Presque Isle Township Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
held May 3, 2010
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:45 pm by Chairman David Lange.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll Call: In attendance were David Lange Karen Fournier, William Schwartz, Molly Benson, and Clif Taylor. Absent were Attila Paltelky, and Chuck Winters.
Audience: Also present were Supervisor Patrick Pokorski, Zoning Administrator Linda Taylor, Karen Pettalia, John & Joanne Cooper, Robert & Naoko Young, Ken & Karen Fussey, Janet Dehring, Gailyn Jones, Jennifer Pickett, Greg & Kathleen Augustyn, Joseph Kowalski, Barry Schatz, Allan Idalski, and Debbie Trelfa.
Public Hearing for proposed amendments to Presque Isle Township Zoning Map: The public hearing was opened at 6:45 pm. D. Lange explained the purpose of the hearing, and asked L. Taylor to describe which parcels were to be rezoned and why. L. Taylor presented maps to assist with the explanation. L. Taylor described the current situation regarding the zoning districts, how parcels are currently zoned, clarified the difference between R-1 and R-2 size requirements, and also clarified that the proposed change would not affect the assessment or tax structure of the properties.
Comments: Karen Fussey of Evergreen, a family representative asked if the building of new homes could cause drainage problems for their properties. L. Taylor explained that any new septic or drain field cannot be installed without a permit from the health department. The health department has requirements that must be met which ensure that the drainage from such systems does not leave the property.
Greg Augustyn of 19120 Evergreen asked if there were any adverse or negative effects from being switched from R-1 to R-2. L. Taylor responded that it depends on who you are and what your situation is, and gave examples of the differences in set-back requirements between the two. G. Augustyn then asked if anything or any current rights would be taken away. L. Taylor responded that no existing rights would be taken away, and also discussed lot splits as an example of a right that could be gained from the change.
Karen Fussey - If something happened to their dwelling, such as a fire, would they be able to rebuild it the way it was, or would they have to then change things to meet new requirements. L. Taylor responded that there is a provision in our township that if a dwelling unit is destroyed some type of natural disaster, you can rebuild it the way it was even if you don't meet the current zoning requirements. She clarified, however, that is only in relation to zoning, not to building codes/requirements.
Bob Young of Evergreen- He stated that their intentions are to build a home on their parcel. There was previously a home on the property, and the construction of a new home would help increase the tax base, and he hopes this proposal passes.
The public hearing was closed at 6:55 p.m. and the regular meeting was opened immediately following.
With no further comments or discussion, W. Schwartz made a motion to accept the proposed changes to the zoning map as presented. M. Benson seconded. A roll call vote was taken. All aye; motion carried.
Agenda Approval: K. Fournier made a motion to approve the agenda. Second by W. Schwartz. All ayes; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes - April 5, 2010 Meeting: K. Fournier made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 5th Regular Meeting. Second by W. Schwartz. All ayes; C. Taylor abstained due to absence. Motion carried.
LaFarge Quarry Mine Plan & Annual Report - Allan Idalski: A. Idalski provided copies of the 5-year mine plan maps. He briefed on the Lotus Pond concerns that had been presented last year. They've had two different land managers over the past year, and the current manager did not want to release any details or data regarding the situation. Current markets, future plans, and new developments were discussed. L. Taylor asked about blasting complaints. A. Idalski responded that they've been the best since he's been with the company; they only had six this year, but they also had fewer shots this year. Mining areas and time frames were also discussed.
Comments from the Audience: K. Pettalia asked if the cemetery road way has been laid out as intended by the Commission and is where they had proposed it to be. She also stated that she is confused about the CIP projects/plans, and wondered if the Planning Commission was who approved the expenditures. C. Taylor responded that the Planning Commission prepares the plans and provides recommendations to the Township Board who is ultimately responsible for approving funding. D. Lange clarified that the Planning Commission has not had any involvement or say in regards the projects or expenditures that have recently taken place at the Lighthouse Parks. K. Fournier explained that whether or not it comes before the Planning Commission depends on the dollar amount proposed and the scope of the project in regards to the Planning and Zoning Enabling Act. D. Trelfa asked, in regards to projects or funds needed at the cemetery, who is she supposed to go to. K. Fournier responded that procedure would be to first speak with the sexton who then brings the matter to the appropriate board for consideration and/or approval.
