A regular meeting of the Charter Township of Oxford Planning Commission held Thursday, March 9, 2006 at the Oxford Veterans Memorial Civic Center.

 

Members Present:      Bell, Berger, Black, Curtis, Fitchena, Kucemba, Lepping, Roesner, Silvester

 

Members Absent:       None.

 

Also Present:              Planner Wortman, Zoning Administrator Darling, Planning & Zoning Coordinator Walkaus, Recording Secretary Harrison, Cameraman, and approximately 15 visitors

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Silvester at 7:30 pm.

 

RESPECTS TO THE FLAG

 

NOTING OF ROLL

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Chairman Silvester amended the Agenda switching items 9(b) and 9(c) and Commissioner Black noted that the “approved” date under 9(a) should be 03/24/2005 not 03/24/2006.

Black moved, Fitchena seconded to approve the March 9, 2006 Agenda as amended.

                  Ayes:  9               Nays:  0            Absent:  0                Motion Carried

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Planning Commission Regular Meeting – February 23, 2006

Black moved, Lepping seconded to approve the Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2006 as amended to omit the word “problems” after tree and make tree plural in the last paragraph on page 3; at the top of page 4, omit “if asked by the Building Department” (the applicant agreed to provide the referenced plans); add to the end of the sentence in the third paragraph from the bottom on page 3, “having nowhere to turnaround if the parking lot is full”; and change Mr. Koza to Mr. Serra where applicable under the Oxford Crossing preliminary site plan review (Mr. Serra was present not Mr. Koza).

                  Ayes:   9              Nays:  0            Absent:  0                Motion Carried

 

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING OR ON AGENDA

No Citizen’s Comments on items not on the Agenda were given.

 

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS, INFORMATION FROM ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND COORDINATOR

Commissioners’ Comments:

Commissioner Lepping noted a forum being held Saturday, April 1st from 8:00 am to 12:45 pm at OCC Highland Lakes Campus about Suburban Gridlock.  The cost is $10.00.

 

PC and ZBA Coordinator Comments:

Ms. Walkaus commented that she met with the Oxford Village Manager, Planner and the Developer for Lakeshore Village.  There will be a joint meeting/workshop on April 18th with the Township and the Village Planning Commissions regarding this development at 7:30 pm in the Parks and Recreation Community Room.  The Township Planning Commission will have a PUD Public Hearing at the March 23 rd meeting,.

 

Zoning Administrator Comments:  Zoning Administrator Darling had no comment.

 

PUBLIC HEARING(S) - None

 

OLD BUSINESS

REQUEST FOR EXTENSION of  FINAL SITE PLAN (approved 03/24/2005) – until 03/24/2007) - Metamora Industrial Park - Planned Development Review - W&L Investments Co., LLC – (formerly known as: Proposed M-1 Industrial Sites)  Located west of Metamora Road, east of Penn Central Railroad right-of-way, between Oakwood and Davison Lake Roads – Parcel #04-04-326-009 (Applicant: W & L Investment Company LLC (Richard Larsen), by Project Control Engineering, P.O. Box 307 , 2420 Pte Tremble Road, Algonac, MI 48001)

Craig Hanby of Project Control Engineering, represented the applicant.  They are requesting an extension of the approval of the PDR Final Site Plan and the applicable other approvals (acreage division, land development, private road, wetland, etc).  The project is light industrial with 9 splits and a private road.  The request for the extension is due to the lack of purchaser interest in the parcels.

Commissioner Berger asked about the Fire Department approval referenced in their letter dated March 1, 2006.  Mr. Hanby said that he worked directly with the lieutenant at the Fire Department to come up with a system that will accommodate the Fire Department’s needs.

Commissioner Roesner inquired about the referenced other applicable approvals, what if circumstances change.  Mr. Darling commented that these items are connected with the site plan.

Commissioner Fitchena suggested they contact Oakland Economic Development.  They recruit businesses to look at plans in different communities to try and bring them in.

Black moved, Fitchena seconded to extend the final site plan of W & L Investment Company LLC from 3/24/2005 to 3/24/2007.

Discussion:  The Plan was approved in 2005 so the extension should be from 2006 to 2007.

Black amended the motion, Fitchena re-supported to make the extension from 3/24/2006 to 3/24/2007.

                  Ayes:   9              Nays:  0            Absent:  0                Motion Carried

 

TO AMEND PLANNING COMMISSION MOTION of 4/14/2005 regarding the Private Road Transitional Maintenance Agreement (now included in the Road Maintenance Agreement dated xx/xx/xxxx) for Terraces at Waterstone - Proposed Attached Condominium Development to be Located south of Ray Road between M-24 and North Oxford Road – Property Zoned CAD, Central Area Development District, Village Multiple Family Use –Parcel #04-22-200-017 (Applicant: Crosswinds Communities, 41050 Vincenti Court, Novi, MI 48375)

Christopher Salata, Attorney and Drafter of the Agreement, represented the applicant stated that the Motion for Final Site Plan approval for Terraces at Waterstone that was granted in April of 2005 included a draft of the Private Road Maintenance Agreement.  The final version was sent to the Planning Commission through the Township Attorney and is the appropriate Agreement they are requesting be approved.  The only substantial change between the Agreements is an additional clarification in paragraph 5 which addresses the transitional control date.

Chairman Silvester read into the minutes Rentrop & Morrison’s Resolution dated 3/9/06.

Commissioner Roesner asked about the reference to Terraces at Waterstone 1.  Mr. Salata responded that is the name of the development because they have the ability to phase the project.  The Agreement would cover the entire road from Oxford Road to M-24.

Black moved, Kucemba seconded to approve the Resolution concerning the Private Road Maintenance Agreement for Terraces of Waterstone 1.

                  Ayes:   9              Nays:  0            Absent:  0                Motion Carried

 

REQUEST FOR EXTENSION of FINAL SITE PLAN (approved 04/14/2005) until 04/14/2007 - Terraces at Waterstone – Proposed Attached Condominium Development to be Located south of Ray Road between M-24 and North Oxford Road – Property Zoned CAD, Central Area Development District, Village Multiple Family Use –Parcel #04-22-200-017  (Applicant: Crosswinds Communities, 41050 Vincenti Court, Novi, MI 48375)

Nicole Andrianni of Crosswinds Communities was present and requested a one year extension of their Final Site Plan approval that was granted 4/14/2005.  They have recently resubmitted engineering plans to the Township for another review and are in the process of getting their construction approvals and permits which she anticipates will happen later this summer.

The Commissioners expressed concern with the further development of East Market Street and the road within Terraces that is to connect to N. Oxford Road related to a new development approved for East Market Street and the impact that connection would have on the community.  Also, if the development should not transpire, East Market Street needs to end in a cul de sac.  Ms. Andrianni stated they agreed to do the road at the Final Site Plan review meeting and it is still part of their plans and is included in the engineering documents.  Mr. Darling added the Township has a Letter of Irrevocable Credit from REI that can be used to construct a cul de sac at the end of East Market Street if needed.

Black moved, Bell seconded to extend the Final Site Plan of Crosswinds Communities for the Terraces at Waterstone from 04/14/06 to 04/14/07.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes:  Bell, Black, Curtis, Fitchena, Kucemba, Silvester

Nayes:  Berger, Lepping, Roesner

Absent:  0

Motion Carried (6-3-0)

 

NEW BUSINESS

PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN – Barroncast Warehouse Addition 2006 - Parcel # 04-09-127-003– Applicant: Paul E. Barron, 215 Plexus Drive, Oxford, MI  48371 – WAREHOUSE ADDITION – Jim Wilson, Architect, presenter.

Mr. Wilson, representing Barroncast, requests Site Plan approval for the addition of warehousing space for parts used in Mr. Barron’s business (Mr. Barron was also in attendance).  Mr. Wilson submitted a response letter dated 3/1/2006 to the Commission addressing the consult review letters.

