City of Auburn Hills Planning Commission Agenda March 14, 2018 Meeting Agenda Item No. 8b.

83 Pages·2017·31.83 MB·English

by  Kathleen Novak

AGENDA
The City of Auburn Hills
Regular Planning Commission / Recreation Commission Meeting
Wednesday, March 14, 2018  7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Robert W. Grusnick Public Safety Building
1899 N. Squirrel Road  Auburn Hills MI
PHONE: [phone]  www.auburnhills.org
Meeting minutes are on file in the City Clerk’s office.

1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL OF PLANNING COMMISSION

3. PERSONS WISHING TO BE HEARD (regarding items not on the agenda)

3a. Recognition of Shawn Keenan’s promotion to City Planner.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 14, 2018

5. PETITIONERS

6. SPECIAL PLANNING PROJECTS

6a. Recess as Planning Commission / Convene as Recreation Commission

6b. Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant application
Public Hearing/Motion – Approval to submit the proposed Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant application
for Kayak Point Park.

6c. Adjourn as Recreation Commission / Reconvene as Planning Commission.

7. OLD BUSINESS - None

8. NEW BUSINESS

8a. City of Auburn Hills Amphitheater and Splash Pad – Riverside Park
Presentation and overview of project.

8b. Master Land Use Plan
Motion - Support the Draft Amendment to the Master Land Use Plan in Concept and Forward to the City Council
Requesting Permission to Distribute Per State Law.

8c. Motion – To cancel the April 11, 2018 Regular Planning Commission meeting.

9. COMMUNICATIONS - None

9a. General overview of the road construction project on Auburn Road in Downtown

10. NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING – May 9, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.

11. ADJOURNMENT

 NOTE: Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) is asked to contact the City Clerk's Office at 248-370-9402 or the City Manager's Office at 248-370-9440 48 hours prior
to the meeting. Staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements. If you wish to receive the Planning Commission
meeting agenda on a regular basis via e-mail please call 248-364-6900 and request to be added to the distribution list.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PETITIONERS

Items will be presented to the City Council on March 26, 2018. It will be necessary for you to have a

representative present to answer any questions from the City Council. CITY COUNCIL WILL NOT

ACT ON YOUR ITEM IF YOU OR YOUR REPRESENTATIVE ARE NOT PRESENT.
CITY OF AUBURN HILLS
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES

February 14, 2018

1. CALL TO ORDER: Planning Commission Chairperson Ouellette called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL: Present: Beidoun, Moniz, Ochs, Ouellette, Pierce, Shearer
Absent: Hitchcock, Mendieta, Pederson
Also Present: Assistant City Planner Shawn Keenan, City Engineer Timothy Juidici
Guests: 24

LOCATION: City Council Chamber, 1827 N. Squirrel Roads, Auburn Hills, MI 48326

3. PERSONS WISHING TO BE HEARD: NONE

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 10, 2018

Moved by Ms. Ochs to approve the minutes of January 10, 2018.
Supported by Mr. Beidoun

VOTE: Yes: All
No: None Motion Carried (6-0)

5. PETITIONERS

5a. Sumerlyn Site Condominiums (7:05 p.m.)

Mr. Keenan introduced the request from Pulte Homes of Michigan, LLC (Pulte) to construct an R-1A, Open
Space Development on 12.1 acres of land located on the south side of Bald Mountain Road, east of Phillips
Road. The property is zoned R-1A, One Family Residential District.
Mr. Keenan informed the Commission that in 2006, an Open Space Development called South Valley was
approved by the City Council on this site. But the proposal did not move forward because of the economic
downturn. He explained the proposed PUD has been submitted in accordance with the Northeast Corner
Neighborhood Master Plan which was amended in September 2016 as well as the Zoning Ordinance updated in
2017 which now allows developments with a housing density up to 3.0 units per acre, if 25 percent of the site
preserved as open space.
Mr. Keenan indicated the development would consist of 36 detached one-family homes situated along a new
private road to be named Sumerlyn Court. Approximately three acres of open space will be provided along with
a walking trail. The overall density is 2.97 units per acre. The ranch-style houses will be developed as owner-
occupied, with two car garages, and some age-friendly features. The anticipated base price of the homes will
start around $350,000.
Mr. Keenan noted two key issues. The first relates to the 3.03 acres of land that will be dedicated in perpetuity
as open space area. He explained that a portion of the open space is located along Bald Mountain Road per
the Zoning Ordinance to help continue the semi-rural feel of the roadway. Further, the open space area will be
heavily landscaped thereby providing an ample buffer of the condominium from those traveling along Bald
Mountain Road and help preserve the natural setting of the area.

