The Berrien Township Planning Commission met on May 18, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the township hall for a regular meeting.Chairman Dale Sherwood called the meeting to order and opened the meeting with the pledge to the flag.
Roll call: Chairman Dale Sherwood, Vice-Chairman Ron Harner, Secretary Doug Shelton, Dave Riedlinger, Robert Norris were present.Ed Kerlikowske Jr. and Ross Rogien were absent.
Also attending was Jim Hoover, Fire Chief Tom Stiles, Representatives from Adventist Frontier Missions, Mike Clark with Williams and Works; and approximately 20 residents.
There was a motion to approve the minutes from April 20th and April 28th, 2009 by Ron Harner and supported by Dave Riedlinger.All ayes, none opposed MOTION CARRIED.
A moment of silence for Karl Fisher was requested and granted.
The next meeting is set for June 15, 2009.This will also be a joint meeting with the Township Board.
Jim Hoover presented the building permit report.There were twelve permits issued including one for a new home.Permits totaled $416,156.00 in estimated costs and $1774.80 in permit fees.
At 7:05 p.m. Chairman Sherwood recessed the meeting to conduct the public hearing for the Special Land Use request from Adventist Frontier Missions (AFM).
Secretary Shelton read a letter from Harold and Donna Habenicht, property owners of an adjoining parcel to the proposed AFM campus.The letter stated their support of the project.
Craig Moore introduced himself as a representative of AFM and explained his roll in locating property for AFM.Ademola Adewoye presented the site plan and explained how the buildings will be designed to fit in with current surroundings with a “residential feel”.
Classrooms will be located in the existing large building formerly used as a dining hall.
The Service road on the south will probably be expanded because it is narrow.The condition of the road during construction will be given much consideration and there is no intention to let the road become less passable.Suggestion is for the two property owners that use this road to sit down and have discussions with AFM to ease any concerns.
The Fire Chief commented that at this time the plan looks good.It is understood that there will be discussions and on-site inspections to verify that all fire equipment can reach all areas.This use will give fewer problems than any other use that could possibly go in.
There are currently 18 employees with 6 that are frequently on the road.As the organization grows the need for more staff would increase.
Questions on the tax exempt status.AFM is a 501.c.3 charitable organization and as such will apply to the proper authorities to be exempt from property tax. The 2008 tax bill for the year was $10,103.22 of that total $191.54 was the Township portion.
Many neighboring residents commented that they thought this would be a good use for the property and were in favor of the plan.
It is AFM’s intention to preserve the natural “green” look of the property.They do not want to remove trees or green areas if it is not necessary.They want this campus to be a restful area for their students.
Currently the property would be used approximately 6 months out of the year.
With no further comments Chairman Sherwood closed the hearing at 7:42 p.m. and resumed the regular meeting.
Motion to recommend approval for the special use to the Township Board was made by Bob Norris and supported by Dave Riedlinger.All ayes, none opposed; MOTION CARRIED.
There was a short transition time as attendees of the Public Hearing left and township board members were seated.
Paul Bixby called the Township Board to order for the Joint portion of the meeting.Roll call for the Berrien Township Board of Trustees; Paul Bixby, Mary Jane Dean, Paul Sprung, Julie Burke were present.Harold Bishop, Kevin Klug, and Ross Rogien were absent.
Dale Sherwood brought up the subject of Medical marijuana as it is now legal in the state of Michigan.It is his recommendation that the Planning Commission look into an ordinance to provide guidelines to protect our residents.It was decided that Mike Clark would provide a sample ordinance for the Planning Commission to consider.
Article Four
300.407 Home Occupations – Minor
G.Change “shall be subject to annual inspection” to be “may be subject to inspection”
300.408 Land and Yard Provisions
B.1.Setback shall not be less than 8 feet in any distance.
C.It was decided that an attorney needed to be consulted on the necessity of this section based on the fact that the Township has a litter and debris ordinance.
300.410 Nonconforming and Substandard Buildings and Structures
B.Change “25% of its usable cubic space” to “50% of square footage” and change “within six (6) months from the date of damage” to “within one year from the date of damage”
300.412 Parking
Change “a minimum of one hundred sixty two square feet” back to “a minimum of two hundred square feet”
300.414 Private Road Standards
Easements are solely for access not for defining a buildable lot.A change was made to the definition of Private Road Standards from “the use of four or more abutting properties” to “the use of two or more abutting properties”
A motion to adjourn was made by Bob Norris and supported by Dave Riedlinger.All ayes, none opposed, Motion Carried.The meeting was adjourned at 9:54 p.m.
Minutes as recorded by Teri Jenks, Planning Commission Recording Secretary and approved by:
