This meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Ed Humphrey, Chairperson for the purpose of a public hearing for Case #413.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Upon roll call the following members were present; Ed Humphrey, Joe Uecker and Jean Schmidt.
Case #413, Miami Township Trustees, was called. Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to waive reading the notice of public hearing, County Planning Commission and Staff reports and the recommendation of the Miami Township Rural Zoning Commission. This motion was seconded by Mr. Uecker with all members voting "AYE". Mr. John Korfhagen, Township Attorney, came forward to present the case. Mr. Korfhagen stated this case was at the request of the Miami Township Trustees to re-zone property owned by Mr. Dan Rolfes, or Holiday Homes, Inc., located on St. Rt. 28 east of Branch Hill Guinea Pike. Mr. Korfhagen gave a brief background of the case which actually started a number of years ago when Mr. Rolfes applied for a zone change to "T" Mobile Home Park, which was denied by the prior Board of Trustees. Mr. Rolfes took that matter to court and was successful in having the court declare the current zoning of that property, which is "B" Residential, to be unconstitutional because it could not be developed in an economically feasible manner. The court then gave this Board of Trustees an opportunity to re-zone the property in a reasonable period of time. Pursuant to the court's mandate Mr. Korfhagen contacted Menelaos Triantafillou, Township Planner, and asked him to review the site, to review all of the proposed uses around the site and all of the existing uses around the site and make a recommendation to this Board. On or about June 6th this Board reviewed Mr. Triantafillou's report and suggested that the appropriate zoning would be I-A/I-B based upon the finding of that report. The report and zone change request was sent to the Clermont County Planning Commission, the Staff recommended approval and the Planning Commission recommended denial by a vote of 3 to 2. It then went to the Miami Township Zoning Commission who recommended approval and it is now before the Board of Trustees for their decision. Mr. Korfhagen stated that the Board has had the report from Mr. Triantafillou which is detailed and speaks for itself and this is the second time it has been in front of this Board. Mr. Korfhagen stated that Mr. Rolfes' counsel, Mr. C. Francis Barrett, contacted Mr. Korfhagen and indicated that they will not be here tonight to oppose this request. The reason given to Mr. Korfhagen was that they believe that this may in fact be a feasible use for this site and Mr. Rolfes is going to attempt to market it as such, that he still believes the Mobile home park use is the most appropriate use but Mr. Rolfes does not believe it is necessary or in his interest to appear tonight to oppose the zone change request. Mr. Korfhagen stated that was the explanation given to him by Mr. Barrett.
Mr. Humphrey asked if there was a report from the property owner or if anyone wanted to speak for the property owner. There was no report or person to speak for the property owner.
Mr. Humphrey asked for adjoining property owners to come forward. Mrs. Elaine Miller came forward with concerns regarding traffic and if there was some other zone it could be changed to. Board members noted that any change in the property will make a change in the traffic patterns. Mrs. Schmidt stated that the court has disallowed residential use of that property and the other uses were looked at by the Township Planner. Mrs. Schmidt stated that within the zoning amendment there will be a site plan review for the I-A/I-B development which will let the Township be involved somewhat in the planning phase for traffic patterns. Mrs. Schmidt stated that there are pluses to the property being zoned something other than residential and the fact that the court has disallowed residential use they have to look at another alternative and they felt this was the most appropriate alternative use. Another plus is that the I-A/I-B will bring in the highest revenue of tax dollars which benefits the community in many ways like the schools which will not add children into the schools but it does bring workers into the community, workers bring in a tax base, it allows for other jobs to be created and this creates a better economic environment and direct revenue to the schools. Mr. Humphrey stated if the Industrial zoning adjoins residential property, there are requirements for setbacks and buffers to help minimize the impact. Mr. Uecker stated it does give us more control in community planning.
Mr. Humphrey asked for any other adjoining property owners to come forward. No other adjoining property owners came forward. There was no correspondence regarding this case.
Mr. Humphrey asked for concerned citizens to come forward who wished to address the board. Mr. Kevin Miller, of Highland County, came forward and stated he did not have a current zoning resolution, but he was concerned about the types of industrial uses, traffic patterns and buffers. Mr. Korfhagen stated the resolution Mr. Miller has is not the current resolution and many things have changed. The Board advised Mr. Miller that many changes have been made and there is no longer the pyramid in the I-A/I-B that there used to be.
