APPROVED
Minutes of a Regular Meeting
Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees, October 8, 2002
E.A. Jackson Morris Hall, The Robert A. Lillie Service Center
6201 W. Michigan Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
Members Present: Brostrom,Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
Members Absent: None.
Others Present: Joseph Caryl, John Niemi, Jennie Morgan, Robert J. Rennell, Mark Pascoe, Elizabeth McGuire, William Anderson, Fadil Issa, Don Marhofer, Terence Houser, Heather Tressler, Hannah Williams, Caitlin Van De Car, Beth Burke, Michael Grady, Todd Carter, Steve Polsinecci, Derek Blakeney, Dave Bartone, Viswanath Akella, Cynthia Bonczyk, Jim Haeussler, Adam Ponte, Gail L. Monds, Mark Spencer, Judith Walter, Robert Jacobs, Rod Arroyo, Terry Bertram.
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1.0 Call Meeting to Order
Supervisor Walter called the
meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., a quorum was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance led bySupervisor Walter.
3.0 Roll Call – all members present.
4.0 Open Meetings Act/Public Comment I
Supervisor Walter recommended that items 10.3 and 12.1 be postponed until the next meeting. He said that item 9.4 would be added to the agenda. He added that item 12.2 should be a request to approve ordinance #253 to amend ordinance #170.
Robert Jacobs said that he was here to speak on the Arbor Oaks matter. He said that he had brought Mr. Arroyo, a land planner, Mr. Anderson and Mark Pascoe of Atwell-Hicks, and Don Marhofer of S.R. Jacobson with him. He asked the Board if they would prefer that he do his presentation now or at the agenda item.
Supervisor Walter asked that he wait until the issue is addressed.
Robert J. Rennell, attorney representing Jennie Morgan, said that he wanted to address the Board on agenda item 12.5. He said he would address the Board during the discussion of the agenda item.
Fadil Issa said that he was here regarding the 60 acres on Platt and Merritt, item 12.3. He said that about three months ago he requested to rezone his property from Agricultural to R-1A. He said he now wanted to withdraw his request for rezoning and keep the property as it is currently zoned.
Derek Blakeney, of 3170 Dwight Street, thanked the Board for the continued dialogue on the Brookside subdivision issues. He asked if the sale of the pump house land to the City of Ann Arbor was still the plan. He added that the residents would be extremely grateful for donation of the proceeds from that sale to offset the cost of the project.
Supervisor Walter said that has been the intention but that it cannot be released until everybody is hooked up to the city water system. He noted that this offer to purchase the land to help out with the costs came from the City of Ann Arbor during discussions about how to reduce costs for the residents.
Mr. Blakeney said that in the past 50 years the residents of Brookside had gotten many promises. He asked for a letter of intent signed by the Township.
Clerk Lirones said that she did not believe that was possible at this time.
Supervisor Walter said that once everything falls in place that can be done. He said that the Township has no intention of using that land for anything else.
Joe Caryl, of 3210 Dwight St., vice president of the Brookside subdivision, asked if Pittsfield should also be assessed $31,000 for the parcels it owns. He asked if Pittsfield was planning on maintaining the property until the pump closes. He noted that the Pittsfield property would have more value with utilities available.
Supervisor Walter said the $31,000 is the benefit to the individual residences, and there are no residents at that address. He said that the thought was to sell the land to the City of Ann Arbor to ease the per capita cost.
Mr. Caryl asked if Pittsfield would continue to provide water services until the last person annexed.
Supervisor Walter said that they are legally obligated to, but that if there are only a few people supporting that system the cost will be very high. He said that the township is doing everything they can to ease the burden.
Mr. Caryl thanked the Board.
Todd Carter, of 6156 Gyers Meadow Lane in Centennial Park, said he would like to defer his comments regarding the connector road until the Saline Schools agenda item came up.
Supervisor Walter said that the comments should be made now because only the court ordered zoning for the school was on the agenda, not the site plan. He said that the road issue had been settled long ago
Mr. Carter said that the residents of Centennial Park were very concerned about the impact that a road connecting to the new high school would have on their neighborhood. He said they were worried that an inexperienced driver passing through the neighborhood might strike a child chasing a ball into the street. He said all other residential neighborhoods in the state do not have a road connection when a high school is next door, and when a road is built it is always fenced off. He did not want to see money spent this way.
Terry Bertram, of 1399 Bicentennial Parkway, said that he was responsible for bringing residents to the meeting. He said that in last week’s newspaper, the notice placed by the Clerk said that not only was this a zoning, but an area plan similar to a PUD. He said that with an area plan similar to a PUD the purpose is to lay down what everything will look like on the ground. He said that he understands that there is a consent judgment, but that there was a commitment made a year ago by members of the Board to look at traffic calming issues. Instead, what is seen here is a requirement that the developer put the road in sooner and that the school make sure that there is a connection. He said that the residents wished to see the township step up to their commitment.
Supervisor Walter said that the township had listened to the residents and shared their concerns, and had worked with Saline Schools to add roundabouts for traffic calming. He suggested working with the developer to add traffic calming measures on Centennial Park’s section of the road.
Terry Houser, of 6227 Gyer’s Meadow, asked if consideration has been given to stop signs or other measures.
Clerk Lirones said that Road Commission has expressed willingness to work with residents on the possibility of speed humps or stop signs as needed.
Mr. Houser asked if that was something that needed to be taken up with the Road Commission directly.
Supervisor Walter said yes, and with the developer as well.
