule of regulation of the current zoning ordinance versus the proposed zoning ordinance. The items, still needed, as discussed, will be produced in large form and brought to the August meeting for final review/approval by the PC.
The Open House will be Monday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m., with a presentation to be led by Greg Milliken of McKenna Associates beginning at 6:30 p.m. lasting roughly 20 minutes, including an introduction of the PC members, with plenty of time for discussion and review of visuals on display. Greg Milliken will be on hand to answer any questions. It would be the goal of the open house, per Milliken, to attempt to simplify the large document. There will possibly be a power point presentation. Nametags will be needed for the Planning Commission, who will be available for questions and comments as well. The Future Land- Use map will be on hand, but not on display to avoid confusion/ the distinction of zoning versus land-use. There was discussion as to posting this on the website, posting in the office, and possibly a very simple reminder ad in the Courier Leader and the Flashes.
To be discussed at next months meeting: mining, water information, and PUD’s.
ADJOURNMENT -
MOTION: Motion to adjourn by Matt Moulds, second by Marv Flick. Motion passed.
Sandra B. Rickli
Secretary
Almena Township Planning Commission
