City
of South Lyon
Chairman
Weipert called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
All
present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Present:
Commissioners Culbertson,
Weipert, Bradley, Kurtzweil,
Subotich, Tartaglia,
and Lanam. Commissioner Mosier
was excused. There was one vacancy.
Also
present were Ben Tallerico (Planning
Consultant), Kristen Cunningham, Director of Community and Economic Development.
Approval
of Agenda:
Motion by Lanam, supported by Subotich
Vote
Motion Carried Unanimously
Approval
of Minutes:
Motion
by Bradley, supported by Culbertson
To
approve of the Minutes for October 36, 2006 as amended.
No
public comment.
No
old business.
Lukas
Properties – PC # 04-06 Preliminary/Final Site Plan Review
Cunningham
noted this is preliminary and final review. The city’s planner and engineers
agreed this is ok for this site.
Mr.
Lukas stated the property has one storage building and an office building and
they need more storage for equipment. Building is 40x80. Weipert asked if they
were using it for strictly for additional storage. Lukas replied yes. Weipert
stated she drove past the property and the property looks very nice and well
maintained. Mrs. Lukas stated the new storage building would be identical to the
existing storage building.
Weipert
asked if they have owned the property for a long time. Mr. Lukas replied they
bought it in 2000. Weipert asked if the applicant put up the existing storage
building. Mrs. Lukas replied no and explained the history of the property.
Weipert stated when the previous owner was before the Planning Commission there
was concern regarding the employees having access to restrooms. Mr. Lukas
explained that their employees have full access to the office for restrooms and
a break room.
Weipert
stated it appears some of the trees on the property died. Lukas stated that is
correct and they are removing them. Weipert asked if there were plans to replace
them. Lukas stated if they are required to they would. Weipert stated there
needs to be a screen or a buffer. Lukas noted it is more obvious now because of
the time of year. Culbertson asked if the applicant was planning on doing it
anyway. Lukas replied yes.
Tallerico
stated it is a pretty simple plan; lots of communities expedite plans like this
one. The new building meets the height requirements and zoning. The only
question is the plans do not state what will be stored in the building and it
should be noted for the record. It has been stated the building is strictly for
storage and the office building is the primary use for the business, is this
correct? Lukas stated yes. Tallerico replied that is fine but if the use changes
there would be a problem. The set backs are fine. The use needs to be put on
record with the building department. Mrs. Lukas asked what happens if the
property were to be sold. Can different owners use the buildings? Tallerico
stated yes, as long as the office building is the primary building and the
storage buildings are used for storage.
Motion
by Bradley supported by Lanam
To
approve Lukas Prosperities – PC # 04-06 Preliminary and Final Site Plan.
Vote
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
T-Mobile – PC # 03-06 Preliminary Site Plan Review
Cunningham
stated the applicant is not able to be present because he is out of the country
however he wants to be denied so he can access the Zoning Board.
Culbertson
asked for clarification of the location.
Weipert
stated there seemed to be issues with the way the plans were drawn and asked
what the ZBA will look at. Tallerico stated it is not uncommon for a first
submission to have many corrections. The applicant needs variances because they
do not meet the height requirement and the distance to residential so they will
have time to correct the plans if the ZBA approves the variances. Culbertson
asked if the Planning Commission owes the neighbors some sort of protection.
Tallerico stated there would be a public hearing. Culbertson asked if the
Planning Commission could deny based on the public hearing. Cunningham replied
not if they meet all the requirements. If the requirements are met the Planning
Commission cannot vote against it.
There
was a discussion regarding legal denials, the process for the ZBA, and the
notices to the public. Cunningham noted the public hearing before the Commission
will be for special land use. Subotich noted he thought the city was supposed to
provide options for sites like this. Cunningham replied that the City has tried
but the sites would not work for T-Mobile.
Subotich
asked how communities get phone companies to put in towers that look like trees.
Cunningham replied it has to be in the city code, but it will not happen for
this applicant because they are already in process. Subotich asked if they could
look at it for the future and/or if this applicant is denied by the ZBA.
Kurtzweil noted it should not be that hard to do. Cunningham stated cell towers
can be very complicated and they do take a lot of time but it should be started.
Tallerico suggested that Cunningham start by speaking to the city manager and
city attorney. Cunningham agreed.
Weipert
asked if this structure opens up the site and requires the applicant to bring
everything to code. Tallerico stated if they receive ZBA approval then the city
will receive new plans and all requirements will be reviewed.
Motion
by Bradley supported by Culbertson
To
deny T-Mobile – PC # 03-06 Preliminary Site Plan
Vote
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Staff
Reports
Motion
by Culbertson supported by Lanam
To
adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
Vote
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
_____________________
_
____________________ _______
Pam
Weipert, Chairperson
Jennifer Knapp, Recording Secretary
________________________
Keith
Bradley, Secretary