Whitehouse Planning Commission
2007 Meeting Minutes

January 22, 2007 Meeting Minutes

The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice-Chairman, James Page.  Members present were Stan Wielinski and Jack Witte.  Also in attendance were Michael Vrlenich, Regional Controller for Rexam, David Lewis, Whitehouse Plant Manager, Rexam, Edward Austin,  CRS (Rexam Project Consultant), Dennis Recker, Village Administrator and Barbara Knisely, Building & Zoning Clerk.   

Stan Wielinski made a motion to approve the December 4, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes.  Seconded by Jack Witte.  Motion carried with 3 ayes.  

Mr. Lewis and Mr. Austin gave a brief overview of the Project Concept.  Vice-Chairman, Jim Page led a discussion using the Staff Report considerations as an outline.   

Item 2 Building Height.  Chapter 1256 limits building height to 40 feet.  The proposed building height is 48 feet.  The Planning Commission granted an eight (8) foot variance thus allowing the 48 foot building height.   

Item 3 Fire Safety.  The Rexam representatives agreed to construct a 20 foot fire lane along the northern and eastern sides of their plant site, thus connecting to the existing and proposed parking lots and driving lanes.  This would provide for 360 degree access in fire emergencies.  Some discussion resulted from the requirement that the fire lane be paved.  Village Administrator cited Chapter 1258.02 (E), of the Village Zoning Code which requires all off street parking, loading areas, and driveways shall be surfaced with concrete, asphalt or other hardened dust free surfaces.  Gravel surfaces are specifically prohibited.  Rexam representatives agreed to the paving requirement.  The 20 foot fire lane will reduce the 59 foot east side yard to 10 feet, as the traffic lane is to be built 10 feet inside the existing east fence line.  This will require a side yard set back variance of 40 feet.  

Rexam representatives explained that the lighting would be shadow box passive lighting designed for inward illumination and will not cause cross boundary lighting of adjacent property or roadways.  

Mr. Austin indicated the entire new building area will be constructed with a fire sprinkling system.  He also stated that the existing plant would be upgraded to provide for sprinkling as well.  

The Rexam Company agreed to provide a landscaping plan.  They currently plan to landscape around the storm detention pond and create a 6’ berm around the new plant area.  The Planning Commission emphasized that they should consider a screening belt between their M-1 zoned parcel and the residential / suburban residential properties to the northeast, north and west of the plant site.  (no directive was given to Rexam regarding this issue).  Jim Page asked if traffic would increase.  Rexam responded no, that roughly the same amount of truck traffic would exist.  

Stan Wielinski moved to approve the site plan and the two required variances.  Jim Page seconded the motion.  Motion carried with 3 ayes. 

The next issue discussed was the Fire Chief’s Memorandum advising the Planning Commission that the Community of Christ Lutheran Church had agreed to include a sprinkler system for the entire building and wanted to have the requirement for a fire lane removed from their conditions.  The Fire Chief stated in his memorandum that a sprinkler system would eliminate the need for the fire lane.  Jack Witte made a motion to remove the requirement for a fire lane from the Community of Christ Lutheran Church’s site plan.  Motion was seconded by Stan Wielinski.  Motion carried with 3 ayes. 

The Administrator will write the Church notifying them of this amended decision.  

The third and final item of business was a proposal from the Administrator and Deputy Zoning / Building Official to change zoning code language regarding off-street parking regulations.  A copy of the proposed language accepted by Planning Commission is attached to these Minutes.  Jack Witte moved to accept the language changes and recommended them for approval to the Village Council.  Jim Page seconded the motion.  Motion passed with 3 ayes.  

The Village Administrator will work with the Village Solicitor to prepare legislation amending the Village Zoning Code for Council consideration.  

With no further business at hand, Vice Chair Page presented a motion to adjourn.  Jack Witte seconded the Motion and all members voted yes (3-0).  The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.

February 5, 2007 Meeting Minutes

The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Tom Lytle.  Members present were Allen Kuck, Jim Page, and Jack Witte.  Representing Rexam was Robert C. Sielski (Projects Manager); Wade Klos and Michael Wilson of Megtec Systems, the Engineering Services Representatives for the Project; and Dennis Recker, Village Administrator.     

