The Plan Commission of Winona Lake, Indiana met Tuesday, January 13, 2009 in the Town Hall at 4:30 p.m. Noted as present:

Members: Mike Grill, Mark Workman, Dave Turner, Lynette Dick, and Craig Allebach

Others: Dick Leaf, Town Building Commissioner, Larry Long, Town Engineer, and Retha Hicks as secretary.

Mike Grill, Plan Commission President, opened the meeting. Minutes were approved.

Garrett Howell, owner of the storage units on 225S, was present to request permission for an off premise sign. The sign would be 2 – 6 x 12’ stacked; double sided signs on a steel post. It would meet all the setback requirements. Dick Leaf stated an owner may only have one off premise sign and Mr. Howell already requested one on the corner of Packerton and Pierceton Roads. Also, the ordinance only allows two signs on a property which Mr. Howell has three on the fence of his storage unit currently. The height will be 6 feet from the bottom of the first sign. Mr. Howell stated he would not install the sign on Pierceton Road if he is only allowed one off premise sign.

Mike did not think the sign on 225S would be classified as an off premise sign. Mike does not believe that what is permissible on your own property be dictated by what the neighborhood desires. Craig thought the Plan Commission is charged to do what is best for the community. Lynette would like to have the issue tabled until everyone can study the sign ordinance to determine what constitutes a billboard or an off premise sign, etc. Then make the changes to the sign ordinance to reflect the direction the town wants to go. Mike and Mark thought the request does not warrant being presented to the Plan Commission for a decision as it already meets the requirements of the ordinance. Dave would like to look at the ordinance and really is against billboards. Mike stated his personal opinion may not agree with this but he is just addressing the ordinance. Mark Workman made a motion to allow Dick Leaf to issue a building permit as the ordinance is written (500 square feet or less); Dave Turner seconded; motion passed with three yes votes, Dave, Mark and Mike.

Lawns of the Court Plat – The owners of the lots on the Northwest and Southeast corners of the Lawns of the Court property are requesting those sections of the alley be vacated. Until the alley in the middle of court is installed, the other two corners would not be able to vacate. Larry Long had a map denoting the vacation request; the public hearing had been duly advertised; the petitioner had contacted all the property owners and the ordinances have been written. Access to the utility easements has been addressed in the ordinances. Craig made a motion to recommend to the Town Council to vacate the Northwest and Southeast corners of the alley around Lawns of the Court property; seconded by Dave; passed. Chris Volkers requested the Plan Commission address the Northeast corner. Not all the lots were in the ad so they would not be able to address the issue at this meeting. David Koontz asked about the easement that ran between his and his neighbor’s property. It was recommended that he file a quick claim deed. It is a civil issue between the two owners.

Brent Wilcoxson stated the town’s long range plan is 40 years old. He requested the commission discuss what the town would like to look like and how to address it.

Meeting adjourned.

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Mike Grill, Plan Commission President Retha Hicks, Secretary