5.0 Public Hearings/Presentations
5.1 Public Hearing for comments regarding Local Law Enforcement Block Grant for Fiscal Year 2002.
Captain Elizabeth McGuire said a condition of the Federal Grant is to hold a Public Hearing each year and present the recommendation of the Advisory Board, which is non-binding. She said that the recommendation, as it has been in the past, is to use the money for police equipment, and that the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant has been received since 1996. She explained the formula for determining the amount of the grant, and also some of the technology that has been purchased with the funds which is in use today. She said thanked the Board for their consideration.
Supervisor Walter opened the Public Hearing.
Trustee Conner asked if the money would go toward computer systems and if she was coordinating her efforts with staff in the main administrative building doing the computer work for that infrastructure.
Captain McGuire said yes, and that she had served with them on the technology committee and the steering technology committee for the administration and worked with the Washtenaw County information technology department so that the system is compatible with that and the State and National law enforcement systems.
Trustee Conner asked if she was taking security into consideration.
Captain McGuire said yes, and that they are audited on a yearly basis by the Law Enforcement Information Network and their security system within the network has to meet their requirements.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported Trustee Burhop to close the public hearing for comments regarding the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant for the fiscal year of 2002.
MOTION CARRIED.
5.2 Public Hearing on 2003 Budget and Millage Rates.
Terry Bertram, of 1399 Bicentennial Parkway, commented that it was good to provide citizens with last year’s budget as well as this year’s. He said that he was unable to find the money for the Central Area Rural Preserve, and asked where it was in the budget.
Supervisor Walter said that payments for this year came out of current reserves, and much of next year’s payment would be coming from the Parks millage fund.
Mr. Bertram asked if the budget copies only included the General Fund.
Supervisor Walter said that everything is included in it but Utilities.
Mr. Bertram said that on page 20 he had noticed the debt service principal and interest listed, but those numbers did not relate to what he knows the principal payment and interest were.
Supervisor Walter repeated that a large portion had come from the Parks millage, and if he were to look at that portion of the budget he would find the rest of the numbers.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to close the public hearing on the 2003 budget and millage rates.
MOTION CARRIED.
6.0 Approval of Minutes
6.1 Request to Approve the Minutes of the Work Session on September 23, 2002.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the minutes of the work session on September 23, 2002.
Trustee Burhop said that “mill” has two l’s.
Trustee Brostrom asked Trustee Conner what his comments on page 5, 4th paragraph from the bottom, had meant.
Trustee Conner said that it should read “as a contract”.
MOTION CARRIED.
6.2 Request to Approve the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting Held on September 24, 2002.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the minutes of the regular board meeting held on September 24, 2002.
Trustee Brostrom said that on page16, the long statement from Trustee Marine, the phrase “said that” is repeated.
MOTION CARRIED.
7.0 Consent Agenda
8.0 Items from the Treasurer
9.0 Items from the Clerk
9.1 Request Approval for Payment of Payables, checks 40195–40320, in the amount of $921,611.92.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve payment of the payables, checks 40195-40320, in the amount of $921,611.92.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
9.2 Request Approval of Resolutions Placing Street Lighting Special Assessment Districts on the 2002 Tax Roll.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the resolutions placing the street lighting special assessment districts on the 2002 Tax Roll, for the subdivisions in the Accounting Manager’s memorandum dated October 1, 2002. (See attachment #1)
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
9.3 Request for Action: Resolution #1 to set Public Hearing date of Tuesday, October 22, 2002 to Receive Comments re: The establishment of Street Lighting Special Assessment District for Crystal Creek Sub. Phase III.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve Resolution #1 to set the public hearing date of Tuesday October 22, 2002 to receive comments re: the establishment of a street lighting special assessment district for Crystal Creek Subdivision Phase III. (See attachment #2)
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
9.4 Motion to approve the hire of Ms. Julie Bartush for the position of Department Assistant I as a temporary employee in the Clerk’s Office.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Conner, to approve the hire of Ms. Julie Bartush for the position of Department Assistant I as a temporary employee in the Clerk’s Office.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
10.0 Items from the Supervisor/Assessor
10.1 Request Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Creation of a Full Time Human Resources Generalist Position, with a salary of $13.59 per hr., non-union position, effective November 1, 2002.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the resolution authorizing the creation of a full time Human Resources Generalist position, with a salary of $13.59 per hr., non-union position, effective November 1, 2002.
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees desires that the part-time Human Resources Generalist position be upgraded to a full-time, non-union Human Resources Generalist position in order to assist the Human Resources Manager by performing a variety of generalist duties in managing township-wide human resource functions; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees believes that a full-time Human Resources Generalist position will support the Human Resources Manager in carrying out the goals and objectives of the Human Resources Department; and
WHEREAS, the Human Resources Generalist will continue to report to the Human Resources Manager and will continue to perform the duties and responsibilities which are outlined in the job description; and
WHEREAS, the present hourly rate for this position is $13.59 per hr. and it will include all of the benefits that are afforded to a regular, full-time employee, at 40 hours per week,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorize a full-time, non-union position entitled Human Resources Generalist, with a salary of $13.59 per hr., for a total of 40 hours per week, including all benefits that are afforded to a regular, full-time employee, effective November 1, 2002.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
10.2 Request Approval of Resolution #02-30 to Adopt the General Fund Budget for the Calendar Year 2003 and to set the Millage Levy.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve resolution #02-30 to adopt the General Fund Budget for the calendar year 2003 and to set the millage levy. (See attachment #3)
Trustee Marine said that at the work session there had been discussion about moving funds from the Historical Commission budget to another area to make payments on the Wilson Farm. He asked where this appeared in the budget.
