Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 

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Sandstone Charter Township Planning Commission Meeting Minutes May 4, 2010

Attendance: Peggy Eiler, Greg Inosencio, Cheryl Marks, Eric Pape
GUESTS:  Doug Lewan, Wendy Bamm

Chairman Pape called the PUBLIC HEARING to order at 6:02 p.m. in the Parma Elementary Cafeteria.  We had a change of venue due to elections being held in the township hall.
 We convened to solicit public input on the proposed Wind Energy Conversion System Zoning Ordinance addition.  This language would allow us to regulate and permit these residential style, not commercial “windmill” systems.  The language would become Section 5.17 in the Zoning Ordinance.  We listened to another brief overview from our consultant Doug Lewan who explained the language and general concept which was published in the County Press.  There was no public comment.  Chairman Pape closed the hearing at 6:08 p.m.

We held our regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting which opened at 6:09 p.m.  The same people remained in attendance.  Greg Inosencio moved to approve the minutes of the March 2, 2010 meeting as printed.  Peggy Eiler supported the motion.  Motion passed.  There was no public comment.  Doug Lewan distributed final copies of the most updated and signed zoning maps.  Each member received a small copy.  Cheryl Marks will give the larger map versions to the Supervisor to display or keep accessible in the township hall.  Doug Lewan spoke about the Zoning Ordinance. We have made 3 or 4 large changes to it in the last 4 years.  However, our most recent published version is dated 2002, although the full draft does exist in electronic format.  Public Act 110 from 2006 is also not in our paper copy.  The Township Supervisor asked for printed copies of the most up to date version and the amendments to all be included.  This will require a Public Hearing to be adopted.  It covers Articles 1, 7,8,13 and 14.  The wording will now refer to the State of Michigan Zoning Enabling Legislation that was adopted statewide in 2006 to replace the 1943 version.  Pubic Hearing procedures will all be consolidated in one section of explanation to ease use.  If we have any concerns we should email Doug Lewan or Eric Pape.  Any concerns would be of a “housekeeping” nature.  We hope to hold the Public Hearing at our July meeting if the paperwork can be field in time. 
Eric Pape asked about Flood Plain maps.  Keith Acker has asked for a flood plain ordinance per the request of the county and FEMA.  This will facilitate our local residents who may need to purchase special insurance for this purpose. Doug Lewan will bring this to our next meeting for us to consider.

NEW BUSINESS:  Keith Budd asked Eric Pape, in a casual conversation-not at a meeting, about a dual conditional use permit for his current Michigan Ave and Sandstone Road building which we recently rezoned.  He wants to add selling tractors at this location.  It is in the “spirit” of his current business use so we can consider it when approached formally.

NEXT MEETING DATE –We changed this to July 1st instead of July 6th due to summer holiday conflicts of some commission members.

Cheryl Marks moved to suspend the regular meeting at 6:29 p.m. but to reconvene after the next public hearing. Greg Inosencio supported the motion.  Motion passed.

Chairman Pape called the second PUBIC HEARING to order at 6:30 p.m.  We met to consider rezoning of the property at 6844 W. Michigan Avenue from Commercial to Suburban Residential as requested by CP Federal Credit Union who now owns the property.  Wendy Bamm spoke about the need to change it since when the loan was granted; nobody realized its zoning when the property was turned over to them in foreclosure.  Nobody else can buy it due to its current commercial zoning.  We considered the fact that it is on the border of zoning districts and its current use.  Our Master Plan would find it sensible to consider the change.  Our consultant provided a 3 page summary which is on file in the township office.  Wendy Bamm inquired as to the length of the process to make the change.  Cheryl Marks said it may take a few months because after our decision is made, it then goes to Regions 2, then the township board ultimately decides.  The Public Hearing was closed at 6:36 p.m.
We reconvened our Planning Commission meeting at 6:37 p.m. to discuss the 2 public hearings. 
Same remained unchanged.

Cheryl Marks moved to recommend for approval that the 6844 W. Michigan Avenue property be rezoned from C-1 Local Commercial to RS-1 Suburban Residential. We note that the site is currently used for a residential purpose and sits at the edge of the current C-1 zoning district thus not creating spot zoning.  Peggy Eiler supported the motion.  Motion passed.  Eric Pape will send the paperwork tomorrow to Region 2.

Greg Inosencio moved to recommend approval of the Wind Energy Conversion System Zoning Ordinance language.  Cheryl Marks supported the motion.  Motion passed.  Eric Pape wil sent this information as well to Region 2. 

No PUBLIC COMMENT

 Peggy Eiler moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:42 p.m.  Greg Inosencio supported the motion.  Motion passed. 

                                                                     Respectfully submitted,

                                                                     Cheryl Marks-Secretary