MINUTES
CASCO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 16, 2010
Present: Members Kathy McKenzie, Joe Stevens, Eric Reeve, William Ruemenapp, Wayne Baumgarten,Jennifer Andersen, and Denise Page; also present Gerald Parylo, Mike Czenkus, Michael Caister, Jane Caister, Benjamin Caister, and Larry Nichols
Absent: None
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., by Chairman Ruemenapp.
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
The Pledge to the Flag was recited.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 19, 2009
It was moved by member Stevens and seconded by member Reeve that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on January 19, 2009, be approved as submitted.
Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page
Nays: None
The motion carried.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by member Stevens and seconded by member McKenzie that the agenda be approved as presented.
Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page
Nays: None
The motion carried.
Township Planner Arroyo entered the meeting at 7:02 p.m.
5. COMMUNICATIONS
Information was presented on the Metro Planning Commission‘s winter workshop which will be held on February 25, 2010. Anyone interested in attending should notify the township office tomorrow.
6. DISCUSSION FROM THE FLOOR
There was no Discussion From The Floor.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
There was no Public Hearing.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no Unfinished Business
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. ST. CLAIR EYE - SITE PLAN
Planner Arroyo stated that they are recommending approval of the plan subject to the Applicant receiving a ZBA variance for the front yard setback, and the following items being addressed on the stamping sets:
2. Because this is a change of use and improvement to the site, a ZBA variance is required for the front yard setback.
This item was discussed, and the Applicants indicated they were willing to seek a ZBA variance.
3. A greenbelt is required between the parking lot and County Line Road.
The Applicants asked if it would be possible to waive the tree requirement and let them plant all shrubs which would make their business more visible. Township Planner Arroyo suggested they plant deciduous trees instead of pine trees and shrubs. It was also suggested they look into moving existing trees that are growing where the parking lot will go instead of cutting them down. The Applicants stated they would look into that possibility.
It was asked if additional screening would be needed for the residence to the south and the apartment complex to the north.
Planner Arroyo stated that he didn‘t think so as this is a B-2 district.
Planner Arroyo stated that he didn‘t think the Planning Commission could waive trees for shrubs. When asked how the landscape requirements had come about, Planner Arroyo stated that shrubs would block headlights, but trees are there for aesthetic reasons, and would provide shade for part of the parking lot.
4. A parking lot paving detail should be provided. Mr. Nichols indicated that this has been done.
5. Consideration should be given to providing a swale or other method to detain the runoff prior to discharge off site.
It was asked if a draining plan would be required. Planner Arroyo stated that he thought in this instance since the paved area is less than 8,000 square feet, they could do something else like a swale.
A discussion ensued on how the 8,000 square feet were determined and exactly what areas were added together to determine the number of square feet.
6. Documentation should be supplied noting adherence to the brightness regulations for both daytime and nighttime operations of the sign.
Planner Arroyo stated that they could affix a cut sheet from the company they are purchasing the sign from when they apply for the sign permit.
7. Manufacturer‘s cut sheets should be provided documenting that these are cut-off fixtures will not project light off site.
Mr. Nicholas stated that he has already added this to the site plan.
It was asked if the Applicants had applied for a permit for the new driveway from the Road Commission.
Mr. Nicholas stated they will get any permits required.
It was noted that the site plan labels the property to the east as residential, but it is B-2.
It was requested that the Applicants put a note on the site plan stating that the shed will only be used to store things for maintenance of the grounds.
It was asked if the Board of Health had approved the well and septic.
Mr. Nichols indicated they would get any approvals necessary.,
When asked, Planner Arroyo stated that he would recommend the Planning Commission approve the site plan contingent on his review and ZBA approval.
It was moved by member Reeve and seconded by member Andersen that the site plan be approved contingent on Planner review based on his February 12, 2010, letter; and a ZBA variance for the front yard setback.
Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page
Nays: None
The motion carried.
Michael, Jane, and Benjamin Caister and Larry Nichols left the meeting at 7:48 p.m
.
10. PLANNER'S REPORT
Planner Arroyo stated that when an Applicant comes in with a small paving area, the Planning Commission can ask for an engineer plan or they can look at applications on an individual basis.
It was asked if the area of the house should be considered in the total for an impervious area.
Planner Arroyo stated that it could be considered, but on the site plan tonight the building will drain to the back and not where the parking lot will drain.
It was stated that it would probably be a good idea to put what the garage will be used for on the site plan.
Planner Arroyo stated that he had noticed the general landscape section, No. 13.13, could be a little clearer. He asked if he could look it over, clean up the language, and bring it back to the Planning Commission.
Planner Arroyo presented a communication on power cars and stated he thought the township should be looking at their building codes and other issues that might come up with an increase of these vehicles.
The Planning Commission stated they would like to look over the landscape section of the ordinance and then discuss it next month. Chairman Ruemenapp stated that he would discuss this with Supervisor Holk before the meeting to get her input.
Planner Arroyo stated that he would bring information on the Master Plan next month,.
It was asked if Planner Arroyo had any experience with joining FEMA. He stated that he didn‘t. It was stated that some ordinances would need to be created, and they provided samples to work with.
11. REPORT FROM COMMITTEES
It was reported that the Township Board had approved the sign ordinance.
Member Stevens reported that he had attended the open house for Richmond Youth and that they had done a fantastic job with the old auditorium. He reminded the Planning Commission that Casco had donated $75,000 from the parks and rec fund to this organization and they will be using that, monies
from other municipalities, and future grants to put on programs for kids and adults.
Chairman Ruemenapp reported that he had met with Supervisor Holk and Adam Janusch. He stated that Mr. Janusch had agreed to come in with a revised site plan with the properties hooked together. He also stated that a structure on the site plan with a hoop roof had been overlooked in their discussion and will have to be brought up at a later date.
The Planning Commission and Planner Arroyo discussed hooped buildings and the fact that they don‘t meet township requirements. It was stated that Boulder City would be coming in with a revised site plan showing their fountain, and it was noted that they also have a hooped building.
Member Reeve stated that the pine line safety dinner and presentation would be held on March 1, 2010.
Member Reeve also stated that the Emergency Services breakfast and presentation would be held on May 14, 2010.
It was reported that the Statler situation was still in discussion. The Township had agreed that they could continue their operation for 10 years. They now want to move equipment from building to building, and the township has not agreed to this.
12. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by member Baumgarten and seconded by member Andersen that the meeting adjourn at 8:26 p.m.
Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page
Nays: None
The motion carried.
.