City of South Lyon

Planning Commission Meeting

March 23, 2006

 

Vice-Chair Weipert called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

 

Present:            Commissioners Lewandowski, Bradley, Mosier, Culbertson, Weipert, Tartaglia, Subotich, Kuntzweil and Lanam.

 

Also present were Chuck Cairns (Planning Consultant), Kristen Cunningham, Director of Community and Economic Development, and Parvin Lee (City Attorney)

 

Approval of Agenda:

             Motion by Bradley, supported by Mosier

To approve the Agenda for March 23, 2006.

Vote                                                               Motion Carried Unanimously

 

Approval of Minutes:

Motion by Culbertson, supported by Lanam

To approve of the Minutes for February 9, 2006 as amended.

Vote                                                               Motion Carried Unanimously

 

Public Comment

No public comment.

 

Old Business

South Lyon Community Schools- PC#03-05 Final Site Plan Review

Kenaith Kenaith, Atwell Hicks, Project engineer

Kenaith stated they had satisfied the Police Chief’s concerns. The crosswalk that was requested has been added. She briefly reviewed the plan, pointing out the dedicated turn lanes and crosswalk on the display.

 

Weipert asked if the Road Commission had approved the plans. Kenaith replied they approved the measurements but the plans are still being reviewed. No problems have been communicated and there is nothing in writing.

 

Culbertson asked if Hubbell, Roth and Clark had any concerns. Kenaith replied she was not aware of any. Weipert asked about Hubbell, Roth, and Clark’s reference to documenting traffic. Kenaith explained that was addressed with the traffic study that was completed at the beginning of this project.

 

Cairns stated in his comments, it was noted that seven trees would be removed and six of the seven would be relocated. The seventh tree is a large one, however because of the age and size of the tree it is not reasonable to relocate it. He commended the applicant for saving the six trees. He continued by asking if the gap between two lanes in the road had been corrected as the Road Commission requested. Kenaith replied yes.

 

Cairns noted if at some point the school wanted to add a sign the building department would handle that.

 

Subotich stated he was very happy to see this project. It has been needed for a long time.

 

Mosier asked how the light would control traffic. Kenaith explained it would need to be monitored in the beginning to see what would work best.  Weipert thanked the applicant for adding the crosswalk.

 

Motion by Bradley, supported by Lanam

            To approve South Lyon Community Schools- PC#03-05 Final Site Plan

            Vote                                       MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

Review of Site Plan Expiration Language- City Code

Cairns stated when last discussed the Commissioners suggested some changes which had been added and highlighted. The language would make the ordinance clearer. He also noted the full fee would be applied when someone has to re-apply.

 

Weipert asked if there was still a question as to whether or not a fee applied. Cunningham stated a fee would be applied and noted this language is what the Commissioners asked for.

 

Culbertson asked if there needed to be clarification regarding the whether the expiration date applied to the preliminary or final plans. Cairns stated it could be either one. Weipert asked if construction could begin without final approval. Cunningham stated in some cases some things could be started with only preliminary so leaving it open would be helpful for the city. Cairns noted that is correct, it would be best to give the city the flexibility.

Motion by Lewandowski, supported by Subotich

To recommend approval to City Council changes in City Code section 102-131, sub section G, section 102-391, and section 102-392. 

            Vote                                       MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

New Business

Elections- Chair, Vice-chair, Secretary

Cunningham explained the process for conducting the elections.

 

Weipert asked for nominations for Secretary.  Subotich nominated Commissioner Mosier. Mosier declined. Weipert nominated Commissioner Bradley. Bradley accepted. There were no other nominations.

 

Cairns stated since there was no competition for the seat, a vote would not be necessary.

Commissioner Bradley was appointed Secretary.

 

Weipert asked for nominations for Vice-chair. Bradley nominated Commissioner Mosier. Mosier accepted the nomination. There were no other nominations. Commissioner Mosier was appointed Vice-Chair.

 

Weipert asked for nominations for Chair. Subotich nominated Commissioner Weipert for Chair, Bradley supported the nomination. Weipert accepted the nominations. Lewandowski nominated himself for Chair.

 

A vote was conducted by private ballot. Bradley collected and counted the ballots. The vote was six in favor of Weipert and two in favor of Lewandowski. Commissioner Weipert was appointed Chair.

 

Weipert asked if the Commission needed to appoint a liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Cunningham stated the mayor must appoint those members if there was a seat available. Subotich stated if there is a seat available he would like to be appointed. Cunningham stated she would find out and if available, talk to the mayor.

 

Staff Reports

Cunningham stated a request to rezone the end of Mill Street would be coming up is will be at the April 13, 2006 meeitng.

 

Cunningham stated Lyon Auto Wash would be present for the April 13th meeting because they would like to build a storage shed. Bradley asked if that would open the property for review. Cairns stated no parking would be required because it is a storage facility other than that had not been reviewed. Mosier asked how the proposed building would affect water retention. Cunningham stated the applicant would have to work that out.

 

Lanam stated he would not be present at the April 13th meeting.

 

Cunningham stated the Master Plan needs to be reviewed. The process had been started and it would be a project for the new few months.

 

Weipert asked if the Property Maintenance Code would be added to the next agenda. Cunningham asked for more information on what direction the Commissioners wanted to take with the Rental Ordinance. Culbertson asked how they give the city enough to enforce better maintenance. Cunningham stated they would need to be very specific. There was a mixed messaged at the last meeting because Morelli was concerned with the interior but her impression was everyone else was concerned with the exterior. Culbertson asked how the city would enforce the items that address the exterior. Cunningham sated if the city attorney and the building department have specific, detailed, and enforceable items they would go out, write tickets, and address items in court. Lewandowski noted he is not in favor of it but would look at it. Subotich noted they would have to be conscious of the impact to the community. Cunningham stated it would be less costly to deal with the exteriors. Tartaglia stated it would be helpful to know what concerns the building department has now. What do they have trouble enforcing? What would they like to have changed? Cunningham stated she would ask Mr. Veltri for his input. The Commissioners agreed to work on the Property Maintenance Code for now and wait on the Rental Ordinance.

 

Cairns expressed his congratulations to Ms. Weipert. In all of his years and all the cities he has worked with, she is the first woman to be Chair of the Planning Commission.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Lewandowski supported by Culbertson

To adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m.

            Vote                                       MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

 

 

 

 

_____________________                              _   ____________________   _______

Pam Weipert, Chairperson                             Jennifer Knapp, Recording Secretary

 

________________________

Keith Bradley, Secretary