Report from the Zoning Administrator- Propane Tanks: L. Taylor stated that the State is now mandating a set back for propane tanks, which is 10' from the property line. The new set back only applies to new tanks being set. L. Taylor did not suggest changing things on a township level, however, thought we should make an effort to inform residents of the change in order to prevent any hardships. K. Fournier recommended including it in the newsletter. D. Lange suggested adding it to the township building/zoning forms. L. Taylor agreed that she will try to incorporate the information that way.
She also reported that they have had a decent number of permits and there will be some new homes being built. The game farm across the street was also discussed.
Report of Liaisons - Township Board of Trustees: K. Fournier reported that the Township Board has recently adopted a Mileage Policy and a Purchasing and Bidding Policy. Copies were handed out to members of the committee. She also reminded that the budget is due to the Supervisor prior to the May meeting. The Board also reviewed the Capital Improvement Budget Projects that people are working on. The Board was pleased with the progress being made, and also approved up to $2,000 for stump removal and grinding, and additional funds for gravel for projects at the Lighthouse Parks. Peter Pettalia has processed paper work and is working on a grant extension for the Fresnel lens. There is work being done by the PIHA on the cemetery road way, however, no lease or easement agreement paperwork has been presented as of yet. There was also discussion about the presentation of a site plan to the Township Board due to concerns about the plans being different than proposed. The Township Board is now using a new format for meeting agendas and liaison reports. The chair is now going to be responsible for preparing the report for the liaison to present at the meeting using a bulleted format. A sample was provided. The new meeting format will be extended to all committees, and the board is working on a new policy for chairpersons, as well, which will define and clarify duties and responsibilities.
Report of Liaisons - Zoning Board of Appeals: D. Lange reported that they have not met since their last meeting so there is nothing new to report.
Report of Liaisons - Parks and Recreation: There was no one present to report. D. Lange stated that he was at the meeting, and briefed on some of the discussions that took place. The fireworks and work at the Old Lighthouse were the two main topics of discussion. He is unsure whether or not either of the issues had been resolved. He was also informed, shortly after the meeting, that Clayton Peters resigned from his position on the Parks and Rec. He is unsure as to whether or not he has also ceased work at the Lighthouse Parks. K. Fournier responded that he has not.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Military grave markers and monuments- Molly Benson summary report: M. Benson provided her report as attached. She suggested that the cemetery ordinance committee meet to discuss some possible revisions to the ordinance.
CIP/Budget Plans- Updated Worksheets: D. Lange presented updated worksheets. There are still a few projects open and in need of leaders. The bike path was one of the projects still in need of a leader. M. Benson stated that she is still trying to get in contact with the individual who was referred to her. K. Pettalia suggested contacting the Trails Assoc. The 27 acre parcel was also discussed. C. Taylor and D. Lange walked the property. K. Fournier reported that, after speaking with individuals at the NRTH meeting, she was informed that leasing property through the DNRE is in fact a valid option and is already being done in some places. She also talked about the four-Bill package that has recently passed in regards to the state park/launch fees, and provided information on the breakdown of how and where generated revenue will be allocated. Next steps as to how to get the project rolling were discussed. K. Fournier will be contacting representatives from the DNRE to set up a meeting to discuss the process. C. Taylor also discussed the Range Light Park area. K. Fournier presented a plan for a portable toilet at the Range Light Park. She had received a quote of $85.00 per month from Halls which would include cleaning, paper supplies, and maintenance. She also presented a quote from Hap Co. Builders for a concrete base/wood surround structure to be constructed around the unit, as well as a site plan for the location of the unit. The intentions are to have the project completed by the Memorial Day weekend. She made a recommendation that the board recommend to the Township Board to approve this portion of the Range Light Park Improvement Plan, and for funds to come out of the current fiscal year's budget due to the Memorial Weekend deadline. There was concern and discussion regarding the location of the unit. After further discussion, it was concluded that K. Fournier will get an estimate for the cost of constructing a driveway that would be sufficient for Halls to utilize so that the unit could be put on the beach side rather than in the adjacent parking lot.
