A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of Alexandria Township was held on the 22nd day of September, 2008 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
Roll Call: Commission members present were John Knowles, Russ Niskanen, Larry Steidl and Lyle Hammerschmidt. Also present was Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk and Ben Oleson, Township Zoning Administrator. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Knowles at 6:10 p.m.
Agenda: Hammerschmidt, seconded by Niskanen, made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of discussion regarding habitat mapping under New Business. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes: Steidl, seconded by Niskanen, made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 28, 2008 meeting as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearing: None
Zoning Administrator’s Report: Zoning Administrator Oleson reported that under the violations section of the packet, the last item was actually resolved by the applicant paying an after-the-fact fee.
Old Business: None
New Business: Potential subdivision ordinance changes were discussed. The definition of a cul-de-sac street was proposed to read as follows: “A local street with only one outlet having an appropriate turnaround for the safe and convenient reversal of traffic movement.” Subdivision Ordinance, Section 2.2.
The commission requested Oleson to clarify the maximum length of a cul-de-sac. The consensus of the commission was to change the wording of the measurements used to calculate the length to: “…measurements shall be made from the right-of-way of the closest non-cul-de-sac street, along the centerline of the cul-de-sac street, to the center of the cul-de-sac or turnaround or the furthest point from the non-cul-de-sac street, as determined by the Zoning Administrator.” Subdivision Ordinance, Section 5.8(2g, i4).
Oleson stated that Engineer Kuhn thought we should have an idea of how much traffic flow should be expected on any cul-de-sac street. He proposed considering a minimum of ten vehicle trips/day/dwelling unit and adding this requirement to the ordinance. Subdivision Ordinance, Section 5.8(2g, i5 — proposed).
Commissioner Hammerschmidt inquired as to whether the town should set a limit on the number of cul-de-sacs allowed off of an initial cul-de-sac.
Potential changes to the zoning ordinance were discussed. Zoning Administrator Oleson added a category for “recycling facilities”. These facilities would be allowed in an Industrial zone. They would be listed as temporary use, requiring a conditional use permit, for a 12-month time period. The commission agreed to remove the section pertaining to “land spreading of petroleum contaminated soil”. Zoning Ordinance, Section III, B.
Open space requirements were discussed, including the topic of a 10-foot buffer (which cannot be considered open space) and whether or not that must be placed around all existing and proposed impervious surfaces. Zoning Ordinance, Section D.2 (2b).
Oleson stipulated that the requirements for signs includes a section for licensing. Should that portion be eliminated? The consensus of the commission was to eliminate the licensing requirement. Zoning Ordinance, Section V, A.2.
Under location of signs, the commission chose to include language that states “in no case shall a sign be located such that any part of it is located in, or over, a public right-of-way”. Zoning Ordinance, Section V, A.3b. They also chose to eliminate completely the requirement which states “no sign shall be closer than 500 feet to another sign…”. Zoning Ordinance, Section V, A.3e.
Oleson suggested adding “T. Recycling Facilities” , which would outline the requirements for these businesses. Zoning Ordinance, Section V. T – proposed. Discussion ensued regarding the requirement of a conditional use permit, addition of timelines, identification of the number of vehicles entering and exiting the facility.
Under Section VI, A.b.i. (Land Use Permits), Oleson stated that an attempt had been made to clarify the setback requirements for those structures and/or improvements which are exempt from zoning or land use permit requirements. He proposed the language “…providing all setback requirements applicable to a fence are met…”. The commission felt that the term “fence requirement” was too confusing and another alternative term should be chosen. The commission also felt that since the township now governs zoning throughout the township, the terms and requirements for “land use” and “building code” should be clarified.
Oleson discussed a new definition for the term “Fish House And/Or Dark House.” The new definition will outline size, height, permanence, etc. Zoning Ordinance, Section VII. He also added definitions for Prohibited Waste, Putrescible, and Recycling Facility.
Oleson asked the commission if they wanted him to do habitat mapping; i.e. outlining areas throughout the township depicting stands of trees, vegetation, etc. The consensus of the commission was to instruct Oleson to proceed, feeling that it would be beneficial in their tree ordinance discussions.
Adjournment: Being no further business, Hammerschmidt, seconded by Steidl, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted….
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Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk
Approved this _______day of ________, 2008
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John B. Knowles, Chairman