Supervisor Walter said that Accounting Manager Tracy Watkins had moved the item, but that he was unsure where. He said that it would be found and that as a contractual obligation its payment was ensured.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
10.3 Request Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Software from BS&A Software of Michigan, for a total cost of $11,500.00.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Marine, to postpone approval of the resolution authorizing the purchase of software from BS&A Software of Michigan, for a total cost of $11,500.00.
MOTION CARRIED.
10.4 Request Approval to Authorize the Township Supervisor to sign-off on the Eastern Michigan University Off-Campus College Work-Study (CWS) Program Agreement.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve authorization of the Township Supervisor to sign-off on the Eastern Michigan University Off-Campus College Work –Study (CWS) Program Agreement.
Trustee Burhop noted that the university takes 70% of the students’ salaries.
Supervisor Walter said that the students get college credit.
Trustee Marine asked what jobs the students could hold.
Supervisor Walter said that they will work on individual projects or perhaps in requested departments depending on the students’ studies. He said that there were no plans yet, but that this should be in place when the opportunity arises.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.0 Items from the Office of Public Safety
11.1 Request Approval of Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Monies for fiscal year 2002 in the amount of $10,643.00 Federal Funds with 10% or $1,183.00 to be paid by Local Government. The total amount of the Grant is $11,826.00.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Conner, to approve the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant monies for fiscal year 2002, in the amount of $10,643.00 federal funds with 10% or $1,183.00 to be paid by local government. The total amount of the grant is $11,826.00.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.2 Request Approval for Building Maintenance and Repair-Station 2 Window Replacement, from Diamond Glass at a cost of $4,000.00, to be charged to account #336-78-Building Maintenance.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve for building maintenance and repair - Station 2 window replacement from Diamond Glass at a cost of $4,000.00, to be charged to account #336-78 – Building Maintenance.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.3 Request waiver on False Alarm Fees that resulted in assessment of fees, for Subhashree Ramadoss of 4654 Cherry Blossom.
Supervisor Walter noted that there was a memorandum from Captain McGuire recommending that the waiver be denied.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to deny the waiver on false alarm fees that resulted in assessment of fees for Subhashree Ramadoss of 4654 Cherry Blossom.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.4 Request Approval to order 2003 Pocket Calendars-Public Safety Department from The Myron Company for a total cost of $239.00, to be charged to account #301-741-Law Enforcement Supplies.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Marine, to approve the order of 2003 pocket calendars – Public Safety Department from the Myron Company for a total cost of $239.00, to be charged to account #301-741 – Law Enforcement Supplies.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.5 Request Approval of Police Officer Hire of Kyle Arthur Erskine effective October 20, 2002, to start at beginning level salary as provided by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and to be paid from account #301-702.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the Police Officer hire of Kyle Arthur Erskine effective October 20, 2002, to start at the beginning level salary as provided by the collective bargaining agreement and to be paid from account #301-702.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.6 Request Approval of Police Officer Hire of Neil Andrew Becker effective October 21, 2002, to start at beginning level salary as provided by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and to be paid from account #301-702.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Marine, to approve the Police Officer hire of Neil Andrew Becker, effective October 21, 2002, to start at the beginning level salary as provided by the collective bargaining agreement and to be paid from account #301-702.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.7 Request Approval to Repair Fire Apparatus Engine 2 and Rescue 3, Repairs to be made by R&R at a total cost of $8,200.00 and charged to account #336-863-Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve repairs to Fire Apparatus Engine 2 and Rescue 3, Repairs to be made by R & R at a total cost of $8,200.00 and charged to account #336-863 – Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.8 Request Approval to Fit Test Paid On-Call Fire Fighters from BIO-Care, for total cost of $700.00 and to be charged to account #336-955-Miscellaneous Expense.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve a Fit Test for Paid On-Call Fire Fighters from BIO-Care, for total cost of $700.00, to be charged to account #336-955 – Miscellaneous Expense.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.0 Items from the Office of Municipal Services/Planning and Zoning
12.1 Request Approval of ZOA 02-169 Zoning Ordinance Amendments.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Burhop, to postpone approval of ZOA 02-169 Zoning Ordinance Amendments.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.2 Request to Approve Ordinance #253, which Amends Ordinance #170, Utility Installation Ordinance, for First Reading.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve ordinance #253, which amends ordinance #170, Utility Installation Ordinance, for first reading.
Trustee Marine asked what the capital improvement plan was.
Mr. Spencer said that many communities have one to plan long term capital expenditures. He said that this was additional and not covered in the ordinance.
Clerk Lirones said that there had been an adopted capital improvement plan for the township in the past, but that a number of the items had been achieved and it needed to be updated.
Mr. Spencer said many communities choose to keep it as a living document.
Trustee Marine asked about wording on page 11. He asked if the word “promptly” was open to interpretation or if a specific time frame should be set.
Mr. Spencer said that the township attorneys had thought that this language was acceptable.
Trustee Marine inquired about the penalty which was increased to $500. He asked how the new amount was derived, if such an increase was reasonable.
Mr. Spencer said that the old $100 fee had been in place since the early 1980’s. He said that a fee of up to $2500 could be allowed for something like this.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.3 Request to Approve Resolution for Approval of an Ordinance to Amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance Second Reading RZ #02-03 Patti/Issa.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the resolution for approval of an ordinance to amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance for second reading, RZ #02-03 Patti/Issa. (See attachment #4)
Fadil Issa asked how the rezoning will affect his tax bill for the next few years.
