MINUTES
CASCO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 21, 2012
Present: Members – Eric Reeve, Wayne Baumgarten, Stan Pankiewicz, Jennifer Andersen, Joe Stevens, Sue Macker, and Cynthia Goulston.
Also Present: Rod Arroyo, Supervisor Ruemenapp, Larry Lax and Tom Kalas of Michigan Meadows, LLC, Gordon Wilson, Terry Nichols of Waste Management, Roy and Cynthia Bartlett, and 36 citizens.
Absent: None.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Eric Reeve.
2. THE PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
The Pledge to the flag was recited.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JULY 17, 2012
A motion was made by Member Stevens and seconded by Member Macker to approve the minutes of July 17, 2012.
Ayes: Members – Reeve, Baumgarten, Pankiewicz, Andersen, Stevens, Macker, Goulston.
Nays: None.
The motion carried.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was suggested by Member Baumgarten that the agenda be amended as follows: the discussion of New Business be moved to #8 and the Unfinished Business be moved to #9. A motion was made by Member Baumgarten and seconded by Member Andersen.
Ayes: Members – Reeve, Baumgarten, Pankiewicz, Andersen, Stevens, Macker, Goulston.
Nays: None.
The motion carried.
5. COMMUNICATIONS
A) The Board has a letter from a New Baltimore citizen pertaining to the situation that occurred at Salt River.
B) The Board has several emails sent from the Township Planner.
6. DISCUSSION FROM THE FLOOR
There was no discussion from the floor.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
There was no public hearing.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A) Roy and Cynthia Bartlett came to discuss steps needed to use a portion of a building in the industrial zone district for permitted use of engine repairs. They feel this will be an asset to the area. The Board asked methods of clean-up and chemical holdings used and that all requirements be met. Rod Arroyo asked for the number of employees, also parking spaces, types of vehicles delivering, repairs to the site, and outdoor storage. The Board and the Township Planner stated the original site plan was dated 1994. They will need to show any changes that are going to be proposed, including use of outdoor area where vehicles can wait. Supervisor Ruemenapp will aid them with the original site plan that is on file.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) Michigan Meadows, LLC – Representatives Tom Kalas and Larry Lax, Gordon Wilson, Engineer, and Terry Nichols from Waste Management were present. Mr. Kalas said, “After analyzing the minutes of the Public Hearing, four areas of major concern were noted.” 1. Ownership of the site. 2. Truck traffic. 3. Alternate uses. 4. Alternative truck traffic routes. Mr. Nichols stated, “five times during the whole term of the project, traffic would be elevated.” Michigan Meadows will no longer operate as a golf course and they feel that this is most feasible and beneficial to the township. Concerning the ownership of the property – if necessary, Waste Management will maintain ownership of the site and donate the buildings to the township. The truck traffic through Lenox Township is zoned residential and agricultural and do not allow truck routes through them. Also regarding impact on the wells, Mr. Wilson is asking for a two-step approval process. Having done soil borings, they found clay with minor sand and gravel and do not anticipate a problem. Mr. Kalas stated, “We are seeking a conceptual approval by the township to see if we can proceed accordingly.” Member Reeve asked questions regarding soil borings. Mr. Wilson agreed that further detailed soil boring tests will be needed. Mr. Arroyo stated, “based on the questions received at the Public Hearing and here tonight, it is very difficult without all of the tests done and based on the advice of the Township Attorney, Larry Dloski, he is recommending that the Board follow the ordinance, which does not provide for conceptual approval – as you do not have all of the information needed to move forward.” Member Reeve stated he has concerns with road issues, multiple jurisdictions, ownership proposals, wells, dirt, and noise, which all have significant impacts and he is very hesitant. Member Andersen stated regarding last month’s meetings, too many questions were not answered or were answered, “we don’t anticipate that to be an issue” and therefore, she cannot make a decision based on those responses. Member Baumgarten stated that he goes with the Township Attorney, and the truck routes are not certain. Member Macker stated that if smaller trucks are used to accomplish the amount of material needed, this may prolong the project. Mr. Nichols said during bad weather the trucks may not run, but may need to double haul in good weather. Member Stevens is looking at a long-term use plan of 64-half acre lots or considering larger lots to sell them sooner and have a plan in place. Member Reeve states that the Health Department requires Public Water and Sewer System. Mr. Kalas said that the plan is designed with public utilities. Mr. Arroyo advises to take the issues one at a time and not to focus on the end-use. Mr. Kalas said a traffic plan has been submitted. Member Andersen questioned the Lenox Township traffic sign. The applicants have met with Township officials regarding the history of the sign and they are looking for the least intrusive route on the residents. As of now, there is not an approved route. Mr. Lax said there is a means to that and 29 mile road is the recommended route. Member Goulston relates to the first traffic report and that there will be an increase in truck traffic. Also, regarding well reports, more studies need to be done. Mr. Kalas said through the special land-use, the Township can put in monitoring requests, approval of truck hours and testing of water, etc. He also added, this will not be a landfill. This will be a positive for the township. Member Macker questions if the Township would be better off with a recreation area or to protect the country living ambiance. Mr. Lax stated the idea was to offer the township the buildings for a strong identity and use. Member Macker also questioned the fact that lakes 2 and 3 have no separation. Mr. Lax said there will be a separation between lakes 2 and 3. Mr. Arroyo asked the Board Members if they want the applicant to submit a full application for consideration, if so, then ask the applicant to do so. Mr. Kalas said the two-step process was proposed earlier this year and that they are looking for a conceptual approval that would entertain the township. Mr. Arroyo said that there is no guarantee that the two-step process would be accepted, but could certainly be presented. Member Stevens stated that the Township Attorney said the ordinance has to go with the full site. Member Reeve said we will take a vote to continue with this method or ask for a full, normal project submittal that addresses all of our ordinances, with that we’re looking for a motion. A motion was made by Member Baumgarten and seconded by Member Andersen to ask for a full submittal on this project as required by our ordinances based on the recommendation of our Township Attorney.
Ayes: Members – Reeve, Baumgarten, Andersen, Stevens, Macker, Goulston.
Nays: None.
Abstained: Member Pankiewicz.
The motion carried, and the Board will be seeking a full submittal to the Township for this project.
10. PLANNER’S REPORT
A) Mr. Arroyo handed out copies of Planning Brief to the Board with focus regarding approval of certain wireless facilities for members to review.
B) Development –Ready Communities Planning Brief for their information
11. REPORT FROM COMMITTEES
A) Supervisor Ruemenapp gave the members a communication from Mr. Arroyo regarding a new company that is handling our website and states it can handle our zoning ordinance book on it.
12. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Member Baumgarten and seconded by Member Andersen that the meeting be adjourned at 8:40pm.
Ayes: Members – Reeve, Baumgarten, Pankiewicz, Andersen, Stevens, Macker, Goulston.
Nays: None.
The motion carried.
Wayne Baumgarten, Secretary ________________________________________________
Lorene Lomerson, Recording Secretary__________________________________________
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