A) CALL TO ORDER.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kusina, at 5:25 p.m. Members present: Fels, Whitney, Hodgson, Campbell, and Kusina.

Members Absent: Dobulis, Lenhart (excused), Bennett (excused), Flanders (excused).

B) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

None noted.

C) APPROVAL OF AGENDA.

Approved as printed.

D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.

Fels asked that the minutes be corrected on page one, last sentence, to read, "He stated the engineer for the project is Art Ranger."

Hodgson moved to approve the minutes, as amended. Campbell supported the motion. Motion carried to approve the minutes of December 10, 2001, as amended.

E) PUBLIC HEARINGS.

None.

F) NEW BUSINESS.

1) Review of the Capital Budget for year 2002.

Motion by Campbell, supported by Hodgson, that the Planning Commission has reviewed the Capital Budget for year 2002. Motion Carried.

2) Correspondence regarding "open" signs.

Letter from Audrey Shapiro, owner of Gallery 704, asking for help in keeping her business going. She stated that because she cannot have an open for business sign, she loses business, because of being on Highway 31. She was present to address the planning commission, and ask for their help in changing the ordinance to help the businesses outside of the DDA. She stated she felt those businesses on the highway, but out of the downtown area, were not considered by the city. She had obtained signatures of 11 other persons in the area that also agreed with her position.

Kusina stated that the downtown area is zoned differently than the C-Commercial that is outside this area. They have different requirements.

Campbell suggested that Ms. Shapiro should get on the agenda for the next Chamber of Commerce meeting, as this is the place she may be able to get some help.

Whitney suggested that Ms. Shapiro contact the DDA, as well, even though her business is not in that area, they might be able to support her.

Hodgson agreed with Whitney and Campbell, and suggested she also contact the Downtown Merchants Association.

Campbell moved to address the sign ordinance, and review Ms. Shapiro's suggestions for signs in that area, at its next meeting. He also moved that the City Planner have materials ready for the Commission to review at that meeting. Motion was supported by Hodgson. Motion carried.

3) ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

John Campbell moved, supported by Hodgson, to nominate the current officers for 2002. Motion carried.

Dennis Kusina was elected Chairman; Richard Hodgson was elected Vice-Chair, and Barbara Fels was elected Secretary, for the year 2002.

G) OLD BUSINESS.

None.

H) PUBLIC INPUT, NOT RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS.

Campbell reported on a meeting he is having tomorrow with the City Manager and Police Chief, to discuss pedestrian traffic downtown. He stated he had spoken with people at MSU, concerning the idea of using ambassadors to address the pedestrian traffic problem. He stated he is part of an action committee of the Chamber of Commerce, to get action, not a study, on this problem, and he needs support to bring the community together.

Government Student, Gordie Lake was present at the meeting as a class assignment. He was invited to speak, and was invited to come again, to see the results of the discussion that took place on signs at this meeting.

I) ADJOURNMENT.

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

Respectfully Submitted,

Barbara A. Fels

Secretary