Supervisor Walter said that he would have to ask the assessor, but that taxes are based on classification, not zoning.
Treasurer Skrobola said that to his knowledge this will have no affect on the property taxes. He said that other things, such as improvements, may increase taxes.
Mr. Issa said that the last tax increase he experienced was from the installation of sewer and water.
Adam Ponte, of 4081 Spring Lake, said that he used to own a significant amount of land with frontage on Merritt and Platt. He said that the income from the farm was never more than about $2,500.00 per year, which would not be enough for a farmer to raise a family. One year his taxes were raised significantly and when he appealed he had been told by former Supervisor E.A. Jackson Morris that his farm was a goldmine because his property was now in the water and sewer district and would reap a lot of money when he sold it. Mr. Ponte said that over the years he and others had paid taxes for water and sewer and in the end there was no goldmine. He went on to say that in the August Issue of Michigan Farm News there is an article that states that the value of farm real estate in Michigan has risen to $2,500.00 per acre. He said that that the taxes on the land are much higher than the recognized value of the land.
Trustee Marine asked who owned property.
Clerk Lirones said that Mr. Issa did.
Mr. Ponte said that he did not think it was legal to remove water and sewer from that property.
Clerk Lirones said that property was never special assessed for sewer and water.
Supervisor Walter said that the predecessors of this Board had negotiated and signed a contract for a certain amount of sewer service that conflicted with the previous plan. He explained that if the township had been built out according to the previous plan, the contract would have been exceeded by several million gallons per day. He said that the Board has done the responsible thing by reconciling the amount of development allowed in the master plan with the amount of contracted sewer capacity.
Mr. Ponte said that his son, an attorney, had been told by Mark Spencer that due to previous faulty arrangements with YCUA there was not sufficient water for Pittsfield Township. He said that Mr. Spencer had said that the people’s rights will be selectively allocated by the township at their discretion.
Supervisor Walter said that the concern tonight is the sewer capacity, not water.
Mr. Ponte asked if there was an intention to reallocate water and sewer to those properties.
Supervisor Walter said that is always a possibility, but that he did not want the township to be overcommitted.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.4 Request to Approve Resolution for Approval of an Ordinance to Amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance Second Reading RZ #02-06 Peters Building Company.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Conner, to approve the resolution for approval of an ordinance to amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance for second reading, RZ #02-06 Peters Building Company. (See attachment #5)
Mark Pascoe, of Atwell-Hicks, said that the petitioner is seeking approval on this rezoning request.
Trustee Marine said that many issues, such as Michigan Avenue and the traffic impact, had not been addressed.
Mark Pascoe said that this had not been specifically addressed at this stage, but the Comprehensive Plan allowed this proposed zoning. He said his firm would be meeting with the Road Commission regarding Warner Road improvements.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
Marine.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.5 Request to Approve Resolution for Approval of an Ordinance to Amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance Second Reading RZ #02-07 Jennie Morgan.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Conner, to approve the resolution of approval of an ordinance to amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance for second reading, RZ #02-07 Jennie Morgan. (See attachment #6)
Robert Rennell, attorney representing Mrs. Jennie Morgan, said that she had requested R-1B zoning but that the Planning Commission recommended R-1A zoning instead. He said Mrs. Morgan had gotten a notice of first reading before the last meeting, and decided that she needed more time to think about her petition, so he had phoned Clerk Lirones and Supervisor Walter asking that the matter be tabled, but was told that it would proceed. Mrs. Morgan then decided to withdraw the petition. He read the letter that he had written for her stating that she would not attend the meeting that night because her petition had been withdrawn. He said that she had then gone to Clerk Lirones’ office on Monday to make sure that the letter had been delivered and was told that there would be no trouble. He said that there had been no further notice regarding the matter, and so she had not attended the meeting. He said that he had been shocked when he found out that there had been a first reading, because he felt that they had a right to withdraw it and that the Board had no authority to proceed on a withdrawn petition. He said that the notice was faulty, because the notice for Mrs. Morgan’s R-1B zoning was the only one that had been given to the public. He asked the Board to rescind its prior action and start over. He said that this is Mrs. Morgan’s only asset for her retirement.
Supervisor Walter said that the township’s attorneys had advised otherwise, and that rezonings can be done without petition. He asked what Mr. Rennell’s basis in law was to say that the township had no right to do this.
Mr. Rennell said that the notice was invalid.
Supervisor Walter said notice had been given for the public hearing for what the petitioner had requested. He asked what property rights were being taken away by the R-1A zoning. He said that Mrs. Morgan has the right to come back with a petition if she wants to pursue the R-1B zoning. He said that this land had been designated in the master plan as Agricultural Preservation, but with the caveat that it could be rezoned to R-1A if there is pressure to develop.
Mr. Rennell said that her application had been withdrawn and that there is statutory right for the Board to proceed.
Clerk Lirones said that she did not recall speaking to Mrs. Morgan.
Mrs. Morgan said she had come into her office and asked the Clerk if she had received the letter and could deliver it to the Board. She said that Clerk Lirones had told her that there would be no trouble.
Clerk Lirones recalled the occurrence, and said that she had meant that there would not be any trouble delivering it to the Board. She apologized for the confusion.
Mrs. Morgan said that she had understood that there would be no trouble with her withdrawal of the petition. She said that it had been very clear to her.
Clerk Lirones said that her understanding was that Mrs. Morgan was simply verifying that her letter had been received.
Mr. Rennell said that Mrs. Morgan’s statement was true, because she had called him and talked about it.