Motion by Jack Witte to approve Minutes of the January 22, 2007 Meeting, seconded by Jim Page.  All voted yes, motion to approve Minutes passed 4-0.   

Wade Klos gave an overview of the project.  Chairman Lytle reviewed the discussion items in the Staff’s Report.  The height of the exhaust stack was discussed, as the proposed height of 50 feet would require a variance of 10 feet.  The next issue discussed was the noise that the system would create.  Mr. Klos stated that the DBA output would be within the range authorized in Chapter 1257, Paragraph 2 – 50 to 60 DBA.  Rexam was asked in include some evergreen tree screening.  They agreed to put 2 six foot trees on the left (west) side of their service drive to the burner unit.  

With no further discussion, Jim Page made a motion to approve the project site plan and grant the 10 feet stack height variance.  Allen Kuck seconded the motion.  All voted yes.  Motion to approve the Rexam site plan and grant the 10 foot stack height variance passed 4-0.  

The Administrator then advised the Planning Commission of the expiration of the Whitehouse Meadows Subdivision Preliminary Drawing.  He further advised the Commission that the requirement to submit a corrected subdivision preliminary drawing had not been met.  The Commission directed the Administrator to notify the Developer/Owner that the preliminary drawing had to be resubmitted showing all corrections required by the Commission at the first conditional approval.  The corrected drawing would then be considered for approval.  

With no further business before the Commission, Chairman Lytle made a motion to adjourn.  Jack Witte seconded the Motion.  All voted yes and the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

March 5, 2007 Meeting Minutes

The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Tom Lytle.  Members present were Allen Kuck, Jim Page, and Jack Witte.  Representing Kountryside Land Development Company were Charles Grass, President and Ken Sanders of Feller, Finch & Associates, consultants.  Also present was Dennis Recker, Village Administrator.      

Jim Page moved to approve the Minutes of the February 5, 2007, Meeting.  Motion seconded by Jack Witte.  All voted yes, motion carried 4-0.  

Chairman Lytle led the meeting using the 13 Consideration Items from the Staff Report.  The Developer intends to develop a section of property as a park and not provide a parkland dedication fee.  The preliminary drawing has been corrected to reflect current zoning as R-3, PUD.  Owner Charlie Grass stated that the appropriate documents initiating a Home Owners Association and showing deed restrictions would be prepared and submitted at the Final Plat Approval.  The Developer/Owner agreed to correct the two dead-end water mains located in the cul de sacs into the 10” water main located in the Wabash Bike Trail right of way.  Ken Sanders was asked if there were any lots affected by the flood plain.  He informed the Commission that none of the building lots were in flood plain areas.  Item #12 of the Staff Report asked if the Developer needed approval for more than 12 months.  Mr. Grass responded that 24 months would be preferable.  The Commission discussed this before deciding to stay with the precedent made for The Vintage Subdivision which was an 18 month approval period. This would establish a November 2008, expiration date for the Whitehouse Meadows Subdivision.   

Jim Page asked the Developer to explain the enclosure (Application Statement) that referred to two family (duplex) homes.  The Developer agreed that the Whitehouse Meadows Subdivision would be only single family dwellings, some of which would be zero lot line, common wall structures.  The comments in the application remained from the Developer’s initial zoning request which was R-4, PUD.  This was negotiated to an R-3, PUD, which was the ultimate zoning established for this Subdivision.  

With no further discussion, Chairman Lytle called for a Motion to decide the request.  Jack Witte moved to approve the Whitehouse Meadows Subdivision’s Preliminary Drawing.  Allen Kuck seconded the Motion, all voted yes.  The Preliminary Drawing was approved 4-0.   

Chairman Lytle presented the Motion to adjourn.  Allen Kuck seconded the Motion.  All voted yes.  Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

No Meeting in April

May 7, 2007 Meeting Minutes  

The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chairman, Tom Lytle.  Members present were Allen Kuck and Jack Witte (having the required majority quorum).  Others present were:  Barbara Knisely, Pat Curtin, Kathleen Chamberlain, Michael Hall, Gary Mesnard, Greg and Tami May, Bill Curtin, June Curtin, Pat Dunne, Loretta Taylor, Debby Curry, Maridee Curry, Melissa Osborne, Kristy Robbins and Village Administrator Dennis Recker.   

