Planning Commission Minutes

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF BLOOMFIELD
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Monday, January 16, 2006
Bloomfield Township Hall

I. ATTENDANCE:

PRESENT: Mintz, Salz, Stefanes, Swoboda, Reisinger, Goldberg

ABSENT: None

Staff Present: Patricia McCullough, Planning and Building Director, and Robin Carley, Development Coordinator

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion was made by Stefanes and unanimously supported approving the Planning Commission minutes of December 5, 2005, with one typographical correction.

III. CALL FOR PUBLIC HEARING:

A. Introduce a Proposed Amendment to the Soil Fill Permit Provisions

Ms. McCullough explained the soil fill permit process and the proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance, removing the specified fees as specifically stated in the Zoning Ordinance and inserting the phrase, "according to the schedule as established from time to time by resolution of the Township Board".

The Commission discussed the availability of a quorum for the February 21, 2006.

Motion was made by Salz, seconded by Reisinger, and was unanimously supported to call for a public hearing on March 6, 2006 to review the proposed amendment to the Soil Fill Permit Provisions.

YEAS: Mintz, Salz, Stefanes, Swoboda, Reisinger, Goldberg

NAYS: None

IV. PUBLIC HEARING:

A. Liquor License Ordinance Amendment

Ms. McCullough reviewed the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for the liquor license requirements in the B-2 (Community Business) and B-3 (General Business) zone districts. She highlighted her staff report as provided to the Commissioners and submitted to the file. The proposed language revisions included:

Mr. Mintz opened the public hearing portion of the meeting, noting that no one was present in the audience for this item.

Mr. Mintz asked for questions or comments from the Commissioners to Ms. McCullough.

Mr. Salz questioned the requirement of a major thoroughfare to allow for a Class C liquor license, noting the existing commercial areas along portions of W. Maple Road, that were not considered a major thoroughfares.

Ms. McCullough commented on the traffic flow along major thoroughfares and also on the Township’s concern for expanding establishments with liquor licenses into more residential areas, creating possible traffic and safety issues. She noted that existing restaurants with liquor licenses, not located on major thoroughfares, would be allowed to remain as non-conforming uses.

The Commission discussed the transferring of liquor licenses to other communities and the process in obtaining approval through the LLC of the State of Michigan. Ms. McCullough noted that the Township’s quota of liquor licenses was based on our population.

Discussion also continued regarding "frontage" requirements and the 250 foot separation required for stand-alone restaurants. Ms. McCullough noted that the 250 foot requirement does not apply to restaurants within existing shopping centers but for individual, separate development sites. She further explained the Township’s reasoning in requiring the 250 foot separation and the desire to eliminate a "restaurant row" situation, including additional traffic congestion

Dr. Goldberg expressed his concern over the 250 foot separation requirement for stand alone restaurants, commenting that he did not believe the required separation was necessary or beneficial.

Ms. McCullough noted that the Township’s parking requirements would be the main driving force for the location and placement of stand-alone restaurants, with or without liquor licenses. It was also noted that a variance could be applied for to decrease the 250 foot separation requirement.

Mr. Mintz closed the public hearing portion of the meeting and called for a motion.

Motion was made by Salz, seconded by Swoboda, and was supported to forward the proposed Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance for the Liquor License Requirements in the B-2 and B-3 Zone Districts to the Township Board of Trustees, with a recommendation for approval

YEAS: Mintz, Salz, Stefanes, Swoboda, Reisinger

NAYS: Goldberg

V. GENERAL BUSINESS:

A. Master Plan Update – Scheduling Discussion

Ms. McCullough noted that Monday, February 6, 2006 was the scheduled "kick-off" for the Master Plan Update with LSL Planning, partnered with DLZ, along with representatives of the subdivision associations.

The Commission was informed that the second Planning Commission meeting of each month would be reserved for the Master Plan Update. She also commented that the Township would be utilizing the Township’s website, the newsletter, the local cable channel, and the local newspaper to provide updates throughout the process.

B. Election of Officers

Mr. Mintz commented that he would like to remain as Chairperson to follow through with the Master Plan Update process and nominated himself as Chairperson.

Ms. Stefanes nominated Jeff Salz as the Chairperson.

Mr. Mintz called for a role call vote for Chairperson.

Mintz - Mintz

Salz - Salz

Stefanes - Salz

Swoboda - Salz

Reisinger - Salz

Goldberg - Salz

Salz was elected the Planning Commission Chairperson by a 5 to 1 vote.

Mr. Mintz asked for nominations for Vice Chairperson.

Dr. Goldberg nominated himself as Vice Chairperson.

No others were nominated.

Goldberg was elected the Planning Commission Vice Chairperson by a unanimous vote.

Mr. Mintz nominated Ms. Stefanes as Secretary.

No others were nominated.

Stefanes was elected Planning Commission Secretary by a unanimous vote.

The Commission commended Mr. Mintz on his excellent service as Chairperson, and the professional leadership he provided to the Commission.

C. Next Commission Meeting Date

The Next Planning Commission Meeting was scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2006

VI. ADJOURNMENT:

The Planning Commission Meeting of Monday, January 16, 2006, was adjourned at 7:50 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia McCullough, Director

Planning and Building

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