Clerk Lirones said that Mr. Rennell had spoken to both Supervisor Walter and Clerk Lirones and the fact that it would not be withdrawn from the agenda had been discussed.
Mr. Rennell said that he had never been told that.
Supervisor Walter said that he had told him that.
Mr. Rennell said no, that he had been told that he could not postpone the matter to a later agenda, and then after that he had written the letter for Mrs. Morgan asking that it be withdrawn. He said that they had been told implicitly that the matter would be accepted and that they did not have to attend the meeting.
Clerk Lirones said that Mrs. Morgan’s representative, Mark Pascoe of Atwell-Hicks, had been present and had spoken on Mrs. Morgan’s behalf.
Mr. Rennell said that he had not, and that he had been here for a different matter.
Clerk Lirones said that he had specifically spoken on Mrs. Morgan’s behalf and that he had asked that the item be tabled.
Mr. Rennell said that perhaps he had jumped up and said that.
Clerk Lirones said that regarding advertising the public hearing at the Planning Commission as R-1B, the township attorney had advised that it was acceptable to go to a slightly lower intensity use as long as it is in the same zoning category. She said that the public hearing was held in conformance with law, and a recommendation had been made to the Board in conformance with the comprehensive plan and law, and that the recommendation came to the Board and was approved for first reading, and the first reading was published as R-1A, so in every case it has been published in accordance with law and the comprehensive plan. She went on to say that the township attorney had reviewed the letter and that he had found no authority that compelled compliance with such a request and said that it was up to the township Board to determine whether the recommended amendment best fits the township’s planning needs. She said that it is felt that it is the best interest of the township to rezone this to R-1A.
Mr. Rennell said that he disagreed with that opinion and agreed that the township’s attorney had found no authority to support that opinion. He said that he did not believe that the Board has jurisdiction to proceed on her publication and her application that she paid for. He said that he had spoken with other attorneys, including one who is a former councilman in the City of Ann Arbor that was familiar with the subject, and he felt that the publication was inadequate.
Supervisor Walter said that a former Ann Arbor City attorney thinks that it was.
Trustee Marine said that he had not supported the rezoning at the last meeting because Mrs. Morgan had not been present and he wanted to hear from her. He asked why Mrs. Morgan wanted to remove this from the agenda.
Mr. Rennell said that they wanted to rethink the matter and felt that R-1A was inadequate. He said that there were some conflicts at the Planning Commission level and inconsistencies in the information that the Commission was given regarding the roads, and described one resident’s belief that Morgan Road would be paved and heavily traveled, which supported Mr. Rennell’s opinion that the property should be zoned to a higher density. He said that Mrs. Morgan wanted 2 1/2 units per acre, roughly 200 units, of moderate to middle-income housing. He said that it did not make any sense to have only a few houses on 100 acres, and expressed his opinion that the houses would have to be sold at a very high price in that case, at $600,000 each.
Trustee Marine said that he understood. He said that he had received a letter at tonight’s Board meeting from Greg Croasdill, Mrs. Morgan’s neighbor, opposing Mrs. Morgan’s decision. He said that right now this is a very low density area and that Mr. Croasdill has a small farm there.
Mr. Rennell said that Mr. Croasdill’s little five-acre plot was not a farm at all.
Trustee Marine said that Mr. Croasdill considered himself to be a specialty farmer.
Supervisor Walter said that Mr. Croasdill’s land was not the issue.
Trustee Marine said that he was concerned about Mrs. Morgan’s rights, but also about the neighbors’ rights. He said that in Mr. Rennell’s letter it was stated that the Board’s action is obviously meant to curtail any kind of growth. He said that was not true because the Board is talking about rezoning to residential. He said that Mr. Rennell then suggests “alternative houses at reasonable prices.” He asked if that was their final goal.
Mr. Rennell said that it would be a clustered development, in the $200,000 - $300,000 range.
Trustee Marine asked if they had seriously been considering what affordable housing is, because he did not believe that $200,000 - $300,000 was quite in the affordable range.
Supervisor Walter said that the issue here is not affordable housing, but rather the zoning of the property.
Trustee Marine asked why Mr. Rennell felt that the limit of growth adversely affects the public interest and the common good for the average citizen, as stated in his letter.
Mr. Rennell said that this area is being developed, and the fewer people that are put in a space, the further out they are pushed. He said that it is more economical to build 2 ½ units on an acre than it is to build 1 unit on an acre with well and septic.
Trustee Marine said he gathered that Mrs. Morgan wants to withdraw her petition so that she could come back at a higher density than what is being offered.
Mr. Rennell said yes.
Supervisor Walter asked how rezoning this to R-1A will prevent her from doing this. He pointed out that R-1A allows one dwelling unit per acre, and asked why Mr. Rennell wants it to be left zoned AG, which allows only 0.4 units per acre if he desires a higher density.
Mr. Rennell said that they did not ask for R-1A, and that Mrs. Morgan’s property had been selectively chosen to go without sewer and water. He said that she had been prejudiced greatly by the new comprehensive plan.
Supervisor Walter asked if he could suggest some other properties that should go without water and sewer instead of Mrs. Morgan’s, and asked what he would use as a basis for his decision.
Mr. Rennell said that he should look at the whole picture and the rights of Mrs. Morgan as well as the other people. He said that she has always planned to develop this land, and that the location of her property is fully developed. He said that there is commercial and industrial land near her, and that the alleged farm is across the way is only 5 acres.
Supervisor Walter asked what was on the South side.
Mr. Rennell said that Morgan Road is on the south side.
