CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting session of the Planning Commission was called to order at 6:03 P.M.

Chairman Spoltman reviewed the order of business and stated the procedures of hearing each item according to the Modified Roberts Rules of Order as follows:

A. Clerk to State the Agenda Item

B. Staff Comments

C. Applicant/Agent Comments

D. Other Affected Parties Comments

E. Board Member Comments and Questions

F. Board To Take Action On The Item

ROLL CALL

Members Present:  Mark Spoltman, Jim Oda, Jean Franz, Mike Taylor, Dick Sword

Members Absent:   None 

Staff Members:    Chris Schmiesing, Harry Bumgarner

Attendees:        Jeff Puthoff, Dustin Maggert, Chuck Starrett, Connie Cool, Sandra Kerns, James Kerns, Ed Fry, Lloyd Fry, Ed McMaken, Jackie Guillozet, Allen Guillozet, John Desmond, Jeff Lange, Paul Voorhis, Raymond Fuller, Leslie Grissom, Richard Langston, James Hicks, Gerald Mertz

MEETING MINUTES

Jim Oda motioned to accept the July 3, 2007 meeting minutes as submitted.  Dick Sword seconded the motion and the minutes were adopted by voice vote with all members present voting in favor.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS 

1.         Resolution P.C. 26-07

A request to approve a Development Plan for the Swift Run Lakes Subdivision, a residential planned unit development.

Mr. Schmiesing provided staff comments indicating the submittals satisfied the code requirements and highlighting the materials included in the packet.

Mr. Jeff Puthoff of Choice One Engineering spoke on behalf of the developer on this item.  Mr. Puthoff highlighted some of the items addressed by the Development Plan as a result of the concerns presented during the concept plan review, including:

·          Protection of water quality.

·          Protection of existing vegetation, in particular trees.

·          Erosion control strategies.

Mr. Spoltman asked how much of the land is currently tillable.

Mr. Puthoff indicated +/-125 acres are currently tillable.

Mrs. Franz asked where the excavated materials will go.

Mr. Puthoff indicated the plan includes using the excavated materials for the construction of beauty mounds, construction of the bridge causeway, and for future phases.

Mr. Taylor asked how the walk lane would be designated.

Mr. Puthoff indicated the pedestrian lane would be marked as required by the City of Piqua Engineering Departments requirements.

Mr. Oda asked for a clarification on the makeup of the pavement typical section and Mr. Puthoff responded. 

Mr. Jeff Lange of 9586 N. SR 66 presented a list of concerns/questions/comments to which Mr. Puthoff responded.

Mr. Oda commented it would be nice if the bridge or even an element thereof could be incorporated elsewhere in the subdivision design.

Mr. Puthoff responded to Mr. Lange’s concerns

Mr. Spoltman asked what the City’s permit process for building docks on the lake is.

Mr. Schmiesing responded by explaining one need only make request to the Water Department and they will review the plans and approve the structure if it is permissible and presents no concerns.

There was a brief discussion about the wooded areas and the open spaces and the location of the Harrison Trail.

Mr. Lange asked if his existing power service and gas service would be maintained.

Mr. Puthoff stated both utilities will pass by the property as part of the improvements to be made, and the services will be reconnected at no burden to Mr. Lange.

Mr. Ed McMaken, 4085 Demming Road , expressed concern about the Demming Road and Harrison Trail intersection.

Mr. Spoltman asked if there were any concerns from the City at this time.

Mr. Schmiesing stated the County Engineers , ODOT, and the City Engineering Department were all notified and no concerns were presented.

Mr. Oda asked about the grade of Demming Road .

Mr. Puthoff stated that there would be a 3% grade on Harrison Trail with a flat area at Demming Road and Demming Road has a 5% grade.

Greg Stephen, 4400 Demming Road , presented concerns about agricultural use adjacent to lots 42, 41, 43, 54, 55 and 56, and asked if it would be possible to have a buffer created between the lots and the agriculture use.

Mr. Oda pointed out that purchasers of these properties would be aware of the agricultural use when the purchase is made and that there is some natural vegetation that provides a buffer already.

Mr. Taylor asked if there would be any restrictions on the use of boats.

Mr. Schmiesing stated no gasoline-powered boats are permitted in Swift Run Lake .

Mr. Jim Oda motioned to approve the resolution and Mrs. Jean Franz seconded the motion with all those present voting in favor of the motion.

2.         Resolution P.C. 27-07

A request to approve a Development Plan for Swift Run Lakes Subdivision, a residential planned unit development.

Mr. Schmiesing provided an overview of the Section One Final Plat for the Swift Run Lakes Subdivision.

Mr. Puthoff described the boundaries of the section and indicated that there would 19 single family building lots included in this phase.

Mr. Spoltman raised a question concerning the construction of the bridge.

Mr. Schmiesing responded by indicating the area over the water occupied by the bridge is not platted right-of-way even though the bridge becomes the responsibility of the City once the construction is completed.

Mr. Spoltman asked questions about the construction phases.

Mr. Puthoff stated Phase One would begin late this year.

Mr. Lange voiced his concern about erosion of the embankment leading up to the bridge and asked if the slopes would be protected with rip rap.  Mr. Lange also asked if there would be a secondary means of ingress/egress provided to the portion of the subdivision west of the bridge crossing.

Mr. Puthoff stated the causeway would be lined with rock to prevent wear and wind erosion and further stated there would be a second means of ingress/egress.

Mr. Oda asked about storm flooding in the causeway.

Mr. Spoltman asked how much higher the new bridge will be compared to the old bridge.

Mr. Puthoff stated the new bridge would be approximately one foot higher.

Questions were posed by Mr. McMaken and Mr. Steifel regarding the right-of-way providing access to/from the west.

Mr. Schmiesing responded tot eh question explaining that right of way will be platted out to the western boundary of the subdivision at two different locations but that no improvements were imminent.  Rather the two right of ways allow for the opportunity to extend the transportation network to the west in the future should the opportunity arise.   

Mr. Stephens asked about the increase in the density.

Mr. Oda motioned to approve the resolution and Mr. Sword seconded the motion.  A roll call vote followed with all members present voting in favor of the resolution.

3.         Resolution P.C. 28-07

A resolution for a request to approve Construction Plans for Section One of Swift Run Lakes Subdivision.

Mr. Schmiesing provided an overview of the Construction Plans for Section of the Swift Run Lakes Subdivision.

Mr. Spoltman asked a question about the typical cross section with regards tot eh delineation of the pedestrian lane.

Mr. Schmiesing responded indicating that the pedestrian lane would be marked per the Engineering Departments requirements.

Mrs. Franz asked for an explanation of several terms.

Mr. Puthoff responded.

Mrs. Franz asked when the grass would be planted.

Mr. Puthoff stated the disturbed areas would be reseeded immediately.

Mrs. Franz inquired about the railroad spur line in the area.

Mr. Puthoff stated the railroad spur they picked up off of a set of drawings appeared to have gone to the water plant.

Mrs. Franz asked about synthetic binders.

Mr. Puthoff stated that synthetic binders are an ingredient specified by ODOT specifications for standard asphalt compositions.

Mr. Oda asked about the type of homes that would be in the subdivision.

Mr. Puthoff stated they would be an upscale product with brick and cedar finishes.

Mr. Oda thanked the developers and everyone else in attendance for their willingness to ask and answer questions concerning the proposed construction plans.

Mrs. Franz motioned to approve the resolution and Mr. Sword seconded the motion.  A roll call vote followed with all members present voting in favor of the resolution.

4.         Resolution P.C. 29-07

A resolution for a request to approve a Concept Plan for the proposed Piqua Memorial Center , a mixed-use planned unit development, located at 624 Park Avenue .

John Desmond, applicant for the mixed-use planned unit development read a prepared statement which as attached hereto as an exhibit.

Mr. Spoltman asked if the developers intended to pursue public funding for the project.

Mr. Desmond stated there initially is none at this time.

Mr. Spoltman asked what types of public funds would be possible if they are pursued at a later date.

