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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

 

Baroda Village Planning Commission Synopsis

 

 

June 15, 2010

 

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm.

 

Minutes were read and a motion was made by Ron Zordell to accept as written, seconded by Tom Porcaro, all in favor.

 

Brett proposed to have a description of what planning commission envisions in the next 10-15 years along with the zoning map which should cover what the Enabling Act requires for a master plan. All thought it was a good idea and that it should be reviewed by the Planning Commission members and Chuck Eckenstahler. Brett will make the original draft.

 

The zoning map needs to be reviewed. There are some homes listed as agricultural and should be R2. Ed will talk to Diane about updating map.

 

The Planning Commission consensus is that we would be willing to help him find options, but in regards to the posting sign, the lot can only be split into four parcels.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

 

 

 

 

May 18  2010

 

 Meeting was called to order at 6:30pm

 

Minutes from the April 20th meeting were read and a motion was made by Ron Zordell to approve minutes seconded by Jerry Jakubs.

 

According to the Michigan Planning Enabling Act 33 of 2008 the Master Plan should be checked every 5 years to decide if the Plan should be amended.

 

While reviewing the Michigan Planning Enabling Act based on The Master Plan, the following areas should be reviewed further in The Master Plan:

 

·         Zoning maps will have to be updated to current

·        Would Zoning maps be altered in the next 20 years

·        Review Strefling property, commercial location and residential location

·        Any wetland changes

·        Possible bicycle path in future

·        School property – sewer and water lines and storm drains. Could fit up to 12 homes with probable minimum of 8 single family homes. School property    

            should resemble surrounding property of single family homes

·        Streetscape

·        Utilities – electric lines pulled through Village, personal windmills and alternative energy sources

·        Gas line utility map will need to be updated. Gas lines have been added since last update

·        Communication towers

 

At the June 15th meeting we will begin reviewing master plan step by step.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:20pm

 

 

April 20, 2010

Meeting was called to order at 6:30pm. Minutes were read and accepted as written by Ron Zordell, seconded by Bob Getz, all in favor.

 On behalf of Hometown Deli Owners, Stacey Stubblefield and Audra Johnson and the Owners of the building, William and Greta Hurst, a.k.a. Tabula Rasa Farm LLC, William Hurst is requesting that the Deli be allowed to set out on the sidewalk two bistro tables and chairs every morning and take them in at night. The tables are 23.5” square and the sidewalk is 97.5” wide. They would also like to display a sandwich board in front of the Deli with the days specials listed. The board is 24.5” wide and 41” high. They feel it would add attraction to downtown.

Bob and Brett stated they liked the idea and the tables and board would not obstruct the sidewalk for people walking by.

Bob made a motion to recommend the tables, chairs and sandwich board be approved as long as the sandwich board is within sizes of the sign ordinance and there are no obstructions to the sidewalk, seconded by Ed Rath. All in favor, no nays. The recommendation will be taken to the Council at their May 5, 2010 meeting.

A review was made of the surveys from the Village in 2002 and the current Township survey. Also the Master Plan from 20 years ago versus differences today.

The question was raised if a new survey for the Village should be sent out. The consensus for the Planning Commission is that not much has changed from the previous survey. Both the Township and the Village still want a quiet, small town atmosphere and that there are residential, commercial and light industrial applications in the Village.

No survey will be sent out at this time.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:27pm.

 

February 16, 2010 

Public Hearing Minutes 

Public hearing was called to order at 6:30 p.m. 

Mark Rohm and Randy Forrester request that the property located on Cleveland Ave. be rezoned from residential to agricultural so it can be farmed and still be listed as for sale. Chuck Eckenstahler explained the benefits of a conditional rezoning which allows the property to retain its residential zoning however be used agriculturally until property is to be used for residential. 

Ken Babcock wanted to make sure that the property will be cleared, including grape patch, and used for farming. Mike Schmaltz stated that the patch would be cleared and the property would be corn and soy bean rotation. Mike also asked Pastor Babcock about spraying and Pastor informed him the previous way it was done would work out fine. 

Don Turned asked about property tax and was informed the property tax would remain as residential. 

Public hearing was closed at 6:45pm.

 February 16, 2010 

Planning Commission Meeting

Meeting was called to order at 6:45pm. Minutes for the October and November 2009 meetings were approved with motion made by Bob Getz and seconded by Ron Zordell.

Should property located on Cleveland Ave. owned by Mark Rohm and Randy Forrester be rezoned agricultural? Motion was made by Ed Rath to deny request to rezone property, seconded by Tom Porcaro. Roll call vote, all members voted no. Motion carried.

Ed questioned the conditional rezoning that the crops be brought in by the end of the year. Chuck explained that the farming season is not over until crops are harvested, not on a 12 month calendar year.  Document reviewed.  

Tom questioned whether cost of document went to Mark Rohm. Mark was to have paid by meeting time. 

Motion was made by Ed Rath to accept the conditional rezoning of the Cleveland Ave. property, seconded by Bob Getz. Roll call vote, all members voted yes. Motion carried. 

Conditional rezoning will be recommended to Council.

“Ahead of the Issue”

The area and section assignments were discussed. Ron Zordell and Jerry Jakubs terms as Commission members were renewed for three years and a recommendation by Brett was made to compare Township and 1978 Village master plans. 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:28pm.                                                               

 

November 17, 2010

 

Meeting was called to order at 6:30, minutes were deferred to next meeting.

 

The Industrial Park guidelines were reviewed and it was recommended the section for Fences read “Refer back to zoning ordinance”.

 

A motion was made by Ed Rath to accept the guidelines with corrections seconded by Bob Getz.

 

Commission member training was discussed. There is no enforcement from State for training, however Chuck Eckenstahler is certified to teach and we need to keep track of who is training throughout the year.

 

The Commission will need to revisit the 20 year master plan soon.

 

No other business.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm.

 

 

October 20, 2009

 

Meeting was called to order at 6:35pm. Minutes were read and a motion was made by Ed Rath to approve as written, seconded by Ron Zordell.

 

Brett has not received a reply from Southwest Michigan Univ regarding training. He will be checking online programs available.

 

The Commission reviewed the Baroda Industrial Park Protective Covenants and has recommended the changes:

 

·         On page 3 the Commission would like clarification on “ready-mix” supply operations.

·         On page 5, #1 changing 40% of the site to 60%

·         On page 5, #3 changing 50 feet to an abutting residential zone property to 30 feet.

·         On page 5, #3 adding that a landscaped barrier must be added to obstruct view of any residential area within setback. Also setback from side property line will be 10 feet.

·         On page 6, #8a. Do not feel “Standards For The Erection Of Signs” is needed.

·         On page 7, #6, delete “deteriorate the scenic environment or”

·         On page 7, #7, delete due to being in Village Sign Ordinance

·         On page 7, #10, add “not less than” the minimum requirements established by the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and all such buildings

·         On page 8, #11e, remove “and the”

·         On page 8, #2, add vinyl to fence material

·         On page 9, continuation of #2, add The use of barbed wire “less than six (6) feet above the ground” is prohibited.

·         On page 9, E1, change 15 days for Committee approval to 45 days.

·         On page 11, G, Would like clarification for the period of 25 years shall be automatically continued for successive 10 year periods.

 

Changes will be given to Chuck Eckenstahler to be reviewed. The Commission will approve changes at November meeting to be given to Council at their December meeting.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm.

 

Baroda Village Planning Commission Meeting Synopsis

August 18, 2009

Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m.

Minutes were approved at written.

Chairman's Report/Discussion Items:

1.    Preparing for Meetings - It was suggested to go through the ordinance book section by section to discuss and review so that all of the     

       commissioners understood the ordinances.

2.    Training - consensus was to attend training events in the evening if possible.

Master Plan - Chairman Watson stated that the Master Plan should be reviewed.

Rohm conditional rezoning is still tabled.

Meeting adjourned.

 

June 16, 2009 - Public Hearing  

 

Public hearing regarding LED signs was called to order at 6:30pm.

 

Chuck Eckenstahler incorporated ideas from last months meeting to ordinance form. The Commission along with the guests present went through the proposed ordinance. Ken Babcock addressed no animation or video, it was decided that animation and/or video would be too much for residential area. Chris Noffke inquired about how to change this portion of the ordinance at a later date. He was told to readdress the issue to the Commission when ready.

 

Ken Babcock inquired on if the Ordinance was based on St. Joseph’s Sign Ordinance therefore it has been compared with other municipalities.  It was stated that technology is moving too fast to make a perfect ordinance at this time. Ordinance was received and discussed. The following changes were discussed:

 

·         Clarity between animated signs and message boards

·         No animation or video on signs

·         Strike Hours of Operation from ordinance

·         Clarify difference between motion on animated sign and LED sign

·         Provide transition style guidance for daytime and nighttime operation

·         Add Not to be used as temporary political sign

·         Extend preceding period of time to display temporary political signs to 45 days rather than 30 days

·         Enlarge display area and overall height to be consistent with standard LED sign construction

·         Add Village Code Enforcement Office and Village President to appeal to on any ruling provided in the zoning ordinance and Michigan law.