Chairman Silvester referenced a letter from Rentrop & Morrison regarding “Land Transfer Follow-Up” dated 3/9/06.  Mr. Wilson received it but felt it did not relate to their project.  The owner did purchase a piece of property to give him frontage on M-24 and Oakwood Road.  There was a lengthy discussion on the status of Plexus Drive, was it a non-conforming private road or a “driveway” put in by a previous owner.  Mr. Wilson stated there is no legal easement drafted to service other parcels on Plexus Drive.  The majority of the Commissioners agreed to consider Plexus Drive as a driveway for Barroncast.  It was noted that the driveway does encroach on M-24 and the applicant directed to alter it so that it is entirely on Mr. Barron’s parcel.

The safety path requirement was discussed.  Commissioner Berger commented it would be unsafe if constructed where it is shown on the plans.  It was noted that a safety path has to be put in if on the plans unless it is recommended by the Planning Commission and Safety Path Committee and approved by Township Board to accept payment into the Safety Path Fund in lieu of it’s construction.

 

Fire Department Review– Agreed to install the dry hydrant and will comply with everything else.

Rowe Inc. Review – The applicant was directed to turn the trash enclosure another 45 degrees, centering it, to address item #4.  Will be adding a “separation unit” in the line in response to item #5.  Mr. Wilson explained their response to item #6 and will be making the change on the drawings for engineering review.  Item #7, they are submitting a plan to the Health Department showing there are no well or septic modifications.  Item #10, Commissioners had no problem with their response other than them having to remove the encroachment on
M-24.

Carlisle Wortman Review– Does not plan on adding the island as suggested in item #1, Commissioners were ok with that.  Will comply with everything else.

Rentrop & Morrison Review– Item #2 - Commissioners agreed applicant did not need to comply, everything else has been addressed by the applicant.

Silvester moved, Bell seconded to approve the Preliminary Site Plan for Barroncast Warehouse Addition 2006 Parcel #04-09-127-003 contingent upon the following consultant review letters Rentrop & Morrison dated 2/24/06, Rowe Inc. dated 2/24/06, Fire Department dated 2/20/06, Carlisle Wortman dated 2/24/06, and to additionally include on the plans the required 1 foot setback safety path from the property line and to get the driveway were it encroaches onto M-24 entirely onto their site.

                  Ayes:   8              Nays:  1            Absent:  0                Motion Carried

 

PRELIMINARY CONDOMINIUM SITE PLAN REVIEW – Cherry Ridge – a single family site condominium with five (5) units on 10.01 acres located on the south side of Drahner Road between Coats & Sanders Road – Applicant: Cherry Ridge Land Dev. LC, Judith Fulkerson, 2711 W. Drahner, Oxford, MI  48371

Mr. James Scharl, Kieft Engineering, represented the applicant.  They are proposing a 5 unit condominium development with each lot/unit in excess of 1 acre in size.  Because there is no sanitary sewer, the lot sizes meet Oakland County Health Department requirements for septic.  The site does have an existing house and pond.  He noted that they will have to relocate the existing house’s septic field to construct the proposed driveway.

Mr. Scharl noted they have requested a Wetland Permit from the MDEQ because a portion of wetland needs to be filled in to facilitate the construction of a road.  Thus a Public Hearing has been scheduled for March 21st by the MDEQ at 7:00 pm on the first floor of this building.

There was much concern and discussion among the Commissioners regarding the removal of trees and grading that took place prior to any Township approvals.  A Violation was issued and all activity has stopped.

Attorney’s review 2/24/06 – Mr. Scharl replied that he can not identify size of buildings at this time, the Master Deed and Bylaws will be worked out as they go through the approval process, and agreed to show limits of disruption on the final site plan.  All other comments will be satisfied.

Planner’s review 2/22/06– In response to item #4, he will work out an appropriate prorated share for Ms. Fulkerson’s portion of maintenance for the road easement and write it into the condominium document.

Engineer’s review 2/4/06 – He will fix the discrepancy on the drawing referenced in item #7.  Commissioners decided #8 is not required; and item #12, are proposing 1 foot vertical to 3 foot horizontal.