The second issue relates to the traffic on Bald Mountain Road. Mr. Keenan mentioned City staff was contacted
by two residents and a representative from Oakland Christian Schools expressing concerns about the traffic
generated by the proposed development and the affect it might have at the intersection Bald Mountain Road,
Auburn Hills Planning Commission
February 14, 2018
Page 2 of 7

Phillips Road and Lapeer Road. In response to that concern, the proposed development has been designed
with a focus on accommodating the growing senior population and that this target population does not generate
as much traffic during standard peak driving times during the work week as traditional developments. He stated
that the City’s Engineer also determined that the traffic generated from the proposed development will not to
have a negative impact on traffic along Bald Mountain Road.
Mr. Keenan noted construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2018 with completion taking place
sometime in 2020. The overall investment in the project is estimated at $9 million.
Mr. Joe Skore of Pulte Group, 100 Bloomfield Hills Parkway, Suite 150, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304
explained that the development was designed for the active adult demographic that include empty nesters,
retirees and people looking to downsize to a smaller home. This development will offer ranch style homes with
master bedrooms on the main floor, higher outlets on the walls, as well as other amenities that are designed for
the mature home owner.

Mr. Pierce asked about the options with the floor plans.

Mr. Skore indicated that buyers have the options of a basement or slab design.

Mr. Pierce asked if the sidewalk ramp and pathway along Bald Mountain Road will be redesigned to address the
City Engineers comments.

Mr. Skore confirmed the issues would be taken care of.

Mr. Keenan stated that the sidewalk ramp and pathway issues addressed in the Engineers review letter would
be addressed during the full engineering submittal, review, and approval.

Mr. Moniz questioned whose responsibility it would be to take care of the roads, sidewalks and truck traffic
during the construction of this project.

Mr. Skore stated that there would eventually be a Home Owners Association (HOA) with the development and
they will be the caretakers of the property, but until an HOA has been established, Pulte will oversee that the
property is maintained.

Mr. Judici stated that the bonds that are taken at the beginning of the project will cover the costs of any
damages done to the roads.

Mr. Ouellette asked about the filling in of the wetlands and what the grading will be in this area.

Mr. Skore stated that the grading plan has not yet been fully completed.

Mr. Fazal Kahn, Fazal Khan and Associates, Inc. 43279 Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights MI, 48313
stated that the plans call for filling in only a quarter acre of wetlands. At this time it is uncertain as to where they
will get the fill from, it might be shipped in.

Mr. Ouellette opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m.

Mr. Jeremiah Packham of 3378 Bald Mountain Road spoke in opposition to this proposal. He stated his
concerns regarding the wetlands, fencing concerns, and traffic concerns.

Mr. Keenan shared that the plans call for the use of a retention pond, not a detention pond and that the retention
pond is seen as a better method in managing the stormwater on the site and help preserve the hydrologic
function of the adjacent wetland. Mr. Keenan informed the Commission that the wetlands on the site were
identified as low-quality wetlands, by Pulte wetland consultants ASTI Environmental, based on the type of
vegetation present. He also noted that Pulte will be required to obtain a wetland permit from the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to fill the wetland. Mr. Keenen also indicated that the ordinance
Auburn Hills Planning Commission
February 14, 2018
Page 3 of 7

does not require a fence around the perimeter of the development since it’s a single family development
abutting a single family parcel.

Mr. Skore stated that landscape plan does not call for a fence and the plant material chosen for the landscape
portion are very good. The landscape materials selected are to help preserve the natural look of the area.

Mr. Judici shared that a traffic study was done of this area and that the development will generate less than 40
trips during the peak hours, which are split between traffic arriving at and leaving from the development. He
added that some of that traffic will be heading north to Dutton Road.

Mr. Dave Nothstien of 3396 Bald Mountain also spoke in opposition to this proposal. He stated his concerns
about the small lot sizes, land fill, and the traffic issues.

Mr. Moniz questioned Mr. Juidici as to whether or not a traffic study had been done in this area where Lapeer
Road, Phillips Road, and Bald Mountain Road come together.

Mr. Juidici stated that Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) owns the right-of-way and they are aware
that this area is a unique intersection. The area is being monitored, but at this time there has been no decision
to make any improvements.

