Public Hearing for Leonard Harrington's rezoning request was called to order by Chairperson Inge Kyler.
Present: Kyler, Martinez, Blair, Marsh, Hall, Kubicek
Absent: Burnett
Also present: Jim Foulds and Vern Fountain of AGS.

Chair Kyler reviewed the application and consultant's review of the request. He [Harrington] is requesting that the remaining 2.7 acres of this parcel be changed from A-1 to B-2. The other portion is already zoned B-1. This property is located at the NW corner of M-99 and Vermontville Hwy.

Mr. Harrington stated that they are 1,700' from homes on Riverside and that to the west the 16 acres can only have one home. The next house is 1,300'. He wants to build a pole barn structure to sell lawn mowers and needs.

Hall asked if there was any wet land in this 2.7 acres. NO, there is swamp land across the street and next door. This land is no good for agriculture and there is a pond.

Harrington stated that he would get an architect after the rezoning is approved.

Martinez asked if any other commercial use on the land. He is planning to rent to a plumber to park his 3 vans on the site or in the building until he needs more space. He had requested B-1 like the other portion of the parcel but the Planning Commission recommended that he change it to B-2.

Hall asked when the other portion of the description was changed to B-1. It was at least five years ago.

No public comments.

Closed the public hearing at 7:12 PM.

The regular meeting was called to order.

Murray Marsh was introduced as the new member of the Planning Commission.

No public comments.

Kubicek moved and Martinez seconded to approve the minutes from the previous meeting as printed. Carried unanimously.

REPORTS:

Blair gave report from Board of Trustee and Sewer Board.
Kubicek gave report from Board of Appeals.
Hall reported on Village Planning Commission.
Martinez reported on Citizen Planner program that he attended.
All those who attended the MTA planning workshop said it was one of the best they have attended.

HARRINGTON REZONING:

Hall stated that the land use committee decided to change the area to AG/Rural Residential from Industrial/Commercial. To rezone to B-1/B-2 would be a reversal to the steps the committee took.

Martinez does remember the rational and this request is contrary to the plan. If [we] change our minds, we need to go back and discuss the prior decisions on this area.

Harrington stated this is the only area of A-1 to be changed.

Hall asked if you keep it A-1 and allow the use under a SUP. Harrington ststed that he is not interested in this, as a future buyer would not be allowed to use as commercial.

Foulds stated that if the request is approved, what do you do next time something goes against the land use plan? This could impact more areas. This is spot zoning and if [we] go against the plan he is concerned about a difficult road ahead.

Blair asked if we want to go back and revisit this area?

Harrington stated that the subdivision off Riverside is set and the only other house is the Wright farmhouse. There is no other land to deal with except his 2.7 acres.

Marsh stated that this area contains a vet clinic, SLDC, beauty shop and swamps to the west already.

Hall asked what good it would do to table as a review and amendment of the plan could take months?

Martinez moved and Hall seconded to table the Harrington rezoning request until the Master Plan can be discussed and direction taken. Carried 6-1.

Discussion prior to vote stated that under AG [zoning] a home could be built there. There is a high water table so no basement could be built. Feel that we should review the [Master] plan and see if it should be changed. This land can not be farmed for profit. This B-1 is all alone and it is a major cross of two roads so logical to be commercial. Do not want to set precedents of going against Land Use Plan.

Harrington stated that this would set him back one year in building.

CAREM INDUSTRIES REZONING:

Chad Covell stated that he wishes to change from B-1 to B-2 so that he can continue the current modular home sales and build a new office and self-storage building. Currently the modular home sales are non-conforming with the changes in the ordinance. He plans to be here a long time and wishes to upgrade. The Master Plan shows this area as commercial and he knows he will need a SUP for storage units.

Hall moved and Martinez seconded to set the public hearing for the Carem Industries rezoning request for June 11, 2003 at 7:00 PM. Carried unanimously.

Hall asked if it would be OK to visit the property? YES.

DELPHINUIM SUBDIVISION REVIEW:

Martinez moved and Blair seconded to table this review until representative could be at the meeting. Carried unanimously.

CAPITAL HARLEY DAVISON SITE PLAN REVIEW:

Pat Brown, Dave Bell and Larry Clark were present. They plan to build a one-story 30,500 sq. ft showroom with a 4,500 sq. ft mezzanine. They will have sales & service. They are using lots 54/55 in Westland Park and the driveway will be off of Woodlane. They will have 15-18 employees. Delta Township is currently reviewing the water and sewer. They will need to get a driveway permit and talk to drain commissioner. Fountain stated that he is comfortable with final site plan review if these approvals are obtained. Land is vacant on both sides.

Martinez moved and Kubicek to grant final site plan approval with agency approvals obtained to fulfill the comments of reports from CPS. Carried unanimously.

COUNTRY CREEK REZONING REQUEST:

The minister of Mt. Olive Baptist Church was present, as well as the current owners, and the realtor. They are requesting a change from B-1 to B-2. The church is planning to purchase the land and make it their church. Hall confirmed the location and asked if OK to visit the site? YES.

Hall moved and Blair seconded to set the public hearing for June 11, 2003 immediately following the 7:00 PM public hearing. Carried unanimously.

WENDY'S SIGNS:

The question of which signs applied and which were directional and menu bars was referred to Jim Foulds. He will talk to Supervisor on Friday morning.

GENERAL DISCUSSION:

Kubicek states that there are some problems with the sign ordinance and it needs to be reviewed.

Heard that City of Potterville is revising their Master Plan.

Home occupations will be discussed at May meeting as well as site condos.

Heard that Board is looking at linking [the Township's Home Page] to Municipal Code for zoning ordinances.

Land Use Committee will be meeting in May.

May 21st will be the meeting with the Township Board. Kubicek and Burnett will lead [the discussion on the] Recreation Plan. Martinez, Burnett and Kubicek will lead Enforcement [Ordinance]. Kyler will lead the Farmland [Preservation] discussion. Capital Improvements [Plan] will be part of all proposals.

With no further business Hall moved and Martinez second to adjourn the meeting. Carried unanimously. Adjourned at 8:58 PM.

Linda Towsley, Clerk