The Berrien Township Planning Commission met on Monday, November 16, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
for a regular meeting.Chairman Dale Sherwood called the meeting to order and opened with the
Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
ROLL CALL
Planning Commission Members Present:Chairman Dale Sherwood, Vice-Chairman Ron Harner, Secretary Doug Shelton, Dave Riedlinger and Robert Norris.Ross Rogien arrived
at 7:50 p.m.
Members Absent:Ed Kerlikowske Jr.
Others Present:Jim Hoover, Paul Bixby, LeAnne Holtz, Cindy DeFay, Bill and Lorayne Shembarger and recording secretary Rebecca Downey.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
MINUTES
Motion by Robert Norris, supported by Ron Harner, to approve the minutes from the October 19, 2009 meeting.All ayes, none opposed.Motion carried.
BUILDING PERMITS
Berrien Township Building Inspector, Jim Hoover presented the Building Permit Report along with the Electrical Permit Report.In October seven (7) Building Permits were issued with fees collected totaling $374.60 and one (1) Electrical Permit was issued with fees collected totaling $325.00.
The meeting was recessed to open the 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing.
LeAnne Holtz and Cynthia DeFay:
Secretary Doug Shelton presented the application for a Special Use as completed by Cynthia DeFay. LeAnne Holtz is the owner of the property.Ms. DeFay and Ms. Holtz plan to add a three bay garage to be attached to the home located at 7685 Painter School Road in BerrienCenter.The house was built in 1990.She hopes to be allowed to operate a catering business with a kitchen area to be included in the layout of the new garage.The total building is to be 36’ x 36’.The area of the new construction designated for the catering business is 12’ x 36’.It is to be stationed on the south side of the existing garage which will then be turned into a living room.
Ms. DeFay explained that minimal space is needed for efficient catering.She also has a policy of not accepting more than 2 events per day.She does not maintain much inventory, as all supplies/foods are purchased to be used for a specific order.She also does all of her cooking with a convection oven, no deep fryers.The layout of the building and catering was thoroughly explained.Mr. Hoover stated that the wall attached to the home must be a fire wall and door as well.
Ms. DeFay stated that she will contact the Health Department, once approval is obtained by the township, to be certain that all criteria to run such a business will be met.She has already spoken to the local inspector. Her record at her current business, DeMars in Watervliet, has passed the last 3 inspection with a 100% rating.She will also check with the electrical inspector to determine any necessary issues that may arise.
Public Hearing closed at 7:25 p.m.The Planning Commission meeting reconvened.
Motion by Ron Harner, supported by Robert Norris, to recommend the project to the Township Board for final approval.All ayes, none opposed.Motion carried.
The meeting was recessed to open the 7:30 p.m. Public Hearing.
Shemmy’s Restaurant & Ice Cream:
Secretary Doug Shelton presented the application for a Special Use as completed by Bill and Lorayne Shembarger.Bill Shembarger representing Shemmy’s Restaurant & Ice Cream informed the board that he would like to have a consignment shop on the property during the winter months.The shop would be in the current game room and would help supplement the business during the months that the driving range and mini golf is closed.It is a separate building from the restaurant.He stated that the items to be sold would consist of sporting goods, home wares and very good quality clothing, etc.It would not resemble a garage sale.He agreed to not accept any items that would not fit through the doors and keep all items being sold inside of the building.He also feels the community would also benefit from this type of business.
Files were examined from previous owners as to approved Special Uses for the property.There were 2 Special Uses issued:one for the video/game room, driving range and miniature golf course, the second for restaurant, ice cream and farm market. There was discussion as to modifying the current Special Uses to accommodate the new business venture.The driving range and miniature golf course will retain the Special Uses as originally issued.
Public Hearing closed at 8:08 p.m.The Planning Commission meeting reconvened.
There was discussion that the consignment shop must have all items for sale contained within the structure.Video games, etc. should not be played in the building once it is converted into the consignment shop.The video games may be relocated into the extra/banquet room located in the restaurant to be used by patrons in that area.
Motion by Ross Rogien, supported by Ron Harner, to recommend the project to the Township Board for final approval.All ayes, none opposed.Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
It was discussed as to when the Ordinance Book would be complete.
It was decided to check with Mike Clark of Williams and Works as to the necessary steps to require Special Uses to have a date set for a “Renewal” or “Review”.It was also suggested as to having property revert back to the original state before a Special Use was granted when there is a change of property ownership.
There was discussion concerning structures within the township that may be declared dangerous by the building inspector. These properties could be considered dangerous to the health and welfare of township residents. It may be a possibility to have them demolished if clean up is not completed by owner.This could be added to the tax bill to cover costs.It was decided to check to see if taxes are paid on the parcels in question. One is on Pokagon Road; the other is on Pucker Street.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Doug Shelton, supported by David Riedlinger, to adjourn the meeting.All ayes, none opposed.Motion carried.The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
Minutes as recorded by Rebecca Downey, Planning Commission Recording Secretary and approved by:
