A regular meeting of the Charter Township of Oxford Planning Commission held Thursday, August 10, 2006, at the Oxford Veterans Memorial Civic Center.

 

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

 

Members Absent:       Fitchena, Roesner

 

Also Present:              Planner Wortman, Engineer Sharpe, Planning & Zoning Coordinator Walkaus, Recording Secretary Harrison, CATV Cameraman, approximately 5 visitors

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Silvester at 7:31 pm.

 

RESPECTS TO THE FLAG

 

NOTING OF ROLL

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Black moved, Kucemba seconded to approve the August 10, 2006 Agenda as presented.

                  Ayes:   7              Nays:  0            Absent:  2                Motion Carried

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Planning Commission Regular Meeting – July 27, 2006

Black moved, Kucemba seconded to approve the Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of July 27, 2006 as presented.

                  Ayes:   7              Nays:  0            Absent:  2                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:  None

 

PC and ZBA Coordinator Comments:  Coordinator Walkaus was informed today that they would not be moving to the new Township Hall on August 18th as originally planned, it has been postponed until September 15th because of water issues.  Per Larry Lax, the M-24 (Lapeer Road) road improvements at East Market Street  should begin today and will take about 4 to 6 weeks, ending in mid-September.

 

Zoning Administrator Comments:  On behalf of Zoning Administrator Darling, Coordinator Walkaus had no comments.

 

Recording Secretary Comments:  None

 

PUBLIC HEARING - None

 

OLD BUSINESS

REQUEST FOR EXTENSION of SPECIAL LAND USE – Until March 18, 2007 (6 months – 180 days) Bellina Pines – Proposed Senior Citizens Housing Project in RM (Residential-Multiple Family) Zoned District-Located East of Pontiac Street, North of Pochahontas – Parcel #04-27-401-002 through 004 commonly known as 555, 561 and 575 Pontiac Street (Applicants: The Douglas Company, 1716 Perrysburg-Holland Road, Holland, Ohio  43528, Matt Phlabaum and David A. Weckle, 75 Burdick Woods Court, Oxford, MI  48371 SPECIAL LAND USE - Approved 08/22/2002, Extension approved 02/12/2004, 03/23/2006.FINAL SITE PLAN – tabled 02/12/2004, 01/13/2005, 01/27/2005, 06/08/2006 (to be resubmitted 09/14/2006)

Matt Philabaum of The Douglas Company was present and is requesting an extension of 6 months on the Special Land Use permit.  He explained what The Douglas Company does, their goals, and how this project meets the requirements of the Special Land Use permit.

Chairman Silvester reviewed the project’s progress since the Special Land Use permit was first approved in 2002.  The permit was extended for a second time in March, 2006 for 6 months which is due to expire on September 19th.  He noted that a Final Site Plan has not yet been approved but has been submitted for review by the consultants.  There was discussion as to whether the Final Site Plan was scheduled for the September 14th or the September 28th meeting.  Mr. Silvester didn’t see any issues granting the extension but suggested another Public Hearing be scheduled for the Special Land Use to address recent concerns from neighboring citizens and to bring them up to date.  Commissioner Black agreed.

Mr. Philabaum stated they have reviewed previous consultant comments of the site plan several times and everything is in-line.  He has met with Rowe Engineering regarding a storm sewer system change and they are both of the opinion that the change is more efficient.  He commented that they have sub-contractors in place and can have a building enclosed within six months.  He asked if the Special Land Use Public Hearing, the Special Land Use extension, and Final Site Plan all be scheduled for the September 14th meeting.  Coordinator Walkaus commented there would be enough time to Notice the Hearing, consultant reviews are due back September 1st  , and the Agenda for September 14th meeting could accommodate these items.  It was noted that the Special Land Use extension and the Final Site Plan would require separate actions.

 

Bell moved, Black seconded that the Special Land Use permit extension request for Bellina Pines, proposed senior housing center, be postponed until the September 14, 2006 meeting at which time the Planning Commission will act on the Public Hearing for the Special Land Use extension.

 

Discussion – It was clarified that the Public Hearing is for the Special Land Use.

 

                  Ayes:   7              Nays:  0            Absent:  2                Motion Carried

 

Debbie Zanardo, an owner, asked about the citizen concerns noted above.  There have been no written comments but Ms. Walkaus noted that an attorney representing the neighbors to the south has reviewed the plans for berming and landscaping and that the drainage shown on the site plan is different on the construction plans, this needs to be addressed and made clear.  Chairman Silvester added that he suggested the Public Hearing because of the length of time that has lapsed since the original permit was approved so as to update the neighbors  and let them voice any concerns.  He pointed out that the Site Plan is a separate issue.

