June 1, 2009
Jun 4th, 09
Pennfield Charter Township
Planning Commission Meeting
Minutes of June 1, 2009
Chairman Paul Anderson called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Members present were: Jon Bartlett, Brad Messenger, Jack Pooler, Joseph Weiss, Elaine Walter, and Curtis Whitaker. A quorum was met.
Others present: Russ Wicklund, Township Planner; Rob Behnke, Township Supervisor/Zoning Administrator; Sandra Cummings, recording secretary; a representative of Access Vision; Barbara Darlington, Deputy Supervisor; and one resident.
Meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Additions or Deletions to the Agenda
There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.
Meeting Minutes of May 4, 2009
It was moved by Brad Messenger, seconded by Jon Bartlett to approve the May 4, 2009 meeting minutes. Motion carried.
New Business
A) Discussion of Proposed Capital Business District zoning ordinance amendments:
Russ Wicklund, Pennfield Township Planner, led a discussion to hear comments concerning the Capital Business District (CBD). A draft of Chapter 13.A was provided, which outlined the Purpose, Permitted Uses, Special Land Uses, Site Development, and Design Criteria for the CBD. The goal that Pennfield Township wishes to accomplish is to incorporate a mixture of uses, both permitted uses and special uses, and possibly also residential use, while creating an esthetically pleasing downtown environment that will draw developers and patrons to the area.
It was pointed out that a five-member “Design Review Committee” could be formed, made up of two members of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), one member of the Township Board, one member of the Planning Commission and one member of the general public residing within one mile of the CBD boundary. This committee would be appointed by the township supervisor to assist the Planning Commission in conducting site-plan reviews, and shall be advisory in nature.
Input from Planning Commission members included corridor preservation, landscaping, vehicular and pedestrian traffic, lighting and general impact on nearby residential areas. Some interest was expressed in developing the Capital Business District in a “green”
Page 2 Planning Commission Meeting June 1, 2009
manner, creating alternative styles of parking, and finding alternatives to the “big-box” style of development. Use of local labor forces for new construction was mentioned. Future Planning Commission meetings will offer opportunity for the members to present more ideas regarding development of the Capital Business District.
B) Proposed Wind Energy Conversion Systems Zoning Ordinance Amendment
A discussion was held by the Planning Commission regarding proposed Wind Energy Conversion Systems Zoning Ordinance amendments. A draft was presented to the members of Section 17.07 (add - New) UU. WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS (WECS). Discussion involved the two kinds of WECS, “small turbine/on-site” systems, and “large turbine/utility grid systems”. The need for addition of Zoning Ordinance amendments has been prompted by a resident’s recent interest in installation of a small turbine unit, and the probability of more requests in the future.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Barb Darlington – next Planning Commission date is July 13, 2009, not July 6, 2009, as the office will be closed July 6th for holiday.
Rob Behnke – more discussion will be held on July 13, 2009, regarding the Capital Business District. Also, a Special Use Request from Pennfield Self Storage, LLC, will be addressed, regarding Phase II of the plan to construct four more storage units. In addition, it was announced that a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting will be held on June 8, 2009, regarding a digital reader sign variance request submitted by The Pines at Pennfield (formerly Crown Chase Apartments). Another item in the works is an addition to be built on the Independent Bank Building, located at 1295 Capital Avenue, NE.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Curtis Whitaker is happy that the Township is utilizing internet e-mail contact with the Commission members. Also, he indicated that the township needs to be careful on restricting employment to local labor forces in regard to new construction in the new Capital Business Districts.
Jack Pooler – upset that General Motors is in bankruptcy.
Paul Anderson – seniors have now graduated, please be careful.
ADJOURNMENT
Curtis Whitaker made a motion, seconded by Brad Messenger, to adjourn at 8:20 pm. Motion carried.
Sandra Cummings, Recording Secretary
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