Supervisor Walter asked what was on the other side of Morgan Road.
Mr. Rennell said that he was not familiar with that area.
Supervisor Walter pointed out that it was rural-residential, large lot well and septic. He asked if it was large lot well and septic to the east of this land.
Mr. Rennell said yes, but that to the north the land is 6 dwelling units per acre density.
Supervisor Walter asked if Mr. Rennell was asserting that his effort to get this land zoned at 2 ½ units per acre would be furthered by leaving it zoned AG now.
Mr. Rennell said that he thought it would. He said that he also wants to see the procedures done fairly.
Mark Spencer, Senior Planner, said that cluster development could still occur on this property with an R-1A zoning. He said that there are also many homes within the township, equally priced, on well and septic and on water and sewer.
Clerk Lirones said that she wanted the two letters from Greg Croasdill and Kara Heinrich attached to the minutes. (See attachment #7)
Terry Bertram, of 1399 Bicentennial Parkway, said that there has only been one other time when the township attempted to rezone someone’s property without a petition from the landowner, and it ended up going to court and now Best Buy and other places that weren’t desired were built there. He said that it is a matter of integrity, ethics and honor. He said that if the petition is withdrawn it will remain agriculturally zoned and will not hurt the neighbor. He said that he doubts that there is a legal ability to do this, but assuming there is, sometimes one should not do what is legal but instead do what is right. He said that there was no public notice stating the township’s intentions to override her petition, and that he thought this was repugnant.
Supervisor Walter thanked Mr. Bertram and reminded him of the 11 other parcels that were rezoned unilaterally by the township, of which only one had a vote against it; and even that one had be reversed upon reconsideration. He said that, as Mr. Bertram had pointed out, if the township tries to keep land agriculturally zoned, people will go to court and say that it is unconstitutional, and then get whatever zoning they want. He said that Mr. Bertram’s example where Best Buy was built is a good reason why this Board should go ahead with the rezoning.
Clerk Lirones agreed.
Trustee Marine said that was a good point. He asked if the petitioner withdrew their petition, could they go to court without first coming back to the Planning Commission.
Supervisor Walter said he did not think so. He added that this did not preclude any of the things that the petitioner has asked for. The only thing that is precluded is the landowner’s ability to go to court and argue that AG is unconstitutional. He said that judging by the comments received from Mrs. Morgan’s representative, it is no secret that they are probably going to try to do that.
Trustee Marine asked if the Board granted their request to withdraw the petition, could she at that point go to court, or would she still have to come back before the Planning Commission.
Supervisor Walter said that he did not know, but that he was not willing to take that risk.
Trustee Conner said that with either 100 acres with 100 $600,000 houses on it, or 200 units at $300,000, it is still about a 60 million dollar development.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
Marine.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.6 Request to Adopt a Resolution for Approval of an Ordinance to Amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance Second Reading RZ #02-14 Saline Area Schools, dated October 8, 2002.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve a resolution for approval of an ordinance to amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance second reading RZ #02-14 Saline Area Schools.(See attachment #8)
Mark Spencer, Senior Planner, said that the area plan is part of the consent agreement, not the rezoning.
Trustee Brostrom noted that “resolution” was misspelled.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.7 Request to Adopt a Resolution for Approval of an Ordinance to Amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance RZ #02-09 Arbor Oaks.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to adopt a resolution for approval of an ordinance to amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance for first reading, RZ #02-09 Arbor Oaks.(See attachment #9)
Mark Spencer, Senior Planner, gave a brief history of this rezoning.
Robert Jacobs, on behalf of Arbor Oaks and SR Jacobson Development, spoke about the history of the property, and that his client believed the zoning and reasonable use of this property should be R-1B. He introduced Rod Arroyo and William Anderson, and read a passage from a report done by James Mulvany regarding land use, that was included in the presentation packet received by the Board. He summarized the information that would be presented tonight.
Rod Arroyo, Vice-President of Birchler, Arroyo Associates, Inc., highlighted the planning summary that had been included in the presentation packet received by the Board. He explained why they believed that the R-1A zoning was inappropriate for this parcel and quoted from the township’s zoning ordinance. He spoke of soil quality, surrounding development, access to water and sewer lines, and traffic. He summarized that an R-1B zoning was a logical choice for this parcel of land.
Bill Anderson of Atwell-Hicks, spoke about water and sewer sanitary service availability and capacity specific to this project, also included in the presentation packet received by the Board. He said that the infrastructure is available for this site and the township has the capacity to sustain it. He said that septic fields are not an option.
Supervisor Walter asked if exhibit #8 in the petitioner’s packet was a reasonable estimate of the near term demands for sewer capacity in Pittsfield Township.
Mr. Anderson said yes.
Supervisor Walter asked why Pittsfield Glen, Avis Farms, and other pending projects which would require sewer and water had been left out.
Mr. Anderson said that they had not applied for utility permits yet and that this list of pending projects was obtained from YCUA records.
Supervisor Walter said that the township has to look at what the near term capacity demands are. He listed Pittsfield Glen, the rest of Avis Farms, Praedium, Harwood Farms, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club expansion, Silverleaf condos Phase II, Silverleaf Phases III – IV, Arbor Ridge, St. James Woods, Park Place for Business, Heritage Falls, Saline High School, Harvest Elementary, Arbor Woods Phases II – III, Sweetwater, State Street Tech Park, Ashford Village Phase VI, Rolling Meadows Phases III – IV, phases of Lake Forest, Centennial Park and Farms, and numerous other projects under development. He said that this is what the township has to look at when determining remaining sewer capacity. He said that it is very misleading to provide only a tiny list of select projects. He said that these are not prospective rezonings, these are rezoned and in various stages of development and will require sewer capacity. He asked why all of these projects, many of which Atwell-Hicks was involved in, were left out.
