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Planning Commission Minutes

PLANNING COMMISSION

Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

1. Call to Order – Chair

Meeting was called to order by Chair Rodney Patrick at _______p.m.

2. Roll Call – Yvette Robinson, Exec. Secretary

Present: Rodney Patrick, Cindy Dilena, Frank Ross, Collette Ramsey, Yvette Robinson, Cleophus Pye

Excused: Theodore Waterhouse, Sam Billington, Barbara Willis

3. Approval of March 12, 2008 Minutes

Motion was made by _______________ to accept the minutes. ___________ seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

4. Old Business

A. Update of McGregor Library

Ms. Robinson reported that the first meeting on the McGregor Library Renovation was held on April 8, 2008. Finance committee was formed.

5. New Business

A. Report on Talk with Governor Granholm - Chair

B. Dave Scurto – Planning Consultant

Dave Scurto is to help Cities of Promise in the evaluation process in Mid May.

He advised the Commissioners that the new zoning act in July 2006 for county, city and township is now unified. There must be a 20-day notice for newspapers and surrounding. Zoning reasons: To protect property values, prevent overcrowding, prevent overuse of land, protect natural resources, prevent nuisances, and guarantee land use compatibility. Roles and responsibility change with maintaining the Master plan, uphold the 20 year vision; review ever 5 years. All amendments to the zoning codes start with the Commission who are in charge of subdivision laws and enforcement. City Council controls the Commissions budget. City Council approves all variances, then sends to Council for adoption. All adjustments in Site Plans need to be in writing.

Mr. Scurto suggested the Commission look into implementing a time limit for starting a project after approval. Commission may need to set rules: public rulews, directing traffic, setting rules for the public comments (2 minutes). If one individual represents a grouop allow them to have maybe ten minutes, let the public know to talk to the Chair; do not allow one person to dominate, make sure they give their name and address. Always have a maker of a motion and a 2^nd. Make sure there is an actual request; set conditions to requests; state the reasons why or why not the request is approved.

Risk Management: Being sued is unavoidable. Treat everyone fairly and consistently. Keep accurate and complete records to rely on. Ask about precise usage of the property. New law, conditional rezoning. Visit the planned site itself.

C. Community Development Update

i. New Grace Project

Project border is Pasadena, Grand, and Ford Roads. This project covers 105 lots from Woodward to Hamilton.

ii. County Façade program w/TIFA

This program is to cover a 4-block area. The County will give the City a $50,000. TIFA has authorized the use of $100,000 in matching funds.

iii. MHT Housing

The project located behind Sears; housing is on hold.

iv. Demo Program

There are dollars available for this program.

v. Housing Rehab

Seven homes are currently out for bid.

vi. Permit Processing

The permitting process is being brought back in house. The work will be contracted out but the City will retain control and accrue the dollars collected from permitting.

vii. CDGB update

A request for an extension for $200,000 is pending

6. Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items)

No public comments

7. Announcements/Adjournment

Motion to adjourn was made by ____________; 2^nd by ___________. Meeting adjourned at _____ p.m.