PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON

December 8, 1999

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Tracy Sodini, Donna Spytma, Steven Szatkowski, Roy Walters, Chris Witham, and Kenneth Winter.(6)

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Roger Buter, David Kennedy, and Vern Molitor.(3)

CITY STAFF PRESENT

City Manager Dennis W. Stepke.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 10, 1999

Winter moved, Witham, seconded, to approve the Planning Commission minutes of November 10, 1999 as presented.

MOTION CARRIED.

VARIANCE REQUEST FROM STEAK N EGGER - SIGNAGE

Steak n Egger, 180 North Causeway, is requesting a variance to use the existing Century Cellunet sign by Classy Chassy as a their sign. They currently have a sign.

Commissioner Sodini stated that there is too much signage in that area.

Commissioner Spytma asked if it is okay to put directional signs instead of a lit sign?

It was stated that McDonald’s has a lit directional sign.

Commissioner Spytma stated that we need to look at this issue and not other examples.

Commissioner Winter asked if the owner would be happy with a smaller sign showing the location of the driveway?

They stated that it would be fine.

Commissioner Sodini asked if it would be okay to light just the letters and arrow for the entrance into Steak n Egger?

Witham moved, Szatkowski seconded, to recommend approval to the Council the existing tower sign with arrow and letters lit subject to the City Managers approval of the sign face.

MOTION CARRIED.

CITY SALT STORAGE BUILDING PLAN REVIEW

Bruce Moore, DPW Supervisor, submitted a site plan review for a 28'x28' salt storage building to be located on Celery Lane.

Witham moved, Winter seconded, to approve the site plan as presented with a raised elevation of 589.

MOTION CARRIED.

Meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

___________________________________

Ann Marie Cummings, CMC

City Clerk

PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON

November 10, 1999

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Tracy Sodini, Donna Spytma, Vern Molitor, Steven Szatkowski, Chris Witham, and Kenneth Winter.(6)

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Roger Buter, David Kennedy, and Roy Walters.(3)

CITY STAFF PRESENT

City Manager Dennis W. Stepke.

INTRODUCTION AND SWEARING IN OF NEW COMMISSIONERS

Mayor Freeman introduced Mr. Vern Molitor and Mr. Steven Szatkowski as new Planning Commissioners. The Clerk then gave them the oath of office.

MOTION CARRIED.

NOMINATION OF NEW VICE CHAIRMAN

Commissioner Spytma nominated Commissioner Sodini as vice chair of the Planning Commission.

Commissioner Sodini declined the nomination.

Commissioner Sodini nominated Commissioner Witham as vice chair of the Planning Commission.

MOTION CARRIED.

SITE PLAN REVIEW - MARATHON ASHLAND

Representatives of Marathon Ashland were present to give an explanation of the project. They would like to take out the existing tank and replace it with a new tank. The old tank is currently at 250% dyke capacity and the new tank will be closer to 110%.

Commissioner Sodini asked if the DEQ has approved of the project.

They are in the process.

Commissioner Molitor asked when construction would take place.

Spring.

Commissioner Witham asked how the traffic is going to change.

It will not change from the current status.

City Manager Dennis Stepke stated that in the year 2003 there are suppose to be some major changes on M120.

Winter moved, Witham seconded, to approve the modification to the site plan as presented subject to approval from the State.

SITE PLAN REVIEW - CITY SALT STORAGE BUILDING

The City Manager gave an explanation stating that the building will be constructed on Celery Lane and enclosed with a roof to prevent the salt from melting. The salt will lay on the floor and scooped up.

Commissioner Witham asked why this salt storage is 28'x28' instead of the current 12'x12' and has two sliding doors.

The City Manager explained that the liquid will be confined and pumped out. It will be piped to the side and pumped out.

Commissioner Molitor asked if we have a master plan.

Yes.

Commissioner Sodini stated that she was concerned with leakage into the river.

