IRONWOOD, MI - Friday, July 25, 2008 - A special meeting of the Ironwood Planning Commission was held at 5:30 PM yesterday evening.  All Commission members were present except for Jackie Powers and Mark Fitting who were excused, and Sam Davies who was absent. Also attending the meeting were Planning Commission Secretary Jane Bowman and Community Development Director Dan Petersen.

The main purpose of last night's special meeting was to review a sketch of a proposed addition to the HOPE Animal Shelter. On July 14, 2008 a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting was held to consider a Dimensional Variance request to make an addition to the facility.

At that meeting Jim Salmi presented a  revised plan for the proposed addition to the HOPE Animal Shelter to the Board. Originally, HOPE's plans were to expand their facility to the west of their existing building. Their plans required a variance because the proper setbacks were not met. Their initial plan was not taken favorably by the Commission because of concerns that the project may visibly obstruct traffic creating a potential driving hazard. HOPE contacted their construction contractor and together they decided that a southern expansion would be the next best option.

Salmi explained to the Board that the new plan would cost HOPE approximately $700 to $800 more than their initial plan, but they decided that their main objective was to get the project completed, so they are willing to bear the additional cost.

Ron Bianchi asked that the Shelter include a sound-barrier wall in their plans. He told the Zoning Board that he represented four residents that would be affected by the addition. Bianchi explained that nobody voiced any objection to the expansion when the original public hearing was held because an easterly expansion wouldn't have been a problem. Bianchi explained that his (and his neighbor's) only objection to the expansion is noise. He pointed out that the plan submitted to the Board didn't take into consideration the fact the the barking dogs would create a problem for nearby neighbors. The Board approved the plan provided that a provision was made to baffle the sound.

Last night, Chairman John Wyssling suggested that a natural barrier such as trees, etc. be included as a sound barrier. Several people representing the Shelter spoke up in favor of the new plan. There were no citizens present in opposition to the plan.

The Commission accepted the plan as submitted.

Community Development Director Dan Petersen brought the Planning Commission up to speed on other issues that concerned them:

• Schonberg Building Roof - A dimensional variance request has been applied for by Bob Schonberg to attach a vinyl canopy roof over his existing building at the industrial park. 
• Colonial Skateland - The new owner of the old Colonial Skateland, BobD'Antonio, submitted a conditional use request for the Greenbush Street building. He wants to rent out space in the building for cold storage. Petersen also told the Planning Commission that minor light issues were addressed regarding the building.
• Geographic Information System (GIS) - A new GIS system for the City of Ironwood will soon be a reality. Bids were recently submitted and the City Commission approved the lowest bid.
• Zoning Ordinance - The lastest draft of the Zoning Ordinance is available for examination. Copies are available at the City Clerk's office or online at www.cityofironwood.org.
• Reschedule the August 6th Planning Commission Meeting - Since Dan Petersen will be in Lansing to attend the Blueprint Kick-Off Orientation meeting on the 6th, the meeting had to be rescheduled. The meeting was rescheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 5:30 PM.

Jim Albert