A) CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Hess called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM at City Hall- 2nd floor.
Chairman Hess read the Planning Commission public hearing procedures. (See attached)
Members present: Hess, Staley, Cross, Dobulis, Hodgson and Flanders,
Members Excused Gully, Kusina and Whitney
Staff Present: Wiesner, Harsch and Manore
B) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
None
C) APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Agenda was amended to allow the City Manager to present the Capital Budget at the beginning of the meeting.
D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. The Minutes of January 10, 2004 were approved as submitted.
E) CORRESPONDENCE
None
F) PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Hearing to consider an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Section 5.82(23) – Special Uses in the C-1 district
Mr. Harsch presented proposed amendment 5.82(23) that would regulate large retail development in the City. (see attached)
Mr. Greyerbiehl, 309 Nettleton, applauded the Planning Commission and City Council for their continued work on this amendment. He pointed out that the City and surrounding Townships are moving in the right direction, based on where the community is going.
Mr. Hoffman, 12272 Country Club Drive (President of “Our Town”) This non-profit organization has been working on drafting ordinances to stop big box stores. Through a joint initiative, a consensus was reached that we need to maintain our small town character. This organization is in favor of the proposed ordinance amendment. He pointed out that there may be the possibility of future funding to look at additional language that would cover the entire region.
Mrs. Cross asked how this amendment compares with Charlevoix Township. Mr. Hoffman stated the Township came up with a building limit of 90,000 sf. However, any building over 20,000 sf would require a special use permit with impact studies.
Mr. Harry Golski, for Todd Wyatt who is the managing partner of Captain’s Corner. They are in favor of this ordinance. There is concern that the proposed language could prohibit Captain’s Corner from being rebuilt if it were destroyed by fire. He suggested language that would allow shopping centers as special uses, with language addressing individual retailers.
Mr. Harsch stated he had no problem with that suggestion. He pointed out that the proposed language does address “any single retailer”.
Mr. Golski offered to work with Mr. Harsch and the City Attorney to draft additional language that would address shopping centers.
Mr. Hodgson agreed, stating that Staff, our Attorney and Mr. Golski work together on this amendment.
Motion by Cross Supported by Hodgson
To table the public hearing to amend Section 5.82(23) of the Zoning Ordinance to allow Staff, Mr. Golski and the City Attorney to rewrite the proposed language.
Ayes: Hess, Staley, Cross, Dobulis, Hodgson and Flanders
Nays: None
Motion Carried
G) OLD BUSINESS
None
H) NEW BUSINESS
1. Review of the Capital Budget
Mr. Wisner reviewed the following items with the Commission:
General Fund (C-4) reviewed some of the listed items.
Cemetery Plan (C-5) He stated there will be a report regarding the disposition of the existing cemetery chapel.
Airport(C-8) He stated the City is planning to build a snow removal equipment building. We received 95% funding on the items listed. The Building cost will be $1,554,000 based on the size of our airport. Mrs. Cross suggested that this price seems quite high.
Fire/Ambulance(C-9) Mrs. Cross asked why Charlevoix does not have services for heart patients. Mr. Wiesner stated that Chief Ivan and one additional firefighter are attending paramedic school, with licensing for that area.
Mr. Hess questioned why we need a new well at the golf course. Mr. Wiesner pointed out that the 5”-6” well is failing and that this is cheaper to produce water with a new well.
Mr. Staley pointed out that this is “untreated” water which is a savings.
DDA (C-7),Airport (C-8), Infrastructure (C-10), City Hall (C-11), Mt. McSauba (C-12), Electric Fund (C-13), Sewer Fund (C-14), Water Fund (C-15), Marina Fund (C-16), Motor Pool (C-17), Public Works (C-18), DPW (C-19).
Mr. Wiesner also reviewed the progress of the GIS and the new 50 scale aerial maps the City is using. Mr. Hess expressed surprise that the Christmas lights will cost $52,000 over two years.
DDA plan amendments have been included in your packets. Mr. Hess stated that since all capital improvements and plans are to be reviewed by the Planning Commission, why these plans have never been brought to the Commission.
Mr. Wiesner stated that staff has presented the capital plan to the Planning Commission once a year, after it has been put together. There is no excuse why the plan was not brought to you prior to this meeting.
Mrs. Cross stated that she would like more time to review this proposal. Mr. Flanders pointed out that he did not get his copy until today.
Mr. Staley stated it is an excellent plan which needs to be completely understood before we rule on it. We need more than one reading.
Mr. Dobulis asked the effect of tabling this item. The Act requires a 2/3 majority vote if the Planning Commission turned down this proposal. He pointed out that City Council has a work session regarding this proposal.
Mr. Hess requested that a letter be sent to Council explaining why they tabled action on the budget.
Motion by Cross Supported by Staley
To table action on the Capital Plan to the meeting of March 14, 2005 to allow the Commission additional time for review.
Ayes: Cross, Hess, Staley, Hodgson and Flanders
Nays: Dobulis
Motion Carried
Mr. Harsch suggested that each Commissioner read the Planning Act: Section 125.39(9) Municipal planning commission; public works; powers of council, failure to act; program. It identifies what areas the Commission should be dealing with such as streets, parks, other public ways, open space and public building construction.
G) OLD BUSINESS
1. Continued discussion of amendments to address “Site Condominiums”
Mr. Harsch felt that the second “site condo” sample was more than the City needs, since the scale of the City is so small. He suggested that one review by the Commission would be enough, especially since Staff also conducts an intensive review.
Mr. Harsch stated he would draft new language to be presented to the Commission.
2. Continued discussion – Comprehensive Plan revisions
Mr. Harsch reviewed the process the Commission went through during their discussions of the Master Plan update.
Mr. Hess suggested that copies be sent to City Council, the DDA and other planning entities. Mr. Harsch agreed.
3. City and Village Zoning Act Review (p.1-3)
Mr. Hess pointed out that there will be three (3) pages of the Zoning Act in the staff packet. This will allow all members to be self instructed and more informed. He also pointed out that he met with the Mayor to ensure that there is an open atmosphere between the Commission and Council.
H) NEW BUSINESS
1. Review Charlevoix Area Smart Growth Initiative
Mr. Harsch gave a presentation of the “Charlevoix Area Smart Growth Initiative”.
2. Review Eveline Township Comprehensive Plan
Mr. Hess stated that the Commission has received a copy of the Eveline Township Comprehensive Plan for our review. He stated that he will take the copy for review and if anyone else would like to look at, please contact him.
I) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None
J) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 7:40 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Dianne Manore, Recording Secretary