Click on the date to read the minutes for that day's meeting. November 14, 2001 October 10, 2001 September 12, 2001 July 11, 2001 April 11, 2001 March 14, 2001 January 10, 2001 |
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON November 14, 2001 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Sabina Freeman, Tracy Sodini, Donna Spytma, Dennis Stepke, Steven Szatkowski, Harry Wierenga, Kenneth Winter, and Chris Witham.(8) COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Roger Buter.(1) 2001-28 APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 10, 2001 Winter moved, Wierenga seconded, to approve the minutes of October 10, 2001 as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-29 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - PAUL KITCHEN, 476 BEAR LAKE ROAD Paul Kitchen, 476 Bear Lake Road, North Muskegon, MI 49445, is requesting a home occupation license for Lifestyles Homes, a home office. There is no additional traffic or signage on the property. Mr. Kitchen was present to answer questions of the Commission. Winter moved, Witham moved, Freeman seconded, to grant the home occupation license to Paul Kitchen, 476 Bear Lake Road, as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-30 SPECIAL USE PERMIT - KRISTINE MOSS, 2108 RUDDIMAN DRIVE Kristine Moss, 2108 Ruddiman Drive, North Muskegon, MI 49445, is requesting a special use permit to operate a licensed daycare from the home. Wierenga moved, Freeman seconded, to open the public hearing. No public comments were received. This item was tabled until a representative was in attendance to answer questions of the Commission. 2001-31 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - MARK SINGER, 1841 MOULTON Mark Singer, 1841 Moulton, North Muskegon, MI 49445, is requesting a home occupation license to operate Singer Communications, a publication company. Mr. Singer was present to answer questions of the Commission. Witham moved, Winter seconded, to grant the home occupation license to Mark Singer, 1841 Moulton, as presented. 2001-32 SPECIAL USE PERMIT - DAWN DICK, 606 WEST SUNSET Dawn Dick, 606 West Sunset, North Muskegon, MI 49445, is requesting a special use permit to operate a licensed daycare from the home. She will operate the day care from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday thru Saturday. Ms. Dick was present to answer questions of the Commission. Winter moved, Stepke seconded, to approve the special use permit at 606 West Sunset conditional upon receipt of a letter of abandonment of the special use permit at 607 Pinewood. MOTION CARRIED. Wierenga moved, Witham seconded, to approve the home occupation license for Dawn Dick, 606 W. Sunset, limited to the hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. contingent upon the abandonment of the home occupation license at 607 Pinewood. MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. ___________________________________ Ann Marie Cummings, CMC City Clerk MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON October 10, 2001 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Roger Buter, Sabina Freeman, Tracy Sodini, Donna Spytma, Dennis Stepke, Steven Szatkowski, Harry Wierenga, Kenneth Winter, and Chris Witham.(9) COMMISSIONERS ABSENT None. 2001-23 APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 12, 2001 Witham moved, Sodini seconded, to approve the minutes of September 12, 2001 as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-24 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - SINGER COMMUNICATIONS - 1841 MOULTON Mark Singer, 1841 Moulton, North Muskegon, MI 49445, is requesting a home occupation license to operate Singer Communications, a publication company. This item was tabled until a representative is present to answer questions of the commission. 2001-25 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - MIDGE CONSTRUCTION - 345 RUDDIMAN DRIVE Diane Rita is requesting a home occupation license to operate Midge Construction at 345 Rudddiman Drive, North Muskegon, MI 49445. This is a home office and will not generate any additional traffic. Wierenga moved, Winter seconded, to grant the home occupation license to Midge Construction, 345 Ruddiman Drive, North Muskegon, MI 49445 as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-26 SITE PLAN REVIEW - 308 CENTER Representative Harry Wierenga of LandTech, Inc., is requesting to expand the previously approved site plan review for 308 Center to include the vacant land. He is requesting to add one apartment unit and indoor car storage. Stepke moved, Witham seconded, to approve the modified site plan for 308 Center as presented. Commissioner Wierenga abstained. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-27 NORTH MUSKEGON COMPROMISE PLAN PRESENTATION - DR. BILL GASTON Dr. Bill Gaston made a presentation of a revised plan made by the Muskegon Fishing Club. Commissioner Wierenga asked how many original parking spots. 