Jack Witte moved to approve the Minutes of the March 5, 2007, Meeting.  Motion seconded by Allen Kuck.  All voted yes, motion carried 3-0.  

Chairman Lytle opened the Public Hearing and introduced Mr. Pat Curtin to speak for the owner.  Mr. Curtin stated the intention was to improve the property and that the most marketable move was to rezone it as multi-family R-5.   

Mike Hall commented that the property was depressed because it had been let go.  If it had been cleaned up he believed it would have been sold.  

Mr. Pat Dunne believes the zoning of R-3 should be kept as it is more compatible with the immediately adjacent single family properties.  

Mr. Greg May raised the issue of building height and unwanted increased traffic in the area should the rezoning request be approved.  

Christy Robbins stated that the quality of life is what brought her family to Whitehouse, Ohio, and that approving this request would detract from the overall quality of life in this neighborhood.  

Mr. Gary Mesnard commented on the limited land area of the parcels and asked what size building could be built on this property and why there wasn’t a plan showing what kind of building was to be built.  The R-5 minimum lot area is 18,000 square feet.  

With no further public comment, Chairman Lytle closed the Public Hearing at 7:18 p.m.  

Chairman Lytle re-opened the Commission Meeting and opened the floor for discussion of the Curtin property zoning amendment request.

Chairman Lytle directed Mr. Pat Curtin to the considerations on Staff Report 2007-04.  The property owner’s representative agreed to deed the right-of-way from the center line of Heller Road to the Village.  

Mr. Witte expressed concern over approving an R-5 zoning change without a better indication of what would be built.  He stated that if a plan were submitted showing the site layout it would be easier to make the overall decision.  

The Chair recognized Mr. Pat Curtin, who said he felt the Village may be stopping progress and that the development of this property would be far better than leaving things as they are.  

With no further discussion, the Chair called for a motion.  Jack Witte moved to deny the request for a zoning change to R-5.  Allen Kuck seconded the motion.  Motion passed 3-0.  The request to re-zone the Curtin properties from R-3 to R-5 was denied.  

The next item of business was a Planning Commission review of a right-of-way plat which the village wants to record.  This plat would establish a Logan Street extension right-of-way in case the Village ever wanted to extend Logan Street to the east.  Commission Member Witte informed the Chairman that as an adjacent property owner he was removing himself from further discussion of this issue.  The Chairman then informed the remaining Commission Member that a majority quorum no longer existed.  The issue will be rescheduled for further discussion in the next two weeks.   

Chairman Lytle moved to adjourn, Allen Kuck seconded the motion.  Motion carried 3-0.   

The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

June 4, 2007 Meeting Minutes

The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Tom Lytle.  Members present were James Page, Stan Wielinski, Allen Kuck and Jack Witte.  Others present were:  Ray Wood, Debby Curry, Pam Ciepichal, Don and Karen Vollmar, Tom and Debbie Drewes, Bill May, Robert and Kathy Casaletta, Pat McDonald, Marvene and Jim Farthing, Bruce and Judy Miller, Karen Schneider, Bill McNight, Gary Heller, Stacey Goetz, William E. Moll, Jim and Carol Staler, Mike Schneider, Todd Longnecker, Pruetter, Don Heilmann, Jodi Hammons, Barbara Knisely, and Village Administrator Dennis Recker.   

Jack Witte moved to approve the Minutes of the May 7, 2007, Meeting.  Motion seconded by Stan Wielinski.  All voted yes, motion carried 5-0.  

Chairman Lytle opened the Public Hearing, explained the rules and introduced the members of the Planning Commission.  He then introduced Mr. Ray Wood, Agent for Whitehouse Square.  

Mr. Woods gave a brief explanation and history of the Traditional Neighborhood District (TND).  He stated that is a controlled blend of parks, residential, retail, commercial, church, etc.  He would welcome any ideas from the public and knows what their perceived problems will be – drainage and traffic. 

Bill McNight asked if the medical offices, retirement homes, church, etc., could be built now and placed wherever the developer wanted.  Chairman Lytle explained the requirements of the TND / Zoning Code, and that everything must be approved by the Planning Commission and Council.  

