PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
July 28, 2008
The Planning Commission meeting of the Village of Moreland Hills was called to order by Mr. Newman, Chair at 5:05 pm.
PRESENT AT ROLL CALL: Mr. Newman, Mayor Renda, Mrs. Rohr, Mr. Wilk, Mr. Bolek, Mrs. Cooper.
ALSO PRESENT: Law Director Margaret Cannon, Village Engineer Jeff Filarski, Building Commissioner Greg Potts, and Council Clerk Mary Catherine Knight.
A motion was made by Mayor Renda and seconded by Mrs. Cooper to approve the minutes from June 23, 2008.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Newman, Renda, Rohr, Wilk, Bolek, Cooper
NAYS: None
Motion carried.
- Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Halpern
30 Falls Creek Circle
New Dwelling
Discussion: Mr. Rick Siegfried of RSA Architects and Mr. Jeff Halpern were present. Mr. Siegfried explained that there has been no change with the plans since it was last presented in the power point slide show at the April Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Siegfried and Mr. Halpern are requesting final approval of the drawings. The Village Engineer approved the site retaining wall. Mr. Halpern explained to all sub-contractors about carpooling to the site due to limited parking space. Mr. Potts suggested contacting Orange Schools to verify there is no bus traffic on that street.
Mrs. Cooper made a motion seconded by Mr. Bolek to approve the final plans as noted by the architect for 30 Falls Creek Circle.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Newman, Renda, Rohr, Wilk, Bolek, Cooper
NAYS: None
Motion carried.
- Mr. & Mrs. Talisman
60 South Lane
Addition
Discussion: Mr. Larry Block of EHC Cleveland was present. The Talisman residence is adding on a master bedroom addition. It is a simple addition, rectangle, 500 sq. ft. There is one issue with the side yard distance. It is 34 ft. in stead of 35 ft. The Planning Commission would like the house reduced so that there is no side yard variance.
Mr. Bolek made a motion seconded by Mrs. Cooper to approve the addition at 60 South Lane with the plans adhering to a 35 ft. side yard, utilizing right angles for corners.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Bolek, Newman, Renda, Rohr, Wilk, Cooper
NAYS: None
Motion carried.
- Mr. & Mrs. Perry
60 Old Farm Road
Addition
Discussion: Mr. Potts explained that this is a two part addition. They will be extending the dining room, adding a porch, laundry/mud room, hall and a screened porch with a study on the side. Mr. Potts noted from the plans the side setback looks like 34 ft. 6 inches. No representative was present to discuss.
Mr. Bolek made a motion seconded by Mrs. Rohr to table the addition at 60 Old Farm Road.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Bolek, Newman, Renda, Rohr, Wilk, Cooper
NAYS: None
Motion carried.
- Mr. & Mrs. Loconti
179 Miles Road
New Dwelling – Preliminary
Discussion: Mr. Peter Harding, architect of the drawings, and Mrs. Loconti were present. Mr. Harding explained that this lot is a nonconforming substandard lot. The front setback is the same as the other homes on the street. The Village Engineer noted that the front setback is 76 ft. As shown on the plan the required front setback is 150 ft.; he recommends moving up the front setback to 65 ft. so less fill would be required in the back of the property and the house would be further away from the river. The property will need a variance for the front setback and a variance for the riparian setback in the rear. The riparian setback is 120 ft. from the river. With the position of the house, the current setback is 30-40 ft. Therefore an 80-90 ft. riparian setback variance would be needed. The Engineer noted that this is a flood hazard area and the first floor elevation must be noted on the plans. The Engineers need to meet to discuss the force main placement. Chagrin Falls passed an ordinance and will allow the other 7 residents to tie in if they wanted to, but it is not required. The force main placement will require Council to grant an easement for the force main in the right-of-way. The Village Engineer suggested the Mayor’s Office send a letter to the 7 residents notifying them of the optional tie in. Mrs. Loconti noted that there will not be a basement in the house and the sewer will be within the right-of-way. Mayor Renda noted that she has a problem with the 80-90 ft. riparian setback variance. Mayor Renda will need to research and discuss this with the Chagrin River Watershed Partners. The Village Engineer suggested retaining walls to lessen the riparian setback variance, also adding natural landscaping such as boulders. The possibility of shifting the house placement on the property to lessen the riparian variance would also help. The Commission approves the conceptual plans for the house itself. Final plans to be submitted after variances are addressed.
Mayor Renda made a motion seconded by Mrs. Cooper to table the preliminary plans for the new dwelling at 179 Miles Road.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Bolek, Newman, Renda, Rohr, Wilk, Cooper
NAYS: None
Motion carried.
- BP Station – Kowit & Passov
SR 91 & Miles
Real Estate Sign
Discussion: Mr. Mike McDell from The Kowit & Passov Group was present. The BP station is for sale and Mr. McDell is requesting permission to post a sign. He would like two 4x4 ft. signs or one large sign equaling 32 sq. ft. He will post this on the corner at a 45 degree angle so traffic is not obstructed.
Mrs. Cooper made a motion seconded by Mr. Bolek to approve one 32 sq. ft. sign at SR 91 & Miles Road for the period of 1 year. Placement will be determined by the Building Commissioner and Police Chief.
ROLL CALL: AYES: Bolek, Newman, Renda, Rohr, Wilk, Cooper
NAYS: None
Motion carried.
- Discussion – Moreland Towne Center
Parking/Screening
Discussion: Mr. Fabio Tuiach of Larry Davis Construction was present. Mr. Tuiach would like to change the screening at the Moreland Towne Center based on a resident’s request. A proposed fence was to be installed but instead he would like permission to plant a consistent tree line of 6 ft. Arborvitae trees. The Village Engineer suggested he and the Building Commissioner inspect and approve the placement of the trees before they are planted. Mr. Newman and the Planning Commission discussed and approves of the change. Mr. Newman reiterated that the trees must be at least 6 ft. tall when planted, if any die they will be replaced in a timely fashion, and if the site needs more density, more trees can be requested.
Fifth Third Bank - Bob Rutt
15 Bernwood Lane Property
Discussion: Mr. Bob Rutt of Fifth Third Bank was present. Mr. Rutt explained that Fifth Third took back the property at 15 Bernwood Lane and would like to finish the house that was started in 2002. A Structural Engineer and an Environmental Engineer will inspect the house and send their letters of approval to the Village Building Commissioner. Mr. Newman was concerned about the exterior Cedar on the house. It was exposed for many months without being treated. Mr. Potts explained that after receiving the letters from the Engineers he will need Mr. Rutt to re-apply for permits. Mr. Rutt explained that there will be no plan change.
Comments:
Mayor Renda announced the birth of Santo Incorvaia’s baby girl on July 22. Mayor Renda excused herself and left the meeting.
Mrs. Cooper inquired about the Lee Road Nursery landscaping and weeds. She noticed it was out of hand and has received complaints. Mr. Potts has also received complaints and has addressed this issue. He will look into this again.
Mr. Newman made a motion to adjourn the Planning Commission at 6:35 pm.
Motion carried.
ATTEST: