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ANN ARBOR CHARTER TOWNSHIP MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2005
This regular meeting of the Ann Arbor Charter Township Planning Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Township Hall, 3792 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor Charter Township, Michigan by Kris Olsson, Chair.
Commissioners present: Chair Kris Olsson and Commissioners Richard Mitchell, Diane O’Connell, John Allison, Randolph Perry, James Snyder and Peter Kotila.
Also present: Township Attorney Sandra Sorini Elser, Township Engineer Michael Bickel, Township Planner Carl Schmult and Wetland Consultant Gene Jaworski.
Citizen Participation No citizens signed up to speak.
Approval of Minutes Mr. Allison indicated that his notes included a 4 th condition to the Dari Daycare CUP that stated, “The playground fencing shown in the site plan by 4 to 6’ in height and be in place prior to the occupancy of the children.” He also suggest that the minutes note that “That the site plan showed no signs and the petitioner confirmed that their intent was to have no signs”. With the addition of the above, Mr. Allison moved to approve the Minutes of the February 7, 2005 Planning Commission Meeting. Ms. O’Connell seconded the motion which was adopted unanimously.
Communications Mr. Allison reported on the February 23, 2005 Township Board of Trustees Meeting. The Board is still working on annexation issues regarding the new high school at Maple Road and Miller Road. The Water and Sewer contracts have been signed.
New Business
Christ the King Catholic Church CUP-165-05 multi-purpose parish center Mr. Larry Randolph spoke on behalf of Christ the King Catholic Church. The current property is owned by Domino Farms and operated by Ave Maria (Spirit of Sanctus). Christ the King Catholic Church is currently leasing the property and is looking to purchase the property in the future. The intent of use is to change the school to a multi-purpose parish center. No changes to the lot are going to be made. This is strictly a matter of change in use for church functions and not commercial purposes. The Planning Commission asked for the application to be signed by the zoning official confirming the legal description a more comprehensive site plan and a clearer description of proposed use. A motion to set a public hearing for the conditional use permit was made by Mr. Allison and seconded by Mr. Mitchell. The Planning Commission adopted the motion unanimously and a public hearing for the conditional use permit for The Spirit of Sanctus was set for Monday, May 2, 2005.
Father Gabriel Richard High School multi-purpose field (Natural turf to field) Mr. Brian Wolcott, the principal for Father Gabriel Richard High School spoke about changing the existing natural turf on the football field to a synthetic turf. He discussed the increase of use by the students by making this a more multi-purpose field and therefore decreasing the need to transport the students elsewhere for sports participation. The Planning Commission spoke of the increase in safety by using a synthetic turf. Mr. Wolcott also spoke with Dr. Don Tilton, and it was his opinion that the current basin would be able to handle the run off with one small change to the brim. Gene Jaworski, Township Wetland Consultant felt that this proposal makes sense. Mr. Snyder made a motion to find that this was a minor site plan change. Mr. Perry seconded the motion which the Planning Commission adopted unanimously.
JJR NSF Expansion of existing building Preliminary Site Plan Mr. Pat Doher spoke on behalf of JJR NSF. It is the intention of NSF to expand the existing building located on 789 Dixboro Road. The expansion is mainly for laboratory use. The entrance on Dixboro Road will remain the same. The loading docks on the North end of the building will be supplemented with the addition of loading docks on the West end of the building. An electronically operated exit only for trucks will be devised on the south side of the entrance drive. In regards to the natural features, two landmark trees will have to be removed with a total of 17 trees all together. An increase in parking places will need to added, and it is proposed that only additional 107 spaces be created to accommodate the 118 new employees that this expansion will employ. Gene Jaworski is concerned about the area marked “Wetland C,” and whether or not this area can truly be classified as a protected wetland. Michael Bickel, Township Engineer, thinks that the preliminary plan needs additional details. He thinks that there is reason for concern over the drainage issue and erosion. Mr. Bickel also feels that the parking lot space could become a problem. Township Planner, Carl Schmult has some concerns as well. He too feels like there could be some parking lot issues. He suggests that perhaps limiting the number of spaces with a conservation easement may help alleviate some future problems. Also, the performance standards of the east driveway are not very clear. After some discussion on the preliminary site plan, the Planning Commission concluded to set a public hearing for the natural features permit and to table the rest of the site plan until additional information was received from various entities. Mr. Allison made the motion to set the public hearing for April 4, 2005 and Mr. Snyder seconded the motion. The Planning Commission adopted the motion unanimously.
Old Business The General Development Plan is still undergoing some changes. The Commissioners will be meeting on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 to continue working on the plan. Mr. Snyder raised the question as to who actually uses the General Development Plan. He also suggested possibly broadening the range of issues that the plan addresses. The Commissioners also discussed hiring a person to put together the Planning Commission briefing packets and a more detailed agenda. After some discussion, Mr. Mitchell made a motion to hire above said assistant and Mr. Allison seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously. The Planning Commission will bring this before the Board of Trustees for approval.
Public Comment There was no public comment offered.
Adjournment On a motion made by Mr. Allison and seconded by Mr. Kotila, the Commission adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:50 p.m.
_________________________ Kris Olsson, Chair
Minutes Prepared by Mary Volger |