Mr. Mike Eclelman, 1128 Glen Echo Lane, came forward to state he is in favor of the Industrial zoning.
Mr. Dan Stacey, 6088 Donna Jay Drive, came forward to thank the Board for taking the appropriate action to have more control.
Ms. Jacqueline Pack, came forward to state she does have property adjoining the Holiday Homes property and she is in favor of the Industrial zoning and it would be more advantageous for her property.
Mr. Kevin Miller came forward again to ask about offices and spot zoning. Mrs. Schmidt stated they looked at the facts of an office park versus I-A/I-B really presents about the same opportunity for the Township and the kinds of Industry that have been coming into the Township currently are things like International Paper, James River, Downing Displays, Sefla, and they feel those types of Industrial businesses will continue coming into the Township included on this site. Mr. Humphrey added that the Township Planner did a detailed study as to the best and most appropriate use for that site and he recommended the Industrial. Mr. Uecker stated that he feels the Industrial could bring in a higher tax return than the office. Mr. Miller asked if the adjoining property owners would be able to voice their opinion regarding the site plan review. The Board advised Mr. Miller that the Township is not required to advise the surrounding properties of the site plan review. The Board advised that this is not spot zoning because of the surrounding properties, their current zoning and the current businesses that are there.
The open portion of Case #413 was closed by Mr. Humphrey. Board members discussed the recommendation of the Township Planner and the fact that it was initiated by the Board.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve the recommendation of the Miami Township Rural Zoning Commission and to approve the zone change request. This motion was seconded by Mr. Uecker with all board members voting "AYE".
The board stated they had met earlier and interviewed an applicant for the Service Department. Mr. Uecker made a motion that they hire Jeff Allen Kidder to conditional employment conditional upon passing the required pre-employment testing procedures, and to be hired to the position of Maintenance Worker 3 Step 2 at a rate of $10.08 an hour. This motion was seconded by Mrs. Schmidt with all board members voting "AYE".
At this time the board explained to the public the Mr. Knepp will address the Board about the possible use of land that is owned by the Township on St. Rt. 50 and Sugar Camp Road. At this time the Board took a short recess. The meeting was re-convened.
Mr. Bill Knepp came forward with a presentation of his vision of the property on St. Rt. 50 at Sugar Camp Road. Mr. Knepp introduced the Board to the Performing Center Inc., of Milford. In attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Tom Stitt who will be working with the Ministerial association and the churches and to make sure the proposed park will be kept on the high road. Miss. Linda Roll is the founder and President of the Milford Theater Guild; Mr. Jerry Rooms will be a part of the artistic values; Mr. Bill Reynolds who is their legal counsel, and Mr. Dan Stout, CCM, and he is their Member at Large and will be presenting the work to the Board. Mr. Knepp stated that they are requesting of the Trustees to lease the land for 99 years for one dollar ($1.00) per year. Mr. Knepp stated he has walked the ground and there is much wildlife, wild flowers, and many different kinds of trees. Mr. Knepp stated this in no way has anything to do with the up-coming park levy and that they will do everything they can to help the levy pass. Mr. Knepp stated they would like to have a performance center at that site and call it Miami Glen. Mr. Knepp stated they would not ask the Trustees or tax payers for any money at all, and they look for the development to be done by one (1) minute after 12:00, January 1, 2000.
Mr. Dan Stout stated this center will consist of the performing and the finer arts. Mr. Stout noted that he has been involved with the Theatre for 20 years by building and designing sets for community theaters. Mr. Stout asked the Trustees to open the book, they were given, to the overlay pages. Mr. Stout explained how the development of the center would progress. First they would keep the trails and natural open spaces, they would like to put a theatre on the larger open space and have a Hamlets Inn on the smaller open space. The second overlay showed the theatre complex, parking areas, picnic and arts festival area, a dance pavilion and a fishing area. Mr. Stout noted that there would be an outdoor amphitheater, an all weather theatre and a canoe livery. The next overlay showed an equestrian sports arena, landscaping, bleachers and gazebos. The last overlay showed the development completed that will attract people from different centers of interest. There will be a shallow pond that will easily freeze in the winter for ice skating or ice hockey, in the summer it will be a show place for water plants. Mr. Stout stated that with the support of the East Fork Council of Little Miami Inc., they pledge the maintenance of this area to their guidelines for the ecological benefit of all. There will be educational trail walks with actors playing parts along the trail. Mr. Stout stated this whole complex would be very educational with the possibility of plays, polo matches, rugby, and the trail of history.