CIP submittal and review forms: D. Lange combined information from the two sample documents that had been obtained, and made two new forms for the township to use. C. Taylor made a motion to accept the two forms. K. Fournier seconded. All ayes; motion carried. K. Fournier asked if D. Lange could put a couple copies in a file to be kept at the Township Hall.
Vision Statement: M. Benson read the proposed vision statement as follows:
"As keepers of tradition and planners for the future it is our duty to balance the protection and enjoyment of the natural beauty of our township while expanding opportunities for our community of friendly people to enjoy our unique quality of life. "
K. Fournier asked for definition of what "opportunities" were. She suggested further defining them as "economical and recreational opportunities". D. Lange preferred it be broken into two sentences. Everyone agreed that it had a good base to it, but needed some clarity or revision. M. Benson stated that she will work on it some more.
NEW BUSINESS
Zoning map update - AutoCAD: D. Lange discussed the need to update the zoning map following the changes that were approved recently, and for those that will need to be done again if the current proposal passes. Following numerous file conversions from Wade Trim and various efforts to work with them, all attempts were unsuccessful. An unofficial quote of $300.00 was given to E. Comerford by Wade Trim for them to update the existing map and provide additional copies. D. Lange was given a quote of $307.50 from Q-CAD to convert the exiting map to an AutoCAD file which the township could then change as needed, at any time, as long as someone had access to that program. K. Fournier made a motion to use Q-CAD to convert the .pdf file to an AutoCAD file. C. Taylor seconded. All ayes; motion carried. K. Fournier will set up an account with the company. D. Lange will give her the information.
CORRESPONDENCE
M. Benson reported that she had recently attended a training session on Fundamentals of a New Economy, course 101. It was a 2 hour long session, and she felt it was very informative. The next course (201) is a 4 hour session and deals with more specific, regional type development and planning. She also passed on information regarding a subscription to Planning and Zoning News. Members were interested in subscribing for the township. The first year's subscription is $92.00. It was agreed to have it mailed to the hall in the name of the PC Chair. K .Fournier made a motion to spend $92.00 for the subscription of Planning and Zoning News. Second by C. Taylor seconded. A roll call vote was taken. All ayes; motion carried. L. Taylor will fill out the subscription form and pass it on to K. Fournier.
Other: K. Fournier asked if they could take the liberty to assign CIP responsibilities to those members who haven't been in attendance for some time. Members discussed which items were left and decided to assign A. Paltelky to the development of a township wide trails/roads plan. M. Benson stated that she would like to assist with it.
There was additional discussion regarding the site plan for the cemetery drive. K. Fournier clarified that the agreement was to have a site plan presented before work began, and no one has seen one yet. There was some confusion regarding who was supposed to have presented the site plan to whom. It was concluded that A. Paltelky was the individual responsible and that he would be providing one.
D. Lange asked to discuss the events that had taken place during the last Parks and Recreation Meeting which have resulted in numerous concerns and complaints and the resignation of a member. He is looking to make some sort of recommendation in an effort to resolve the issues and prevent the township from being further involved. After much discussion, M. Benson made a motion to recommend to the township board that they discuss ways of alleviating the friction between the two people whom are competing for the same political office. Second by C. Taylor. All ayes. B. Schwartz abstained due to him not knowing what took place. Motion carried.
Adjournment: With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:57 p.m. The next regular Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for June 14th June 7th at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Erika M. Comerford, Office Staff