A regular meeting of the Charter Township of Oxford Planning Commission held Thursday, November 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, Engineer Sharpe, Planning & Zoning Coordinator Walkaus, Recording Secretary Harrison, CATV Cameraman, and approximately 7 audience members.

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 noted a change on the Agenda, 9(a) Lakeshore Village PUD. The applicant requested to be removed and tentatively placed on the December 14^th meeting Agenda.

Black moved, Curtis seconded to approve the November 9, 2006 Agenda as amended.

Ayes: 9 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Motion Carried

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Planning Commission Regular Meeting – October 26, 2006

Black moved, Kucemba seconded to approve the Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of October 26, 2006 as presented.

Ayes: 9 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Motion Carried

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC HEARING or ON AGENDA

No Audience Comments on items not on the Agenda were given.

COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS, INFORMATION FROM ZONING ADMINISTRATOR, COORDINATOR, RECORDING SECRETARY

Commissioners’ Comments: None

PC and ZBA Coordinator Comments: Coordinator Walkaus reminded the Commissioners about the Attendance Worksheets for 2006. She asked that they review it and have it back by December 1, 2006. Checks will be cut on December 15^th, the December 14^th meeting will be carried over into 2007.

Zoning Administrator Comments: Zoning Administrator Darling had no comments per Coordinator Walkaus

Recording Secretary Comments: None

PUBLIC HEARING(S) - None

OLD BUSINESS

SITE PLAN REVIEW (1) – Charter Communications Utility Building – 2410 Metamora Rd, Oxford, MI 48371 - Parcel(s) # 04-09-401-005 & 04-09-401-006, Applicant -Charter Communications-Oxford Township, 7372 Davison Rd, Davison, MI 48423, Vicki Jacobs. (from PAC 08/24/2006)

Lisa Easterwood and Katrina Branson of Gould Engineering made the presentation. There were also members from Charter Communications and the General Contractor present. Due to funding restraints, in addition to Preliminary Site Plan approval, they are seeking Final Site Plan approval. From the previous meeting, Ms. Easterwood clarified that a safety path will be required and opted to contribute to the fund in lieu of which was approved by the Township Board. She reviewed the project and addressed comments and concerns from the Planner’s review letter dated 10/27/06.

Item 1, they propose to fix the exterior appearance of the house. It will be accessed by employees from time to time for file maintenance.

Item 3, they do not feel it necessary to stripe for a handicap space due to the amount of space available but will comply if requested by the Commission.

Item #4, they have received the location of the septic field from the Health Department, it is in back of the house. A copy of the document is available if needed.

Item #5, lighting fixtures will be shielded. They only propose one, next to the door.

Item #6, to require a Type A buffer, she noted and had pictures of a fence along the property line of concern. Commissioner Lepping commented the fence wouldn’t be as long lasting as a buffer and suggested they put in five (5) evergreen trees along that fence.

Item #7, she provided a picture better depicting what the façade will look like.

Katrina Branson addressed comments on the Engineer’s review letter dated 10/25/06.

She verified there will be people on site occasionally so they do want restroom facilities available. They are proposing to leave the well as is. Engineer Sharpe was OK with that.

Regarding existing wetlands, construction work will be a considerable distance from the wetlands. She verified restrictions and permitting with DEQ and the Township’s Ordinance and no permitting will be needed from either entity.

The encroachment of the existing driveway onto the Church’s property -- Charter has been in contact with the Church, they have agreed to grant an easement and an Agreement is being drafted. Due to that arrangement, they will not need to realign the access drive.

The stock pile of materials is shown on sheet 4 of the Soil Erosion Plan. The contractor said they will probably put materials off the parking lot in the grass area and won’t be storing any heavy equipment. They have agreed to reseed any lawn that is disturbed. Also, they have a Soil Erosion permit from Oakland County so there will be an inspector on-site making sure they comply with requirements.

Charter Communications will be removing the trash dumpster and will take care of any trash removal themselves.

They do not propose any fire hydrants and the fire suppression system for the building will be gas. The Fire Department’s review and no comments regarding either of these items.

No storm sewer is proposed for the site, sheet 2 of the plans shows their runoff coefficient calculation. They do not anticipate any additional runoff being produced.

In conclusion, they have agreed to supply a Knox Security box per the Fire Department’s request and all other Consultants had no concerns.

Commissioner Curtis questioned the garage on-site. Ms. Easterwood said it will be removed and it is noted on the plans.

Bell moved, Lepping seconded to grant the approval of Preliminary and Final Site Plan approvals for the Charter Communications Utility Building located at 2410 Metamora Road, parcel(s) #04-09-401-005 & #04-09-401-006 on the following conditions: 1) the applicant install five (5) evergreen trees to replace the existing screen fence at the northern boundary to the church property; 2) stripe one handicap space per ADA requirements; 3) the 150 watt shielded exterior light be installed adjacent to the personnel door; 4) realign access drive so as not to encroach on neighbor’s property; 5) ensure the Township the existing home will not become a nuisance or Township will have the authority to condemn it and have it removed from the site at the Owner’s expense.

Discussion: Commissioner Black commented there was no need to realign the drive if they are getting an easement from the Church and a handicap parking space shouldn’t be required given the amount of available parking and the limited amount of use by employees. Commissioner Lepping suggested leaving the fence and maintaining it in addition to the trees and noted on the master copy that is to be signed where he suggests the trees go. Commissioner Berger said the height of the trees, 6 foot, should be included in the motion.

Bell amended the motion, Lepping re-supported to insert that the trees be 6 foot evergreens to be located as noted on the approved signed plans and realign access drive as not to encroach on neighbor’s property as approved by Giffels-Webster and Carlisle Wortman or work out an Easement Agreement with the neighbors. The Agreement must be described and Recorded at the Register Deeds and copies provided to the Township.

