Village of northport planning commission meeting

PC 02/17/15 AM

VILLAGE OF NORTHPORT

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

Northport Village Office

116 West Nagonaba St., Northport, MI 49670

Tuesday, February 17, 2015
APPROVED MINUTES

I. Call to Order: Chairman Walraven called the Regular Meeting of the Village Planning Commission to order at 7 p.m. Members Present: Ernie Barry, Hugh Cook, Chris Verdon, Ben Walraven. Excused: Bill Collins, Jim Watson. Staff: Frank Goodroe, Steve Patmore, Merilee Scripps. Public: 2. One new member of the Planning Commission is yet to be appointed.

II. Public Comment:

1. 
   Campbell McLeod inquired of liability issues to the Village regarding Short-Term Rentals, and asked if the Village had a five-year plan.
   

III. Correspondence: Village Administrator Goodroe provided information on the

Notice of Appeal from James W. Saffell on behalf of Greg Nobles and Anne Harper, and the Notice of Appeal from Thomas H. Oehmke on behalf of Fred and Pam Steffens, John and Barrie Dewane, and Gene and Judy Rantz, regarding the Planning Commission’s recent decision on the Nobles/Harper Short-Term Rental matter.

IV. Approval of the Minutes:

A. Minutes of January 20, 2015:

MOVED BY VERDON, SUPPORTED BY BARRY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 20, 2015 AS AMENDED. MOTION APPROVED 4-0.

2. 
   Minutes of February 3, 2015:
   

MOVED BY COOK, SUPPORTED BY VERDON TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 3, 2015 AS AMENDED. MOTION APPROVED 4-0.

Note: The amendments were for clerical corrections.
V. Old Business:

1. 
   Report of Ad-hoc Committee on Short-Term Rentals – Chris Verdon:
   

Commissioner Verdon provided an overview of the work of the Ad-hoc committee in considering all aspects of short-term rentals in the Village of Northport. Her review included commissioners’ research on how other communities deal with this issue.
Discussion followed. Commissioner Verdon stated that when the Ad-hoc committee has completed defining all of the pertinent issues relating to short-term rentals. A working draft document will be presented to the Planning Commission for further review and discussion before a public hearing would be scheduled on this matter.
A. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) – What was included in 2015-17 Fiscal Budget – Jim Watson: In the absence of Commissioner Watson, Village Administrator Goodroe identified what portions of the Planning Commission’s proposed CIP projects were adopted by the Village Council for its fiscal 2015 budget.
Discussion followed. Chair Walraven stated that though the work of the Planning Commission on the CIP was delayed this year due to other pressing issues, there was considerable time and effort put into the recommendations of the Planning Commission with little feedback provided back before the Village Council made it final approval.
Discussion followed. The Planning Commission will request that a joint meeting of the Village Council and the Planning Commission take place in September of 2015 for discussion of the CIP for the next fiscal year. Clerk Scott will be asked for a date the Planning Commission should provide its recommendations.
B. Progress of Village Council Filling Planning Commission Vacancy – Jim

Watson: Administrator Goodroe indicated that the Village Council will act on the appointment of a member to the Planning Commission at its March 5, 2015 meeting. The nomination will come from President Kehl, to be approved by the Village Council.
VI. New Business:
A. Acting Zoning Administrator Patmore’s – Zoning Ordinance and

Housing Issues: Zoning Administrator Patmore briefly discussed the Housing Task Force meeting that he had attended in January 2015.
He asked if the Planning Commission would like him to explore the Zoning Ordinance to identify possible revisions that might enhance the possibility of affordable housing in the Village. It was the consensus of commissioners that Zoning Administrator Patmore move forward with this review.
B. Flower Pots, Containers, and Displays for Village – Ben Walraven: Chair Walraven provided background information on who provides the bridge planting boxes and certain container plantings around the village. Walraven covered a typical one-year time frame to provide flowers and decorations throughout the Village. Also covered were donations, funding, and other details regarding execution of the plantings. He continued that a local couple has offered to help offset expenses for large planting containers for the coming year.
Chair Walraven asked the Planning Commission for thoughts and ideas on moving forward to ensure that all aspects combine for a cohesive look throughout the Village. Items to consider would be those of style, watering, number of planters, what kind and material for planters, times of year to have flowers, off season storage of containers, and locations.
Commissioner Barry offered to look at possibilities for the Planning Commission to consider. His input will be provided at an upcoming meeting.
A. Recreational Plan, Council Approval of Proposal of Networks-Northwest: Village Administrator Goodroe stated that the Village Council has approved a proposal from Networks-Northwest to create the Village Recreation Plan at a cost of $3,080. Sarah Lucas will attend the Planning Commission’s March 17, 2015 meeting to provide additional information on the process, which could take three to four months to complete.
Commissioner Verdon volunteered as a member of the Planning Commission to provided updates on its progress.
VII. Other Business: Issues of signage and a Village kiosk were briefly discussed. Village Administrator Goodroe will contact Village Council member Steve Wetherbee regarding what had previously been discussed for the kiosk.
VIII. Zoning Administrator Activity Report: Zoning Administrator Patmore

provided a verbal report, indicating that no permits have been issued, but he has received numerous calls regarding building specifications.

IX. Commissioner Comment:
1. Commissioner Cook stated that he is very disappointed with the process and

delay in the appointment of a new Planning Commission member.

2. Chair Walraven stated that the process of appointing a new Planning

Commission member has been disrespectful, and shows little respect for the

work of the Planning Commission in working with six members instead of

seven.
X. Motion to Adjourn: There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Merilee Scripps, Recording Secretary