Planning Commission Discusses Comp Plan & Medical Marijuana Ordinance

IRONWOOD, MI - by Keri Singleton - Friday, January 8, 2010 - The regular meeting of the Ironwood Planning Commission was held Wednesday, January 6, 2010, in the Community Development Conference Room, in the Memorial Building, Ironwood, Michigan.

John Wyssling called the meeting to order. Present were: Jane Bowman, Margaret Rayner, Eric Lytwyniuk, Leroy Johnson, Jackie Powers, John Wyssling, Dennis Hewitt, Cortland Geib, Rick Semo, and Tom Bergman.

New member Tom Bergman introduced himself, saying he moved to Ironwood with his wife four or five years ago, and is the Iron County Zoning Commissioner.

Rick Semo is the new x-officio, replacing Bob Burchell, who is now mayor.

Tom Bergman and John Wyssling were sworn in.

All were in favor to approve November 4, 2009, regular minutes as presented.

The docket was approved unanimously.

No citizens were present to address the Commission on agenda items.

OLD BUSINESS

Discussion on Draft Access Management Ordinance Amendments.

More research will be done in regards to the MDOT documents, dealing mainly with curb cuts and cleaning things up. John Wyssling added that is good to work on visual enhancement, which goes along with new businesses that come in, giving a new, healthy, cleaner look as people come into the city. Mr. Wyssling said it is looking nicer up and down the highway. He is scheduled for an MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation), meeting within a week or so. One entrance access is the goal for the businesses up and down Cloverland Drive.

Project Updates

Dennis Hewitt said the only thing he had was that there will be an expansion at the High School, and they will file for a variance. The scheduled public hearing for the zoning appeal is on the 25th of January. The public hearing will be February 3rd at 5:15 pm, followed by the regular meeting. All supported the motion.

NEW BUSINESS

John Wyssling was unanimously voted in as chairperson. Margaret Rayner was unanimously voted in as vice chair. Mr. Wyssling said, after sitting down with the city manager, that they are meeting many goals and making good progress.

Mr. Wyssling said point number one should be to keep comprehensive plan updates as a number one goal. They need to pay attention to how their plan is worded, because the last known update was in 1991, and is in serious need of being brought into compliance. GIS mapping will be under the comprehensive plan.

A. Goals and Objectives

1. Comprehensive Plan update *GSI mapping

2. Implementation of Capital Improvement Plan Process * Corridor and Business Route Enhancement of Utility and Planning

3. Continuing Education, every quarter

A motion was unanimously supported to accept the goals.

B. Planning Commission Committees Update

Tom Bergman will replace Sam Davey on the Street Committee. The snowmobile committee was done away with, and there is a free standing Parks and Recreation Committee. The planning commission will now be getting copies of Parks and Recreation minutes.

Cortland Geib was appointed to the Capital Improvement and Equipment Priority Committee.

Eric Lytwyniuk was appointed to the Zoning Ordinance Committee. Jackie Powers was appointed as chairman of vacation surplus properties committee. The U.S. Corridor Committee has a new X-Officio, Rick Semo, and Tom Bergman was appointed to replace Sam Davey. Cortland Geib was appointed to the Architectural Historical Review Committee, which will help newcomers understand the area, in regards to new businesses.

C. Bylaws Revision

Jane Bowman will send a copy to the City Commission.

Mr. Wyssling said they aspire to be what the people want them to be, and that’s a Planning Commission, an independent and independent thinking commission of people that are here to help move our area forward in a positive and safe manner.

10. Discuss Medical Marijuana Ordinance

It was decided that the new statute must be studied before any decisions are made, regarding zoning. Copies of the new law will be given to members before the new meeting, to be up for discussion at the next meeting.

11. Citizens wishing to address the Commission on items not on the Agenda

None present

12. Other Business

Mr. Wyssling wished everybody a happy and healthy New Year.

SISU ski fest is this Saturday.

Grand opening of Cemetery trails is January 31, 2010, with cider at the Visitor’s Center.

Meeting Adjourned