ANN ARBOR CHARTER TOWNSHIP
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 2, 2004

The regular monthly meeting of the Ann Arbor Charter Township Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Kris Olsson at 7:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Township Hall, 3792 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
Present: Chairman Kris Olsson, Vice Chair Diane O'Connell, Rena Basch, John Allison, Richard Mitchell, and James Snyder. Also present: Supervisor Michael Moran, Attorney Sandra Sorini, Engineer November Freece, Engineer Mike Bickle, Wetland Consultant Eugene Jaworski, and Planning Consultant Carl Schmult.
Absent: Commissioner Jane Zimmerman

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 5, 2004
Basch recommended the following changes on page 2, first paragraph under New Business: change expanding to expand; eliminate the period and continue the sentence after existing storm water system as sufficient for this expansion. In the fourth paragraph, change indicated to said, and existing to existence. In the fourth paragraph on page 4, add the name of the study ("How much development is too much?") and remove the word plan. Basch made a motion to approve with the suggested changes. Snyder seconded the motion and the motion was approved.

COMMUNICATIONS
Allison reported on the January 12, 2004 Board of Trustees meeting, and noted the following items of interest to the Planning Commission: The approved Industrial District for Dominos Farm, approved changes for Public Lands in the sign ordinance, and the WATS long range plan. Supervisor Moran updated the Planning Commission on details of the WATS plan, and opportunities for the Township to respond to the plan.

In response to a question, commissioners discussed the purchase of development rights. Commissioners then discussed possible projects for the commission to work on during months of few agenda items. Some suggestions include: reviewing the ordinance language for major and minor changes to area plans, including reports from existing Township Committees (such as the Natural Features Committee and the Farmland Preservation Committee), and new ordinances to work on (such as impervious surface and storm water management) . These topics will be discussed at the next Township meeting.

OLD BUSINESS
Toyota Technical Center - Parking Expansion - Final SP-235-03
The applicant stated that the proposal is to utilize the 82 deferred parking spaces and add 26 more parking spaces. The applicant addressed the comments from the Township consultants, and now asks for final site plan approval.

Comments from the consultants: Planning Consultant Schmult commented on the tree replacement number. Engineer Freece stated that there were a few remaining engineering items to address. Wetland Consultant Jaworski stated that the wetlands are to the east and will remain unaffected and the additional storm water volume will be handled by the existing storm water management facilities. Allison questioned the tree replacement number. The applicant was planning to save 9 trees but can only save 6, and there is a conflict with the utilities. Therefore, 32 trees rather than the 33 originally listed on the plan will be replaced (this number is greater than the required 31 trees). Snyder moved approval of the final site plan. Basch seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS
None

PUBLIC COMMENT
Commissioners discussed the following additional items in the Planning Commission packet: A letter from the Washtenaw County Drain Commission concerning the review of the storm water system for the Kheterpal residence, the State of Michigan Court of Appeals case Lake Isabella Development, Inc. v. Village of Lake Isabella, and the two proposed groundwater bills.

ADJOURNMENT
Allison moved to adjourn and Basch seconded. All approved the motion.

Prepared by Diane O'Connell

Approved March 1, 2004

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