Planning Commission 06-06-06

The regular meeting of the Spring Arbor Township Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Fortress on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at 7:30 PM at the Township Hall.

Members Present:   Evans, Fortress, Holton, Jacobson, Melville, Poleski, Roth, Short, Williams.

Members Absent: Williams.

Visitors Present:   Dick Folk (Folk Oil Co.), Byron Schroeder and Gregory Lamkin (Feller, Finch & Associates Inc), Indra N. Jha (Elite Engineering Services Inc), Doug Jones (Spring Arbor University), Travis Sage (Fanning Hones Associates Inc), Mick Barney (Triangle Associates, Inc), Don & Pat Scouten (Spring Arbor Car Wash), Ryan Cagney, Michael Cagney (grandsons of Ken Melville).

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:

Motion by Evans, supported by Holton, to approve the minutes of the May 2, 2006 meeting as presented. Motion carried.

Folk Oil Site Plan Review – #SPR06-2:

Dick Folk presented the plan to build a car wash on the northwest corner of Dearing and M-60.

Public Comment :   The owner of the existing car wash would prefer a quick oil change on the site.   End of public comment.

Chair Fortress noted that OMM has opined that the existing retention on the site is adequate to the new car wash.   Additional OMM comments per letter dated May 22, 2006 appear to have been addressed.

Motion by Short, supported by Evans, to approve the site plan as presented pending review of OMM’s May 22, 2006 letter to assure that the plans incorporate OMM’s comments.   Motion carried.

Spring Arbor University Site Plan Review #SPR06-3

Doug Jones of SAU:   SAU proposes a 38,000 square foot academic building, to be known as the Global Center for Learning and Achievement.

The Commission noted the Zoning Board of Appeals action of May 25, 2006 concerning a setback variance (V06-1) as to this Plan.

Fire Chief McEldowney has reviewed the plan and has no suggested changes.

OMM’s letter of May 24, 2006 (which SAU has not yet seen) has several comments, concerning slope of certain portions of site and water service issues.

Holton noted that he is a member of the Board at SAU.   He intends to recuse himself from a vote on this plan.

Motion by Jacobson, supported by Melville, to approve the plan as presented subject to incorporation of OMM’s comments contained in their letter dated May 24, 2006 .   Motion carried (Holton recused).

SAU storm water management plan:

The Commission reviewed the University’s baseline storm water management plan.   The Commission received the plan and will ask OMM to comment upon it.

Zoning Ordinance Changes:

The Commission noted that the Zoning Ordinance editing discussed last month has been incorporated into the Ordinance.

Motion by Evans, supported by Holton, to recommend approval of the Ordinance to the Township Board.   Motion carried.

Proposed change to Section 9.8 of Zoning Ordinance:

Motion by Evans, supported by Holton to recommend a change to Section 9.8 of the Zoning Ordinance adding the following language to Section 9.8.1:

“Seasonal agricultural signs are allowed in all districts except RS-1 and RS-2 for a period of not to exceed 150 days in any 365 day period.”

Resignation of Planning Commission Member:

By letter dated May 22, 2006 , David Evans has asked to resign his position on the Planning Commission effective June 7, 2006 .  

Motion by Jacobson, supported by Roth, to accept David Evans’ resignation with regret, and to express appreciation to Mr. Evans for his years of service on the Commission.   Motion carried.

Upon motion by Holton, supported by Jacobson, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM .