MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LEE TOWNSHIP

PLANNING COMMISSION, WHICH TOOK PLACE ON MONDAY,

JULY 16, 2007, LEE TOWNSHIP HALL, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

PRESENT: Planning Commissioners – Carol Alexander, Darla Rippee, Lee Thompson, Dale Wolfgang, and Tom York

ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Dennis Jones and Dan LaMee, representing the Midland Missionary Church; Melissa Raymond and Mr. Miller, representing JBS Contracting

The meeting was called to order by Chair, Tom York, at 7:00 p.m. He introduced the subject of the public hearing, the request of JBS Contracting, for Midland Missionary Church, for site plan review and approval of a 9,440 square foot fellowship hall on property at 479 South Eleven Mile Road.

Mr. Miller indicated that the building will be a 80’ x 118’ pre-engineered steel building, which will be a fellowship hall for the church. Also included will be site improvements associated with the building. The engineering firm for the project is Lapham’s Engineering of Mt. Pleasant, who will do the stormwater management, soil erosion, and grading plans. The building will be a gymnasium-type with restrooms and a small stage. The existing drainfields will be removed and new ones will be installed. A new driveway will be built from the site to West Prairie Road. The one off Eleven Mile Road will remain. The new building will not be connected to the existing building because of fire protection that would be required if it were attached. There will be approximately 65 feet between the two buildings.

Tom asked if the parking lot would be blacktopped. Dennis Jones said it is cost-prohibitive at this time, but will be paved at some point in time.

In response to a question from Darla, Dennis explained that there will be a driveway between the two buildings, which will extend to the parking lot. There is enough room between the two buildings that an awning may be placed on the new building for the convenience of unloading passengers in inclement weather. The shaded area on the drawing is new asphalt.

Tom asked about the dwelling shown to the east of the location of the fellowship hall. Dennis indicated that the church owns nearly 24 acres, and the house will remain on the site.

Dale pointed out that the original building is nonconforming, in that it does not have a 50 foot setback from Prairie Road.

Dennis commented that no stormwater retention area is required, as a drain runs along the north side of the property. He said that “everything drains to the west, and then goes through some rock before it goes into the drainage ditch.”

There were no other comments or questions from the Commission.

It was moved by Dale Wolfgang, seconded by Lee Thompson, that the Planning Commission approve the site plan as presented.

Vote on the motion:

YEAS: Wolfgang, Rippee, York, Thompson, Alexander

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

The public hearing was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Carol distributed copies of information on the Wiggins site plan, which will be considered at a public hearing on July 31.

The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing home occupations, special use permits, and home-based businesses.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Alexander

Secretary