Pennfield Charter Township
Planning Commission Meeting
Minutes of August 3, 2009
Vice-Chairman Brad Messenger called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Members present were: Jon Bartlett, Brad Messenger, Jack Pooler, Joseph Weiss, and Curtis Whitaker. Elaine Walter and Paul Anderson were excused. A quorum was met.
Others present: Russ Wicklund, Township Planner; Rob Behnke, Township Supervisor/Zoning Administrator; Sandra Cummings, recording secretary; and a representative of Access Vision.
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 July 13, 2009
A motion was made by Jon Bartlett, seconded by Jay Weiss to approve the July 13, 2009 meeting minutes. Motion carried.
New Business
No new business.
Old Business
A) Proposed Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) Zoning Ordinance
Discussion was held by the Planning Commission regarding proposed Wind Energy Conversion Systems Zoning Ordinance amendments. Russ Wicklund, Township Planner, was on hand to answer any questions the board members had regarding the language of the proposed amendments. There were no changes made to the original draft other than a correction to a typographical error. The proposed amendments will be posted for a Public Hearing on September 14, 2009.
B) Proposed Capital Business District (CBD) Zoning Ordinance
Discussion was held by the Planning commission regarding the proposed CBD Zoning Ordinance. Discussion centered on corridor preservation, and the possible adoption of a new zoning district map, which would encompass the Capital Business District and the three areas in the township which originally were split-zoned. It was pointed out that it
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would be an advantage to have the rezoning of the CBD area in place first, before any commercial enterprises come along wishing to construct new developments.
Another area of discussion involved the formation of the DDA Board. The Board will consist of nine members. It was pointed out that the Pennfield Township Website will be a good source in information in regard to all the upcoming zoning changes and other areas of interest.
After the Public Hearing for the proposed Zoning Amendments, the amendments will be sent to Calhoun County Planning for recommendation.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
No citizen comments at this time.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Jack Pooler wants to remind everyone that the recycling program is going very well, and is open every fourth weekend of the month at the Pennfield Jr. High School parking lot.
Brad Messenger indicated that the summer is waning and school will soon be in session again, watch out for children. Also, he mentioned a dangerous curve on Purdy Road near the elementary school, many close calls. Rob Behnke will investigate the situation. Rob Behnke also mentioned that the intersection at Pennfield Road and McAllister Roads is being reconfigured into a “T” intersection.
Next Planning Meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2009, with the Public Hearing on that day also.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Curtis Whitaker, seconded by Jon Bartlett, to adjourn at 7:16 pm. Motion carried.
Sandra Cummings, Recording Secretary
