Midland City Council met on the night of Monday, August 10, 2020 (Screen Photo / MCTV)
Midland City Council met on the night of Monday, August 10, 2020 (Screen Photo / MCTV)
Midland City Council met on the night of Monday, August 10, 2020 (Screen Photo / MCTV)
Midland City Council met on the night of Monday, August 10, 2020 (Screen Photo / MCTV)
At its normal assembly Monday night, Midland City Council discussed a proposal to amend the ordinance that would replace the plan review process.
The proposed change, which has been discussed in recent weeks through the Midland Planning Commission, would raise the threshold for site plans that administrative staff can approve from 7,500 square feet to 15,000 square feet or less. It would also give the plan-making board the final approval power, which the board would.
The 3 waivers to administratively approved site plans are: non-residential plans of more than 1,000 square feet adjacent to the single-family residential zoning district; non-residential use located in a residential zoning district; and plans that accompany new vehicle routes.
This replacement only relates to site plans and notices would continue to be posted to neighboring owners related to public hearings held through the commission. Public hearings would allow public participation and state law allows appeals to the circuit court.
Director of Planning and Community Development Grant Murschel explained at the assembly that this had been proposed for the following reasons:
Align with state practices, in accordance with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Ready-to-Roll Communities program.
Align with the objective nature of plan reviews, which are guided by state law.
Eliminate political influence.
Improve audience expectations.
Although no resolution or vote was taken on the replacement on Monday, he encountered opposition from citizens who shared their concerns.
Resident Ron Parmalee warned that the board is the framework that listens to similar calls to the plan, if necessary.
Another resident, Nancy Janoch, said the replacement would “take the strength off other people and put it in the hands of developers and investors with little oversight and scrutiny” and opposed MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready program.
“The tension to comply is strong,” he says. “… We don’t want the assistance of an outdoor company and a certification to tell us what will be most productive for Midland.”
In addition, Janoch said that the public’s contribution to the site’s plans leads to compromises when someone is not satisfied.
“I have attended many City Council hearings where projects have been modified, not rejected, to gain community benefits. It’s the force that’s taken away from us,” he said.
Other citizens who spoke in opposition agreed with Janoch.
Resident Cindy Weir told the council: “We are voting for you, we need you to make the decisions and we need a step for network participation. I think that’s important.”
However, Tony Stamas, president and chief executive officer of the Midland Business Alliance and former planning commissioner, the only resident to vote for the change, which makes the site plan review procedure more effective for developers.
“This creates a path to a predictable procedure and is consistent with what was discussed in other communities,” he said. “This is helping developers estimate their progression costs. This is also the case, and again, much has been said about it, however, it allows for greater alignment with network progression procedures across the state and degrees in the field of gambling. a site selector and compare between communities, know what the criteria are.”
Council members in a brief talk about the replacement and are expected to discuss it more at their next assembly on August 24.
Other measures taken through the council on Monday include:
He received $29,500 from the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation for the maintenance of Thrune Park. This is a component of the foundation’s continued commitment to the park, having donated $350,000 in 2009 for a complete renovation. Utility director Karen Murphy said the recent donation will be used to repaint the building, change the color of concrete letters and the blue path, expand the irrigation formula, and update a picnic table.
He unanimously approved a site plan for the addition of an 11,200-square-foot garage (two more buildings) to the Bakus free storage facility, on the corner of Stark Road and North Saginaw Road.
Changes in water service agreements between the city and neighboring communities to accelerate the procedure of adding new homes to existing water pipes. The agreement already allowed for this, but required a time of approval from the city council, which can take time and create difficulties for some residents.
He authorized the acquisition of $131,379 of 4 new municipal police replacement cars: 3 patrols and one police network vehicle.
It authorized the acquisition of $342,546 of two-axle dump truck chassis and two stainless metal dumpsters for snow and ice equipment.
Authorized the acquisition of $303,573 for a wheeled backhoe and two front miniloaders to be used through Water Distribution for water line replacements, new construction, emergency water line and more.
It authorized $498,300 for indoor and outdoor paint and upgrades to the increased garage tank at Plymouth Park and lime garage silo outer paint on the water treatment plant.