 

Public hearing closed at 7:30pm.

 

 

June 16, 2009 - Monthly Meeting

Meeting opened at 7:30pm

Minutes from May 19 meeting were approved, motion made by Ed Rath and seconded by Al nitz, all in favor.

Approved ordinance as revised, roll call vote

                                                               Yes       No           

                         Al Nitz                              X

                         Brett Watson                    X

                         Mona Stankiewicz             X

                         Staci Kacynski                  X

                         Ed Rath                            X

                         Bob Getz                          X

                         Ron Zordell                       X

                         Tom Porcaro                     X

                         Jerry Jakubs                      X 

 

Request made by Mark Rohm and Randy Forrester is still tabled.

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:32pm.

 

 

May 19, 2009 - Public Hearing

 

Public hearing was called to order at 6:30. 

 

Public hearing was concerning the 18.70 acres of property located on Cleveland Ave. owned by Mark Rohm and Randy Forrester. The property is currently zoned R2 and they are requesting it be rezoned to Agricultural.

 

Pastor Ken Babcock of St. John’s Lutheran stated he would like to see property enhanced. If there would be visual improvements to property he would not object to rezoning.

 

Don Turney agrees and also stated even though there is currently a tax base he would like to see improvement with rezoning. Taking the grape vines out or repairing. Property must be taken care of instead of growing wild.

 

Chuck Eckenstahler states you cannot stipulate when rezoning what can and can’t be done with property. However, what can also be considered is a Conditional Rezoning of the property. The owner can request the Conditional Rezoning to complete certain goals at which time the property would automatically rezone back to previous status. In the case of Mr. Rohm and Mr. Forrester, the property would be conditionally rezoned to Agricultural until the property is sold or built upon and which point it would return to R2.

 

With the conditional rezoning there can be stipulations for the property. Such as; no farm animals, can be rented for soybeans, no more grapes to be grown on property, etc. A provision can also be added that if grass is grown on the lot and it gets too tall, we will 14 days to mow or Village will mow and owners will be billed.

 

Tom Porcaro asked if lot can be subdivided, Chuck said it would have to be in the agreement that it is not to be subdivided.

 

Mark Rohm and Randy Forrester will need to draw up a Conditional Rezoning agreement and present to the Planning Commission.

 

Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:05pm.

 

 

 

May 19, 2009 - Regular  Meeting

 

Meeting was called to order at 7:05pm by Brett Watson. Minutes were approved as written.

 

Brett has tabled the rezoning until more information is obtained from Mark Rohm and Randy Forrester. Also, Bob Getz and Ed Rath with work with Chuck Eckenstahler to create guidelines for Mr. Rohm and Mr. Forrester such as building, signs on property, type of crops, etc.

 

Brett pointed out that the proposed sign ordinance does not address signs that flip or LED signs.

 

Pastor Chris Noffke from Zion United Church of Christ would like to install an LED sign. The sign would be the same angle as the previous sign and the lighting would be amber instead of bright red. With the LED sign the Church could change the sign from the church office instead of having to go outside every time to change it. They will be able to program the sign to go off at a certain time if needed and they would program the sign words to roll instead of flash on the screen. The sign would be facing the vacant field and the illumination would fade out with the messages and then come back in with the next message. The sign would be approximately the same size as the current sign and would hold church service times, community events, blood drives, etc.

 

The sign ordinance goes to public hearing on June 16th. The Commission will review all information and address at the next meeting.

 

No other business.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm.

 

April 21, 2009 - Regular Meeting

Meeting was called to order at 6:30pm. 

Motion made by Bob Getz to accept minutes as presented, seconded by Brett Watson.

Sign ordinance was received from Chuck Eckenstahler. Brett Watson made a motion to accept the ordinance as written, seconded by Tom Porcaro. Roll call vote:              Yes                  No

                                    Mona Stankiewicz                X

                                    Staci Kacynski                     X

                                    Ed Rath                               X 

                                    Bob Getz                             X   

                                    Brett Watson                       X    

                                    Jerry Jakubs                        X   

                                    Tom Porcaro                       X   

Motion carried, goes to Public Hearing May 19, 2009. 

Ron Zordell and Tom Porcaro are official members of the Planning Commission.

Election of Officers: Ed Rath nominated Brett Watson for Chairman of Planning Commission, seconded by Tom Porcaro, all in favor.

Ed Rath nominated Staci Kacynski for Vice Chairman of Planning Commission, seconded by Bob Getz, all in favor. 

Bob Getz nominated Mona Stankiewicz for Secretary of Planning Commission, seconded by Ed Rath, all in favor. 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm.

 

March 17, 2009 - Regular Planning Commission Meeting

Meeting was called to order at 6:30, minutes were read and accepted. 

The Commission reviewed the By-laws and the following revisions were made.

Page 3, E3, minutes of the meetings will be emailed by Diane to members ahead of the following meeting for review.  Page 8, Commission meetings will be held monthly and cancelled if not needed. Page 6, Planning commission member positions are effective April instead of December. 

A motion was made by Bob to accept By-laws with revisions and seconded by Jerry. 

                                                                        Yes      No

                        Staci Kacynski                          X

                        Mona Stankiewicz                     X

                        Bob Getz                                   X

                        Doug Mensinger                        X

                        Jerry Jakubs                              X

                        Brett Watson                             X

                        Ed Rath                                     X

                        Al Nitz                                      X 

Tom Porcaro will be recommended to Council to fill a vacancy on the Commission made by Doug Mensinger’s resignation effective April 2009 through has term ending 3/31/2012. Bob will also be reappointing Mona and Stacy to Commission for 3 year terms effective April 2009. 

The sign ordinance committee, chaired by Brett, drafted a sign ordinance for the Village. A motion to accept the draft was made by Brett and seconded by Al, all in favor. The draft will be sent to the Attorney to prepare an ordinance for final approval before going to Council. 

The Township Planning Commission would like to meet regarding creating a 20 year combined master plan. Our consensus is to meet with the Township. 

Commission officers will be appointed at the April 21 meeting. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:35pm.

 

January 20, 2009 - Regular Meeting

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

Minutes from Oct 21 and Nov 19, 2008 were approved.

The New Enabling Act states that a Village Trustee cannot also serve as the Planning Commission Chairperson. As of March 31, 2009, Ed Rath will no longer serve as the Planning Commission Chairperson. A new chairperson, vice-chair and secretary will be elected at the April 2009 meeting.

Doug Mensinger announced that he plans to resign from the planning commission at the end of his term of March 31, 2009.

A committee was established to review samples of other municipal's sign ordinances to present at the March 2009 meeting.

Doug Mensinger suggested that the Planning Commission review the results of the 2002 community survey to see how many of the goals we have accomplished.

Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

November 18, 2008

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.  

A few issues regarding the Michigan Planning Enabling Act were discussed. 

Section 7:  Officers and Committee – We do not want to appoint an Advisory Committee.

Section 10:  Authority to Make Master Plan – Council will be final authority to approve Master Plan. 

Section 12:  Capital Improvements Program – Council will be responsible for making/administering the Capital Improvements Plan. 

We will put the pay schedule of the Planning Commission in our fee schedule that we will adopt with the budget and remove it from the ordinance. 

Bob Getz made motion to accept changes, seconded by Jerry Jakubs. All in favor. Changes will be submitted attorney Peterson. 

The Council returned to bicycle ordinance to be revised. They stated that bicycles should be allowed on the street in the business section of the Village. 

Bret Watson made a motion to accept the following bicycle ordinance, seconded by Nadine Wendt. 

Use of bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates and similar devices. 

(a)     The riding, use or operation of roller skates, in-line skates, skateboards, coasters, scooters and similar devices in prohibited within the portions of Central Business District as provided by the following boundaries description: 

      All of First St. between alley Wet of First St. South to Church St. and Starr & Wellington

      Drain South to   Church St. 

(b)    The riding of bicycles on the sidewalks within the entire Central Business District is also prohibited. This section shall not apply to wheelchairs or similar devices used by persons with disabilities. 

Penalty for violation of division. 

Any person who shall violate any provision of this division shall be responsible for a misdemeanor. 

All in favor, no nays. Goes to Council December 1, 2008. 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

 

October 21, 2008 Planning Commission Meeting 

Meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m.

Minutes were read and accepted.

Bicycle Ordinance examples were reviewed and discussed. Bob Getz made a motion to accept the following bicycle ordinance, seconded by Stacy Kacynski.

Use of bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates and similar devices.           

(a)    The riding, use or operation of roller skates, skateboards, coasters, scooters, bicycles and similar devices is prohibited within the portions of central Business District as provided by the following boundaries description: 

All of First St. between alley west of First St., south to Church St. and Starr & Wellington Drain south to Church St. 

(b)    This section shall not apply to wheelchairs or similar devices used by persons with disabilities. 

Penalty for violation of division.           

Any person who shall violate any provision of this division shall be responsible for a misdemeanor.

 All in favor, no nays. Bicycle ordinance will go to Council November 3, 2008. 