Mr. Knepp addressed the Board to explain the trail of histories. At this time there was some entertainment from two actors of the Milford Theatre Guild. Mr. Knepp noted they will have about 50 to 60 employees to take care of this complex, some would be volunteers who wish to further their arts. Mr. Knepp stated they hoped to have horse drawn carriages for senior citizens and the handicapped.
Mr. Bill Reynolds, Legal Counsel, came forward to state that they are a non profit corporation formed under the Ohio Revised Code and as such non of the members of their board have or will receive any compensation for serving as members of the board. All funding for the project will go into the construction and operation of the complex and continuing the performing arts center. Some of the funds will come from private donations, grants, admissions and exhibitors fees. There will be an annual financial statement. Mr. Reynolds stressed that this will be a complete family center. Mr. Reynolds stated they have to have a lease in order to obtain their funding and grants. Mr. Reynolds stated they are going to assist in retiring the note that is on the property now. There will be a policy of insurance which will be paid by the Performing Center Inc.
Mr. Gary Knepp, Vice President of the East Fork River Council of Little Miami Inc., came forward to state they plan to obtain state scenic river designation and to give full support to this project. Mr. Knepp stated that the Performing Arts Center has stated they will not develop within 125 feet of the river, that is a distance that is recognized by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as the minimum distance necessary to protect the habitat of the river. Mr. Knepp stated that the complex plans to have a canoe access and the type of recreational development planned is fully compatible with the Little Miami Inc's. goals and objectives.
Mr. Bill Knepp read a letter from Mark Sedaka, of the Cincinnati Polo Club, supporting the project.
The Trustees agreed that it is an exciting vision and they need more time to study the project report given to them tonight. Mr. Knepp told the Trustees that most of the applications for grants need to be filed by October 15. The Trustees agreed to speak more on the matter at their September 19 meeting. The Trustees asked who the actors were that performed for the Board tonight. Mr. Knepp introduced Steve and Barb Russell.
Mr. Korfhagen stated he would like to get with Mr. Reynolds to talk.
Mr. David Duckworth, Township Administrator asked that Mr. Korfhagen discuss with Mr. Reynolds the lease agreement the Township has with Mr. Young, to determine if it meets with the desires of the organization.
Ms. Linda Roll, President of the Milford Theatre Guild, came forward in complete support of the project and would like to see this kind of Arts Center in Miami Township so people would not have to go the downtown Cincinnati for this kind of entertainment.
Mr. Jerry Rooms, who is on the Board of the Performing Center Inc., came forward to state there are many kinds of festivals that could come to this complex and is in support of the project.
Mr. Steve Russell came forward to add his support of the project.
Mr. Steven White came forward in support of the project.
Ms. Marcia Greenwald came forward in support of the project and feels this would be a very good family activity.
Mr. Kevin Miller, of Highland County, came forward and asked if they had looked into the flood plain issues, if the residents will be able to view plans for the complex and how difficult will it be to get the canoe access. Mr. Knepp stated the woods would be the only area affected by a flood, the Little Miami Inc., will help with the canoe access, and residents will be able to view the plans.
Mr. Duckworth wanted the public to know that this property is not included in the current master plan for the development of parks in Miami Township because it is land banked. The master plan does include the 170 acres near St. Rt. 131 and Dry Run Road, there is an option to by 26 acres off of Price Road and there are plans to expand the Lemming house at Buckwheat Park. These improvements will be made when a levy is passed.
The Board advised the public that the Chairperson of the Parks Levy Committee, Mary Wolff, is present and will be able to answer questions regarding the levy that will be on the November ballot.
The meeting was open for public comment. There was no public comment.
With no further business to come before the board the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 P.M. by Mr. Humphrey.
ATTEST: ACTING CLERK
CHAIRPERSON
Mr. William Knepp spoke of 3 wishes for Miami Township. 1. In 2001 the completion and dedication of the Miami Glen Amphitheatre will take place. 2. A new name for the Township and 3. The Township would become incorporated.
With no other business to come before the Board Vice Chairperson Humphrey adjourned the meeting at 7:45PM.
ATTEST: _________________________________________________________________ Eric C. Ferry, Clerk
_________________________________________________________________ Edwin H. Humphrey, Vice Chairperson