Bill McNight asked if this would be similar to Mayberry.  Mr. Wood stated yes, but with better design in that Whitehouse Square will have a central “town square” area and the residential areas will not face the back of the retail/commercial area.  

Gary Heller sated that the traffic at the corner of Finzel and 64 is bad now.  He also wanted to know why they are rezoning the area east of Blue Creek now, since it was already rezoned R-3 a year ago.  Mr. Wood stated that the R-3 will stay the same.  

Karen Schneider stated she agreed and would like to see the property east of Blue Creek stay the R-3 zoning, and feels that there is no guaranty that any future developer would follow the R-3 rules in the future if it’s put under the TND zoning umbrella.  She would like that section taken out of the TND and left alone – zoned R-3 as was approved in the past.  Mr. Wood stated that he could take it out of the TND, it didn’t matter to him.  

Bill McNight stated that even traffic lights won’t help him while trying to cross at Finzel Road when he’s riding his bike.  Ray Wood answered that they are trying to solve these problems with the best method possible, but that nothing will be perfect.  

Gary Heller stated several problems – the Village and the School system are both having financial problems, why approve residential area that will just compound the problem, and won’t the fire department have problems getting to some of these areas.  

Pam Ciepichal wanted to know who the property owners are for all parcels.  Mr. Wood replied Neil Rupp, Cam Smith (JCT Enterprises) and Jeff Chamberlain.  

Stacey Goetz agreed with Ms. Schneider and that the property east of Blue Creek should be removed from the TND.  

Pat McDonald asked if the R-5 was going to be apartment buildings or apartments above commercial buildings.  Mr. Wood stated that if any R-5 zoning is used it would be in the back corner by the Metro Parks land.  He explained that this type of housing is necessary to make the proper blend of all uses.  He stated that he’s flexible, but that he cannot remove it entirely.  

Karen Schneider stated the developers should be made to contribute to the schools.  Mr. Wood stated that the senior housing and church will not add to the tax base, but will add to the traffic going through the development and is what makes the retail stores work in the mix.  It’s a balancing act of correct use mixtures.  

Mr. McNight asked if churches pay taxes.  Mr. Wood stated “no”, but they do generate foot traffic for the retail establishments.  

Pat McDonald asked if he was proposing mostly “mom and pop” type stores.  Mr. Wood stated yes, that the big box nationwide chains would not be coming to this development, but more independent type retailers would be.  

Todd Longnecker stated that he recently saw something about traffic updates at the corner of Finzel and State Route 64 and Cemetery and State Route 64.  Mr. Recker advised that those had been approved several years ago and slated for improvements in 2007.  He added that the improvements were left and right turn lanes only and not traffic lights.  He explained that ODOT is not proactive because of all the projects statewide that they are required to do.  They perform studies, intersections must meet warranted levels of traffic before they will install lights.  

With no further public comment, Chairman Lytle closed the Public Hearing at 7:45 p.m.  

Chairman Lytle re-opened the Commission Meeting and opened the floor for discussion of the Whitehouse Square Development property zoning amendment request.  

Chairman Lytle directed Mr. Ray Wood to the considerations on Staff Report 2007-05.  The Agent agreed with the Recommendations on the Staff Report and stated that he would voluntarily remove the subdivision east of Blue Creek from the TND proposal.  

Mr. Page asked if the Whitehouse Square would be a proper blending with the Metro Parks property and would there be an exit on Stiles Road?  Mr. Recker answered that they were still looking at other ingress and egress options for the development.  They could possibly tie in Indianapolis Street for the traffic that the church and ball fields would generate.  Mr. Wood added that he definitely wants more ingress and egress options.  

Chairman Lytle asked if Mr. Wood had been familiarized with the requirements of the TND.  Mr. Recker stated yes, that they had gone over the requirements.  

Chairman Lytle asked if there were bike paths in the plans.  Mr. Wood confirmed and showed him on the plans where the bike paths were located.  

Chairman Lytle asked about item 6 on the Staff Report concerning total number of acres.  Mr. Recker responded that after the roadways are taken out and the subdivision east of Blue Creek is removed from the TND as Mr. Wood has offered to do, it will be a substantially lower number of acres.  

