DRAFT
MINUTES
CASCO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 20, 2009
Present: Members Kathy McKenzie, Joe Stevens, Eric Reeve, William Ruemenapp, Wayne Baumgarten, Jennifer Andersen, and Denise Page; also present, Planner David Campbell, Gerald Parylo, Bob Przybylo, and Adam Janusch
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 - SEPTEMBER 15, 2009
It was moved by member Stevens and seconded by member McKenzie that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on September 15, 2009, be approved as presented.
Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page
Nays: None
The motion carried.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was requested that Item No. 8. A. be placed before No. 6.
It was moved by member Stevens and seconded by member Andersen that the agenda be approved as amended.
Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page
Nays: None
The motion carried.
5. COMMUNICATIONS
It was announced that the St. Clair County Metro Planning Commission is holding their fall workshop on October 29, 2009. The topic will be how to avoid an expensive lawsuit. Anyone interested in attending should notify the township office by this Thursday.
It was stated that a Master Plan revision for the Gratiot corridor has been received from Lenox Township if anyone is interested in looking at it. If we have any concerns or comments, they need to be sent to Lenox Township by November 9, 2009.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. VERIZON WIRELESS - AMENDED SITE PLAN
It was reported that Verizon Wireless has submitted an amended site plan at a different location on Perch Point Conservation Club land. The following concerns were discussed:
1. Planner Campbell has indicated the Special Land se approved at the July 21, 2009, meeting would still apply.
2. Planner Campbell recommended a second row of evergreens around the north, south, and west perimeters of the service pad (approximately eight additional trees). After discussion of the existing vegetation and the safety issue, it was decided that the screening on the site plan would be sufficient.
3. Review of the Tower Removal Bond. Mr. Przybylo stated that the bond presented is a standard bond for tower removal.
4. Written verification that both gates are accessible to emergency services (police, fire, and EMS). Mr. Przybylo stated that they would contact the local departments and would probably go with lock boxes on the gates. It was asked if there would be lights on the tower. Mr. Przybylo stated that there would be no lights on the tower, but there would be a shielded light on the equipment shelter. It was asked if Verizon had applied to the Road Commission. Mr. Przybylo stated they are working on it. It was stated that Verizon would need to get a soil erosion permit which would show any wet lands or flood plains on the site. Mr. Przybylo stated there are soil erosion measures on the site plan. It was moved by member Page and seconded by member Stevens that the Planning Commission approve the site plan with the following considerations: The Special Land Use that was given on July 21, 2009, still applies. The existing screening on the site plan is sufficient.The Tower Removal Bond presented appears adequate. Written verification is presented that both gates are accessible to emergency services (police, fire, and EMS).
Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page
Nays: None
The motion carried.
Mr. Przybylo left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
6. DISCUSSION FROM THE FLOOR
Mr. Janush stated that he has a revised site plan that shows the property lines. The Planning Commission stated there are four things that need to be done:
1. A site plan showing the property lines.
2. A final review by SSOE.
3. No RVs parked up front for extended periods
4. The old Midway building and whether or not it is grandfathered for this usage or needs a Special Land Use.
The Planning Commission requested Mr. Janush to meet with Michigan RV and come up with a document showing exactly what the business does. He then needs to take the document, along with the updated site plan that shows property lines, to the Township office in care of Chairman Ruemenapp. It was also stated that if North Point wants to display RVs at the front of their property, it must be shown on the site plan and be a paved area.
Chairman Ruemenapp stated that he would set up a meeting with Supervisor Holk to discuss the situation. If Supervisor Holk doesn‘t think Mr. Janush needs to attend the meeting, Chairman Ruemenapp will contact him as to any decisions made.
Mr. Janush left the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
There were no Public Hearings.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
B. DISCUSSION ON SIGN ORDINANCE
Planner Campbell presented proposed changes to the sign ordinance. The Planning Commission and Planner Campbell discussed the proposed changes. It was moved by member McKenzie and seconded by member Page that a Public Hearing be held at the Regular Meeting on November 17, 2009, for Section 13.08, Sign Regulations. Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page
Nays: Non
The motion carried.
9. NEW BUSINESS
There was no New Business.
10. PLANNER'S REPORT
Planner Campbell presented a CD from Imlay Township with a draft of their zoning ordinance on their website. He asked the Planning Commission to look at it and see if this would be something they would be interested in implementing.
Chairman Ruemenapp stated that he had requested Planner Campbell to contact the Casco Convenience Store about the letter they are to attach to the site plan. He thanked Planner Campbell for following through on this.
It was reported that Achatz had received a Class A designation from the ZBA, but had withdrawn their request to expand their business at this time.
11. REPORT FROM COMMITTEES
It was reported that a consent agreement was reached with the Sattlers giving them ten years and out. The agreement included no enlargement of the business and no new zoning. The Sattlers took this to mean they could not enlarge the building but could add new machines. The Township does not agree with this interpretation so it looks like this will go back to court.
12. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by member Baumgarten and seconded by member Andersen that the meeting adjourn at 8:24 p.m.
Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page
Nays: None
The motion carried.