RESOLUTIONS
191. A Resolution granting Special Use Permit #S-02-09 to Lighthouse Full Life Center Church Battle Creek, P.O. Box 9337 Wyoming, MI 49509, to allow a church/worship and community outreach center located at the former Roosevelt Elementary School, 485 Capital Avenue SW, Parcel # 3590-00-001-0.
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Motion to approve
Moved By: Chris Simmons City Commissioner
Supported By: Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Pastor Eric Tolbert of Lighthouse Full Life Center noted the importance of the community outreach center at Roosevelt Elementary School which will bring hope to the community.
Grace Collins supported the special use and welcomed Pastor Tolbert and his wife to the community.
Attorney Wicklund noted the Planning Commission has approved the special use permit with five conditions. She asked for the Commission to discuss the five conditions and eight standards.
Comm. Simmons was concerned that the Commission would be setting precedence regarding not allowing the church to oppose liquor licenses within 500 feet.
Attorney Wicklund said her office had researched the issue of the two churches being located in commercial districts and did not believe that there was a problem regarding future liquor establishments under the Religious Land Use and Institutional Persons Act.
Comm. Godfrey was concerned about granting a special use to this church when a church with a similar name abandoned a building downtown.
Rev. Tolbert stated his church was not affiliated with the downtown facility.
Comm. Thompson felt the special use was a great use of the building and questioned future parking requirements if the congregation grows.
Attorney Wicklund stated the church currently has 75 members and could grow to 140 members and still have enough parking spaces.
Comm. Simmons stated a current playground area could be converted to a parking area for any future needs.
Comm. Yankama stated the City could not have enough church related opportunities in town.
Vice Mayor Walker agreed with the five attached conditions and approved of the special use permit.
Mayor Behnke asked commissioners to read into the record some of the basis of determination.
Comm. Hersha supported the special use and felt it would make a positive impact on the neighborhood. (Standard a)
Mayor Behnke read Standard b.
Comm. Thompson read Standard c.
Comm. Yankama commented that it is not good to have a vacant building and approved the special use for the church. (Standard c)
Vice Mayor Walker read Standard e.
Comm. Sofia read Standard f.
Comm. Simmons read Standard g.
Mayor Behnke commented that the church will comply with all of the City's codes. (Standard h)
Comm. Baldwin felt there should be a more efficient way of going through the process and noted the proposed building could be near a potential liquor establishment within 500 feet. (Standard i)
Mayor Behnke noted the five conditions of approval which included a plan for additional parking spots if membership grows more than 160 members, all necessary permits shall be obtained from the Building Inspections Department, no objection to any liquor license within 500 feet, no change in use or occupancy of land, and occupancy permits shall expire after one year if the use is not under construction or maintained.
Votes For = 9
Susan Baldwin City Commissioner
John Godfrey City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Chris Simmons City Commissioner
Mark Behnke Mayor
Sherry Sofia City Commissioner
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Tony Walker Vice Mayor
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED
192. A Resolution setting a Closed Session immediately following the regular City Commission Meeting on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, in Room 302A, City Hall, Battle Creek, Michigan, on a labor matter.
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Motion to approve
Moved By: Chris Simmons City Commissioner
Supported By: Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Votes For = 9
Susan Baldwin City Commissioner
John Godfrey City Commissioner
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner
Chris Simmons City Commissioner
Mark Behnke Mayor
Sherry Sofia City Commissioner
Diane Thompson City Commissioner
Tony Walker Vice Mayor
Andrew Yankama City Commissioner
MOTION APPROVED |