Sheriff’s review 2/2/06 – Will comply with all comments

Fire Department’s review 2/22/06– Had no concerns.

Parks & Rec review 1/26/06– Had no concerns.

 

- - - - -

10:27 pm - Black moved, Roesner seconded to extend the meeting until 11:00 pm.

                  Ayes:   7              Nays:  2            Absent:  0                Motion Carried

- - - - -

Dr. Donald Peck, 1093 S. Coats Rd., was concerned this development would be setting a precedent by deviating from the Master Plan’s recommendation of Rural Residential.  Chairman Silvester replied that the parcel is currently zoned R-1 and what they are proposing is allowed.  Basically, the Master Plan is a goal for future land use conditions to create a balance in the community.  He would also like to see details of the retaining wall they plan to put in along the proposed road.  A detail of that plan will need to be submitted with the Final Site Plan and he can review it at that time.

Jack McIntyre, 2623 W. Drahner, owner of the property located east of the proposed development noted his property is lower than the development site and is experiencing an increased velocity of water run-off since some of the clearing has taken place.  Also, there is a high water drain from the existing pond that runs onto his property, how will this development affect that?  Mr. Scharl explained the detention pond basin improvements they will be making as a result of a change made by OCDC.  The rate should be no more than before construction.  Chairman Silvester commented that the Township Engineer reviews the plans and looks at the effect to adjacent property.  It was noted that Rowe needs to take into consideration their plans to fill a portion of the wetland as well.

Mike Kubiak, 2730 W. Drahner, was also concerned with water run-off onto his neighbor’s property and the noise and light pollution, etc. this amount of houses is going to create.  Chairman Silvester replied that they will pay close attention to run-off issues.

Commissioner Roesner noted there should be a buffer between the proposed road and the surrounding SF-2 properties.

Secretary Lepping commented that had the Wood Lot Protection Ordinance been approved by the Township, some of what is being heard tonight could have been prevented.

Berger moved, Kucemba seconded to approve the Preliminary Condominium Site Plan commonly known as Cherry Ridge located on the south side of Drahner Road between Coats and Sanders Road from the applicant of Cherry Ridge Land Dev. LC, Judith Fulkerson with known address of 2711 W. Drahner Road.  In that the approval include all comments be satisfied from the review letters of Rowe Engineering dated 2/24/06, Rentrop & Morrison dated 2/24/06, Carlisle Wortman dated 2/22/06; and to include all MDEQ, Oakland County Health Division, and Oakland County Road Commission requirements necessary for the development.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes:  Berger, Kucemba, Roesner, Silvester

Nayes:  Bell, Black, Curtis, Fitchena, Lepping,

Absent:  0

Motion Denied (4-5-0)

 

Black moved, Fitchena seconded to postpone for one month.

 

Discussion:  Chairman Silvester asked for clarification as to what needs to be done during the postponement.  The applicant is being asked to provide the Commissioners with assurance that the drainage system they are proposing will work and it was suggested that a representative from the Planning Commission attend the MDEQ meeting to obtain more information for consideration.

 

- - - - -

11:00 pm – Black moved, Lepping seconded to extend the meeting to 11:15 pm.

                  Ayes:   7              Nays:  2            Absent:  0                Motion Carried

- - - - -

Mr. Scharl commented the drainage issue is part of the approval process and that construction cannot start until all review agents’ concerns are met and approval is granted by the Township.  He doesn’t want to obtain Engineering and Construction plans when he doesn’t have a Preliminary approval.  Mr. Wortman replied that he just needs to return with revisions subject to comments from the consultants and from county and state agencies which should then lead to Preliminary approval.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes:  Bell, Black, Curtis, Fitchena, Lepping, Roesner

Nayes:  Berger, Kucemba, Silvester

Absent:  0

Motion Carried (6-3-0)

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR COMMITTEE REPORTS

Violations Report

Violation Report 2/28/2006 – Commissioner Black noted a date correction.

