CITY OF CHARLEVOIX
PLANNING COMMISSION
February 19, 2001

MINUTES

A) CALL TO ORDER.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kusina at 5:30 p.m. Members present: Fels, Bennett, Kusina, Whitney, and Hodgson.

Members absent: Dobulis, Flanders, and Lenhart.

B) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

None.

C) APPROVAL OF AGENDA.

Motion by Hodgson, supported by Fels to approve the agenda, as printed. Motion carried.

D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES.

Bennett moved, supported by Hodgson, to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.

E) PUBLIC HEARINGS.

1) Case #01-03AMP - Harbor Industries - Development Plan Amendment.

Kusina asked for comments from the audience, and there were none. He then asked the members if any of them had any questions.

As the plan did not require any variances, and no one had any comments, Kusina asked for a motion.

Moved by Bennett, supported by Hodgson, to approve Case #01-03AMP - Harbor Industries, as presented. Motion carried.

2) Case #01-06SV - Carpenter Street Apts - 1001 May Street - sign variance.

Kusina noted they are replacing two signs with one wood sign, which is a big improvement.



The question was asked if it would be lit. Kusina stated if it were to be lit, it would have to be externally lit, but the sign person did not know if it would be. He had stated there may be landscaping around it, but he did not know for sure.

Motion by Hodgson, supported by Whitney, to approve the sign request as presented. Motion carried.

3) Case #01-07SV - OlesonÆs - Antrim - Sign Variance.

Zoning Administrator stated it should be noted that the Olesons wall sign will be on the Bridge Street side.

Kusina stated it will certainly be an improvement over the existing one.

JoAnn Curtis, of Keep Charlevoix Beautiful, asked if the sign is about the same size as the old one. Diane Manore stated it will be 71.25 square feet, and only the buffalo will be internally lit.

Curtis stated it looks like it is in keeping with the other Oleson stores.

Hodgson stated Olesons is talking about addressing the pylon signs at a future time, as there are a lot of support for that.

Motion by Bennett, supported by Whitney, to approve the Oleson signage, as presented. Motion carried.

F) NEW BUSINESS

1) Set public hearing for Case #01-04LS - Lots 62 & 63 of Upright and Hurlbut Addition - Terry Left.

Fels moved, supported by Bennett, to set a public hearing on Case #01-04LS - Terry Left for our next meeting. Motion carried.

2) Ordinance Amendment - put off until another time.

Review of City of Charlevoix Capital Budget.

Harsh explained that the Planning Act requires the review by the Planning Commission for major capital improvement projects. Mr. Wiesner went over the major projects for 2001, listed in red on page C-23, and gave the proposed time line for each project.

Following Wiesners presentation, Kusina asked him if he foresaw any large increases in the electric rates coming up. Wiesner said none are planned for six years, and then we may reduce them, because we will be debt free at the end of 2006. He explained that

this is possible because we own 6 megawatts of power and are partners in another 8 megawatts. He stated the City is also contemplating joining with other partnerships, such as one being talked about in Traverse City.

Whitney asked if the Wharfside grant has been approved.

Weisner stated that the Waterways has approved $500, 000, and the Natural Resource Trust Fund is going to provide another $500,000. There are other foundations, which have stated they will be contributing, and the City has applied for ISTEA monies to cover most of the citys matching funds.

Whitney asked if he saw any problems from people in the community over the Wharfside project.

Harsh stated he did not think there would be with the Wharfside, but felt there would be more with the additional docking piers.

Bennett asked if there are any plans for the Chamber building.

Harsh stated that has to be decided, and it may be accommodated in underground office space. He stated in the future there will be a community forum for input as to what should be done on the property. It was agreed that if the chamber is underground, there still needs to be some street side representation at ground level.

Hodgson stated he felt the painting of the water tower should be looked at in the near future, because it is becoming very unattractive. Wiesner agreed there is needed some thought on that project soon.

3) Election of officers.

Hodgson nominated Kusina for Chair. Seconded by Fels, and motion carried.

Kusina nominated Hodgson for Vice-Chair, seconded by Whitney. Motion carried.

Kusina nominated Fels for Secretary, seconded by Hodgson. Motion carried.

G) OLD BUSINESS.

NONE.

H) PUBLIC INPUT, NOT RELATED TO OTHER AGENDA ITEMS.

NONE.

I) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS.

Public hearing on Terry Left request for Case #01-04LS.

J) ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to discuss, Fels moved, supported by Bennett, to adjourn. Motion carried.