A) CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Hess called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM at City Hall Meeting Room - 2nd floor.
Members present: Hess, Hodgson, Gully, Kusina, Dobulis, and Flanders
Members Excused Cross and Cole
Members Absent: Whitney
Staff Present: Harsch and Manore
DDA Members present: Barron, Carlson, Taylor, Porter, Mason, Kurtz and
B) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
None
C) APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Agenda was amended to allow the joint discussion of the comprehensive master plan after approval of the minutes.
D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The following minutes were approved as submitted:
1. Approval of Minutes of April 25, 2005
2. Approval of Minutes of April 11, 2005
Joint Meeting of DDA and Planning Commission:
Mr. Hugh Mason called the DDA meeting to order. (see attached DDA minutes.
E) CORRESPONDENCE
1. Beaver Island Boat Co. – Homeland Security
Mr. Hess stated he received a copy of the letter sent to the Beaver Island Boat Co. which required them to install fencing around their baggage area. He stated that he would review the letter and report back to the Commission.
Mr. Kusina stated that while he did not like the looks of the fence, we need the security.
Mr. Dobulis stated the government wants a secure area and it is our job to live with what they are saving. However, he would like to review the letter to see if their demands did not go overboard.
Mr. Hess questioned the height of the fence. He stated that it should have gone to the Planning Commission and possibly to the ZBA for a height variance.
Mr. Dobulis questioned whether there was time to review this matter and to allow it to go through the proper channels.
Mr. Hodgson stated that he finds it personally offensive that the City has never gone through the permit process.
Mr. Dave Scott pointed out that the fence did go before the City Council.
2. Review of the Charlevoix Township Master Plan
Mr. Harsch presented copies of the “Vision Exercise” to the DDA, he also pointed out that City Council has received copies of the exercise. He suggested that copies be given to other groups and organizations within the City.
Ms. Gully suggested that this matter should be advertised in the newspaper again. Mr. Harsch agreed to do that.
Mr. Dobulis suggested that a copy should be sent to the surrounding townships.
Mr. Harsch stated that he would like to start the review at the next meeting.
F) PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
G) OLD BUSINESS
2. Assisted Living amendment
Mr. Harsch explained that the draft contains highlighted sections in 5.65 that need to be reviewed and possibly removed since they pertain to the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts and not the C-1 and PO districts. He suggested that H,I and J be deleted since they only apply to the R-1 and R-2 districts.
The Commission expressed concern that if J was removed it may allow assisted living facilities to be built side by side.
Motion by Dobulis Supported by Hodgson
To delete 5.65(H,I & J) from the proposed assisted living draft.
Motion by Hodgson Supported by Flanders
To amend the motion to retain 5.65(J) and only delete 5.65(H & I).
Ayes: Dobulis, Flanders, Kusina, Hess, Hodgson and Gully
Nays: None
Motion Carried
Motion by Hodgson Supported by Kusina
To set a public hearing for the Assisted Living amendment, to include the above changes.
Ayes: Flanders, Kusina, Hess, Hodgson, Gully and Dobulis
Nays: None
Motion Carried
3. Continued discussion of a resolution regarding City projects
Mr. Hodgson agrees with the proposed resolution, and that it is a courtesy to the Planning Commission.
Mr. Harsch referred to the second paragraph, suggesting the following language be included: “when required by law”. He stated that there are other governmental units that are exempt from zoning by law, such as schools.
Mr. Hess stated he would like to see schools and other units of government present their plans to the Planning Commission, as a courtesy. He suggested that the language be presented as is.
Mr. Dobulis stated it does not make sense that the City would have to pay into the parking fund due to the City Hall renovations. However, he would also like to see any proposed plans from exempt governmental units.
Mr. Dave Scott stated this resolution is a great idea since it would force the City to follow their own rules. He suggested that this resolution be sent to City Council so they could adopt it.
Mr. Hess stated he will tone down the language an forward it to City Council.
4. City and Village Zoning Act Review (Sec.125.584d-125.584f)
Mr. Hess pointed out that the next three pages will be added to the next staff packet.
5. Discussion of Conflict of Interest language – Table
Staff stated that Mr. Young, City Attorney has requested that this matter be tabled to the next scheduled meeting.
6. Planning Commission By-Laws revisions
Mr. Dobulis pointed out that Section 111(a) should be changed. The words “every other month” should be changed to “every month”.
The Commission discussed the time limits for submittal of special use applications and other review applications. It was agreed that the entire text of Article VI be revised to comply with the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Harsch agreed to revise this Article and present it at the next meeting.
The Commission also requested that copies of the “Hearing Procedures” be available for the public at each meeting, along with the agendas.
H) NEW BUSINESS
None
I) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
None
J) ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 7:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Dianne Manore, Recording Secretary