Mr. Desmond stated tax credits and tax abatements would possibilities.

Mr. Spoltman asked what the timeframes are for the initial investment period.

Mr. Desmond stated 3-6 months for the initial cleanup.

Mrs. Franz asked if they had contacted any former employees about past operation of the facilities.

Mr. Desmond stated yes, but with limited success.

Mr. Spoltman asked about the timing of marketing the tenant spaces to potential end users.

Mr. Desmond stated the marketing has already started at the preliminary level and will begin in earnest when the plan meets with community approval and acquisition of the property occurs.

Mrs. Franz asked what uses are likely to come first.

Mr. Desmond stated possibly a restaurant and then other tenants as interested.

Mr. Spoltman asked about the number of buildings on site now.

Mr. Desmond stated there are three buildings, and pointed out the Nicklin Avenue medical office is not included in this plan.

Mr. Oda asked about the restart of the HVAC system.

Mr. Desmond stated the have examined the system thoroughly and do not think it will be a problem.

Mr. Spoltman asked about deed restrictions.

Mr. Desmond indicated that they are aware of the deed restriction and they believe they are something that can be worked through.

Mr. Schmiesing asked if there would be an on-site facility manager.

Mr. Desmond stated yes.

Mr. Spoltman asked where the construction type equipment would be housed.

Mr. Desmond stated construction equipment will be housed in the rear of the property and screening can be provided if deemed necessary.  He further stated that they are looking to keep the area clean and upscale.

Mr. Schmiesing stated the development plan will provide the developer with an opportunity to provide specifics about screening and restricted parking locations.

Mr. Taylor asked about the timing of the cleanup phase.

Mr. Desmond stated it should be within the next few months.

Mr. Oda asked if there were any problems with deed issues regarding the former cemetery at this location.

Mr. Desmond stated no, they have no intentions on disturbing the area where the cemetery once existed.

Chuck Starrett, 4442Demming Road, expressed his support for the project.

Harry Bumgarner stated conversations have been ongoing and emphasized this is a concept plan, and encouraged the Planning Commission to weigh in with their support.

Paul Vorhees, 814 Broadway, stated he applauds any efforts to redevelop the site, but does have some concern with the parking of construction vehicles and with some of the potential uses.

Brian Fuller, 541 Park Avenue , asked how to get a copy of the Planning Commission packet.

Mr. Fuller stated he is supportive of a positive reuse of the property.

Mr. Oda applauds and positive happenings with this building site.

Mr. Oda motioned to approve the resolution and Mr. Sword seconded the motion.  A roll call vote followed with all members present voting in favor of the resolution.

5.         Resolution P.C. 30-07

A resolution to request to approve the proposed zoning designation change for the Piqua Memorial Center mixed-use planned unit development located at 624 Park Avenue .

Mr. Schmiesing gave an overview of the proposed zoning designation change for the Piqua Memorial Center mixed-use planned unit development located at 624 Park Avenue .

Mr. Oda asked the developer if they had any concerns with the condition included in the resolution concerning the effective date of the zoning change.

Mr. Desmond stated he would rather it not include any contingency but that the contingency did not necessarily concern him.

Connie Cool, 631 Park Avenue , asked questions about the PUD and rezoning process.

Mr. Schmiesing outlined the PUD and rezoning procedures.

Mr. Taylor motioned to approve the resolution and Mr. Oda seconded the motion.  A roll call vote followed with all members present voting in favor of the resolution.

6.         Resolution P.C. 31-07

A resolution establishing the agenda items to be considered at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission.

Mr. Schmiesing reviewed the items submitted for the Planning Commissions’ consideration in September.

Mr. Sword motioned to approve resolution and Mrs. Franz seconded the motion.  A roll call vote followed with all members present voting in favor of the resolution.

OTHER BUSINESS 

7.         Monthly Report

Mr. Schmiesing provided the monthly staff report attached hereto as an exhibit.

ADJOURNMENT 

With no further business to conduct a motion was made to adjourn the meeting and the meeting was adjourned at 8:20P.M.

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