Commissioner Szatkowski stated that he also has a concern with leakage and would like to see a better set of plans.

Commissioner Winter asked why there are two bays.

The City Manager stated that one is for salt storage and the other is for the hauler.

Commissioner Spytma asked about pouring the walls instead of blocks.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Larry Nyblade brought in drawings for a possible boat launch.

Commissioner Winter stated that the Commission agreed to a conceptual plan for a boat launch at the east end only. The drawing shows a boat launch on the west side and on the east side of the property.

Mr. Nyblade stated that this could be another option.

The Commission as a whole was very specific that they will not agree to any plans, concepts, or drawings that have a boat launch on the west side of the property.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

_________________________________

Ann Marie Cummings, CMC

City Clerk

PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON

October 13, 1999

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Richard Wilson.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Gary Britton, Tracy Sodini, Donna Spytma, Roy Walters, Richard Wilson, and Kenneth Winter.(6)

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Roger Buter, David Kennedy, and Chris Witham.(3)

CITY STAFF PRESENT

City Manager Dennis W. Stepke.

MOTION CARRIED.

PUBLIC HEARING - HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS

The Planning Commission received no comments on home occupation permits.

PUBLIC HEARING - CLASSY CHASSY VARIANCE REQUEST

James Rogers, of Classy Chassy located at 2625 Celery Lane, has requested a variance to place a 6' x6'1" sign which exceeds the size allowed by the current zoning ordinance.

Commissioner Sodini stated that the lettering on the sign could be made smaller.

Commissioner Spytma stated that others were turned down for the same request.

Other Council Members stated that Classy Chassy has been a very good neighbor. They sited the location that the sign is going to be placed has many existing signs of the same size and that the area will always be commercial.

SITE PLAN REVIEW - CLASSY CHASSY

Classy Chassy has requested to move the location of their sign.

General discussion took place as to where the sign should be placed.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

__________________________________

Ann Marie Cummings, CMC

City Clerk

PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON

October 4, 1999

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Richard Wilson.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Gary Britton, David Kennedy,Tracy Sodini, Richard Wilson, and Chris Witham.(5)

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Roger Buter, Donna Spytma, Roy Walters, and Kenneth Winter. (4)

CITY STAFF PRESENT

City Manager Dennis W. Stepke.

REQUEST TO CONVEY PROPERTY - 909 TOSTENABE LANE

CC Billinghurst of 909 Tostenabe Lane has requested that the City convey City owned right-of-way to Mr. Billinghurst so that he may construct the proposed garage.

Mr. Billinghurst gave an explanation of the proposed project and presented a drawing showing the exact dimensions of the parcel that he is requesting (The drawing is on file in the City Clerk’s Office).

MOTION CARRIED.

Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

_______________________________

Ann Marie Cummings, CMC

City Clerk

PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON

September 29, 1999

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Richard Wilson.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Gary Britton, Donna Spytma, Roy Walters, Richard Wilson, and Chris Witham.(5)

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Roger Buter, David Kennedy, Tracy Sodini, and Kenneth Winter. (4)

CITY STAFF PRESENT

City Manager Dennis W. Stepke.

REQUEST TO CONVEY PROPERTY - 909 TOSTENABE LANE

CC Billinghurst of 909 Tostenabe Lane has requested that the City convey City owned right-of-way to Mr. Billinghurst so that he may construct the proposed garage.

Mr. Billinghurst gave an explanation of the proposed project.

The City Manager stated that City Council has great concerns over setting precedent of selling right-of-ways.

Commissioner Britton stated that Council should reconsider the request.

The Planning Commission requested that Mr. Billing Hurst present a detailed sketch showing the exact dimensions that he was requesting from the City and present it to the Planning Commission.

Chairman Wilson tabled this item until a Special Planning Commission meeting on October 4, 1999

COMMUNICATIONS

Chairman Wilson presented a letter to the Planning Commission stating his intentions to resign. Commissioner Britton also stated that he will be resigning as well.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

_________________________________

Ann Marie Cummings, CMC

City Clerk

PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON

September 8, 1999

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Richard Wilson.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Gary Britton, Roger Buter, David Kennedy, Tracy Sodini, Donna Spytma, Roy Walters, Richard Wilson, Kenneth Winter, and Chris Witham.(9)

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

None.

CITY STAFF PRESENT

City Manager Dennis W. Stepke.

Kennedy moved, Sodini seconded, to approve the regular minutes of the August 11, 1999 and the special minutes of the August 16, 1999 Planning Commission as amended.

MOTION CARRIED.

PUBLIC HEARING -VARIANCE REQUEST - 909 TOSTENABE LANE

CC Billinghurst of 909 Tostenabe Lane has requested a variance to construct a proposed garage on a City easement.

Staff needs to do more research regarding the City easement.

PUBLIC HEARING - VARIANCE REQUEST - 754 MILLS AVENUE

Philip and Eileen B. Stoffan of 754 Mills Avenue have requested a variance to an existing non-conforming side yard setback to allow for an addition to the home.

Philip Stoffan gave an overview of the project. He did state that he may do less than what the plan calls for. If so, he will need to come back to the Planning Commission for approval.

MOTION CARRIED.

COMMUNICATIONS

Commissioner Witham stated that the Planning Commission would need to work in conjunction with Muskegon Township for the North Shore Hospital site.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

___________________________________

Ann Marie Cummings, CMC

City Clerk

PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON

August 16, 1999

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Commissioner Chris Witham.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Gary Britton, Roger Buter, David Kennedy, Tracy Sodini, Donna Spytma, and Chris Witham.(6)

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Roy Walters, Richard Wilson, and Kenneth Winter. (3)

CITY STAFF PRESENT

Dennis W. Stepke and City Attorney John Schrier.

LOT SPLIT REQUEST - 474 S. BEAR LAKE ROAD

Paul Kitchen, of 474 S. Bear Lake Road, North Muskegon, MI 49445, has requested a lot split. If a lot split were granted, Parcel A (existing dwelling) would be 135'x75' and Parcel B would be 285'x75'.

The City Manager and Building Inspector measured the proposed lot. The dimensions are 170'x175' (8025 square feet) without the wetlands.

Commissioner Britton stated that he was concerned about the density and character of the area.

Commissioner Spytma stated that she did not care for the private drive.

Commissioner Britton stated that even though adjacent property owners show support for the project, they will not always live there.

Commissioner Britton also stated that the proposed project is not compatible with the area because it is an easement and not a road.

Commissioner Buter stated that the project meets all requirements under the zoning ordinance and that he would be hard pressed to deny it.

Commissioner Sodini disagreed. She stated that it was a loss of use of the wetlands.

Nays: Britton and Sodini.(2)

MOTION CARRIED.

VARIANCE REQUEST - 474 S. BEAR LAKE ROAD

Paul W. Kitchen, of 474 S. Bear Lake Road, North Muskegon, MI 49445, has requested a variance to build a residential dwelling 18 feet from the rear yard setback instead of 30 feet as required by 408.5D(3) of our zoning ordinance.

The variance is needed for access to the fire hydrant and so that people will not need to park their cars in the road.

Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.

__________________________________

Ann Marie Cummings, CMC

City Clerk

PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON

August 11, 1999

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Richard Wilson.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Roger Buter, Donna Spytma, Roy Walters, Richard Wilson, and Chris Witham.(5)

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Gary Britton, David Kennedy,Tracy Sodini, and Kenneth Winter. (4)

CITY STAFF PRESENT

Dennis W. Stepke and City Attorney John Schrier.

Walters moved, Witham seconded, to approve the regular minutes of the July 11, 1999 Planning Commission as presented.

MOTION CARRIED.

