ANN ARBOR CHARTER TOWNSHIP
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMER 3, 2001


The regular meeting of the Ann Arbor Charter Township Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Sloan at 7:30 p.m. at the Township Hall, 3792 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105.

Present: Chairman Herbert Sloan, Vice Chair Norma Marshall, Secretary Jane Zimmerman, Commissioners Michael Moran, Kris Olsson, Diane O'Connell, James Snyder. Also present: Planner Carl Schmult, Engineer Roger Gaugler, Zoning Official Gary Dresselhouse, Attorney Sandra Sorini, Clerk Catherine Braun, Supervisor Elizabeth Langford. Absent: Wetland Consultant Eugene Jaworski.

During citizen participation, Susan Alcock, Don Hultquist and Sally Burden spoke in support of the proposed RIDGE development adjacent to Ayrshire Subdivision.

Moran moved approval of minutes for November 5, 2001. O'Connell supported and the motion carried.

Moran reviewed the minutes of the November 19, 2001 Trustee meeting included in the packets. He stated that the proposed Ave Maria International Golf Course Conditional Use Permit is scheduled for the December Board of Trustees agenda.

Moran presented the revised Planning Commission meeting dates for 2002 based on consultants concerns for adequate review time of project submittals. Marshall moved approval and O'Connell supported. Motion carried.

K/LB EARHART
Sloan called for the public hearings on the Wetland Permit (WP-601) and Natural Features Permit (NF-6-01) for the Old Earhart Road proposed improvements related to the KL/B project located at Plymouth and Old Earhart Roads.

Tilton Associates spoke regarding the proposed water and sewer improvements and their impact on natural features and wetlands and discussed the landmark tree mitigation plan. Schmult and Gaugler had no comments. Earl Ophoff of MCI explained the road was being designed to accommodate 40 mph speed and that this is lower than the customary 55 mph design for county gravel roads. With regard to tree mitigation, Tilton stated that there is some leeway for making satisfactory adjustments for affected property owners and that this will be done insofar as possible.

Snyder moved to approve both the Wetland and Natural Features Permits subject to conditions in consultants reports and administrative review by Jaworski including satisfactory consideration being given to two private home owners with driveway grade changes and tree removal. Olsson supported. The Motion carried 6-1 with Moran opposed.

OLD BUSINESS
A. Gabriel Richard Final Site Plan
Barbara Olson and Dennis McGowan presented the remaining site plan issues for discussion. Schmult and Gaugler discussed their reports which are on file and included in the packets. Moran discussed the preferred lighting and asked about plan for internal lighting of the sign. Sorini stated that there will be a three-party Agreement in place between the Washtenaw Co. Road Commission, the Lansing Diocese and Ann Arbor Township for Whitehall Drive once it is approved by all parties. After further discussion, Moran moved adoption of the following findings and conditions:
Completion of sewer to north property line to be administratively reviewed by Gaugler and Jaworski
Satisfactory hydrant locations to be administratively reviewed by Gaugler and Fire Chief Ericson
Permanent curbs in first phase parking lots
Tree count subject to administrative approval after mitigation and grading plan
review by Schmult
Satisfactory resolution of vehicular traffic circulation issues by Road Commission
Storm water maintenance plan and ground water recharge plan to be approved administratively after review by Jaworski and Fleming Creek Advisory Council
Distances and bearings on final site plan must be consistent with legal description of road and adjacent parcels.
Sidewalks to be as shown on current plan
Contemplative garden to be as shown on current plan
O'Connell supported and the motion carried.

Moran moved approval of the Final Site Plan contingent upon the foregoing findings: and approval of Whitehall Drive by the Township Board and Washtenaw Co. Road Commission and approval by the Township Board and Road Commission of proposed intersection funding plan and proposed additional eastbound turning lane on Plymouth to northbound Earhart Road. Marshall supported and motion carried unanimously.

B. SPRINT co-location at AT&T Township water tank site. Consultant Gaugler referred to his November 25, 2001 review requesting detail of equipment shelter. Schmult had no site plan issues. Olsson moved approval of site plan contingent on consultant reports, including showing access drive consistent with the AT&T plan. Snyder supported and the motion carried.

C. The RIDGE PUD rezoning. Damien Farrell reported to the Commission that all changes have been made based on the reports from the Township consultants. The plans are on file with the Township. Gaugler stated that many improvements have been made to the plan but that a Private Road variance from the Board of Trustees is required and that the retaining walls are still too high and the swales are too close to units # 3,#10 and #11. The petitioner agreed to work on a new plan for the road without the excessively high retaining walls. Schmult reported that he has not yet drafted a PUD Resolution for the Planning Commission's findings and conditions of approval. Moran stated that his analysis of the site is that it is too dense and does not meet the PUD zoning requirement and also that 15 units is more than what is allowed for a class B private road. Olsson pointed out that the plan is very positive and innovative and has 80% open space.
Sorini requested information on the condominium association responsibility for open space maintenance.

Snyder moved to table based on lack of a new road plan and to allow drafting of findings and conditions for the proposed resolution. O'Connell supported and the motion carried. Schmult will present findings and resolution for PUD approval at the January meeting.

D. General Development Plan Update. Discussion concerning the Washtenaw County Metropolitan Planning Commission's review of the Plan resulted in a decision to table the County comments for further discussion at the January meeting. The Plan as adopted will be sent to the Board to accept at their December meeting. The County gave the Plan conditional approval based on lack of specific implementation of affordable housing, small neighborhood commercial centers, senior housing and services, and development of agricultural preservation strategies which meet the economic needs of the landowners.
The County Planning Commission gave the Township 6 months to meet the listed conditions in order to receive County approval. Moran moved to table until January. Marshall supported and the motion carried.

E. Domino's Farms - PHASE 6 - Ave Maria University.
Hank Byma, JJR, discussed the contents of a letter concerning proposed plans for amendment to the Office Park District to include educational facilities, which the commissioners did not have the opportunity to review prior to its distribution. The commissioners asked questions regarding parking needs, water and sewer usage, and examples of other office parks which combine office and education facilities.
Attorney James Schriemer added that pre-schools and elementary schools could also be added in the future and therefore are being requested as a part of the amendment to the Office Park District. Snyder moved to table and Moran supported. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS
A. Nextel - SP-223-01- co-location on AT&T tower at water tank site. Revised site plan submittal too late for review. Snyder moved to table for action at the January meeting. Marshall supported and the motion carried.

Public Comment- Sally Burden expressed disappointment that The Ridge project
was tabled.

Moran moved to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.


Jane Zimmerman,
Secretary

 

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