This meeting was called to order by Ed Humphrey, Chairperson at 7:00 PM.
The Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Upon roll call, the following members were present: Ed Humphrey, Joseph Uecker and Jean Schmidt.
The purpose of this meeting was a Public Hearing on Zoning Case # 414 - Torton Oil, SR 28.
Case #414 was called. The legal notice of public hearing, Clermont County Planning Commission and Staff reports and Miami Township Rural Zonning Commission's recommendation were read aloud. Mr. Mark Wardlaw, Director of Development for Thorton Oil Corporation came forward to present the case.
Mr. Wardlaw stated they propose a convenient gas and food mart. A traditional set up would be 8 pumps with a full size convenient store and this plan would include a full sized McDonald's. The building size would be 5400 square feet. The points of access will be at a signalized intersection. There will be significant space for pump access and movement. The plans call for considerable landscaping of the area. The property has been fully engineered. There is no problem for drainage. Mrs. Schmidt asked if any other buildings will be on the property. Mr. Wardlaw indicated the only possible addition would be a Mc Donald's indoor playland as part of the restaurant. There would be no additional seperate buildings.
Mr. Humphrey asked for comments from the adjoining property owners. There were no comments. There was no correspondence regarding Case #414.
Mr. Humphrey closed the open portion of Case #414.
The Broad discussed the recommendations.
Mrs. Schmidt made a motion to approve the Rural Zoning Commission's recommendation for Case #414, that it be rezoned from B Residential to B1 Commercial with the following considerations; requiring alignment of access points on the westerly boundary with the existing Mulberry Shopping Center driveway, participation in a written agreement and construction of a portion of a service drive to extend to the East that would connect with the proposed Meijer driveway, a signalized intersection, increase width of eastern access point to service beginning of service drive, increase landscaping along the western and northern boundaries, and storm water improvements and calculations to be submitted and approved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Uecker with all Board members voting "AYE".
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned by Mr. Humphrey.
ATTEST: _________________________________________________________ CLERK
_________________________________________________________ CHAIRPERSON
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