SPECIAL USE PERMIT - 607 PINEWOOD

The Planning Commission received a request to reconsider a special use permit to open a licensed day care at 607 Pinewood.

Chairman Wilson stated that the City Attorney has reviewed this issue and read the opinion given by the Attorney and made a part of the official minutes.

Commissioner Witham questioned how a day care would be a substantial improvement.

Chairman Wilson stated that we need to follow the guidelines presented in the zoning ordinance.

Commissioner Spytma stated that the nature of the business does blend in the neighborhood.

The Commissioners discussed traffic concerns and the impact that the schools of choice had in the neighborhood.

The City Attorney asked if this business fits in the neighborhood or does it adversely affect the area? Is it a detriment?

Commissioner Spytma stated that it does blend in the neighborhood and does meet the criteria. We must approve it.

PUBLIC HEARING - VARIANCE REQUEST - 612 FOURTH STREET

Christine Faser, 612 Fourth Street, has requested a variance to place a four foot fence approximately 6" inside the lot line.

Ms. Faser gave an overview of the project stating that she wants the fence for appearance sake and because it fits with the style of the house. She wants to have a dog and to be able to keep other dogs out.

Chairman Wilson stated that as long as people can see over the fence he did not have a problem with it.

Commissioner Witham asked why Ms. Faser could not place a three foot fence and not require a variance?

Ms. Faser stated that the yard was very small and there would not be enough room.

Commissioner Witham stated that he has a concern about fences in the front yard. He voiced a strong concern about the snow plow hitting the fence in the winter.

Chairman Wilson stated that the fence blends in with the neighborhood.

Commissioner Buter is concerned about snow piling up against the fence. People will not be able to see.

Commissioner Walters stated that Ms. Faser could make the fence three feet on the corners.

Ms. Faser stated that she was concerned that children would try to go over the top.

Commissioner Witham read 1206.1 of the ordinance to the public.

LOT SPLIT REQUEST - 474 S. BEAR LAKE ROAD

Paul Kitchen, of 474 S. Bear Lake Road, North Muskegon, MI 49445, has requested a lot split. If a lot split were granted, Parcel A (existing dwelling) would be 135'x75' and Parcel B would be 285'x75'.

Chairman Wilson stated that he had received comments from neighbors for and against the project.

Commissioner Witham asked if the square feet of wetlands is counted toward the size of a lot.

The City Attorney stated that it was.

Commissioner Witham stated that he measured from the middle of the cat tails and it measured 6,825 square feet.

Chairman Wilson stated that it would be appropriate to research how it was measured in the past and would like to table this matter until then.

A long discussion ensued about the size of the lot.

Chairman Wilson tabled this issue until a special meeting on Monday, August 16, 1999 at 6:30 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARING - VARIANCE REQUEST - 474 S. BEAR LAKE ROAD

Paul W. Kitchen, of 474 S. Bear Lake Road, North Muskegon, MI 49445, has requested a variance to build a residential dwelling 18 feet from the rear yard setback instead of 30 feet as required by 408.5D(3) of our zoning ordinance.

The public hearing was opened.

Paul Kitchen gave an overview of the project.

SIGN ORDINANCE

The City Manager stated that he will budget for a consultant to rewrite the zoning ordinance for the Planning Commission’s review.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

___________________________________

Ann Marie Cummings, CMC

City Clerk

PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON

July 14, 1999

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Richard Wilson.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Gary Britton (7:15 p.m.), Tracy Sodini, Roy Walters, Richard Wilson, Kenneth Winter, and Chris Witham.(6)

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT

Roger Buter, David Kennedy, and Donna Spytma. (3)

CITY STAFF PRESENT

Dennis W. Stepke.

Winter moved, Witham seconded, to approve the regular minutes of the May 12, 1999 Planning Commission as amended.

MOTION CARRIED.