Chairman Lytle asked if the developer would be bringing the projects to the Planning Commission in pieces.  Mr. Wood responded yes, since there would be 8 – 10 developers working on it.  He added that each would maintain the same general architectural design so that everything would fit together.  Everything needs to come together at roughly the same time so that they can support each other.  

Chairman Lytle asked Mr. Recker what their role as the Planning Commission was as far as making the projects mesh together.  Mr. Recker responded that the developers can submit a preliminary plat for sections at a time or the entire site plan.  

Mr. Kuck confirmed that compatible architectural requirements would be used.  Mr. Wood confirmed that all buildings would be compatible with each as well as the street lighting, street signs, etc.  

With no further discussion from the Commission, the Chair called for a motion.  Jim Page made a motion to forward a recommendation to the Village Council that this TND zoning be approved contingent on the Agent’s voluntary removal of the subdivision east of Blue Creek from the TND zoning umbrella but all other conditions in the Staff Report be followed.  Stan Wielinski seconded the motion.  Motion passed 5-0.  

Chairman Lytle moved to adjourn, Stan Wielinski seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

July 9, 2007 Meeting Minutes

The Planning Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Tom Lytle.  Members present were James Page and Stan Wielinski.  Others present were:  Brian Retar, Engineer and Agent for Wesley Farms Developers LLC and Dennis Recker, Whitehouse Village Administrator.  

Jim Page moved to approve the Minutes of the June 4, 2007 meeting.  Stan Wielinski seconded the Motion.  Motion passed 3-0.  

Chairman Lytle reviewed the Staff Report and Mr. Retar had questions regarding items 8 and 9 dealing with a street tree plan and a lighting plan.  Mr. Retar believed that both documents had been provided as part of the preliminary plat packet.  Administrator Recker stated he would review the Plat One Final and Preliminary packets to see if these documents are on file and follow-up accordingly.  

Mr. Recker reminded the Developer that all internal sidewalks must be installed and be 5’ wide.  Other items added to the Staff Report were the requirement for silt fences to prevent run off of sand and dirt onto roads during rains.  The Developer was reminded of the Village Code requirements regarding mowing undeveloped or unsold properties.  

Jim Page asked about a time limit for the payment of the $600.00 per lot parkland dedication fees.  Mr. Recker stated that regulations do not specifically prohibit the Commission from allowing such fees to be paid as each lot is sold or developed.  Mr. Wielinski indicated that he prefers that the fees are paid up front.  Mr. Lytle indicated that in the future the Commission could make this a requirement but because the exception had been granted for Plat One, it was best to permit the exception for Plat Two as well.  

With no further comments, Stan Wielinski moved to recommend that Council grant final plat approval for Plat Two (Wesley Farms) at their July 17, 2007 Council Meeting.   

With no further business on the Agenda, Stan Wielinski moved to adjourn.  Tom Lytle seconded the Motion.  Motion passed 3-0 and the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

August 6, 2007 Meeting Minutes

The Planning Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Tom Lytle.  Members present were James Page and Allen Kuck.  Others present were:  Scot Morehouse and Rick McGucken of DGL Consulting Engineers, Todd Frendt of the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation, and Dennis Recker, Whitehouse Village Administrator.  

Jim Page moved to approve the Minutes of the July 9, 2007 meeting.  Allen Kuck seconded the Motion.  Motion passed 3-0.  

The Chairman recognized Todd Frendt who presented an overview of the Foundation’s development plan.  This project is part of a multi-phase 2.2 million dollar funding campaign with over $420,000.00 of pledged funding.  If the site plan is approved, Phase I would begin in the spring of 2008 and Phase I facilities could be operational by spring of 2009.  

Phase I would include field construction with drainage and an irrigation system.  Utility connections to Village water and sewer systems would be made along with parking improvements and restrooms, concession facilities would be constructed.   The project would include decorative fencing, a bike trail and landscaping.  

Additional phases would include shelter facilities, a pavilion, community playground and a community center/storage facility.  

