BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
VIRTUAL MEETING
January 12, 2021
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to practice social distancing, and as authorized under the Open Meetings Act, MCL 15,261, et.seq., as amended, this meeting was held via the Zoom video/conference call platform. Commissioners identified their location during roll call, as required.
ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Curtner (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Hensinger (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), MacKrell (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Richards (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), Weingartner (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI), and Zoldan (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI).
Absent: Commissioner Wallace,. Others present: ZA Perry and one resident.
PUBLIC COMMENT One resident addressed the Commission, advocating for a professional landscape management plan for community areas, based on the original Olmsted plans. Historical and recent activities were discussed, noting that very little of the land in question is publicly owned. While the Commissioners supported the general concept of land management, and affirmed that preservation of community character and natural resources is consistent with the Master Plan, they did not feel that the Planning Commission was the appropriate entity to pursue the topic. As individual residents the Commissioners could advocate for action, perhaps in a joint community venture of some kind, but no action was taken by the Planning Commission
MINUTES The minutes of the September 8, 2020 meeting were approved as printed. (Richards/Curtner/P unanimously)
COMMUNICATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS A letter was received from a resident on Country Club Road, calling attention to the large pothole on Barton North Drive, and his concerns for damage caused by construction projects. It was agreed that this is a valid concern that is being addressed, both in terms of road repair and in project review. Mrs. Esch will send a reply to the resident.
REPORTS None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Master Plan 5-Year Review Continued discussion included:
–Section 5.3 (page 15) and Section 3.5.3 (page 8) Agricultural Use Policies. There was support for moving away from traditional farming that involves herbicides, pesticides or other chemicals. While the state right-to-farm state legislation must be respected, could there be more focus on organic or non-traditional agriculture, such as grasses or wildflowers. Recreational use such as walking paths, or conservation would also be permissible.
–The history section sounds too much like 2010, maintaining what there is, but now there is a move towards preserving character by opening up parks/waterfront as natural spaces to enjoy, being attentive to the condition of Barton Pond, and making more effort to eliminate invasive/non-native species.
–Sections 3.3 (page 6), 3.6 (page 8) and 5.6.1 (page 17) refer to the roads. This needs to be thought out some more.
It was agreed that Master Plan discussion needs to continue at one more meeting. Ms. Weingartner offered to do a new draft with tracked changes. Commissioners should send thoughts to her before the March 9, 2021 meeting.
Zoning Ordinance Discussion based on the handout included:
–Section 3.03 Permit time. Current wording is sufficient to keep projects moving ahead. If a project is not completed in 1 ½ years, an extension or variance is required, or a new application.
–Section 5.11 Berms. It was agreed that berms should be considered walls and be added to this section as subject to the same standards.
–Section 5.08 Steep slopes. More attention to steep slopes would require an ordinance to set specific regulations. It could state that any disturbance of a steep slope requires a permit, and a homeowner would probably need a landscape architect or engineer to provide the information. How much is a reasonable ask of residents, balanced with their right to do what they want with their property? Erosion from disturbed steep slopes could threaten the land, waterways and neighbors. BHMC could address the issue with broader subjectivity, but enforcement might be more challenging. Protection via both BHV and BHMC would be helpful. Mr. Perry will provide a draft based on the Ann Arbor Township ordinance for the Commissioners to consider.
–Proposed new Section 5.12 Trees. A tree ordinance could state that no protected tree could be cut/removed without a permit, then define protected trees. It could have a threshold of tree removal in a defined time period, and could address replacement. Mr. Perry will provide a draft for the Commissioners to consider.
–Section 6.01 Site Plan. Since this is only for very large projects, current language is sufficient.
–Other possibilities: landscape plan, debris/cleanliness of site, repair of damage. BHMC is better suited to address these issues in their project review process.
–Ms. Weingartner and Mr. Zoldan will continue work on amendments to the solar section.
NEW BUSINESS Meeting dates for 2021 were set for March 9, June 8, September 14, and December 14. (Richards/Weingartner/P unanimously)
A budget request for $10,000 for the Planning Commission will be submitted to BHV.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM. (Richards/Zoldan/P unanimously)
Janice K. Esch, Assistant Secretary Approved 3.9.2021