PUBLIC HEARING - VARIANCE REQUEST - 2314 MARQUARD

Wayne and Vicki Halpin, of 2314 Marquard, North Muskegon, MI 49445, have requested a variance to add a breezeway and garage making the setback in the backyard approximately 18 feet instead of 30 feet as required by 408.5D(3) of our zoning ordinance and to make the existing house and garage line up.

Mr. Halpin gave an overview of the project.

PUBLIC HEARING - VARIANCE REQUEST - 132 RUDDIMAN

Gretchen B. Christie, of 132 Ruddiman, North Muskegon, MI 49445, has requested a variance at 132 Ruddiman, to build an addition of 16' x 30' off of the back of the house making the setback in the backyard approximately 17 feet instead of 30 feet as required by 408.5D(3) of our zoning ordinance.

Ms. Christie gave an overview of the project.

LOT SPLIT REQUEST - 474 S. BEAR LAKE ROAD

Paul Kitchen, of 474 S. Bear Lake Road, North Muskegon, MI 49445, has requested a lot split. If a lot split were granted, Parcel A (existing dwelling) would be 135'x75' and Parcel B would be 285'x75'.

Mr. Kitchen gave an overview of the project and explained that he was working with the DNR to fill in part of the wetland.

Commissioner Sodini stated that she believed that the area would be too crowded with two homes on the property. She was also concerned about the wetlands.

Commissioner Britton stated that he was concerned about splitting up the land.

Commissioner Wilson stated that the proposed home was too large to put on a small parcel.

Nays: Commissioner Winter. (1)

MOTION CARRIED.

PUBLIC HEARING - VARIANCE REQUEST - 474 S. BEAR LAKE ROAD

Paul W. Kitchen, of 474 S. Bear Lake Road, North Muskegon, MI 49445, has requested a variance to build a residential dwelling 18 feet from the rear yard setback instead of 30 feet as required by 408.5D(3) of our zoning ordinance.

PUBLIC HEARING - VARIANCE REQUEST - 1405 MOULTON

Harold A. Rummery, of 1405 Moulton, North Muskegon, MI 49445, has requested a variance to replace an existing garage with a 20' x 26' garage closer than 5 feet to the lot line as required by 503.2(b) of the zoning ordinance.

Mr. Rummery gave an overview of the project.

PUBLIC HEARING - VARIANCE REQUEST - 1825 RUDDIMAN

Maple Tree Learning Center, 1825 Ruddiman, North Muskegon, MI 49445, has requested a variance to install a 5' x 10' decorated sign. The zoning ordinance allows one (1) sign per building not to exceed 50 square feet in surface display area.

PUBLIC HEARING - SPECIAL USE PERMIT - 607 PINEWOOD

Dawn D. Dick has requested a special use permit to open a day care at 607 Pinewood, North Muskegon, MI 49445.

Ms. Dick stated that she will use the basement and backyard for her day care. It is a rented home.

Mr. Charles Lyons, 1625 Moulton, stated that he was in favor of the day care.

Mr. William Marshall, 602 Pinewood, stated that he was not in favor of the day care.

Chairman Wilson stated that he had a concern that it was a rental home and of the concerns of the neighbors surrounding the home (Letters from surrounding home owners are on file in the City Clerk’s Office).

Commissioner Witham stated that he was worried about the traffic in the area.

SITE PLAN REVIEW - 620 HOLTON ROAD

The owners of Whitefox Gallery gave an overview of a proposed Art Gallery to be added on the lot at 620 Holton Road.

Commissioner Sodini questioned storm sewers.

Dennis Stepke, City Manager, stated that the County Road Commission is in charge of storm sewers in that area.

SIGN ORDINANCE

The Planning Commission discussed proposed sign ordinance changes. Representatives of Classy Chassy, Wesco, and Frosty Boy were present to offer suggestions. No decisions were made at this time. Discussion will continue at the next Planning Commission Meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

__________________________________

Ann Marie Cummings, CMC

City Clerk