A) CALL TO ORDER.

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

Members absent: Lenhart, Bennett, Dobulis.

B) INQUIRY INTO POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

None noted.

C) APPROVAL OF AGENDA.

Approved as printed.

D) APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.

Fels moved that the minutes be approved, as printed. Motion supported by Whitney. ”

Motion carried to approve the minutes of May 13, 2002, as printed.

E) PUBLIC HEARINGS.

None.

F) NEW BUSINESS.

1) Introduction/Review of Section 5.191 (1) Fences, Walls, Screens, and other devices of a similar nature.

Planner Harsh stated that these are primarily housekeeping amendments in the zoning ordinance. This is sent to us by the Board of Appeals, to consider increasing the allowed height of fences in the front yard from three feet to four feet.

Motion by Campbell, supported by Fels, to request the planner to prepare the amendment, and set it for public hearing. Motion Carried.

2) Introduction/Review of Section 5.212 (8) Parking Fund.

Harsh stated this is being recommended because the City has had a problem collecting some of the parking fees, and this amendment will require the payment prior to receiving a permit.

Following a discussion by the Planning Commission, the Planner was asked to research how much money has been paid into the parking fund, if it is a line item budget, how much has been spent on parking, and what are the future parking plans for downtown.

Hodgson felt that if we are going to continue with the parking fund, we need to make it wider than just downtown.

Whitney asked if the church pays into the fund, or if they are exempt.

Harsh stated churches are not exempt, but the church did not add space for more members, it created needed space for the existing congregation.

The planner will research the questions, and return with more information prior to setting this issue for a public hearing.

3. Introduction and consideration of a C-2 Mixed Use Development.

Mr. Harsh explained that this is something that has been talked about for some time, and basically goes on Bridge Street from the top of the hill to the intersection of M-66.
He showed the group some slides of some good projects that have occurred in Traverse City using this mixed-use concept. He showed some properties in Charlevoix, where this concept could be used to make the area more attractive, while allowing mixed uses.

Campbell noted when the planner showed the group the building next to the paint store, that the handicap access was not on the plan that we recommended be approved. He felt this was not right. He stated he would also like to see a copy of the agreement with the paint store, on the shared driveway. He noted there is a drainage problem in the back of the property.

Hodgson thought we should look at the front setback in this area, to be more like Traverse City. He felt ours might be a little too large. He also thought that when we look at this for the south hill, we should also look at the north side, as well. The Planner will get some material together to cover the points brought up at this meeting, and we will discuss the matter again, prior to setting it for public hearing.

4. Discussion and Review of Section 5.012 (7) (b).

This item concerns yard projections and encroachments and allowing 2’ overhangs. This also came to the Commission from the Board of Appeals, because of a lot of requests for setback variances.

This item is for the Commission to think about, at the present time, and Harsh stated staff is still working on the parcel map, putting measurements on each one, and this will help in reviewing the size of parcels.

G) OLD BUSINESS.

1. Introduction to amend Zoning Ordinance - Sections:

A) 5.188 (1) Development Plan extensions.

This has been discussed in the past, and the Commission is in concurrence with it.

Campbell moved, supported by Fels, to set a public hearing on this item. Motion carried.

B) 5.188 (6) Minor/Major amendments.

Harsh went over the reason for the amendment, and the Commission concurred.

Campbell moved, supported by Fels, to set a public hearing on this item. Motion carried.

2. Introduction to amend Zoning Ordinance - Sections.

A) 5.61 - Development Plan Amendment.
B) 5.62 - Permitted Uses.
C) 5.65 - Time Limit on Construction.
D) 5.66 - Procedural Requirements.

All of these amendments are related to R-4, and cleans up the wording, as well as takes out the reversion clause, which was not legal. This all came under discussion with the project next to May Street Apartments, and this amendment will clear up some controversial wording.

The word condominium will be taken out of the wording in this section, the time limit for construction will be removed, etc.

Flanders moved, supported by Fels, to set these amendments for public hearing. Motion carried.

H) PUBLIC INPUT, NOT RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS.

No public present, but Campbell noted a study by MSU and the State of Michigan, promoting walkable communities. He stated this is in line with what his committee is trying to accomplish in Charlevoix.

Harsh stated there is work going on in a directional sign program, which will help people find things as they walk about the community.

Flanders brought up a workshop, being put on by MSU extension and Rod Cortright, on making good planning decisions. Mr. Harsh stated that if
attorney Graham is a part of the workshop, he feels it will be worthwhile to attend.

I) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS.

Further work on Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinance language for cellular towers, site plan approval, etc.

J. ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to conduct, Fels moved, supported by Campbell to adjourn. Motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted,

Barbara A. Fels
Secretary