Mr. Don Hughes of 3744 Bald Mountain also spoke in opposition to this project. He too is concerned about
traffic issues, light pollution and the rumors of more possible developments.

Mr. Ouellette questioned Mr. Skore as to the addition of street lighting. Mr. Skore stated that there would not be
many street lights added. If a light were to be added it would most likely be placed at the entrance and that the
light would be designed to meet the City’s lighting standards. He shared again that there should not be a huge
impact on traffic due to the age demographic they are designed for.

Mr. Ouellette also shared that there are other neighbors that are wanting the new developments to come to this
area and that they are the ones trying to attract people to purchase their properties. The Planning Commission
purpose is to review plans for developments to ensure they meet ordinance requirements. He also mentioned
that the Planning Commission makes a recommendation to the City Council, which then makes the final
decision.

Mr. David Lawon on 3342 Bald Mountain spoke in opposition to this project. He stated his concerns
regarding the traffic and pathway, the semis from the businesses across the street as well as the noise issue
from those businesses.

Mr. Keenan provided information about the pathway placement. He stated that when development comes in,
the plan is looked at, to determine if a pathway needs to be provided along the road as called out in the City’s
Pathway Plan. The proposed pathway along Bald Mountain Road is being installed by the developer, in
accordance with the City’s Pathway Plan, to help complete the pathway system in the area.

Mr. Keenan also asked for clarification as to when the noise was happening from the businesses and will send
Code Enforcement out to investigate.

Hearing no further comments, Mr. Ouellette closed the Public Hearing at 7:51 p.m.

Ms. Ochs informed the audience that Planning Commission has a responsibly to review the proposed plans and
determine of the proposed development meets the goals of the City’s Master Plan and the standards and
requirements of the City’s Zoning Ordinance. She indicated that, although this may be a difficult decision for
her, the property owner has a right to sell their land to a developer who can develop the site in accordance with
the City’s Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance, as is the right for all the property owners in the City.

Mr. Judici stated that OHM did not do a comprehensive traffic study of the area, but from the standpoint of this
development, it has been found that this Pulte development will not have a detrimental impact on the Lapper,
Phillips, Bald Mountain Road intersection.
Auburn Hills Planning Commission
February 14, 2018
Page 4 of 7

Moved by Mr. Pierce to recommend to City Council approval of combined PUD Step One – Qualification /
Step Two – Site Plan and Tree Removal Permit for Sumerlyn Site Condominiums subject to the
conditions of the administrative review team.
Supported by Mr. Beidoun

VOTE: Yes: Beidoun, Moniz, Ochs, Ouellette, Pierce, Shearer
No: None Motion Carried (6-0)

5b. The MiL (Midwest Innovation Lofts) a.k.a. Designhaus – 3300 Auburn Road (7:59 p.m.)

Mr. Keenan introduced the request from Designhaus Architecture to construct a four-story, 25,243 square foot
mixed-use building in Downtown Auburn Hills. The 0.16-acre site is located at the southeast corner of Auburn
Road and S. Squirrel Road and is zoned D, Downtown District. The site is currently being utilized as a City-
owned parking lot.

Mr. Keenan explained the proposed building is designed to accommodate a restaurant on the ground floor,
private office space on the second and third floors, and six loft-style apartments on the fourth floor. He noted
that Designhaus Architecture intends to relocate their firm from Rochester to this new landmark building. They
plan to occupy all of the third floor and half of the second floor with 20 to 30 employees. The remaining half of
the second floor will be marketed towards medical, automotive, education and design professionals all of which
will help generate daytime customers for the restaurants and retail shops located in the Downtown.

Mr. Keenan indicated the residential units would help generate more pedestrian traffic Downtown while the
restaurant will help create a cluster of food establishments that will stay open after 6:00 p.m., which is a key
ingredient to a prosperous downtown. The employees of the businesses occupying the office space will.

He informed the commission that the property to the south was recently purchased by the City’s Tax Increment
Financing Authority (TIFA) to help facilitate the alley design for this project and future development.
Improvements are being made as part of this project.

Mr. Keenan noted that construction of the project is anticipated to begin the first week in July 2018 and expected
to take one year to complete. The overall cost of the project is estimated to be $2.5 million.

