LAFAYETTE TOWNSHIP ZONING COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
6776 Wedgewood Road, Medina,
Ohio
October 6, 2009 @ 7:00 p.m.
Zoning Commission Chair Karen Schoonover called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call indicated five regular members of the Zoning Commission were present: Karen Schoonover, Dianne Wenslow, Sherri Meinke, Russ Green and Mike Biskup. Matthew Strehle (alternate) and Zoning Inspector Alliss Strogin were also present.
Upon motion by Dianne Wenslow, duly seconded by Sherri Meinke, the September 1, 2009, regular meeting minutes were unanimously approved and then signed.
The secretary distributed the following items:
- Flyer announcing the 21st annual APA Cleveland Planning & Zoning Workshop, November 13, 2009, Westlake, Ohio
- Medina County Flu Clinic flyer
- September 2009 Grassroots Clippings newsletter
- 2009 Zoning Permit Listing through September 2009
It was verified that Schoonover, Wenslow, Meinke, Green and Strehle had signed up for the University of Akron/Medina County University Center Planning and Zoning Classes (Tuesdays, October 13 through November 24, 2009, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.)
Zoning Inspector Strogin stated that the owner of the new bait shop in Chippewa had recently inquired about also opening a gun shop in the future. One of the things he would need is an ATF permit. He would also need to check with the Fire Department. Section 303.2A of the Zoning Resolution was reviewed.
The Chippewa Resort project was briefly discussed with the indication being that the project was still going forward but due to the economy and the need to apply for grants before starting any construction the project was moving slower than initially anticipated.
As to the status of the Sun & Seed sign violation, it was indicated that the Prosecutor’s Office had sent out a second notice letter and they will be proceeding with the legal action.
Chair Schoonover brought up for discussion an inquiry/complaint she had received from Glen Ray on Coon Club Road pertaining to an outdoor wood-burning furnace that had been installed approximately 3-4 years ago on a neighboring property. Mr. Ray was concerned about the zoning regulations, tree damage to his trees and potential fire safety concerns. Zoning Inspector Strogin stated she did a site inspection prior to this meeting. At present these units are unregulated by the EPA. From a zoning perspective, if the unit would be considered a structure then it would need to have a 15’ setback from the property line. The Zoning Inspector will check with the Prosecutor’s Office about this matter and also will check with the Fire Department to see what information they may have relative to this matter.
Chair Schoonover stated that the Lafayette Township Comprehensive Plan Open House would be held Thursday, October 22, 2009, at the Lafayette United Methodist Church from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. She encouraged all board members to attend this open house as well as invite neighbors and other township residents. There was a recent article about the comprehensive plan revision in The Trading Post.
The list to date includes:
- Nonconforming Lots in Chippewa Lake Area;
- Comprehensive Plan Revision;
- Parking Regulations (Matt Strehle research/review);
- Site Plan Review Procedures;
- Abolish Rear Lots (Dianne Wenslow research/review);
- General Clean-up of Zoning Code;
- Lake Road Zoning Districts (Mike Biskup research/review);
- Allowable Uses in Local Commercial (Mike Biskup research/review);
- Conditional Uses
- Signage (Sherri Meinke research/review)
- Solar and Wind Power (Russ Green research/review);
- Transportation/Trolley.
There was discussion relative to the recent Signage workshop put on by MCDPS with Professor Alan Weinstein doing the presentation. Sherri Meinke had previously researched Signage Regulations and copies of her research listing various definitions was distributed along with a copy of Montville Township’s Sign Regulations, which she had found helpful. The board should review this information and compare it with the current signage language to see what needs to be added, deleted or changed in our current code.
There was a question about the new Williams Trenching sign on Lafayette Road and whether or not he needed a permit or if this is a home occupation business etc. The Zoning Inspector suggested that a letter be drafted to all Lafayette Township businesses, which explained that the Zoning Inspector must be contacted relative to any signs and/or changes in signs in order that approval and/or a permit could be given.
Russ Green indicated that he had talked to a company about putting a windmill on his property. However, he was told he didn’t have a sufficient amount of wind to get a grant for a windmill on his property.
- Open House for the Lafayette Township Comprehensive Plan revision is scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2009, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Lafayette United Methodist Church, SR 42.
- Next regular meeting of the Zoning Commission will be Wednesday,
November 4, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the township hall. (Change of date due to election/voting taking place at the town hall on regular meeting date.)
- Tentative date for continued filing of old zoning records is Saturday, November 7, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. (Board members are encouraged to assist in this project.)
Upon motion by Karen Schoonover, duly seconded by Dianne Wenslow, it was unanimous that the meeting be adjourned. Adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Marlene L. Oiler, Certified PP, PLS
Lafayette Township Zoning Commission Secretary
(Note: Minutes approved 11/4/09.)