A) CALL TO ORDER.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kusina, at 6:00 p.m. Members present: Hodgson, Fels, Campbell, Bennett, Barrett, Dobulis, Whitney, and Kusina.

Members absent: Flanders.

Staff present: Harsh and Manore.

B) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

None noted.

C) APPROVAL OF AGENDA.

The agenda was changed to add the amendment to the By-Laws, calling for a meeting every other month, beginning in February 2003, unless needed more often.

Motion by Dobulis, supported by Hodgson, to approve the agenda, as amended. Motion carried.

Bennett moved, supported by Dobulis, to amend the by-laws of the Planning Commission, to hold a meeting every other month, instead of monthly, unless needed more often. Motion carried.

D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.

Motion by Bennett, supported by Dobulis, to approve the minutes of February 10, 2003, as printed. Motion carried.

E) PUBLIC HEARINGS.

None.

F) NEW BUSINESS.

1) Capital Plan Review.

Mr. Harsh explains that it is the job of the Planning Commission to review the Capital Plan, and Mr. Wiesner is present to go over it, and answer any questions the Commission my have.

Mr. Wiesner went over several of the pages of the budget, and asked if there were any questions about them. In discussing the Water Fund, Campbell asked if it was appropriate to consider working with Charlevoix Township on this, rather than seeking more water sources on our own. Mr. Wiesner stated it is not practical because the township is already concerned that they have enough flow for their own use.

Campbell also asked about the rumor that the parking meter fee is going up. Mr. Wiesner stated it is being discussed.

On C-5, of the plan, Mr. Wiesner stated there is a group going to study the Chapel at the cemetery, to see what the cost would be to renovate, or use it in someway. He stated this is not in the current budget.

On C-7, DDA, there are no projects being shown for the near future.

Wiesner stated the city is looking to improve its fire rating to a 4, and thinks it can be done.

Wiesner also went over the work going on in the City Hall renovation, and explained that the staff will be in the old post office building while their offices are renovated. They will then move back in and the fire and police will be temporarily housed in the old post office, while their renovation is going on.

There being no further questions, Hodgson moved, supported by Dobulis, to accept the Capital Plan, as presented. Motion carried.

2) Discussion of Elderly Housing.

A developer has approached the City, concerning building some senior housing. The problem, as explained by Mr. Harsh, is that the city does not have the language in the ordinance to address this request. It will require an amendment to the zoning ordinance.

Mr. Thomas, the developer, was present to answer any questions. He stated the applicants have a housing development like this one being proposed, in Petoskey. He explained that this type of development will not have much effect on traffic, as these types of residents usually are provided transportation, and do not have many visitors, either. The developer is looking at property on 31, and states the buildings will be one story and have wings in the design, to reduce the bulk look of the building.

Dobulis asked about the pricing and what it would cover. He was told it varies from $1800 a month for the efficiency, to $2500 for patients needing a lot of assistance.

Campbell asked for a time frame for the process to enact the amendment. Harsh stated approximately 90 days for advertising, etc. He stated he could have wording for the Commission at its next meeting, and then start the hearing process.

The Commission agreed that the process should go ahead, and that we should have a meeting in April to set up the schedule.

Dobulis stated he realizes that site plans are expensive, but felt it would be more acceptable if there are plans and elevations that residents can look at, to get a feel for what the project would look like.

The applicant stated that can certainly be provided.

3) Set a Public Hearing for Sections 5.270 and 5.271 (a) of Chapter 52 of Title V - Fees.

Mr. Harsh explained that this would allow for extra fees to be charged if the costs exceed the standard fee by twenty (20) percent.

Campbell moved, supported by Fels, to set this item for public hearing at a future meeting. Motion carried.

G) OLD BUSINESS.

None.

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

None.

I) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS.

Campbell reported there is a meeting coming up on affordable housing for the City. The meeting will be held in the back room of the Weathervane Restaurant on March 21st at 12:00 noon. It is an informational meeting with Jane McKenzie, Coast Guard, etc., and anyone from the Planning Commission can certainly attend, as it will be a public meeting.

Kusina asked if the Planner had spoken with the DDA about having a joint meeting. Harsh stated he had, but the DDA did not think it was a good time right now, as they are busy with the Middle School and conference center topics.

He suggested the Planning Commission might want to reiterate that these are items the Planning Commission is interested in discussing. Mr. Harsh will speak with the DDA again, to let them know the Planning Commission would like to have a joint meeting soon.

J) ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.