The Chairman reviewed the Staff Report.  Mr. Frendt had no objections to any of the considerations in the Staff Report.  Mr. Frendt indicated that the future development plan would include field lighting.  Chairman Lytle indicated zoning for the area is S-1 and wanted clarification as to if this would require a special use when the final site plan is approved or would the area be rezoned.   The Administrator indicated that he would discuss the options with Mr. Frendt and his engineers before they returned with their final site plan for approval.  

Mr. Page indicated that he had no problems with the site plan.  This sentiment was echoed by the Chairman and Mr. Kuck.  With no further discussion, Chairman Lytle moved to adjourn; motion was seconded by Jim Page.  All voted yes, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

September 10, 2007 Meeting Minutes

Planning Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Tom Lytle.  Members present were James Page, Stan Wielinski, Jack Witte and Allen Kuck.  Others present were:  Bill May, Todd Frendt (AWYF), Scott Morehouse and Rick McGucken of DGL Consulting Engineers, Todd Roberts (Black Swamp Custom Cycles), Karen Schneider (township resident, 7035 Finzel Road) and Dennis Recker, Whitehouse Village Administrator.  

Stan Wielinski moved to approve the Minutes of the August 6, 2007 meeting.  Jim Page seconded the Motion, all voted to approve the Minutes as written, 5-0.  

Chairman Lytle introduced the first business item, which was the Final Site Plan for the Blue Creek North Recreational Area.  Mr. Todd Frendt, representing the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation provided a brief overview of the phased project and provided a written statement addressing each of the conditions on Staff Report 2007-08.  The Applicant agreed to each consideration (see attached), except Item 6.  Item 6 called for the future development of the large quarry.  The AWYF stated their agreement with this item, but indicated this as a long term goal.   

The Applicant added the subject of field lights to the plan which would permit evening sports activities beyond daylight hours.  Bill May requested to address the Planning Commission on behalf of the property owners on the west side of Providence Street.  He asked if the lighting system would be placed on the Blue Creek fields along Providence Street.  Mr. Frendt answered yes.  Mr. May asked if there were going to be any time limits as to the hours of evening activity.  Mr. Frendt stated that weekday events would end no later than 10:00 p.m. and weekend events would go no later than 11:00 p.m.  Mr. May asked about mounding and landscaping plans for the east side of Providence Street.  Mr. Frendt indicated that the space limitations along Providence Street did not permit mounding as a buffer, but that fencing and landscaping along with a bike trail would provide for spatial separation from the residential area on the west of Providence Street.  

Stan Wielinski suggested that the lighting would be reviewed when the Planning Commission reviews the plans for the commercial buildings and fields as the Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation moves ahead with construction planning.  This was acceptable to the Commission.  Stan Wielinski then moved to approve the Final Site Plan and grant a special use permit with an exclusive use for recreational purposes stated therein.  Mr. Kuck seconded the Motion and all voted yes, 5-0.  

At the conclusion of this business, Mr. Todd Roberts requested to address the Commission.  Mr. Roberts explained that due to the slowdown in new housing development, he has approached Mr. Rupp who owns the land that lies south of the Black Swamp Choppers property owned by Mr. Roberts.  Mr. Roberts stated that Mr. Rupp is now interested in selling this land due to delays in exercising options for sale held by another party.  

If Mr. Roberts was to acquire the land, his intent would be to develop part of the property as commercial which would require a zoning change.  The other portion of the land would remain residential, but with large lots and single family dwellings.  Mr. Roberts asked for Commission feedback.  

Mrs. Karen Schneider asked to address the Commission.  She brought up the residential status of the current zoning, the traffic congestion at Finzel Road / State Route 64 intersection, and the possibility of a liquor license being issued for the restaurant in the motor cycle shop.  Stan Wielinski said that the zoning would be addressed at future Planning Commission and Village Council Meetings.  Mr. Wielinski then stated his commitment to hearing and considering plans that included commercial development which is needed in this community.  Mr. Recker explained that the issue of a liquor license would be addressed by the Village Council and not the Planning Commission.  Jim Page asked the Village Administrator to review Staff Report No. 2006-04 dated May 1, 2006 and the Minutes of the May 1, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting to determine what had been discussed regarding a liquor license at the Black Swamp Customs LLC.

The Planning Commission advised Mr. Roberts to prepare preliminary site plans and to come before the Planning Commission for appropriate zoning map amendment and commercial subdivision plan approval.  