 

Sub Committee Reports

Acreage/Lot Split Sub Committee - Zoning Administrator Darling had nothing new to report.

 

Gravel Inspection Sub Committee – Nothing to report

Ordinance Review Sub Committee - Chairman Silvester reported they are through Article 10 of 18.  He attended the Township Board meeting and they will be reviewing Articles 1 through 5.

 

Reports from Representatives to Other Township Boards/Committees

Highway Roads Committee – The drainage problem and the road in the Brabb-Dewey Sub Division will be addressed.  Ray Road is on the “back burner” for now.

 

Polly Ann Trailway Commission – Nothing to report

 

Professional Services Committee – Commissioner Bell reported that they sent out for applications as of March 1st for contracted engineering services.  Should have proposals back by March 31st and will submit 4 or 5 to the Township Board.  The goal is to have someone on board by May 1st.

 

Safety Path Committee – Nothing to report

 

Water and Sewer Committee – Commissioner Roesner reported and answered questions on the information given to the Commissioners on REUs.  She noted that these figures are preliminary and should be finalized within the next month or two.

 

- - - - -

11:15 pm – Silvester moved, Bell seconded to extend the meeting to 11:30 pm

                  Ayes:  7               Nays:  2            Absent:  0                Motion Carried

 -- - - -

 

ZBA – Nothing to report, the past couple of meetings have been canceled.

 

TOWNSHIP PLANNER’S REPORT – CARLISLE/WORTMAN ASSOCIATES

Mr. Wortman reported that he has spoken to MDOT and they are updating the Access Management Plan for Lapeer Road and will have more information in the months ahead.

 

BILLS

Carlisle/Wortman Associates Invoice 26300 dated 3/1/2006 for period ending 2/28/2006 in the amount of $2,092.50.

Black moved, Curtis seconded to approve Carlisle/Wortman Associates Invoice 26300 dated 3/1/06 for period ending 2/28/2006 in the amount of $2,092.50.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes:  Bell, Berger, Black, Curtis, Fitchena, Kucemba, Lepping, Roesner, Silvester

Nayes:  0

Absent:  0

Motion Carried (9-0-0)

 

Carlisle/Wortman Associates Invoice 26302 dated 3/1/2006 for period ending 2/28/2006 in the amount of $1,615.00.

Black moved, Fitchena seconded to approve Carlisle/Wortman Associates Invoice 26302 dated 3/1/06 for period ending 2/28/2006 in the amount of $1,615.00.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes:  Bell, Berger, Black, Curtis, Fitchena, Kucemba, Lepping, Roesner, Silvester

Nayes:  0

Absent:  0

         Motion Carried (9-0-0)

 

Rentrop & Morrison Invoice 11185 dated 7/15/2005 in the amount of $180.00.

Black moved, Fitchena seconded to approve Rentrop & Morrison Invoice 11185 dated 7/15/2005 in the amount of $180.00

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes:  Bell, Berger, Black, Curtis, Fitchena, Kucemba, Lepping, Roesner, Silvester

Nayes:  0

Absent:  0

         Motion Carried (9-0-0)

 

Rentrop & Morrison Invoice 11696 dated 2/15/2006 in the amount of $1,080.00.

Black moved, Fitchena seconded to approve Rentrop & Morrison Invoice 11696 dated 2/15/2006 in the amount of $1,080.00

Chairman Silvester commented that this invoice is part of the Ordinance re-write and will be contacting the Attorney regarding the amount they quoted and how much has been billed so far.

Roll Call Vote:

Ayes:  Bell, Berger, Black, Curtis, Fitchena, Kucemba, Lepping, Roesner, Silvester

Nayes:  0

Absent:  0

         Motion Carried (9-0-0)

 

ADJOURNMENT

Black moved, Curtis seconded to adjourn  the meeting at 11:25 pm.

                  Ayes:  9               Nays:  0            Absent:  0                Motion Carried

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________                                        ____________________________

Donald T. Silvester, Chairman                                                        Tom Lepping, Secretary

 

 

Date approved:        

 

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