MINUTES
CASCO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2012
Present: Members – Wayne Baumgarten, Eric Reeve, Jennifer Andersen, Joe Stevens, Stan Pankiewicz, Sue Macker, Cynthia Goulston.
Also Present: Supervisor Ruemenapp, Mike Czenkus, Rod Arroyo and 1 citizen.
Absent: None
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Chairman Eric Reeve.
2. THE PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
The Pledge to the flag was recited.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Member Andersen and seconded by Member Pankiewicz to approve the minutes of October 16, 2012.
Ayes: Members – Baumgarten, Andersen, Pankiewicz, and Macker.
Nays: None.
Abstained: Members – Stevens, Goulston and Reeve (due to absence during October meeting).
The motion carried.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made by Member Andersen and seconded by Member Macker to approve the agenda.
Ayes: Members – Baumgarten, Andersen, Pankiewicz, Macker, Goulston, and Reeve.
Nays: None.
Abstained: Member Stevens
The motion carried.
5. COMMUNICATIONS
The Board received a letter of resignation from Lorene Lomerson as recording secretary effective 12/31/12. The Board thanked her for her service.
6. DISCUSSION FROM THE FLOOR
Supervisor Ruemenapp stated that there is a workshop that has been rescheduled from October to November 29, 2012 in Port Huron and there is still time to register.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
There was no public hearing.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
9. NEW BUSINESS
A) CCI Drive Line – no discussion as no one was here to represent.
B) Clausen Collision – John Clausen III, owner and operator of Clausen Collision, 9586 Marine City Hwy., was present to speak to the Board. Rod Arroyo received site and floor plans for Clausen Collision, a 50 ft. x 100 ft. building of which he gave copies to the Board members. Mr. Clausen is currently the only employee and may hire 1 other employee if possible, depending on the economy. Supervisor Ruemenapp gave comment on the background of the business. Supervisor Ruemenapp also stated that Clausen Auto Sales is no longer an entity. Member Reeve questioned no restroom facilities. Mr. Clausen stated that a portable restroom has been rented from ABC Services, and they have hand sanitizers throughout the facility. Mr. Clausen has already received a letter of approval from the DEQ stating that he is in compliance. Mr. Arroyo questioned how many vehicles are currently stored outside the building. Mr. Clausen stated that 5 are currently stored and that each of them is behind the building, not visible from the road. Member Reeve cautioned on eating food in an industrial complex is not advised. The Board also questioned whether cars would be visible from Church Road. Mr. Clausen stated that there is an overgrowth of trees and shrubs around the property. Mr. Arroyo suggested that a screen fence may be added in the future. Supervisor Ruemenapp stated that the screening ordinance had been changed approximately two years ago. Mr. Arroyo made reference to Section 16:10 of open storage of vehicles in an industrial complex. Member Baumgarten stated that because of the natural overgrowth, this would keep vehicles non-visible from the roads. The following Board members said that they would wait and see if development occurs if a fence would be needed in the future (Members – Pankiewicz, Andersen, Macker, Goulston, and Reeve). Mr. Arroyo stated that Mr. Clausen is looking for the “ok” to continue his business as is. Mr. Clausen also stated that all waste is contained and approved of. A motion was made to approve Mr. Clausen’s collision operation at 9586 Marine City Hwy. by Member Pankiewicz and seconded by Member Baumgarten.
Ayes: Members – Baumgarten, Andersen, Pankiewicz, Macker, Goulston, and Reeve.
Nays: None.
Abstained: Member Stevens
The motion carried.
*Supervisor Ruemenapp and Mr. Arroyo stated that Mr. Clausen should be sent an approved set of minutes as a formal record.
C) Discussion of Ordinance Accessory Buildings Section 13:04 – A lengthy discussion on the Accessory Buildings continued regarding the limit of size of the buildings. Member Reeve discussed new or enlarged private businesses within the accessory buildings. Mr. Arroyo referred to non-residential principle use. Supervisor Ruemenapp referenced home occupancy language limits. Mr. Arroyo stated the minimum setbacks have to be met and changing the square footage from 900 sq. ft. to 1,500 sq. ft. Discussion was held on setbacks and making ordinances in similar language. Mr. Arroyo will adjust the language in these ordinances and will get back to the board after putting in ordinance format. Supervisor Ruemenapp gave a handout to the Board for their review regarding garages being built in front of the house. Mr. Arroyo stated his concern with this saying, that it would devalue property values if this was allowed. The Board will wait for Mr. Arroyo’s recommendation and language on this matter.
10. PLANNER’S REPORT
The Board received the Planning Brief for November highlighting parks and recreation; such as, desired homes that are near parks or bike paths. Discussion with the Board followed. Mr. Arroyo also urged the Board to consider updating their parks and recreation 5-year plan looking at land acquisitions or park improvements.
11. REPORT FROM COMMITTEES
Supervisor Ruemenapp gave highlights for the Board to look toward; such as, driveway setbacks from the property line, kennel ordinance, dog ordinance, issuance of bond and permits, site plan ordinance, and Michigan Meadows.
12. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Member Baumgarten and seconded by Member Andersen that the meeting be adjourned at 8:34pm.
Ayes: Members – Baumgarten, Andersen, Pankiewicz, Macker, Goulston, and Reeve.
Nays: None.
Abstained: Member Stevens
The motion carried.
Wayne Baumgarten, Secretary ___________________________________________________________
Lorene Lomerson, Recording Secretary _____________________________________________________