Mr. Anderson said that they used only those projects that have permits from YCUA, not all non-approved projects.
Supervisor Walter said that some of them are being developed right now.
Mr. Anderson said that he was only stating what the list included.
Supervisor Walter asked if he could conclude that the idea was to find the smallest set of projects to present to mislead this Board into thinking that the township has more capacity than it actually does.
Mr. Anderson said no.
Clerk Lirones asked if perc tests had been done on the property.
Mr. Anderson said no.
Clerk Lirones asked if Mr. Anderson was aware that although there are homes in the utility service area to the north and to the west, there are also large lot residential developments surrounding this property on the south and east functioning successfully on well and septic.
Mr. Anderson said that he had been informed that they are there, but could not vouch for their functionality.
Clerk Lirones said that this has been seen as a transition area from the higher density area. She asked if he was aware that there are water and sewer lines that run throughout the unserviced area of the township.
Mr. Anderson said that he was making comment in regards to both capacity availability from infrastructure and treatment perspectives specific to this parcel.
Clerk Lirones pointed out that if his argument is that water and sewer is available to this property, it is also available to a great deal of the area that is not in the water and sewer service area.
Mr. Anderson said that it is not.
Clerk Lirones said that a statement had been made that this land has been assessed for water and sewer and that the assessment is quite high because it fronts on water and sewer. She said that according to the petitioner’s financial statement, the property taxes paid to the township per year on this parcel are $696.00 per year. She said that there had never been a special assessment for sewer and water. She said that for $696.00 per year, the R-1A zoning should be a sufficient “goldmine”.
Trustee Brostrom commented that Carl Schmult, the township Planning Consultant, recognizes that there are difficulties with the soil, but that he also pointed out that the township has rural-residential developments in R-1A zoning with similar soils. Among the developments listed in Planner Schmult’s report are Tamarack and Hunter’s Ridge. He said that he has lived on Tamarack for almost 30 years and there has never been a single failed septic system there in all that time.
Mr. Anderson said that his belief was that the sewer and water in front of this property were designed to service this property at R-1B zoning.
Robert Jacobs summarized everything that had been previously said by Mr. Arroyo, Mr. Anderson, and himself, that was included in the presentation packet received by the Board. He said that the Board was denying the petitioner the economic basis for development and that there was no reasonable use that could be made of this property with R-1A zoning. He asked the Board to restore this property to R-1B zoning as provided in the old Comprehensive Plan.
Senior Planner Mark Spencer said that the Planning Staff has discussed this issue many times, and he did not believe that this was the proper forum to discuss the water and sewer district boundaries. He said that the Township Engineer had done an analysis to project the township’s needs for sewer and water, and that none of the reports presented tonight had addressed the issue or done the same type of analysis. He refuted the conclusion that septic fields could not exist on this parcel.
Mr. Grady, of 3320 Merritt Road, said that he has lived there since 1955. He said that in all of the preceding presentation, all of the good wells and septic fields that exist on Merritt Road had never been mentioned. He said that he has blue clay in his yard, 16 feet in the front, and 16 feet in the back. Down the street there was sand that follows in the direction of the property in question. He said that soil samples just a few feet apart can vary greatly in quality. He said that he and the neighbors feel that they can live with development on a one acre lots, with well and septic.
Trustee Marine said that it had been stated that the R-1B zoning is consistent with the master plan, and that the road capacity was sufficient. He suspected that that was not true. He said that for each development individually the road capacity is sufficient, but added together the capacity is barely sufficient today.
Mr. Arroyo said that he had been referring to the overall goals and objectives in the master plan, and not specifically what the current master plan maps this parcel as. He said that his firm had attempted to address both the old and current master plans because the application process for this rezoning had occurred during the transition from the old plan to the new.
Trustee Marine asked if Mr. Arroyo felt that R-1B zoning was consistent with the goals set out in the current adopted master plan.
Mr. Arroyo said that he believed that it was consistent with many of the goals and objectives that have been established throughout the years in Pittsfield. Regarding the traffic, he said that if this project is built at R-1B it will not have a detrimental impact on the road system. He said that the road will eventually need to be improved upon, but it will not be due to the land-use decision on this property.
Supervisor Walter said that the three controversial rezonings tonight are the gray areas on the boundaries of the service area, and there are arguments on both sides for all three cases. He said that he will support the recommendation of the Planning Commission. He said that the information presented by the petitioner tonight varied greatly from the information received from the Township Engineer.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.8 Request to Approve Resolution for Approval of an Ordinance to Amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance RZ #02-10 Niculcea.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve a resolution for approval of an ordinance to amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance for first reading, RZ #02-10 Niculcea. (See attachment #10)
Mark Spencer, Senior Planner, gave brief introduction for this rezoning.
Trustee Burhop asked how many houses could be built if it was rezoned.
Mr. Spencer said 2.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.9 Request to Approve Resolution for Approval of an Ordinance to Amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance RZ #02-11 Byrd.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the resolution for approval of an ordinance to amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance for first reading, RZ #02-11 Byrd.(See Attachment #11)
Mark Spencer, Senior Planner, gave brief introduction for this rezoning.
Supervisor Walter said that the main use for this property was proposed to be a museum of African-American history, in memory of Mrs. Byrd’s late husband.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.10 Request to Approve Resolution for Approval of an Ordinance to Amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance RZ #02-12 Burton-Katzman.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve a resolution for approval of an ordinance to amend the Pittsfield Charter Township Zoning Ordinance RZ #02-12 Burton-Katzman.(See Attachment #12)
Mark Spencer, Senior Planner, gave a brief introduction of this rezoning.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.11 Request to Approve an Ordinance to Amend Ordinance No. 56 Subdivision Ordinance in its entirety, 1st Reading.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve an ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 56, Subdivision Ordinance, in its entirety, for first reading.
Mark Spencer, Senior Planner, summarized the changes to the ordinance
Trustee Conner asked what kind of issues prompted these changes.
Mr. Spencer said that the township lost a lawsuit regarding funds for construction guarantees with Rock Construction due to inconsistencies in the ordinance.
Supervisor Walter said that this is a good step towards getting developers to keep their promises.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.12 Receive Building Department Permit Summary for the month of September 2002.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Building Department permit summary for the month of September 2002.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.13 Request to Approve Great Lakes Waste/B.F.I. Rubbish Report and to Pay Bill in the amount of $48,807.00, for the month of September 2002.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the Great Lakes Waste/B.F.I. rubbish report and pay the bill in the amount of $48,807.00, for the month of September 2002.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:
None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION CARRIED.
13.0 Items from the Parks & Recreation Department
14.0 Unfinished Business
15.0 New Business
Clerk Lirones said that there will be a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees and Planning Commission on Monday, October 28, at 7:30 pm, regarding Access Management on Michigan Ave. She added that a public workshop would precede this meeting from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.
16.0 Public Comment II
Terry Bertram spoke of the problems in his neighborhood concerning the trash pick-up, particularly after the holidays.
Supervisor Walter explained Great Lakes Waste/B.F.I. Rubbish’s policy on holiday waste pick-up and said that an informational card would be sent to the residents.
Mr. Bertram suggested that some things, such as the expenditure of $239.00 for pocket calendars, should be left to the discretion of the Public Safety Director.
Dave Bartone, of 1021 Centennial Parkway, said he saw a problem with putting a connector road to the school through his neighborhood. He asked if his subdivision had been approved as per the original consent judgment.
Supervisor Walter said yes.
Mr. Bartone asked if the road connecting to the high school had also been part of that, or if that had been proposed by the school.
Supervisor Walter said that at the time of the Centennial Park site plan approval, it had been anticipated that to the south of Centennial Park there would be a different subdivision, but that schools had bought that land out. He said that before the school had been placed there, a road would have run through the connected subdivisions from Michigan Ave. to Textile Road.
Mr. Bartone said that his concern was the safety of the kids. He wanted to know if the residents’ hands were tied or if their next step was to go to the Road Commission for traffic calming efforts, and if they did, would they have the Board’s support.
Clerk Lirones said yes, the Board was very supportive of traffic calming on this road.
Supervisor Walter spoke about the use of traffic humps to slow the traffic down, as well as roundabouts. He said that he did not want to encourage people to cut through the subdivision.
Mr. Bartone said that he is familiar with the standards of the road commission and they do not allow for speed bumps.
Clerk Lirones said that she believed that they had just put some humps on a public road in Ypsilanti Township.
Mr. Bartone asked if the Board was familiar with the traffic impact study that was done for the Centennial Park subdivision and the school, and if it was necessary for the school to have the connection road to minimize their traffic.
Clerk Lirones said that the traffic impact study had been looked at and it had been the opinion of the Board that it would be more dangerous for people in Centennial Park to have to go out onto Textile to get to the school.
Donna Olmachenski, 1299 Annandale Ct., said that she wanted to state for the record that the Township and those in approval of the connector roads are sacrificing the safety and lives of the children in Centennial Park and Centennial Farms for the sake of progress, money, or any other reasons.
Mark Spencer, Senior Planner, spoke about the traffic issues. He mentioned other possibilities to discourage traffic through the subdivision, including extra police patrols. He said the school and Road Commission were very willing to work on safety issues.
Todd Carter, of 6156 Gyers Meadow Lane, said that Saline has a new school superintendent that has said that he is against having the connector road due to costs. He said he appreciated the Board’s support in obtaining traffic calming devices. He asked if a traffic light was being planned for the entrance onto State Street.
Supervisor Walter said that he was hoping that they had enough warrants for it.
Mr. Carter asked what the plan for Michigan Avenue, State Street, and Textile Road.
Supervisor Walter said that there will be a light at State and Textile, and that he thought Textile would eventually need widening.
Gail Monds, of 4071 Rolling Meadow Lane, spoke regarding the noise control ordinance. She said that she had emailed Clerk Lirones regarding Rock construction’s Saturday morning construction. She said that she had also spoken with Municipal Services and Public Safety and nobody seems to be taking responsibility. She said that it has happened every Saturday.
Supervisor Walter said that the term “weekday” is not clearly defined in the ordinance. He said that this is the reason why Public Safety cannot enforce the ordinance on Saturday.
Mrs. Monds asked what the time frame was for the construction.
Mr. Spencer said that the construction project will take a couple of years to complete.
Supervisor Walter said that the ordinance needed to be corrected, also suggested the township should speak with the developer.
17.0 Adjournment by Supervisor Walter at 10:55p.m.
_____________________________
Arianne Garza, Department Assistant
Recording Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
_____________________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
_____________________________
James R. Walter, Supervisor
Pittsfield Charter Township
MINUTES APPROVED, AS CORRECTED, AT THE PITTSFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 22, 2002.