Stacy inquired about posting signs on First St. regarding bicycle ordinance. Ed stated that decision would be up to Council. 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

 

July 15, 2008 Planning Commission Meeting

Meeting called to order at 6:55 p.m.

Minutes were read and approved with the correction to refer to Mr. Grier's building as a shed and not a garage.

An amendment was approved to the outbuilding ordinance as follows:

    Outbuildings should be no larger than the Primary Structure with a cap of 2000 sq. ft.

Meeting adjourned.

 

July 15, 2008 Public Hearing

Public Hearing called to order at 6:40 p.m.

James Burwell requested a variance in order to construct a deck on the front of his house at 1574 Lemon Creek Rd. He requested that the deck be 12 ft from the house toward the sidewalk leaving a 4 ft space between the deck and the sidewalk. he setback is 25 feet from road right of way. The reason for the deck is a safety issue is for kids running out of the house toward the street. The deck would exit toward the driveway. The reason for the length of the deck is because a tree located just outside of the house so the stairs would have to be on the other side of the tree.

The Commission expressed concern about the deck being so close to the sidewalk that it could be a problem with snow removal causing damage to the deck.

The Commission recommend to Mr. Burwell that a 6 ft setback from the sidewalk be observed, making the deck 10 feet instead of 12. This was acceptable to Mr. Burwell. The Commission will make its recommendation to the Council for approval.

Public Hearing closed at 6:55 p.m.

 

June 17, 2008  Public Hearing

Public Hearing was called to order at 6:30pm.

Kevin Grier is requesting a variance for a garage he built on old footings that is too close to the property lines located at 9040 Third St.  

There were no public comments, meeting was adjourned at 6:30pm.

June 17, 2008 Planning Commission Meeting

Meeting was called to order at 6:31pm 

Bob stated that there has been no cooperation of Kevin’s part. 

Mr. Grier apologized, stated he tried to cooperate, paid fines and was just trying to improve the property. There was no other spot to put garage and he didn’t mean to offend anyone. Mr. Grier thought he could move the building, but it was not as easy as he thought. Trees were in the way, etc. Thinks he can improve the property but needs to leave the shed where it is. 

Bret stated he understands wanting to improve the property but residents need to adhere to ordinances. We can’t have people building without permission. 

Jerry said that the property looks uniform and nice, but doesn’t follow rules. 

Bob Getz made a motion to deny variance request, seconded by Bret Watson. Motion carried, no nays. 

There was discussion regarding fence ordinance in new code book. Current ordinance reads fence to be 3ft from lot line or from sidewalk or alley if sidewalk or alley is lot line. 

Bret Watson made a motion to revise the ordinance to read “fence can be to lot line with survey to make sure it is on the lot line in rear and side yards.” Seconded by Doug Mensinger, all in favor no nays. 

Ed Rath went through the rest of the book and says it looks good. 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm. 

Respectfully Submitted by Mona Stankiewicz

 

May 1, 2008 Public Hearing

Public hearing was called to order at 6:30pm. 

Brad Reitz, a member of the church council for Zion United Church of Christ located on the corner of Church St. and Third St. is requesting a variance to square off the north east corner of the building to construct a new 3 level elevator and elevator lobby. The construction would not extend the building any further into the setback and would be 32ft from the center of Church St. and Third St. 

Al Nitz made a motion to approve the variance, seconded by Jerry Jakubs. Motion was carried by roll call vote.

 All in favor, except Doug, who abstained due to being a member of Zion United Church of Christ.  

Meeting was adjourned at 6:37pm. 

Respectfully Submitted By Mona Stankiewicz

 

April 15, 2008 - Public Hearing

Public Hearing Opened

Mike Conrad presented his request to rezone two properties from Commercial to Industrial by Select Tool and Die Cast. No discussion followed. Public Hearing Meeting was closed. 

April 15, 208Planning Commission Meeting

Meeting called to order by Ed Rath. Meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

After a short discussion, there was a motion made by Alan Nitz, supported by Doug Mensinger to recommend the request made by Select Tool and Die to the Council. Vote in favor of this request was by six members, one member abstained. 

Brad Reitz, representing the Zion Church in Baroda, presented plans for an addition to the church building for an elevator entrance, and asked for a variance from the existing zoning requirements. A Public Hearing will beset up, date is tentative – May 1, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. 

The Code Book Update discussion was opened. Regarding Article VII., Section 15.173 Signs, Brett Watson made the motion we do want to include political signs in this ordinance. Motion was supported by Ed Rath.  Vote unanimous. 

Meeting Closed by Ed Rath. 

Minutes recorded by Nadine Wendt