32 with trailers. Dr. Gaston suggested separating the parking with cement dividers and providing the fishing people with 15 parking spots for boat and trailer parking. The launch ramp could be closed for big sporting events to give more parking. The Muskegon Fishing Club would be willing to move the cement dividers in the winter time to protect the existing fencing. Commissioner Witham questioned parking. The Planning Commission discussed the lack of proper parking from both plans. Dr. Gaston stated that signage could be added and boaters ticketed for parking in non-boat parking areas. His plan calls for 20% less dredging than the original proposal. He is requesting a 14 foot wide ramp. The DEQ approved a much larger scaled ramp. The permit will be extended five years by the DEQ. The Muskegon Fishing Club still has funding available for this proposed project if approved by the City. Dr. Gaston explained that with his proposed plan, the soccer people can park closer to the field. The plan presented by the other group takes away a large portion of parking for the ice fisherman. Commissioner Witham stated that they could park on Lake Street. Dr. Gaston asked why they should do that when this area is available. The area behind the softball fence could be the playground area. We want a safe launch ramp. We have compromised and cut our request in half. Commissioner Wierenga and Dr. Gaston both agreed that the launch ramp could get the correct inclination without dredging. Dr. Gaston stated that the plan presented by the other group is too ambitious and the fences should not be moved. Commissioner Buter stated that he liked the idea of closing the ramp on really busy days - possibly 10 to 12 Saturdays a year. Sports people and the citizens group each should give $85,000 to complete the project. No one was interested in this park until something different was proposed there. Commissioner Spytma stated that she did not believe that the parking needed to be separated. Commissioner Sodini asked if the City would be responsible to dredging. Commissioner Spytma stated that the City would be liable if it is not maintained and that she would like to see a park that can accommodate all groups. Buzz Kersman, 202 First, inquired about hiring a negotiater to meet with both groups. Dan Weikel, 1221 Ruddiman, stated that they only agreed on lake access. Commissioner Szatowski asked what the group can do to enhance the environment. Dr. Gaston stated that his group is willing not to dredge, but they would need to use fill. Parking issues need to be worked on. He asked that guidelines be made as to how many parking spaces are needed. Commissioner Spytma stated that she will call Kathy Evans to negotiate with both groups. Mrs. Hoffman stated that the meeting needs to be opened to all people. Commissioner Sodini stated that improvements need to be made to the entrance of the park. Commissioner Spytma stated that the City’s Land Use Plan states to accommodate the fisherman. Commissioner Wierenga asked to what extent and how much. Commissioner Spytma replied that is the question. Meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m. ___________________________________ Ann Marie Cummings, CMC City Clerk MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON September 12, 2001 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Roger Buter, Tracy Sodini, Donna Spytma, Steven Szatkowski, Harry Wierenga (arrived 7:02 p.m.), Kenneth Winter, and Chris Witham.(7) COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Sabina Freeman and Dennis Stepke.(2) 2001-19 APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 12, 2001 Witham moved, Winter seconded, to approve the minutes of July 11, 2001 as presented. MOTION CARRIED. Harry Wierenga arrived. 2001-20 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - PELICAN PRODUCTIONS, INC. - 805 LYNCOTT Joe Edick, 805 Lyncott, North Muskegon, MI 49445, is requesting a home occupation license to operate Pelican Productions, Inc., a film and video production and post-production company within his home. Witham moved, Szatowski seconded, to approve the home occupation permit for Pelican Productions, 805 Lyncott as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-21 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - MIDGE CONSTRUCTION - 345 RUDDIMAN DRIVE Diane Rita is requesting a home occupation license to operate Midge Construction at 345 Rudddiman Drive, North Muskegon, MI 49445. This is a home office and will not generate any additional traffic. Buter moved, Wierenga seconded, to table this item until a representative is present to answer questions of the commission. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-22 LETTER FROM ROGER ANDERSEN REGARDING THE NORTH MUSKEGON SHORELINE SPORTS PARK Chairman Spytma stated that no action will be taken regarding the plan presented tonight and this presentation would be informational only. Buzz Kersman, 202 First Street, listed supporters of this plan. Harry Wierenga, consultant hired by the citizen’s group with the proposed plan, presented the attached proposed plan. Commissioner Sodini stated that the parking seems too small. Harry Wierenga, consultant, stated that parking is random at this time and would now be organized. Commissioner Buter agreed with Commissioner Sodini about the parking. He stated they were told there was not enough parking. Commissioner Witham stated there are huge gaps in the parking now and it is very random. Commissioner Buter stated he was told there was not enough parking space - now this group wants to reduce the parking area. Commissioners Winter and Szatowski stated they would like to see a bigger boat allowed in the area. Commissioner Szatowski stated that he would like to see parking put in first and see how it works. Harry Wierenga, consultant, stated that this plan will accommodate what is already available. Commissioner Buter stated that he is not ready to make a recommendation. Commissioner Winter stated that he would like to see lots of people use the park. Commissioner Buter stated that the fisherman were told when they raised the money they could have the ramp. Soccer and baseball got what they wanted. Chairman Spytma stated that the Recreation Committee is the formal committee and it is not a high priority for them. Any plan is an expenditure of the City of North Muskegon. Commissioner Buter stated that everyone should remember that there is a master plan already. Chairman Spytma stated that this group should approach the City Council. Deborah Vanderwier, 1221 Central, stated concerns about a boat launch with children in the area. Dan Weikel stated that he has never counted more than 72 cars at one time in the park. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. Ann Marie Cummings, CMC City Clerk MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE size=2>PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON July 11, 2001 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Sabina Freeman, Tracy Sodini, Dennis Stepke, Harry Wierenga, Kenneth Winter, and Chris Witham.(6) COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Roger Buter, Donna Spytma, and Steven Szatkowski.(3) 2001-16 APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 11, 2001 Freeman moved, Sodini seconded, to approve the minutes of April 11, 2001 as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-17 SPECIAL USE PERMIT - 308 CENTER STREET Redstone Development Group, LLC, 105 W. Exchange Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456, has submitted plans to build a building at 308 Center Street, North Muskegon that will include a coffee shop/retail in the lower level and an apartment in the upper level. Sodini moved, Stepke seconded, to approve the Special Use Permit for 308 Center Street, North Muskegon, MI 49445 as presented with the understanding that they will need to apply for a set back variance and a $20,000 bond. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-18 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - HARRY WIERENGA, 215 RUDDIMAN DRIVE Harry Wierenga, 215 Ruddiman Drive, North Muskegon, MI 49445, is requesting a home occupation permit to operate landscape and land planning services. There is no additional traffic. Winter moved, Witham seconded, to approve the home occupation permit for Harry Wierenga, 215 Ruddiman Drive, North Muskegon, MI 49445. MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. ___________________________________ Ann Marie Cummings, CMC City Clerk
PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON April 11, 2001 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Roger Buter, Sabina Freeman, Tracy Sodini, Donna Spytma, Dennis Stepke, Steven Szatkowski, Harry Wierenga, Kenneth Winter, and Chris Witham.(9) COMMISSIONERS ABSENT None.(0) 2001-12 APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 12, 2001 Witham moved, Wierenga seconded, to approve the minutes of April 12, 2001 as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-13 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - BUSSEY TRUCKING, 2726 PATRICIA DRIVE Cherylann Bussey, 2726 Patricia Drive, North Muskegon, MI 49445, is requesting a home occupation permit to operate a trucking company. There is no added traffic. Witham moved, Wierenga seconded, to approve the home occupation permit to Cherylann Bussey, 2726 Patricia Drive, North Muskegon, MI 49445 to operate a trucking company. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-14 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - ASLAN TRANSFER, 2411 LAKE AVE, #18 Clair Verway, 2411 Lake Avenue, #18, North Muskegon, MI 49445, is requesting a home occupation permit to operate Aslan Transfer. There is no added traffic. Wierenga moved, Witham seconded, to approve the home occupation permit to Clair Verway, 2411 Lake Avenue, #18, North Muskegon, MI 49445, to operate Aslan Transfer. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-15 PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE A committee consisting of Ken Winter, Tracy Sodini, Chris Witham, and Donna Spytma were appointed to the committee to discuss proposed zoning ordinances in detail and present a recommendation to the Planning Commission. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. ___________________________________ Ann Marie Cummings, CMC City Clerk MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON March 14, 2001 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Roger Buter, Tracy Sodini, Donna Spytma, Steven Szatkowski, Harry Wierenga and Chris Witham.(6) COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Roy Walters, and Kenneth Winter.(2) 2001-3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 10, 2001 Witham moved, Buter seconded, to approve the minutes of January 10, 2001 as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-4 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - JEFF BONIN, 514 ELSA Jeff Bonin, 514 Elsa, is requesting a home occupation permit. It involves tying fishing flies as well as the building of custom fishing rods. Witham moved, Wierenga seconded, to approve the home occupation permit to Jeff Bonin at 514 Elsa. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-5 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - TIM ACHTERHOFF, 602 4TH STREET Tim Achterhoff, 602 4th Street, is requesting a home occupation permit to operate a part-time radio consulting business. Witham moved, Buter seconded, to approve the home occupation permit to Tim Achterhoff, 602 4th Street. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-6 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - SCOTT WIERSMA, 313 RUDDIMAN DRIVE Scott Wiersma, 313 Ruddiman Drive, is requesting a home occupation permit to operate an office from his home by the name of Wiersma Construction. Buter moved, Witham seconded, to approve the home occupation permit to Scott Wiersma, 313 Ruddiman Drive. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-7 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - CHRISTOPHER L. VOORHIES, 2106 MILLS AVENUE Christopher L. Voorhies, 2106 Mills Avenue, is requesting a home occupation permit to operate an office from his home by the name of VorTech Heating & Cooling. Sodini moved, Witham seconded, to approve the home occupation permit to Christopher L. Voorhies, 2106 Mill Avenue. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-8 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - FRANK COBB, 801 MILLS AVENUE Frank Cobb, 801 Mills Avenue, is requesting a home occupation permit to operate a real estate office that will not be open to the public. Wierenga moved, Witham seconded, to approve the home occupation permit to Frank Cobb, 801 Mills Avenue. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-9 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - DENNIS R. VER LEE, 530 PLYMOUTH Dennis Ver Lee, 530 Plymouth, is requesting a home occupation permit to operate an office that provides clients with medicare supplements, annuities, and life and health insurance. Witham moved, Sodini seconded, to approve the home occupation permit to Dennis R. Ver Lee, 530 Plymouth. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-10 HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT - SYLVIA PRECIOUS, 702 FOURTH Sylvia Precious, 702 Fourth, is requesting a home occupation permit to operate a home office for the Port City Princess. Witham moved, Sodini seconded, to approve the home occupation permit to Sylvia Precious, 702 Fourth. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-11 SITE PLAN REVIEW - BOAT LAUNCH RAMP AT BLOCK 58 Donna Spytma, gave a history of the project stating that the concept of a boat launch ramp was endorsed in 1994. Larry Nyblade gave a presentation of the proposed boat launch stating that there are two phases. Phase I - the ramp - is estimated at $29,500 and Phase II - paving - is estimated at $45,000. Tom Kampenga of the Sports Fisherman stated that his group was willing to donate $75,000 to $80,000 toward this project. Eleven hundred yards of dredging would need to take place. Many Planning Commissioners questioned the parking situation in the area. There will be 24 spaces for boaters to park a car and trailer. Commissioner Witham had concerns with fish spawning if dredging took place in the area. Tom Kampenga stated that the money is a donation and the City will operate the ramp and be responsible for maintenance and upkeep. Commissioner Wierenga stated that the concept of a boat launch ramp was on a much smaller scale and discussion of a fee structure never took place. Commissioner Witham asked if the area is plowed. (Yes.) Steve