Three Oaks Township
Tuesday, September 26, 2006

The regular meeting of the Three Oaks Township Planning Commission was called to order at 
7:02 pm by Secretary Mangold.  (Vice Chair Snyder arrived moments later.)  Roll Call was 
taken with members: Jackson, Klute, Kramer, LaLone, Mangold, Mitchell and Snyder present, 
with Micinuas and Seifert absent.  Under Public Comment, Township resident, State Senator 
Ron Jelinek spoke out against the proposed five (5) acre, 330 feet road frontage 
requirement.  Senator Jelinek felt that that proposed larger parcel size requirement 
would exacerbate the problem of urban sprawl.  Senator Jelinek urged the Planning 
Commission to reconsider it's recommendation
of larger parcels in favor of the current ordinance of one (1) acre, 150 feet road 
frontage.  Attorney Larry Frankle, representing the Maloney brothers of the Three Oaks 
Hills PUD request, stated that his clients, Terry and Kevin Maloney, had discussions and 
meetings with representatives from the fire department, the Berrien County Drain Commission 
and the Berrien County Road Commission.  Attorney Frankle asked the Planning Commission 
for any additional comments or suggestions and asked that the Planning Commission set a 
date for a public hearing.

Secretary Mangold presented the minutes of the Tuesday, August 29, 2006 regular meeting.  
A motion by Jackson, supported by Klute, to accept the minutes of the August 29, 2006 
meeting minutes as presented.  The motion was approved 6-0.

Under Old Business, the Planning Commission agreed that another work session with Zoning 
Ordinance Consultant Charles Eckenstahler would be needed.  Mangold stated that Mr. 
Eckenstahler indicated that he is available on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 7:30 pm.  
By common consent the Planning Commission agreed to meet for a work session on that date 
and time.  Mangold would seek approval from Three Oaks Township Supervisor Charles Sittig 
and post the required notification should it be approved.

Under New Business, John Bickerstaff, 19292 Three Oaks Road has requested a change in 
his Special Land Use permit, granted on May 19, 1992, changing the amount of vehicles 
allowed for overnight parking from three (3) to six (6).  The Planning Commission agreed 
to place his request for change of conditions on the Special Land Use permit on the agenda 
for the Tuesday October 24, 2006 regular meeting.  The Planning Commission will not use 
it's option of a public hearing.  Secretary Mangold will send out letters to property 
owners within 300 feet of the Bickerstaff property indicating the request of change in 
conditions, informing them of impending action on October 24, 2006 and welcoming their 
comments.

Attorney Larry Frankle, representing Terry and Kevin Maloney of Three Oaks Hills, then 
presented the current conditions proposed for the Three Oaks Hill PUD permit and asked 
for comments from the Planning Commission.  Commission member Kramer stated that he 
still has a concern over the private road construction specifications regarding a gravel 
road as presented.  Attorney Frankle stated that there are still issues and conditions 
that can be imposed by the Planning Commission and asked that the Planning Commission 
proceed to set a public hearing date for the PUD permit request.  A motion by Jackson, 
supported by Klute, to hold a public hearing for the Three Oaks Hills PUD permit request 
on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 7:00 pm.  The motion was approved 7-0.

Susan Gilbert, representing the local chapter of the League of Women Voters, invited 
members of the Planning Commission to attend a panel discussion on the nature of growth 
in Michigan and the impacts of population and consumption on the environment and our 
quality of life.  The panel discussion will take place at the Vickers Theatre on 
Wednesday, October 11 at 7:30 pm.

Having no further business, a motion for adjournment by Jackson, supported by Kramer.  
The motion was approved 7-0.  The meeting was adjourned by Vice Chair Snyder at 7:32 pm.

Respectfully submitted,


George A. Mangold, Secretary