Planning Commission Meeting

A Regular Meeting of the Otsego Planning Commission was held Monday, March 28, 2022. Vice Chairman Misner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Blair Boyce, Brent Milhiem, Jason Bohl, Jason Smith, Stacey Withee and City Manager Mitchell. Absent: Jayson Ennis and Ric Saucedo. Member Milhiem made a motion to excuse Member Saucedo and Member Ennis, seconded by Member Smith. CARRIED. The February 28, 2022, minutes were approved on a motion by Member Withee, and seconded by Member Mitchell. CARRIED. I. PRESENTATIONS: A. PLANNING COMMISSION TRAINING – CITY MANAGER MITCHELL City Manager Mitchell presented the Planning Commission with a PowerPoint overview of the Planning Commission’s responsibilities and the decisions they would be making. He answered questions of the Planning Commissioners. II. PUBLIC HEARINGS: III. CONSIDERATIONS: IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS: A. OUTDOOR MUSIC VENUE – SPECIAL LAND USE Member Mitchell started a conversation regarding outdoor music venue’s and what regulations would be needed and how to make additions to the City’s Zoning Ordinance to cover outdoor music venues. He explained that the process would go through a Special Land Use Permit, which would require a Public Hearing, and notification to property owners within three hundred feet of the proposed site. He also commented that changing the City’s Zoning Ordinance to include the outdoor music venues would also require a public hearing. City Manager Mitchell commented that Mark McPherson had made the inquiry, but the changing of the Zoning Ordinance wouldn’t just be for him, it would be for anyone wishing to put in an outdoor music venue. Various items were discussed: parking, volume, cut-off times, requirement of a police officer on-site, layout of the venue/facade, infrastructure (bathrooms) requirements and the possibility of requiring a permit for each event. Member Mitchell stated that with all construction a building permit will be required. The Planning Commission was in favor of exploring the outdoor music venue and permit application process. B. SIGN REGULATIONS Member Mitchell stated that the regulations for LED Signs needs to be updated. He commented that the following need to be reviewed: color limits, and scrolling. He stated that he will bring a Zoning Ordinance text amendment to the next meeting with the suggestions. PUBLIC COMMENT: David Fouch, 359 W Franklin – he asked how the owners of Winkel’s Funeral Home felt about the music venue. He asked questions regarding the demolition of M-89 Sports Bar. He suggested that the Planning Commission visit Bell’s Brewery, who has a great outdoor venue. He commented that he is just here to learn. MEMBER COMMENTS: Member Withee suggested that possibly the digital signs could be turned off at night. Member Mitchell commented that he hasn’t received any complaints in the residential neighborhoods regarding the digital signs. The meeting was adjourned on motion by Member Withee, seconded by Member Milhiem. CARRIED – 8:24 p.m. Angela M. Cronen, MMC City Clerk