Ayes: 9 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Motion Carried

REQUEST TO EXTEND AMENDED SITE PLAN (2) – RLM Industries Inc. – Parcel # 04-09-300-027 - Applicants: Lou Verville, 100 Hummer Lake Road, Oxford, MI 48371, Ron Lamothe, 3500 Hosner, Oxford, MI 48371 – Proposed Use: COLD STORAGE WAREHOUSE – Tabled from June 23, 2005, July 14, 2005 and October 27, 2005, SP approved w contingencies 01/12/2006, 05/24/2006 TB Safety Path Waiver Request, 06/22/2006 PC comments, TB 06/27/2006

Jim Wilson, the Architect, was present. It was noted that the site plan was originally approved on January 12, 2006, it was then “suspended” by the Township Board due to their safety path waiver request. They reappeared before the Planning Commission on 7/13/06 for further direction.

Bell moved, Lepping seconded to grant the Site Plan extension request for a period of one (1) year.

Discussion: It was suggested that a specific date be included in the motion.

Bell amended the motion, Lepping re-supported to grant the Site Plan extension request for a period of one (1) year, until January 12, 2008.

Ayes: 9 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Motion Carried

Mr. Wilson updated the Commission on the safety path status in regards to Oakland County. They are referring to the path as a sidewalk and had Mr. Wilson change the drawings accordingly. Per their most recent rejection, they are now requesting the path/sidewalk be placed at the crown of the road. He stated they should be able to accommodate the Road Commission’s requests. When Oakland County accepts the placement of the safety path, Chairman Silvester instructed Mr. Wilson to have them put it in writing.

NEW BUSINESS

Adopt 2007 Meeting Schedule

There was one revision to the schedule; February 9, 2007 is a Friday so the date needs to be changed to the 8^th.

Roesner moved, Black seconded to approve the amended proposed meeting schedule.

Ayes: 9 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Motion Carried

COMMUNICATIONS AND/OR COMMITTEE REPORTS

Violations Report

Violation Report dated 11/2/06 was submitted by Zoning Administrator Darling. There were no questions or comments.

Sub Committee Reports

Acreage/Lot Split Sub Committee - None

Gravel Inspection Sub Committee - Committee Member Black proposed to do the inspections on December 8^th which was OK with Committee Member Curtis. Coordinator Walkaus will set it up with Chris Mizel of Levy and will request aerials.

Ordinance Review Sub Committee – Chairman Silvester noted there was a meeting on Monday. They reviewed the entire Ordinance one last time and added comments from Attorney Kaye. The December meeting has been canceled and the entire rewrite will be before the Planning Commission on December 14^th along with a Public Hearing. After the first of the year, the Committee will be reviewing Engineer Design Standards.

Reports from Representatives to Other Township Boards/Committees

Highway/Roads Committee – Committee Member Fitchena reported the last meeting of the Task Force for the M-24 corridor was held. She commented the meetings were very productive and the first time she seen MDOT meet with Communities to discuss highways. MDOT would like to see safety paths on both sides of M-24 and want to work to limit the number of curb cuts and driveways onto M-24. Coordinator Walkaus is sending them site plans of anything pertaining to the main corridor for their input which has not been done before.

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

Safety Path Committee – Curtis reiterated they accepted $35,126.00 from Charter Communications in lieu of putting in the path, currently there is $30,000 in the fund and $10,000 to be contributed from the Township’s General Fund for maintenance. Treasurer Ferrari and Engineer Sharpe will be meeting with each homeowner on the east and west sides of Drahner to procure easements now for future safety path placement when money becomes available. Commissioner Kucemba noted he is preparing a millage request to go before the Township Board at their next meeting. He would like approval to place a millage on the next available ballot. The next Committee meeting will be in January.

Water and Sewer Committee – Committee Member Roesner reported that Aragona Properties had their relief request hearing on November 2^nd and the Committee unanimously denied the request. Mr. Aragona commented they may request a variance to put in their own system, but the Committee agreed that probably wouldn’t be viable.

There was discussion between the Commissioners on this issue. It was noted during the discussion that the Water & Sewer Committee and the Township Board need to discuss what they plan to do if they don’t get the number of taps needed to pay back the bonds.

Committee Member Roesner commented that some projects have been put on hold and that the Planning Commission will be notified if there is development interest in areas where there is no infrastructure so Developers will be aware of that.

ZBA – There will be a meeting Monday, November 20, 2006.

CARLISLE/WORTMAN REPORT

Planner Wortman reported that he and Mr. Lopatin are in the process of plotting the Master Plan and Zoning maps. They should be ready for the December 14^th meeting. He also noted that they will have a short Power Point presentation that summarizes major Ordinance text changes for the December 14^th Public Hearing.

Engineer Sharpe had no additional comments.

BILLS

Carlisle Wortman Invoice #261100 dated 11/01/06 in the amount of $1,295.00.

Black moved, Fitchena seconded to approve Carlisle Wortman Invoice #261100 in the amount of $1,295.00.

Black amended the motion, Fitchena re-supported to add the date, 11/01/06.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Motion Carried

Carlisle Wortman Invoice #261102 dated 11/01/06 in the amount of $4,295.00.

Black moved, Fitchena seconded to approve Carlisle Wortman Invoice #261102 in the amount of $4,295.00 dated 11/01/06.

Roll Call Vote:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

Motion Carried

Chairman Silvester directed Engineer Sharpe to submit any invoices for attending Ordinance Review meetings before the end of December.

ADJOURNMENT

Black moved, Fitchena seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:58 pm

Ayes: 9 Nays: 0 Absent: 0 Motion Carried

______________________________ ____________________________

Donald T. Silvester, Chairman Tom Lepping, Secretary

Date approved: 12/14/2006

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