ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 16, 2016
Attendees
David & Jacqueline Jasinski
John & Deborah Meister
Chairman Paul Shaw called the meeting of the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission at 7:30 p.m. For the record, he identified the date as March 16, 2016.
He introduced himself, as well as the other Commission members, that included Jordan Davenport, Vice Chairman, Curt Baxter, and alternate member, Dr. Greg Hart. He also introduced Walter Wehenkel, Zoning Inspector & Zoning Commission Secretary and Matt Montowski, Township Trustee.
Mr. Shaw welcomes those in attendance. He stated the Zoning Commission appreciated their interest. He advised those in attendance that debates/talking amongst themselves would not permitted. He asked that those in attendance sign the register. He requested that any person wishing to speak be recognized by the chairperson and identify themselves by name and address for the record. He asked that all cell phones be turned off. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mr. Shaw suggested the following agenda for the meeting.
1) The organizational meeting be held to elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary for 2016.
2) The Commission consider application # 008640 from David A. Jasinski & Jacqueline H. Jasinski to rezone Lot 27-A in Catawba Place Subdivision at 3080 N. Tiara Drive from the C-2 district to the R-2 district.
3) The Commission read and approve the meeting minutes of the November 18, 2015 meeting.
4) Any Old business
5) Any new business
Mr. Shaw asked if there were any additions or changes to the proposed agenda. There were none. Mr. Shaw asked for a motion to approve the proposed agenda for the meeting. Dr. Hart so moved. Curt Baxter seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Organizational meeting
Mr. Shaw asked for nominations for the office of Chairman of the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission for 2016. Jordan Davenport moved to elect Paul Shaw as Chairman. Dr. Greg Hart seconded the motion. There were no additional nominations. The membership elected Mr. Shaw as Chairman for 2016.
Mr. Shaw asked for nominations for the office of Vice Chairman of the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission for 2016. Curt Baxter nominated Jordan Davenport as Vice Chairman. Dr. Greg Hart seconded the motion. There were no other nominations. The membership elected Mr. Davenport as Vice Chairman.
Mr. Shaw asked for nominations for Secretary of the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission for 2016. Jordan Davenport nominated Walter Wehenkel as Secretary. Paul Shaw seconded the motion. There were no other nominations. The membership elected Mr. Wehenkel as Secretary.
Mr. Shaw congratulated those elected and stated the Commission would move onto Item 2 on the agenda.
Mr. Shaw requested a motion to consider application # 008640 from David A. Jasinski & Jacqueline H. Jasinski to rezone Lot 27-A in Catawba Place Subdivision at 3080 N. Tiara Drive from the C-2 district to the R-2 district. Jordan Davenport so moved. Curt Baxter seconded the motion. The motion passed. Mr. Shaw asked if any board member had a personal or professional conflict concerning the case. There was no conflict.
Mr. Shaw asked about the legal description. Mr. Wehenkel stated there was no metes and bounds description as the property is within a platted subdivision. The legal description is simply Lot 27A Catawba Place Subdivision - a.k.a. 3080 Tiara Drive. Mr. Shaw asked if Mr. Wehenkel had received any written correspondence concerning the rezoning request. Mr. Wehenkel indicated he had received nothing in writing. Mr. Shaw read the letter from the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission. The Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request.
Mr. Shaw asked who was in attendance to discuss the request. David Jasinski introduced himself. Mr. Jasinski stated when they purchased the lot they were unaware that it was zoned “C-2”. As they developed the plans for their home, the setbacks required for commercial zoning are different than the residential setbacks. The rezoning request will assist them in building the home they would like to have in the location they would like to have it. He offered to answer questions.
Mr. Wehenkel stated he was unaware why this lot was left commercially zoned when the Catawba Place Subdivision was platted. The home on the north half of the lot was able to meet the larger setbacks required by the commercial zoning, primarily because that portion of Lot 27 is bigger in size than the one owned by the Jasinski’s. The balance of the subdivision is all zoned “R-2”.
Mr. Shaw asked if anyone else in attendance wanted to make a presentation. There was no additional testimony. Mr. Shaw closed the public hearing.
Mr. Shaw asked for discussion from the Commission members. Jordan Davenport stated the requested zoning is appropriate as it makes sense and matches the zoning district in the balance of the Catawba Place Subdivision. He stated there would be no negative impacts created by this change. Curt Baxter stated it appears to have been an oversight that this lot was not zoned “R-2” when the subdivision was created. The lot is not conducive to “C-2” type uses. It is too small and has no direct access to State Route 53. It does not make sense to retain the “C-2” zoning classification. The request makes sense. Dr. Greg Hart stated he agreed with all of the other comments offered.
Mr. Shaw asked the Commission for a motion on Application # 008640 from David A. Jasinski & Jacqueline H. Jasinski to rezone Lot 27-A in Catawba Place Subdivision at 3080 N. Tiara Drive from the C-2 district to the R-2 district. Jordan Davenport moved to recommend the rezoning request be approved. Curt Baxter seconded the motion. Mr. Shaw noted a “yes” vote indicates you are in favor recommending the proposed Application # 008640 from David A. Jasinski & Jacqueline H. Jasinski to rezone Lot 27-A in Catawba Place Subdivision at 3080 N. Tiara Drive from the C-2 district to the R-2 district. Upon roll call vote, all Commission members voted yes.
Mr. Shaw stated the proposed Application # 008640 from David A. Jasinski & Jacqueline H. Jasinski to rezone Lot 27-A in Catawba Place Subdivision at 3080 N. Tiara Drive from the C-2 district to the R-2 district will be recommended to the Catawba Island Trustees for their consideration. The date of the Trustee meeting is April 12, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Shaw indicated the applicant was welcome to stay or they could leave at this time as the Commission would discuss the approval of our prior meeting minutes from the November 18, 2015 meeting.
Mr. Shaw requested a motion and second to accept the minutes as mailed. Dr. Greg Hart so moved to approve the minutes. Curt Baxter seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
Mr. Shaw asked Mr. Wehenkel if there was any old business. Mr. Wehenkel briefly discussed the Dollar General rezoning and his recent denial of the submitted zoning permit application. He also reminded the Commission members of the upcoming zoning training being offered through the Prosecutor’s office on April 13, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. Mr. Shaw asked if an agenda was prepared. Mr. Wehenkel said that it was and he would send it out to the membership.
Mr. Shaw asked if there was any new business for the Commission. Mr. Wehenkel stated the zoning resolution had been reviewed and there were numerous text amendments being considered. The changes will not be initiated until the present Appeal Board court case is resolved. Both the Zoning Commission chairman and BZA Chairman have reviewed the proposal as has Matt Montowski. Mr. Wehenkel stated he is also taking feedback/suggestions from the “Keep Catawba Safe” group related to zoning changes they would like to see. He advised the Commission they would be kept informed as the process proceeds.
Matt Montowski thanked the Commission members for the continued service to the township.
Mr. Shaw stated the next scheduled meeting for the Commission is April 27, 2016, but that meeting will only be held if there is business to transact.
Mr. Shaw asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jordan Davenport so moved. His motion was seconded by Curt Baxter. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Walter Wehenkel
Secretary