Minutes: November 29th, 2016

ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Attendees
Allen Stryker
Richard Smetzer
Patricia Brockelman
Tamara S. Waldemar
Will Schoter
Matt Montowski

Chairman Paul Shaw called the meeting of the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission at 7:02 p.m. For the record, he identified the date was November 29, 2016.
He introduced himself, as well as the other Commission members, that included Jordan Davenport, Vice Chairman, Ron Wiseman and Stephen Lonneman. Also introduced was Todd Bickley, new Catawba Island Township Zoning Inspector.
Paul Shaw moved to appoint Todd Bickley as the Zoning Commission Secretary. Jordan Davenport seconded the motion. Motion passed
Mr. Shaw welcomed those in attendance. He stated the Zoning Commission appreciated their interest. He advised those in attendance that debates/talking amongst themselves would not be 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) Consider application # 008746 from Doug & Patricia Brockelman to rezone property in Lot 1 in Maplewood at 5237 E. Lawrence Drive from the “C-3” District to the “R-3” Residential District
2) Discuss the initiation of a comprehensive set of zoning text amendments and time line for potential initiation.
3) The reading and approval of our last meeting minutes from November 16, 2016 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. Jordan Davenport made a motion to approve the proposed agenda for the meeting. Steve Lonneman seconded the motion. The motion passed.
1) Agenda Item 1 – Mr. Shaw asked for a motion to consider application # 008746 from Doug & Patricia Brockelman to rezone property in Lot 1 Maplewood Subdivision at 5237 E. Lawrence Drive from the “C-3” Highway Commercial District to the “R-2” Residential District.
Jordan Davenport so moved. His motion was seconded by Stephen Lonneman and the motion was passed. Mr. Shaw asked if any board member has a personal or professional conflict concerning the case. No one did.
Mr. Shaw noted that the legal description for the rezoning is a 20’ by 200’ strip of land in Lot 1 of Maplewood Subdivision. He asked Todd Bickley if there was any correspondence from the public. Mr. Bickley stated he had not received any correspondence. Mr. Shaw requested Jordan Davenport read the letter of recommendation from the Regional Planning Commission. Mr. Davenport read the letter that recommended approval of the rezoning request.
Mr. Shaw asked who was present to address the rezoning request. Patricia Brockelman introduced herself and stated she was the owner of 5237 E. Lawrence Drive. She and her husband reside in Wisconsin and she explained that her grandparents obtained Lot 1 and upon their deaths, her father obtained title to the property. In 2008, the transition of title from her parents to Patricia and her husband began. In 2015, Patricia and her husband obtained full title. Mrs. Brockelman noted two reasons why she wishes to retain the property: keep it in the family for the fourth generation and for the love of Catawba Island. She commented that the family was unaware that the driveway was zoned commercial and she has no interest in reconfiguring the driveway. Since it is a residential drive, she respectfully request rezoning the driveway from the “C-3” District to the “R-3” District. Mrs. Brockelman also noted that the driveway zoned residential would be a buffer of seven feet from commercial uses.
Mr. Shaw requested any other presentations. There were none. Mr. Shaw closed the hearing to the public. The Commission members Ron Wiseman and Jordan Davenport both agreed the request was reasonable and straight forward. Mr. Wiseman questioned the surveyor stakes in the area. Mrs. Brockelman was unsure of the purpose of the stakes.
Mr. Shaw requested a motion on application # 008746 from Doug & Patricia Brockelman to rezone property in Lot 1 in Maplewood Subdivision at 5237 E. Lawrence Drive from the “C-3” Highway Commercial District to the “R-3” Residential District. Jordan Davenport so moved. Ron Wiseman seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote, all Commission members voted yes.
Mr. Shaw noted the hearing by the Township Trustees would be held on December 27, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
At this time Commission member Curt Baxter entered the meeting.
Text Amendments
Mr. Shaw stated the second item on the agenda deals with text amendments and their initiation. The Commission members questioned how to proceed with the review of the text amendments and to have them available for the general public. It was noted that a public hearing notice will be published in The Beacon and the proposed amendments will be available for review at the township hall and at the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission. The procedure to review at the Zoning Commission meeting was left undecided.
Jordan Davenport moved to initiate the proposed text amendments and to schedule a public hearing for 7:30 P.M., January 4, 2017. Steve Lonneman seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Shaw requested a motion to approve the minutes of the November 16, 2016 meeting as mailed. Jordan Davenport moved for their approval. Stephen Lonneman seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Old Business
No old business to conduct.
New Business
No new business to conduct.
Mr. Shaw indicated that the next meeting of the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission is 7:30 P.M., January 4, 2017.


Adjournment
Jordan Davenport moved to adjourn the meeting. His motion was seconded by Ron Wiseman. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Todd BIckley
Secretary