Mr. Peter Stuhlreyer of Designhaus, 301 Walnut Blvd., Rochester MI 48307 stated that he is excited to be in
this central location. His design concept is one that will create an atmosphere of a Downtown area with an
urban feel. He mentioned that he would be moving his business from Rochester to this new building and stated
he might utilize one of the apartment units for future new employees that are relocating from outside the area.
Mr. Stuhlreyer explained his intentions to recruit a restaurant to occupy the first floor that will help draw more
people to the downtown.

Mr. Moniz questioned if a Liquor License would be needed for this location.

Mr. Stuhlreyer confirmed that he would be seeking a liquor license at this location. He also stated that this
design was created as a stackable structure with the restaurant on the bottom floor, the offices in the middle and
then the apartments on the top floor. The residents living in the apartments would have a back entrance to the
restaurant. He also mentioned that the second and third-floor office space would provide a nice buffer between
the restaurant and apartments.

Mr. Ouellette opened the public hearing at 8:15 p.m.

Dr. Carlo Ciaramitaro, owner of Auburn Village Family Dental Center, 3308 Auburn Road spoke in
opposition to this project. He stated his concerns regarding parking, the height of the building, drainage, and the
distance between the existing building and proposed building. He also had concerns about the number of liquor
licenses in the area and the truck traffic from all the construction. He also stated that he never received
notification of the meeting.
Auburn Hills Planning Commission
February 14, 2018
Page 5 of 7

Dr. Ciaramitaro voiced his disappointment that the City did not sell him the corner lot, which would have allowed
him to expand his business.

Dr. Ciaramitaro indicated that an easement was granted to the former Goodman Bowling Company to utilize the
alleyway. He also mentioned that there was a signed agreement with him and the City that allowed the City to
utilize the easement to access the City’s public parking lot located at the corner.

Mr. Beidoun asked if his main concern was regarding the parking.

Mr. Ciaramitaro clarified that he is concerned about the parking for all the businesses downtown.

Mr. Keenan stated that the downtown area has over 500 parking spaces which are more than enough spaces to
handle the businesses and residences in the downtown. The spaces include the angle parking spaces along
Auburn Road, the public parking lot behind Duffy’s, and the City’s parking structure. There are more parking
spaces in the City’s Downtown than what was available in 1990 and 2005. The proposed building will help the
City fulfill its vision of creating a vibrant downtown area. Mr. Keenan also noted that as part of the Auburn Hills
Road project this summer, one handicap parking space will be created along Auburn Road, in front of Dr.
Ciaramitaro’s building.

Jim Dieters owner of Duffy’s Restaurant located at 3320 Auburn Rd, spoke in favor of the project and
indicated that his business would not be impacted by the loss of the corner parking lot. However he understood
how the loss of the parking lot would impact some of the adjacent businesses.

Donna Quince-Cobb, the owner of Allstate Insurance located at 3312 Auburn Rd, spoke in opposition to
this project. She stated that while the concept is great, her concerns are for her business. Her customers want
convenient parking. She feels this project will take away from the parking downtown and that there needs to be
better signage for the municipal parking structure.

Charles Waterhouse, owner of Waterhouse Photography, 3306 Auburn Rd also spoke in opposition to this
project. He stated that his business works with the natural light and this new structure, at that height will take
away from his business.

Mr. Ouellette closed the public hearing at 8:46 p.m.

Mr. Keenan indicated the project was properly noticed and stated that a public notice was mailed to all
properties and property owners within 1,000 feet of the site on January 26, 2018. He also stated that the
applicant also sent a citizen participation letter 21 days before the meeting. The City only received two
responses; Dr. Ciaramitaro and the owner of the building Duffy’s Pub is located.

Mr. Beidoun asked if there were many complaints about parking in the downtown area.

Mr. Keenan stated that he is unaware of any parking complaints and that parking issues are signs of a
prosperous downtown and while it not always convenient to park in some places there are enough parking
spaces within walking distance to the all the businesses in the downtown area.

Mr. Pierce questioned the alleyway and if it goes all the way to the municipal parking structure. The parking
needs to be looked at to ensure that the parking is meeting the needs of those that are there.

Mr. Keenan stated that there had been no complaints from the tenants of the apartment complex. There are
more than 240 parking spaces in the municipal parking structure. Less than 100 spaces are reserved for the
apartments, leaving over 140 spaces open for the public.

