Kentwood Committees & Boards
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Minutes for 11/25/2008APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE KENTWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 25, 2008, 7:30 P.M.
COMMISSION CHAMBERS
A. Chair Winczewski called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
B. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Artz.
C. Roll Call:
Members Present: Betsy Artz, Dan Holtrop, Abed Itani, Laurie Sheldon, Frank Vander Hoff, Don Yokom, Johngerlyn Young and Chris Winczewski.
Members Absent: Maurice Groce (with notification)
Others Present: City Attorney Jeff Sluggett, Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer, Economic Development Planner Lisa Golder, Planner Joe Pung, Staff Secretary Monique Collier, the press and the applicant.
Motion by Commissioner Holtrop, supported by Commissioner Itani, to excuse Commissioner Groce from the meeting.
- Motion Carried (8-0) ?
- Groce absent -
D. Approval of the Minutes and Findings of Fact
Motion by Commissioner Sheldon, supported by Commissioner Holtrop, to approve the Minutes of October 28, 2008.
- Motion Carried (8-0) ?
- Groce absent -
E. Approval of the Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Artz, supported by Commissioner VanderHoff, to approve the agenda for the November 25, 2008 meeting.
- Motion Carried (8-0) ?
- Groce absent -
F. Acknowledge visitors wishing to speak to non-agenda items.
There was no public comment.
G. Old Business
There was no Old Business
H. Public Hearing
There were no Public Hearings
I. Work Session
There were no Work Sessions
J. New Business
There was no New Business
K. Other Business
1. Billboards
Schweitzer stated billboard regulation is an issue that has been raised to the city by CBS Outdoor for staff and the commission to consider changing the zoning ordinance. He stated staff isn?t expecting the planning commission to come to a conclusion soon, but to take a look at the billboard regulations closely. Schweitzer stated there are other communities in the area looking at their regulations as well. Schweitzer stated the driving force is the utilization of the digital technology. He stated with the regulations CBS Outdoor is seeking represent 9 changes to our current zoning regulations. Schweitzer stated the Federal Highway Administration is undertaking a two phase study to take into account all the past studies and come up with a methodology to have something more responsive to the concept of whether or not digital technology represents a distraction to motorist that would be considered a traffic hazard. Schweitzer stated phase 1, the technical report, is completed and phase 2, the project is anticipated to be completed in December 2009.
Chair Winczewski stated the request should be sent to the Zoning Ordinance sub- committee to look at the correlation with our digital information sign ordinance. He stated he would also like to get as much information on safety and interface with the ITS System. He stated he would like the committee to come up with some recommendations.
Director Schweitzer stated he would recommend the city be cautious about allowing for digital technology on billboards until there is a better handle on driver distraction/traffic safety and that would be through the highway study.
Commissioner Yokom stated he thinks if there are decent restrictions he thinks it would be fine. He stated we shouldn?t jump into it right away and make quick decisions. He stated he would like the idea to hear some opposing points of view as well.
Vice-Chair Sheldon stated she too thinks we should not jump into it right away and would like to see a little more information before a decision is made.
Commissioner Holtrop stated he would like to see what other communities are doing. Director Schweitzer stated staff, with the help of applicant representative Hucul, will be able to pull together what the regulations are in the area.
Commissioner Itani stated he is not opposed to the concept of installing the billboards. He stated we will need to look at the size of the billboard and the placement so we can keep it to a minimum. He too suggested looking at other cities to see what they are doing.
Chair Winczewski stated pending an application a sub committee meeting should be set up within the next two weeks to look at some of the concerns. He stated we should take our time and be careful with our decisions.
2. Division Ave.
Winczewski stated they would like to stay updated if there is anything new. Golder stated the planning commission will be able to get involved when they start with the ordinance or if there is a joint meeting with Wyoming?s planning commission.
Winczewski suggested setting up another sub- committee to look at the Division Avenue corridor and keep the process moving forward.
Discussion Ensued.
3. Commissioners? Comments
No comments
4. Staff?s Comments
Schwietzer stated we are due to update the master plan for the city. He stated the Recreation Department, in order to qualify for grants, have to have their plan updated every five years. He stated he would like to get a sub- committee and park and recreation staff to figure out how to address.
Golder stated there should be a work session with Menard?s at the next meeting.
L. Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner VanderHoff, supported by Commissioner Artz, to adjourn the meeting.
- Motion Carried (8-0) ?
- Groce absent ?
Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Don Yokom, Secretary
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