PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
Wednesday March 5, 2008
I. Call to Order - Pledge of Allegiance - Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call Doug Fleming – absent with notice
Donald Hartwick – present
Craig Landes – present
John Maahs - present
Ronald Overton – present
Richard Turcotte – present
Ulrika Zay – present
Charles Openlander – present
Beth Ball - present
Also present – Andrea Polverento, Planning Director, Amy Kinney, Planning Assistant.
II. Communications Received –
Polverento outlined the correspondence given to the Planning Commission members. Polverento updated the Planning Commission on the Auge Building Permit situation.
.
III. Agenda Approval
MOTION
by and seconded by to approve the agenda as presented.Passed unanimously
IV. Public Comment – Non-Agenda Items - None
V. Approval of Minutes
MOTION
by and seconded by to approve the minutes of 01/09/08 as presented.Passed unanimously
Planning Commission Chairman reviewed the public hearing process
Public Hearing Opened at pm
Public Hearings
A. An ordinance to amend various sections of Chapter 28 – Zoning – of the Code of Ordinances. Charter Township of Watertown, Clinton County, Michigan, to correct various errors and omissions that occurred during the codification process.
Polverento
Public Hearing Closed at pm
Unfinished Business
A. Year End Report,
proposed zoning amendments to the Watertown Charter Township Zoning Ordinance: Section 28-570 (Keeping of Animals), Section 28-566 (Temporary Buildings and Structures)
MOTION by OVERTON and seconded by LANDES that the Watertown Charter Township Planning Commission recommend to the Township Board of Trustees to approve the zoning amendments to sections 28-7 and 28-570 described in Case #07-16 TXT, for the following reasons and findings of fact:
1.) The zoning amendments are necessary to provide clarification and improvement to the existing Watertown Charter Township Zoning Ordinance.
2.) The zoning amendments address areas of the Zoning Ordinance where existing language does not adequately cover current zoning issues.
Yes – 6 No -1 Absent- 2
Motion Passed
B. Case #07-16 TXT – Keeping of Animals – Wild/Exotic Animals and Commercial Game Breeding Operations.
C. Case #07-16 TXT – Keeping of Animals – Large Animals and Lot Size Requirements.
VIII. New Business
A. Discuss wind turbines
The issue of wind turbines and their regulation was discussed briefly at the recent ORC meeting.
Polverento has had questions and comments from several residents and commercial businesses inquiring about wind turbine regulations. The most promising of these inquiries has been from the Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS). They are currently researching the feasibility of siting a wind turbine on their property on Grand River Avenue. While they were initially looking at something fairly small, approximately 35 feet, recent discussions have indicated that they may be looking at something much larger - roughly the size of a cell tower, approximately 120 feet.
There are two types of considerations to research. The first are small scale, residential or commercial wind turbines - the type that would power a home or a small business, and would be limited to one or a few turbines, sometimes referred to as "On Site Use" systems. The second are large scale, "wind farm" projects, with at least several, possibly dozens of wind turbines grouped together in an area, and sometimes referred to as "Utility Grid" systems.
Polverento would like the Planning Commission feeling on how to best proceed on this matter. She suggested that a Committee be established to conduct research, and determine how to proceed in gathering public involvement. Polverento feels this is an important issue which will require more public input then is typically received at Planning Commission meetings. Polverento also suggested that this issue be added as part of the new "energy efficiency" goal during the CDP process.
B. Comprehensive Development Plan Update
Polverento explained that the 2008 Budget includes $20,000 to obtain professional consulting services to assist in the update of the township CDP.
During the time when the CDP was last updated, the Planning Commission held two monthly meetings, one for regular business, and one to discuss the CDP.
Polverento suggested that at this time the Planning Commission set up a special, initial meeting to discuss how to proceed.
There are several items to consider, including developing a request for proposals from consulting firms, determining what aspects we would like a consultant’s assistance in, determining the portions of the plan which will require an update, analyzing the recent survey as it relates to the CDP, updating the FLUM, and many others. As this is expected to be a lengthy process, Polverento feels that a separate meeting to determine the course of action would be a good idea. She also understand that Commissioners may wish to consider assigning a select group of commissioners to a CDP update committee
C. Robert’s Rules of Order Training
IX. Committee and Staff Reports
A. #9; Executive Committee Report – None
B. Ordinance Review Committee Report – Report of meeting 1-31-08
C. Site Plan Review Committee Report – Courtsey Review of Wacousta Elem.
Polverento explained that the applicant has requested courtesy Site Plan Review approval for the demolition of approximately 3,121 square feet of concrete walkway and pavement, construction of a 927 square foot building addition (kitchen and entryway) and reconstruction of 2,341 square feet of concrete walkway and pavement surrounding the new construction. Minor playground improvements will also be incorporated into this project.
D. Board of Trustees Report - DRAFT Minutes 1/21/08, 2/19/08– Maahs presented the Board of Trustees Report.
E. Zoning Board of Appeals - None
F. Non-Motorized Circulation Plan Committee Report – None
G. Environmental Affairs Committee Report - None
H. Capital Improvements Committee Report – None
I. Comprehensive Development Plan Update Committee – Set Meeting date
J. Staff Report -
1. Assistant’s Report – January & February 2008
2. Zoning Administrator’s Report – January & February 2008
Comments and Questions from Audience, Staff and Commissioners -
XI. Adjournment
MOTION by and seconded by to adjourn the meeting.
Passed unanimously
Meeting was adjourned at p.m.
Date approved:
_____________________________ _____________________________
Ron Overton, Chair John Maahs, Acting Secretary