With no further business before the Commission, Jim Page moved to adjourn and the Motion was seconded by Allen Kuck.  Motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

October 1, 2007 Meeting Minutes

The Planning Commission Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman, Tom Lytle.  Members present were James Page, Stan Wielinski, Jack Witte and Allen Kuck.  Others present were:  Mr. Howard Pratt, Mr. Jim Bell of Poggemeyer Design Group, Brian Retar of FWB, Inc. representing the Wesley Farms Development, and Dennis Recker, Whitehouse Village Administrator.  

In the review of the September 10, 2007 Minutes, Jim Page made an addition to the Minutes regarding a request he made of the Village Administrator.  Stan Wielinski then moved to approve the Minutes as amended.  Jack Witte seconded the Motion.  All voted yes, and the Minutes were approved 5-0.  

The Chairman then introduced the first item of business, a commercial/public building site plan for Commission review and approval.  The site plan was for a public restroom facility proposed for construction on public park land.  

While reviewing the plan, Jack Witte asked about the set back as shown on the site plan.  The set back was shown as 5 feet from the edge of the Lucas Street right of way to the front edge of a concrete stoop with a sidewalk.  The Administrator indicated that this building line would be aligned with the established building line of existing houses located to the west of the proposed restroom.  

Jim Page and Jack Witte asked why the structure had been planned for land which would require crossing a public roadway for use.  The Administrator indicated that the facility was planned for land acquired for park use and that the proposed restroom site was accessible to the existing playground area and utility services.  Considerations planned to manage the traffic through the area are as follows:  

            A stop sign will be posted at the north end of Gilead Street.  Gilead Street will remain
           
two-way from St. Rt. 64 to Lucas Street to accommodate existing shelter house parking,
           
a residential apartment, and a business located on the northwest corner of the Gilead Street
           
and St. Rt. 64 (Waterville Street) intersection.  A crosswalk with striping will be made
           
from the park across Lucas Street and connecting to the proposed restroom sidewalk.  

Mr. Page, Mr. Witte and other members of the Planning Commission were concerned about the safety of young children using the restroom.  Jim Page suggested adding a second stop sign at the cross walk.  The Administrator indicated that a speed bump would be considered as well.  

Mr. Pratt, who owns the home on the adjacent property to the west of the restroom site asked about lighting.  Mr. Bell stated that the lighting would be external on the front of the building, directed toward the Lucas Street park area, well forward and not toward Mr. Pratt’s property.  

With these conditions added a pending motion to approve the restroom site plan was made by Stan Wielinski, seconded by Tom Lytle.  Motion passed 4-1 (Jack Witte voted no).  

The second item of business on the Agenda was a final subdivision plat in the Wesley Farms subdivision.  This plat was a modification to the preliminary plat which called for a recreational club area for residents to be built on common area identified as Lot D.  The new plat, if approved, would call for three additional residential single family home lots and a common green space area to the rear with a 20’ green space access from the roadway (Julianna Lane).  

Mr. Lytle noted that the developer had informed the current residents and owners of properties that have been sold in the subdivision of this proposed change.  

Mr. Witte asked about maintenance of the remaining common area.  Mr. Brian Retar informed the Commission that a Homeowners Association would be in place when the development is finished and they would contract for external maintenance of the commonly owned areas.  Mr. Wielinski asked about access to the common area and possibly to the bike trail and if a sidewalk and fencing would be added.  Mr. Retar stated there were no plans to provide those features.  

Mr. Wielinski asked if the developer planned to create a playground area on common Lot D.  Mr. Retar said that this would remain only green space but that a mounded berm would be extended for water run-off control.  The Administrator informed the Commission that the developer had elected to pay the $600.00 per lot recreational/parkland dedication fee in lieu of providing a park/playground area in the subdivision.   

Jim Page moved to approve the Wesley Farms Final Plat 3 plan as submitted.  Jack Witte seconded the motion.  The motion to approve was passed 4-1, with Stan Wielinski voting no.  

With no further business before the Commission, Chairman Lytle called for a motion to adjourn.  Jim Page moved to adjourn.  Stan Wielinski seconded the motion, all voted yes.  

The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.

No Meeting in November  

No Meeting in December