Vergennes Township
October 28, 2002
(regular rescheduled
November meeting)
A meeting of the Vergennes Township Planning Commission was held on October 28, 2002 at the Township Offices at 7:05 PM.
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Gillette. Also present were Commissioners Kropf, Mastrovito, Medendorp, Richmond and Chairman Jernberg. Also present were Board Chairman Wittenbach, Trustee Baird and Township Planner Jay Kilpatrick.
Approval of October
7, 2002 minutes. Motion by Richmond,
seconded by Medendorp, to approve the minutes.
All approved.
Approval of
the Agenda: Motion by Nauta, seconded
by Medendorp to approve the agenda. All
approved.
Present were
Dennis Cleveland, of Buehler Realty, Inc. representing Fuhr's and Bob Talsma,
Engineer. Mr. Talsma distributed
updated plans revised on October 22, 2002.
Medendorp –
The grade seems steep.
Gillette -
Agrees that a ten percent grade is steep.
Richmond -
Asked if names listed were the ones there now.
Talsma -
Names are the ones listed on tax bill which is required.
Richmond –
Asked if there is an easement on east end of the driveway.
Talsma -
There is no easement now but will be when divided up. There will be a sixty-six
feet wide easement.
Gillette –
Asked if the Township Engineers looked at this.
Talsma – Yes.
Medendorp –
Asked if there were comments from the engineers?
Kilpatrick –
Clarified that all the Planning Commission needs to do tonight is set the date
for the public hearing. Regarding the
issue of grade, they are required to meet county standards unless the Planning
Commission waives it. They need to
justify the ten percent grade and address why they want that. Another issue to address is if the east
property will have access. The
maintenance agreement needs to provide who pays for upkeep on the road.
Gillette,
seconded by Nauta, made a motion for a public hearing on December 2, 2002. All approved.
Medendorp -
Suggested this amendment.
Gillette –
Agrees the ordinance should be amended.
Jernberg –
Asked if the same lighting language could be used from the commercial ordinance
in the industrial district ordinance.
Kilpatrick –
Yes, it would be quite easy to do. The
Township Board has asked the Planning Commission to develop an amendment for
the industrial district ordinance to include lighting requirements. Recommended asking the Board members who
were present for more direction.
Wittenbach,
Nauta, Baird – Agreed that it is easier if everyone is looking at the same
language in both ordinances.
Kilpatrick –
Tom, Rick and Jay met to discuss topics for the Joint Community Planning
Commission meeting that is scheduled for November 20, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. They have invited the City of Lowell, Lowell
Township and Bowne Township. Decided to
talk about two issues, number one the Open Space ordinance. Lowell Township is doing same right now as
well as Bowne and City of Lowell.
Kilpatrick will review all four ordinances and talk about the
differences. This is good for all these
communities. The second topic is the
lighting standards.
Kilpatrick –
Knows someone from Northwestern Michigan who teaches an astronomy class and
will talk to him about night lighting.
The Planning Commission to share thoughts about issues they are
facing. This is good to do and to talk
with neighbors. Jeanne wanted to ask
that as many of the Planning Commission members attend and also if refreshments
will be served?
Medendorp –
Usually, cookies, fruit, coffee and juice are served at these types of events.
Nauta – It
would be nice to have something.
Richmond –
Can also discuss a unified way to react to Landon.
Kilpatrick –
Will put that topic under general discussion.
Bowne has the issue too.
Kilpatrick –
Asked if the Planning Commission is okay with topics.
Nauta – Yes.
Nauta – Who
will handle the refreshments?
Kilpatrick - Jeanne will coordinate.
General Public
Comment Time
No general public
comment at this time.
Motion to adjourn by
Gillette. Seconded by Medendorp. All approved.
The meeting was
adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Sullivan, Recorder