The Plan Commission of Winona Lake, Indiana met Tuesday, November 14, 2006 in the Town Hall at 4:30 p.m.  Noted as present:

 

Members:                    Craig Allebach, Mike Grill, Jeff Carroll, Dave Turner, and Rolly Ortega

 

Others:                        Dick Leaf, Town Building Commissioner, Brent Wilcoxson, and Retha Hicks as secretary

 

Mike Grill, Plan Commission President, opened the meeting.  The minutes for September and October were accepted.

 

Zoning Ordinance – Dick Leaf recommended the committee change the parking spaces requirement for theaters, meeting halls, and auditoriums “one space for each 6 seats” to 4 seats. Current buildings average about 2.8 per parking lot for Rodeheaver and 4.7 people per church parking lot.  This change would affect new construction.  Dick does not know the Orthaepedic Center ratio.  Craig will get the count on the parking spaces.  Craig made a motion and Rolly seconded; it was passed

 

Jeff was concerned about Grace College and housing in regards to last month’s decision on family.

 

The Winona Lake Town Council will be discussing three vacation requests:  a section of land near 307 Kings Court; a right of way north of Camelot Dr on Elder Lane; and Park Avenue that continues to the lake.  Grace Village would like to put a sidewalk in the right of way and would not agree with the vacation.

 

A property owner is requesting to install an off premise sign (6x12 billboard) at the corner of Packerton and 225S.  The Plan Commission has the authority to approve an off premise sign.  The billboard will be located on 225S.  Craig does not agree with having a sign in a neighborhood; it doesn’t fit the area.  Rolly does not want to approve it because it would distract drivers at a busy intersection.  Craig made a motion to deny the request; Jeff seconded it.

 

Dick has requested the committee decide if the front door needs to face the street.  Dick stated it is difficult to fit a 1,000 sq. ft house on a 40’ wide lot and have the door face the front.  Craig thinks the front door should face the front/the street.  The town may not restrict modulars because of state law.  The town may restrict mobile homes because they are not a permanent home.  Neighborhood associations or subdivision covenants may restrict if they are an active group.  Rolly made a motion that the front door must face the street and Dave seconded it; approved.

 

The committee was asked to continue to review the current updated ordinance along with Dick’s questions for next month’s meeting.

 

 

___________________________________              ______________________________

Mike Grill, Plan Commission President                      Retha S. Hicks, Secretary