Planning Commission Minutes

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF BLOOMFIELD
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Monday, August 21, 2006
Bloomfield Township Hall

I. ATTENDANCE:

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

ABSENT: None

Staff Present: Patricia McCullough, Planning and Building Director, Robin Carley, Development Coordinator, Chris Gruba, Assistant Planner, and Brenda Schlutow, Lead Ordinance Officer, were present.

Dave Payne, Township Supervisor, and Neal Barnett, Trustee, were present in the audience. Several Township Department Heads were also present.

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

The Planning Commission minutes of August 9, 2006 were accepted as written.

III. MASTER PLAN UPDATE:

A. LSL Planning – Public Forum

Mr. Tom Dabareiner, Principal Planner of LSL Planning, welcomed everyone to the Master Plan meeting regarding Community Facilities and Natural Features. He introduced Mr. Steven Metzer, DLZ Environmental, who would be presenting the Natural Features portion of the meeting.

Mr. Dabareiner reviewed the agendas and findings of the previous Master Plan meetings to date and the proposed issues to yet be addressed. He emphasized that the public forums were to address Township wide issues and not personal / specific issues to individuals’ sites. He also commented on the strict regulations and limits placed on the Master Plan process through State laws and procedures.

Mr. Dabareiner proceeded with the PowerPoint presentation, which was provided to the Commissioners and submitted to the file. The presentation included the draft vision statement and Community Facilities Chapter, including:

The Commissioners discussed the items presented, including the feasibility of assembling land for future public parks and the liability associated with public parks.

Mr. Dabareiner noted that the Commission should be ready to make a recommendation to the Township Board of Trustees in October of 2006, for review and approval of a draft Master Plan. He explained the review process and required timetable to allow for public review and comments, including the review by surrounding communities, prior to the actual adoption of the Final Master Plan.

The Commissioners noted that the draft Master Plan would be available on the Township’s website.

Mr. Steve Metzger, DLZ Environmental, proceeded with the PowerPoint presentation, which was provided to the Commissioners and submitted to the file. The presentation included:

Mr. Metzger emphasized the importance of educating the community and developers regarding the natural features issues within the Township.

Mr. Salz opened the meeting to public comment.

Mr. Arleigh Helfer, 1729 Strickland Drive, also representing Bloomfield Square No.s 4-7, commented on the lack of wireless service in their subdivision area. He asked that this issue be addressed by the Township, including access to developing technologies.

Ms. Judy Martens, 7479 Cathedral Drive, commented on the need for public park space.

Ms. Sandy Parsons, 2515 Coldspring, commented on the high level of noise along Square Lake Road. She stated that she has applied to MDOT for a sound barrier along Square Lake Road.

Mr. Carmichael, resident on Wing Lake Road and President of the United Homeowners Association, commented on the high level of interest for public parkland, which he stated should be emphasized in the Master Plan.

Ms. Denise McKewan, 5030 Brookdale, questioned the mapping of her subdivision, Bloomfield Estates, which was reviewed by Mr. Metzger. The existing wetlands within her subdivision were designated on the natural features maps.

There were no additional public comments and Mr. Salz closed the public comment portion of the meeting.

Mr. Salz asked for further questions or comments from the Commissioners.

The Commissioners discussed the different types of soils and the difficulty of building in certain soil types. Mr. Dabareiner noted that most of the soils in the Township were not classified as difficult but were designated as a high quality soils for construction purposes.

Mr. Stark questioned if there was any interest for possibly considering long term plans for underground utilities.

Ms. Reisinger commented on the interest expressed by most to have the conveniences of wireless service, however, noted that most residents do not want the facilities located within their subdivisions or in close proximity to their homes.

There were no additional comments from the Commissioners.

Mr. Dabareiner thanked all in attendance for their valuable input into the Master Plan Update process and noted that the next Master Plan Update was scheduled for Monday, September 18, 2006.

IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS:

A. Items Not on the Agenda

No additional items were discussed.

V. GENERAL BUSINESS:

A. Next Commission Meeting Date

The next Planning Commission Meeting was tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 6, 2006, due to Labor Day on Monday the 4th of September.

VI. ADJOURNMENT:

The Planning Commission Meeting of Monday, August 21, 2006 was adjourned at 8:15 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

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Charter Township of Bloomfield
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P.O. Box 489
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-0489
248.433.7700

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