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CITY OF MUSKEGON
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
September 13, 2012
Chairman T. Michalski called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: B. Larson, L. Spataro, L. Mikesell, T. Michalski, B. Mazade, J.
Doyle, B. Smith, S. Gawron
MEMBERS ABSENT: W. Parker, excused
STAFF PRESENT: M. Franzak, D. Renkenberger
OTHERS PRESENT: G. Bailey, 861 Bradley Ave; B. Torresen, 3256 Wilcox
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion that the minutes of the regular meeting of August 16, 2012 be approved, was made by L.
Spataro, supported by J. Doyle and unanimously approved.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Hearing, Case 2012-19: Request for a site plan review for the property at 1920 Lakeshore Dr, by
GL&V, LLC. M. Franzak presented the staff report. The subject property, zoned WM Waterfront
Marine, consists of 55.3 acres and hosts an active shipping port and the Lake Express Car Ferry.
The new building will be placed near the shipping port, just east of the Lake Express Car Ferry, and
will be used for marine contracting operations. The building is currently located at the Grand
Valley State University Annis Water Resources Institute. It is being dismantled and will be shipped
to the new location at 1920 Lakeshore Drive. The building measures roughly 10,625 sqft. About
8,750 sqft will be used as a shop and 1,875 will be used for office space. The plan calls for eight
paved parking spaces, which is sufficient for this size building. The landscaping plan is incomplete;
however, there is enough on-site vegetation to compensate for the difference. The Fire Department
lists the following conditions for approval: 1) Owner shall contact Fire Marshall in reference to
materials and contents for shop building, 2) Owner must submit construction type and building
dimensions; this info will be required to determine fire flow and amount of hydrants needed for
project, and 3) Fire flow test shall be conducted for water supply. The Engineering and Public
Works Departments have no outstanding issues with this plan.
L. Spataro arrived at 4:02 p.m.
G. Bailey stated that they would be relocating a building they had donated to Grand Valley years
ago. L. Spataro asked if the rebuilt structure at the new location would have the same type of façade
as the original. G. Bailey stated that they were able to save the façade and planned to reuse it. L.
Planning Commission Minutes – 9/14/12 1
Spataro stated that it was important to have a nice looking building there, because it was one of the
first things seen by ferry passengers. L. Mikesell asked for clarification on some site plan issues
involving setbacks and the gravel road shown.
A motion that the site plan for a building located at 1920 Lakeshore Dr for GL&V, LLC, be
approved, with the condition that all requirements listed in item #7 of the staff report are met prior
to issuance of a building permit, was made by B. Larson, supported by B. Smith and unanimously
approved.
OLD BUSINESS
2400 Lakeshore Drive (Melching/Sappi site) – T. Michalski stated that the Planning Commission
would hear any new information regarding the Melching site. B. Torresen questioned whether
marine-based transportation was allowed in an I-2 zoning district. He stated that it was specifically
mentioned in the WI-PUD district, but there was nothing specific about it under the I-2 zoning. He
believed the Planning Commission should revoke the site plan approval for the docks and marine
transport, as it was not allowed in an I-2 zone. T. Michalski stated that Planning staff would look
into it. B. Larson asked if the staff approval done on the storage tanks request was a normal
occurrence. B. Mazade stated that it was, for a project of that size. He stated that it did not require
Planning Commission approval, but he notified the board members so that they were aware of it.
He stated that there was an upcoming public hearing with the DEQ on October 1 regarding the
docks/platforms. T. Michalski asked if there was a meeting scheduled between the City, DEQ, and
Melching, and if the Planning Commission could get a report on those proceedings. B. Mazade
stated that there was a meeting scheduled, and he would inform the Planning Commission of any
pertinent information.
OTHER
Form-Based Codes – Staff and board members discussed Form Based Codes and the possibility of
including them in the zoning ordinance. M. Franzak stated that the Master Plan needed to be
updated in 2013 and there was a possibility of incorporating them at that time. J. Doyle asked if it
was possible to test out the Form Based Codes a small section of the City. M. Franzak stated that
that was an option. L. Spataro stated that much of the information on Form Based Codes was
compatible with the City’s current B-3 zoning. He stated that there were things that could be done
to tweak the existing ordinance without redoing the entire thing. L. Mikesell suggested starting the
process with a review of the B-3 zoning district. Form Based Codes will be discussed further as
Master Plan updates are considered.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:53 p.m.
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