Munson Township
Single Family Conservation Development
Minutes – August 14, 2000
Page 2
Single Family Conservation Development Meeting
Munson Township
Minutes of
August 14, 2000
Chairman Ron Atkinson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Ted Berr, Andy Bushman, Jeff Fanger, Irene McMullen, Kevin Metcalf, Renee Paolino, Todd Petersen, Todd Ray, and Gail Roussey were present.
Mr. Fanger moved and Ms. Roussey seconded to approve the minutes of July 19, 2000, as written. Motion carried.
Mr. Ray presented introductory information about the proposed development, Pine View Lake, located in Munson Township on Wilson Mills Road. He then introduced the developer of the proposed site, Jerry Petersen.
Mr. J. Petersen described the plans for Pine View Lake, noting the development will include a pavilion, areas for swimming, volleyball and basketball courts, and a clubhouse. Approximately 50% of the land would be dedicated as a conservation easement to be held by a land trust such as the Chagrin River Land Conservancy.
Since the soil was determined to be unsuitable for traditional individual septic systems, Mr. J. Petersen explained that residential units would be connected to a wastewater treatment system, to be described in detail by a representative from Sheaffer – Sweeney International later at this meeting. He noted that this wastewater system requires a minimal number of trees to be cut, and it would not impact the Chagrin River, of which a branch runs through the property. Mr. J. Petersen added that if the EPA approved the proposed septic system, the Geauga County [Department of Water Resources] eventually would take over maintenance of the system for a fee.
Mr. Atkinson asked committee members to address questions to Mr. J. Petersen regarding Pine View Lake. Ms. McMullen asked if there would be individual wells and private streets; Mr. J. Petersen answered yes to both questions. Both Ms. McMullen and Mr. Atkinson emphasized the importance of the concept of “density neutral” in Pine View Lake – a major concept of single family conservation.
At this juncture, Mr. Tom Sweeney from Sheaffer – Sweeney International joined the meeting. Mr. Sweeney explained the Sheaffer-designed wastewater treatment system, noting that the system costs less to build, operate, and maintain than traditional systems. He emphasized that there is no odor emanating from this system, and the lagoons or “wastewater cells” actually have aesthetic value. For the Pine View Lake development – about 33 homes – this system would require 15 to 20 acres of irrigation system and probably only one lagoon measuring about ¾ of an acre and 26 feet deep for the wastewater cell. Mr. Sweeney indicated that the system could have two wastewater cells if it is deemed necessary.
Committee members then directed questions to both Mr. Sweeney and to Mr. J. Petersen. Ms. Roussey asked for more details about the irrigation system. Mr. Sweeney explained the system could be placed within the easement. Mr. Fanger was concerned about a one-cell system, inquiring how many one-celled systems had the company installed to which Mr. Sweeney answered, about 15% to 20%. Mr. Fanger also asked had any system failed. Mr. Sweeney indicated none had. Mr. Atkinson inquired about the process of putting in the system, i.e. the legal process. Mr. J. Petersen reiterated that if the OEPA approved the system, the local Geauga County Department of Water Resources could maintain the system. He further noted that this system was the best of all available options of wastewater treatment. Mr. Metcalf asked about the amount of discharge produced by this system. Mr. Sweeney said probably about ½ inch per week for 36 weeks over the 15 acre irrigation system. Mr. Bushman raised the issue of the importance of the development being density neutral.
Other issues that arose during the question and answer period include: what are the benefits of this development, why modify present zoning? Mr. J. Petersen pointed out that this development was a meaningful step to preserve open space and it will help protect the Chagrin River. The private roads in the development means there will be no added services by local government. Mr. Ray did point out that the land in the Pine View Lake development could not have met present zoning requirements and therefore may not be a good representation of the conservation development concept.
After the departure of Mr. J. Petersen and Mr. Sweeney, the committee discussed how single family conservation can be applied to the remaining land that is zoned for both 5 acre and 2 ½ acre parcels. Mr. Atkinson questioned whether this committee should recommend smaller lots than 2 ½ acres. Mr. Ray and Mr. Atkinson had spoken with Becky Schlag, the Assistant County Prosecutor, and the discussion was not encouraging regarding consideration of lots smaller than 2 ½ acres. Dave Dietrich, director of the Geauga County Planning Commission, suggested looking at the 5 acre parcels and considering them for 2 ½ acre parcels for conservation development. There was some question as to whether the legal process would bring the issue to the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Zoning Commission. Mr. Atkinson and Mr. Fanger voiced concern that if this committee proposes lots smaller than 2 ½ acres, then the whole concept of conservation development for Munson Township may be at risk. Todd Petersen suggested the committee propose smaller lot sizes than 2 ½ to reflect the importance of saving a meaningful portion of the land in a development. The committee reached a tentative agreement to recommend only what Mr. Dietrich suggested and what Ms. Schlag felt comfortable defending, that is, lots no smaller than 2 ½ acres. This committee would add to the report that we disagree with this compromise.
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 18th at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.
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Ron Atkinson, Chairman Paula Friebertshauser, Secretary
*Thanks to Renee Paolino for covering for Paula and doing a terrific job on the minutes!