BERRIEN TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES FOR

Monday, May 17, 2010

CALL TO ORDER

The Berrien Township Planning Commission met on Monday, May 17, 2010 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, Robert Norris and Karen O’Dell. 

Members Absent:  Ross Rogien

Others Present:  Jim Hoover, Paul Bixby, H. Ralph Cripps, Mark Miller, Jovan & Nada Djordjevic, recording secretary Rebecca Downey and four citizens.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 21, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. 

MINUTES

Motion by Robert Norris, supported by Ron Harner, to approve the minutes from the April 19, 2010 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 April seventeen (17) Building Permits were issued with fees collected totaling $1,792.90 and seven (7) Electrical Permit was issued with fees collected totaling $687.00. 

The meeting was recessed to open the 7:05 p.m. Public Hearing.

Park Ridge Inc. – H. Ralph Cripps: 

Mark Miller of Klute-Miller PLC representing Mr. Cripps and Park Ridge Inc. presented the Site Plan Condominium request to the Planning Commission members.  It will be a small development with three lots, each over 1 acre.  Four acres of the development will be kept natural and unchanged with a pond on this site.  All of the lots meet the current zoning requirements.  In 1985 a plan for this site was approved for homes that were multiple family, the current plan will be only single family dwellings.

Public Hearing closed at 7:18 p.m.  The Planning Commission meeting reconvened.

Motion by Dave Riedlinger, supported by Robert Norris, to recommend the project to the Township Board for final approval.   Ron Harner abstained from voting.  All ayes, none opposed.  Motion carried.

The meeting was recessed to open the 7:30 p.m. Public Hearing.

Jovan & Nada Djordjevic, Lodging House (Bed & Breakfast):

Nada Djordjevic owner of 4706 Lake Pines Lane, Berrien Springs stated that she and her husband would like to open a small Bed & Breakfast in their home.  They would like to utilize a maximum of 5 of their 8 bedrooms.  They have 9 bathrooms in their home and a three car attached garage.  They live in the home with their 2 children. 

There was a question regarding adequate parking.  The Djordjevic’s stated that they have an area reserved for another detached garage in the future.  They plan to use this space as temporary parking and put in pea gravel with an attractive border. 

They have presented their plans to the Lake Pines Association.  It was unanimously approved by all property owners in the subdivision.  The Association did state they would like to review the situation of the business at their yearly meeting.  The Djordjevic’s agreed to this.

It was stated that they should be sure to check with the Berrien County Health Department to make sure all regulations and requirements are followed.  It was also mentioned they should review insurance liability requirements.

Public Hearing closed at 7:46 p.m.  The Planning Commission meeting reconvened.

Motion by Ron Harner, supported by Dave Riedlinger, to recommend the variance request to the Township Board for final approval with the stipulation that the Lake Pines Association must maintain their approval of the business.  If this approval is not maintained, the variance would be null and void.  All ayes, none opposed.  Motion carried.

Motion by Ron Harner, supported by Dave Ridelinger, to amend the motion striking the word “Variance” and replacing it with “Special Use”.  All ayes, none opposed.  Motion carried.

Motion by Ron Harner, supported by Robert Norris, to approve the amended motion, to recommend the Special Use Request to the Township Board for final approval with the stipulation that the Lake Pines Association must maintain their approval of the business.  If this approval is not maintained, the Special Use would be null and void.  All ayes, none opposed.  Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

Zoning Ordinance:  Supervisor Paul Bixby stated that he has asked Deputy Supervisor, Julius Grau to review the Zoning Ordinance.

AJOURNMENT

Motion by Ron Harner, supported by Doug Shelton, to adjourn the meeting.  All ayes, none opposed.   Motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.

Minutes as recorded by Rebecca Downey, Planning Commission Recording Secretary and approved by:

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