Hoffman, 1205 Central, cited safety concerns for children and parking. It is a narrow entrance and street without sidewalks. It is a danger to walkers. He also stated a safety concern for ducks and swans. Park Kersman, 692 N. Lancaster, stated that safety should be a priority for the City. Jeff Canfield, 201 First Street, questioned what would happen to the value of homes and questioned dumpsters in the area. Louisa Molitor Canfield, 201 First Street, asked why a ramp is necessary when there are ramps on the other side of the lake. Don Weikel, 1221 Ruddiman, stated that he enjoys fishing in the shallow end as a fly fisherman and stated environmental concerns. Margaret Hoffman, 1205 Central, stated traffic concerns and the close proximity to the children’s play area. Brad Aspey, 918 Central, stated that this area is like a bowl and that sound levels magnify. Other areas should be considered. Terry Gurst, 136 Terra Circle, stated that the ramp should be restricted to North Muskegon residents because of traffic. Jeff Cook gave an overview of the sports schedule for the school. Steve Wenk, 815 Tostenabe, supports a ramp and would rather be close to home. The area needs to be improved. Dick Schaab, 1638 Ruddiman, spoke against a ramp and stated safety concerns. Gary Britton, 1630 Sunset, stated that Block 58 can not be all things to all people and asked if this could be a referendum. The City Attorney referred that decision to the City Council. Tom Metzdorf, 418 Ruddiman, asked why we could not do this on the Bear Lake side. Dave Holmberg, 127 Ruddiman, stated that Snug Harbor is ten minutes away and could be used. Bill Gaston, 359 Bay Lane, supports a boat launch ramp. This is not just fishing, but access to the water. This could be a help to the Fire Department in rescue efforts. The Club is also giving the gift of black top. Gravel is muddy and dusty. Proper signage is needed. Jim McCormick, 609 Second, asked why the group did not join the Muskegon Conservation Club. Robert Woods , Circle Drive, stated that he was a pediatrician and that children and cars do not mix. Janet Hoch would like to see more playground equipment in the area. John Legard, 317 Ruddiman, stated that the water is shallow and a boat launch ramp could be used. We should utilize Block 58 to its fullest potential. David Legard, 1830 Ruddiman, asked the City to consider down scaling the facility and make it a single boat launch and less parking. Commissioner Witham stated that both groups did a nice presentation. Commissioner Wierenga stated that there are a lot of issues. When the master plan was developed, it was thought that the ramp would be a slight improvement and the vision was smaller. Commissioner Sodini agreed with Commissioner Wierenga Commissioner Buter stated that he had concerns with parking, but he would like to see the area improved. Witham moved, Sodini seconded, to recommend denial of the site plan to the City Council based upon Section 1003 a and b of the zoning ordinance citing safety and dredging concerns. MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Ann Marie Cummings, CMC City Clerk MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH MUSKEGON January 10, 2001 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Roger Buter (arrived 7:07 p.m.), Tracy Sodini, Donna Spytma, Steven Szatkowski, Kenneth Winter, and Chris Witham.(6) COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Vern Molitor, Roy Walters, and Harry Wierenga.(3) 2001-1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES - DECEMBER 13, 2000 Witham moved, Szatkowski seconded, to approve the minutes of December 13, 2000 as presented. MOTION CARRIED. 2001-2 PUBLIC HEARING -ZONE CHANGE REQUEST - 304 CENTER Witham moved, Winter seconded, to open the public hearing. MOTION CARRIED. Tim Westra, Westpoint Development, gave an explanation of the zone change request and presented a plan to place potential housing units on the site at 304 Center. Chairman Spytma stated that the Land Use Master Plan dated December 1998 has this area designated as B2. Kelly Plictha, 1910 Oak, stated that she was concerned about traffic. Tod Mowery, Planning Consultant, stated that as it is zoned currently, a movie theater could be placed there at this time. Commissioner Winter stated that it was a good use of the property. Witham moved, Winter seconded, to close the public hearing. MOTION CARRIED. Sodini moved, Winter seconded, to recommend to City Council to change the zoning at 304 Center from R2 to B2 because the two adjacent sides are residential and will be compatible with the area. ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes: Commissioners Sodini, Szatkowski, Winter, and Witham.(4) Nays: Buter and Spytma.(2) MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m. ___________________________________ Ann Marie Cummings, CMC City Clerk |
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