Dave Weckle referenced the Special Land Use Ordinance, he noted there is a 120 day grace period after expiration to file for a building permit.  He commented he is not sure why they need an extension of the Special Land Use, he believes the Final Site Plan was scheduled for the September 14th meeting and that the plans are accurate.  He doesn’t think a Public Hearing will have any grounds to approve or deny the existing permit as it doesn’t expire until September 19th and they have 120 days past that.

 

NEW BUSINESS - None

 

COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR COMMITTEE REPORTS

Violations Report

Violation Report dated 8/1/06 was submitted by Zoning Administrator Darling.  Commissioner Black noted a date error concerning the 3150 Delano Road violation.


Sub Committee Reports

Acreage/Lot Split Sub Committee – Coordinator Walkaus reported that a lot split has been processed for Inca Trail, which has come back from Oakland County for clarification.

 

Gravel Inspection Sub Committee – Committee Member Black reported that aerials have been received from Chris from Levy about two months ago.

 

Ordinance Review Sub Committee – Committee Member Silvester reported they will be discussing Articles 10, 11, & 14 (the PUD) at the next Planning Commission meeting and at the Township Board’s next meeting.  Articles 12 & 13 (Site Plan Review and Condominiums) – Planner Lopatin will be trying to streamline the process to address the three different types of condominiums.  These should be to the Planning Commission in October.  Mr. Silvester anticipates the Sub-Committee should be done with all their reviews by November.  The Township Board asked for members of the Planning Commission to meet with the Engineer, Planner, Township Supervisor, Building Department, Attorney, and Road Commission to discuss roadways in platted subdivisions.  Vice-Chairman Berger and Commissioner Curtis volunteered.

 

Reports from Representatives to Other Township Boards/Committees

Highway Roads Committee – Coordinator Walkaus reported she attended a meeting on July 25th of the M-24 Access Management Committee here in Oxford, the next meeting is August 29th in Auburn Hills, and a Public Hearing is scheduled for September 21st in Orion Township.  Secretary Lepping also attended the meeting and noted that JFK was there and MDOT offered to work with them on their proposed project entrances.  Chairman Silvester reported that the Township Board adopted a proposed Statement of Understanding on Access Management for Lapeer Road. 

Polly Ann Trailway Commission – The bridge completion has been postponed until September.  Construction will be done on a Friday and Saturday. 

Professional Services Committee – Committee Member Bell had nothing to report.

Safety Path Committee – Committee Member Curtis reported they had a meeting on July 28th (minutes were included in the packet).  The four motions were taken to the Board which took no action.  He reported there is approximately $44,000 in the Safety Path Fund which the Board directed them to complete projects on Drahner Road.  Chairman Silvester noted that the Planning Commission was directed to continue to follow Ordinance 117, safety paths need to be on all site plans and constructed.  If there is a discrepancy with the County, procedure has to be followed for a waiver or contribution in lieu of.

Water and Sewer Committee - Committee Member Roesner was not available for comment.

ZBA - Committee Member Roesner was not available for comment.

 

TOWNSHIP PLANNER’S REPORT – CARLISLE/WORTMAN ASSOCIATES

Planner Wortman asked if anything has been decided regarding mounting and laminating the display boards.  It was discussed with Mr. Lopatin, two sets will be needed, one for this location and one for the new Township Hall.

 

BILLS

Carlisle Wortman Invoice #26800 for period ending 7/31/06 in the amount of $2,590.00.

Black moved, Lepping seconded to approve Carlisle Wortman Invoice #26800 for period ending 7/31/06 in the amount of $2,590.00.

Roll Call Vote:

                  Ayes:  Bell, Black, Berger, Curtis, Kucemba, Leppping, Silvester

                  Nays:  0

                  Absent:  Fitchena, Roesner

                  Motion Carried

Carlisle Wortman Invoice #26802 for period ending 7/31/06 in the amount of $3,165.00.

Black moved, Bell seconded to approve Carlisle Wortman Invoice 26002 for period ending 7/31/06 in the amount of $3,165.00.

 

Discussion:  Invoice number should be 26802.

 

Black amended, Bell re-supported to approve Carlisle Wortman Invoice #26802 for period ending 7/31/06 in the amount of $3,165.00.

Roll Call Vote:

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

                  Nays:  0

                  Absent:  Fitchena, Roesner

                  Motion Carried

 

Rowe Engineering Invoice dated 7/27/06.

The invoice was referred back to the Township Supervisor, did not pertain to any Planning Commission issues.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Black moved, Curtis seconded to adjourn  the meeting at 8:15 pm.

                  Ayes:  7               Nays:  0            Absent:  2                Motion Carried

 

 

 

 

 

______________________________                                        ____________________________

Donald T. Silvester, Chairman                                                        Tom Lepping, Secretary

 

 

Date approved:         08/24/2006

 

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