Unapproved minutes- Subject to Approval at next meeting
Lakewood Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at 7:00 PM
Lakewood Town Hall
Present: Chair Bob Wolfe, Inese Holte, Dick Bodine, Angie Dickison-Palmer, Peter Miller, Kerry Leider, Zoning Administrator Brennan Mears, Deputy Clerk Gene Bromenshenkel. There were no public citizens in attendance. (See attached register).
Call to Order: Chair Bob Wolfe called the March meeting of the Lakewood Planning and Zoning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. on March 25, 2008 at the Lakewood Town Hall.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was recited by all present.
Determination of Voting Members: All members and alternates present will serve
as the official voting body at this meeting.
Minutes of Previous Meetings:
- January 26, 2008 Commission Meeting- Motion by Bodine to approve the minutes as printed. Second by Holte. Motion Carried.
Representative chosen to Board of Supervisors meeting on April 2, 2008: Peter Miller.
Chair Bob Wolfe expressed an appreciation to the members of the Commission for their service during the past year. The Board of Supervisors will be making appointments for expired term positions at their March 26th Reorganization meeting.
Dick Bodine and Bob Wolfe indicated they are interested in serving for another term. Robin Downs sent a message that she is not interested. Kerry Leider expressed that he is not interested in another term as alternate, but is interested in serving as an alternate on the Board of Adjustment.
Public Comment: None
Comprehensive Land Use Plan Update Report: Angie Dickison-Palmer and Inese Holte gave an update. They indicated that the Steering Committee is continuing to draft language of the update and they foresee completion of the process soon. The Committee re-defined a quorum at the last meeting---defined as 75% of those attending the meeting.
Peter Miller: Feels there needs to be more emphasis on planning as a function of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Asked if the CLUP Update Steering Committee has looked at “green” concepts in their views of planning for the future.
Chair Wolfe: When the CLUP is updated, there will be an opportunity for the Planning and Zoning Commission to update the Zoning Ordinance to reflect the update CLUP.
Zoning Administrator’s report: Mears
- No zoning permits were issued in the past month.
- One variance appeal is in process-initial hearing has been recessed to April 10, 2008. He reviewed some of the issues of this appeal in process, especially drive way issues.
- Another variance appeal has been filed. The property owner does not have adequate side yard setback to construct an unattached garage due to a wetland area in the near vicinity.
- Question surfaced on East End Auto and their moving to another location. Mears indicated that he spoke recently to the owner who will begin construction as soon as road restrictions are lifted at the new site on Jean Duluth Road in Rice Lake Township.
- On Martenson property on Riley Road---no updated report.
- On non-conforming lot issues---Mears referenced page 32 of the Zoning Ordinance. He contacted the Town Attorney---implications are that each case needs to be reviewed separately. This portion of the Ordinance should be reviewed for possible change. There was discussion about the “lots of record” definition. Larger parcels can be created from lots of record, but lots not of record (as of pre-Ordinance dates of June, 1973) cannot be subdivided and classified as a lot of record.
Unfinished Business:
Town Board Meeting Report
- February and March, 2008 Town Board Meetings – by Bob Wolfe.
Reported on Town Board giving township support to a McQuade Access grant request to construct restrooms at the access site.
- Fill Importation Language---Mears recommends a small committee to develop a proposal on importation of large quantities (commercial category) of fill to township properties. He agreed to be on the committee. Chair Wolfe asked if others would be interested in serving. Dick Bodine and Bob Wolfe agreed to serve.
- Lipe Bros. Appeal status---Bob Wolfe gave an update on the status. The appeal is in its fifth meeting and is not concluded.
- Brennan Mears---responded to an earlier question about changing zone districts and boundaries. He clarified the process by quoting state statute language which states that 50% or more of people boarding a proposed boundary change must petition the Board of Supervisors to hold a Public Hearing to consider a change.
- Signage Language in Ordinance---The concern prompting a review for potential change stems from the total number of signs allowed for a business or individual establishment, especially the total number of signs that may become intrusive to surrounding residents. The concern is about off-site signage. The current Ordinance language has a limit of three on-site signs. There was discussion about density of signs in an area. The Ordinance has a definition of distance between signs as a means of controlling density. Suggestions offered about changes: 1) Limit to three signs on-site as currently in Ordinance, 2) Limit distances such as from intersections, from other signs, from residences for off-site signs.
Chair Wolfe: There appears to be agreement to continue to support three on-site signs and suggestions for modification on distances between signs to limit the number of signs. Brennan Mears agreed to continue to provide additional information on the issue.
- Cell Tower Ordinance language---are waiting for Town Board response on recommendation made previously.
New Business:
1. Inese Holte---Suggests Commission members not receive a per diem in future to aid with the reduction in the 2009 General Fund levy made by the electors at the Annual Town Meeting. There was no action on the suggestion.
Other:
Chair Wolfe read two letters addressed to the Board of Supervisors from town residents. The letters were supportive of township zoning and the value that zoning and work of the Commission has for the community.
There was no other business brought forth to the Meeting.
The next regular Commission meeting is April 29, 2008 at 7 p.m.
Motion by Angie Dickison-Palmer to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 p.m. Second by Inese Holte. Motion Carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Gene Bromenshenkel
Town of Lakewood Deputy Clerk