Chesterton Advisory Plan Commission members agreed Thursday they need time to study a recently completed draft comprehensive plan update before making any substantive comments.

To be better prepared for the Jan. 21 commission meeting, at which the plan will be discussed in detail, members favored town manager Bernie Doyle’s suggestion to conduct a workshop to familiarize themselves with the draft document made available to the commission this week.

President Fred Owens recommended a Saturday workshop to allow sufficient time to review the draft plan. “Comments on it would be premature now.”

Commission member Jeff Trout said there’s no reason to fast-track the update’s consideration. It will amend but not replace the still-current 2004 comprehensive plan. At some point the commission will conduct a public hearing prior to making its recommendation to the Town Council for final action.

Owens suggested that at the workshop commission members also may wish to discuss a proposal from a group of town business owners regarding changes to the sign ordinance. Chesterton/Duneland Chamber of Commerce executive director Heather Ennis, representing the business owners but not the chamber itself, presented the recommendations last night.

They deal with perpendicular blade signage, wayfinding signage appropriately placed in the public right-of-way, sandwich-board signs located so as not to impede predestrian traffic, certain window signage and the ability to change the color or name on a sign without changing its overall structure.

Member George Stone said the current sign ordinance already addresses some of the requests but not others. Ennis and building commissioner Dave Novak said in some places the ordinance appears to contradict itself, or the permitted use is hard to find.

Ennis also said the business owners involved represent both downtown and East Indian Boundary Road, and they would hope the sign changes would be applicable for any business in the entire town although the intent is not to conflict with current individual development ordinances that regulate signs at specific locations.

After a brief discussion who should be involved in developing draft sign changes --- the commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Town Council --- Owens said as president of the BZA he will bring up the matter during Tuesday’s meeting to inform that board, which hears sign ordinance appeals, of the pending proposals.

Commission and BZA member Sig Niepokoj said it’s a courtesy to keep everybody in the loop.

Stone said he wants to be sure there is a plan of action rather than having multiple boards consider Ennis’ request to death.

On another matter, The Village at Pope’s Farm developer Cliff Fleming updated the commission on his pre-conceptual plans for an 81-acre residential/commercial project proposed for the southwest corner of Indiana 49 and County Road 950N.

Recently a conservation design walk-through for the property was conducted, said Fleming. Plan Commission and Chesterton Stormwater Management Board member Tom Kopko encouraged Fleming to work with the town’s MS4 coordinator, who administers the federal stormwater requirements locally.

Fleming said MS4 is mandatory for development now and MS4 coordinator Jennifer Gadzala’s input will be part of the process.

Long-time commission member Mike Bannon, who did not seek reappointment, was absent. Those present praised Bannon for his professionalism and planning insights. “I learned a lot from Mike,” said Owens.

Stone said Bannon also served on the BZA and Town Council, and his input will be missed.

Fleming said although he didn’t always agree with Bannon, “His dedication, passion and time were appreciated. His efforts were extraordinary.”

Bannon will be replaced in January by new member Jeff Ton.

Posted 12/18/2009