Kentwood Committees & Boards
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Minutes for 12/08/2009APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE KENTWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION
DECEMBER 8, 2009, 7:30 P.M.
COMMISSION CHAMBERS
A. Vice-Chair Sheldon called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
B. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Yokom.
C. Roll Call:
Members Present: Dan Holtrop, Laurie Sheldon, Ed Swanson, Frank Vander Hoff, Don Yokom and Johngerlyn Young
Members Absent: Betsy Artz, Maurice Groce and Chris Winczewski (absent with notification)
Others Present: Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer, Economic Development Planner Lisa Golder, Staff Secretary Monique Collier, the press.
Motion by Commissioner Swanson, supported by Commissioner VanderHoff, to excuse Commissioners Artz, Groce and Winczewski from the meeting.
- Motion Carried (6-0) ?
- Artz, Groce and Winczewski absent-
D. Approval of the Minutes and Findings of Fact
Motion by Commissioner Holtrop, supported by Commissioner Swanson, to approve the Minutes of November 11, 2009, and the Findings of Fact for: Case #12-09 - Kentwood Veterinary Clinic ? Rezoning located at 601 44th Street SE; Case #13-09 ? Kentwood Veterinary Clinic ? Special Land Use and Site Plan Review located at 601 44th Street SE; Case 14-09- Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment for Corporate Flags and Utility Trailers
- Motion Carried (6-0) ?
- Artz, Groce and Winczewski absent -
E. Approval of the Agenda
Motion by Commissioner VanderHoff, supported by Commissioner Young, to approve the agenda for the December 8, 2009 meeting.
- Motion Carried (6-0) ?
- Artz, Groce and Winczewski absent -
F. Acknowledge visitors wishing to speak to non-agenda items.
There was no public comment.
G. Old Business
Case #10-09 ? Consideration of a Street Tree Regulatory Ordinance.
Director Schweitzer stated there is value associated with street trees and provided the commissioners with information with perspectives of work that is being done. He stated there is more work to done as far as what standards should be followed. He stated staff is still gathering information from other communities from the West Michigan area including Kent County Road Commission, Ottawa County Road Commission, Grand Rapids and Wyoming. He stated MDOT has a project on the northwest side of Grand Rapids where they have added some street trees along a state trunk line and is waiting on a response from them as well. He stated when we convene in January or February he will have something for the commissioners to react to in terms of guidelines.
Commissioner Swanson asked about getting data specific to streets in Kentwood. Swanson stated he would like the accident data for 44th Street. Schweitzer suggested contacting former planning commissioner Abed Itani to see if we can get some perspective from him. Swanson stated it would be nice to localize it rather than have the very general information that was presented previously.
Director Schweitzer stated next time the commission convenes he will try to have some information for the commissioners to react to and if they agree and it is acceptable, a public hearing date will be set. Schweitzer stated staff will solicit community input and then it will go to the city commission.
Swanson stated he would rather not leave the curve on restricting trees if the other communities are not doing the same thing. Schweitzer stated the Wyoming and Grand Rapids requirements and restrictions as far as setbacks from back of curb are anywhere from 1 ? to 2 feet. Schweitzer stated what we currently have on an administrative level is much more restrictive.
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. Master Plan
Golder compiled all the principles of the Master Plan that have been discussed and devised corresponding vision statements and tasks.
Golder discussed the various principles: Greenway Network; Traffic/Transportation/Transit/Trails Network; Place Strengthing; Alternate Community Forms (Planning for the Undeveloped Land in Kentwood); Land Use Modifications; Organization; Sustainability; and Commercial Development/Redevelopment.
Golder stated she would like to break down into smaller groups and continue working on these goals after regular planning commission meetings.
Swanson?s concern was due to the cutback the city is facing whether there will be a staff person assigned to helping achieve these goals, whether there will be some kind of system. Schweitzer stated staff will make this a priority and make it part of the regular routine and constantly reaccess. Schweitzer stated if there is a matter that could be taken up by a committee staff will work with the chair to make it happen. Schweitzer stated we will utilize our student interns throughout the year as well.
2. Commissioners? Comments
Commissioner Sheldon suggested a checklist of what needs to be worked on at each meeting for the Master Plan.
Commissioner Yokom suggested trying to get together with the City Commission to brainstorm.
3. Staff?s Comments
Schweitzer stated there will be no December 22, 2009 meeting.
L. Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner VanderHoff, supported by Commissioner to adjourn the meeting.
- Motion Carried (6-0) ?
- Artz, Groce and Winczewski absent -
Meeting adjourned at 8:25p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Don Yokom, Secretary
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