Ms. Shearer advocated for those that are not able to walk with ease and questioned the number of handicapped
parking spaces.
Auburn Hills Planning Commission
February 14, 2018
Page 6 of 7

Mr. Keenan did state that a handicap space is being added in front of Dr. Ciaramitaro’s building and that there
was another space in front of the Yoursource building on Auburn Road, and a couple in the City’s parking lot
behind Duffy’s. He also indicated that staff would look into the issue further.

Moved by Mr. Beidoun to recommend to City Council, approval of the combined PUD Step One –
Qualification and Step Two – Site Plan approval for The Midwest Innovation Lofts to construct a mixed-
use building subject to the conditions of the administrative review team.
Supported by Mr. Moniz.

VOTE: Yes: Beidoun, Moniz, Ochs, Ouellette, Pierce, Shearer
No: None Motion Carried (6-0)

5c. Riverside Townes – 3321 Squirrel Court (8:50 p.m.)

Mr. Keenan introduced the request from the developer, Robertson Brothers Homes, to construct a residential
development on a 1.08-acre parcel of land located north of Squirrel Court, just east of Riverside Park. The
parcel is zoned R-4, One Family Residential District.

Mr. Keenan explained the proposed PUD would consist of three townhouse-style buildings totaling 14 owner-
occupied condominium units. Each building will be three stories tall and have a shingled peaked roof. Each
dwelling unit will be approximately 1,184 square feet in size and have a one car garage with a 20-foot parking
apron in front of each garage. The plans also include seven additional parking spaces for visitors.

Mr. Keenan stated to help accommodate the condominium’s visitor parking needs, and the fire truck turning
radius/movements requested by the Fire Department within the site, the City has agreed to provide a license
agreement with the developer to allow the use of a small section of land within Riverside Park. It will allow four
visitor parking spaces to be built and will facilitate a sidewalk connection between the development and the
park.

Mr. Keenan indicated the development would be constructed in a manner that will be an aesthetically pleasing
complement to the surrounding area. The landscaping proposed has been designed to provide an attractive
appearance for those passing by along Squirrel Court, as well as those paddling by along the Clinton River. He
also mentioned that the developer is maintaining the existing tree canopy along the Clinton River to help
preserve and protect the City’s urban cold water fishery, as it continues to grow in popularity.

Mr. Keenan pointed out one key issue related to the license that would allow additional on-site parking on City
property. The City has agreed to enter into a license agreement with the developer, subject to City Council
approval, to allow the use of a small section of Riverside Park land for four parking spaces and a sidewalk
connecting the development to the park. The future HOA will be responsible for the maintenance of the parking
area and sidewalk as well as the adjacent retaining wall and landscape within the identified area. In exchange
for the license, the developer is providing the City with a 25-foot wide public easement along the edge of Clinton
River may be utilized for the City’s Riverwalk in the event the desired path is unattainable.

Mr. Keenan stated that construction for this project is expected to begin early summer 2018 with completion
anticipated to take place sometime by the end of 2019. The overall investment is estimated at $3.25 million.

Mr. Tim Loughrin of Robertson Brothers Homes, 6905 Telegraph Rd., Suite 200, Bloomfield Hills, MI
48301 provided additional information about the units and his interest being part of the Downtown’s growth.

Mr. Moniz shared his concern regarding the turning radius in the center of the complex for any emergency
vehicles that might be needed.

Mr. Keenan indicated that the Fire Department had reviewed these plans to assure there is adequate turning
radius for fire trucks. He also stated that there would be areas posted a “No Parking, Fire Lanes” so that people
will know not park in those areas.
Auburn Hills Planning Commission
February 14, 2018
Page 7 of 7

Mr. Ouellette opened the public hearing at 9:16 p.m.
Hearing no comment, Mr. Ouellette closed the public hearing at 9:16 p.m.

Moved by Ms. Ochs to recommend to City Council, approval of combine PUD Step One – Qualification /
Step Two – Site Plan and Tree Removal Permit for Riverside Townes Condominiums subject to
conditions of the administrative review team.
Support by Ms. Shearer.

VOTE: Yes: Beidoun, Moniz, Ochs, Ouellette, Pierce, Shearer
No: None Motion Carried (6-0)

5d. Matrix Engineering System – 1850 Taylor Road (9:18 p.m.)

Mr. Keenan introduced the request from J.B. Donaldson Company for approval to construct a 14,350 square
foot corporate headquarters and technical center for Matrix Engineered Systems on a vacant parcel located at
1850 Taylor Road. The site is situated at the southeast corner of Taylor Road and Giddings Road, adjacent to
the Fieldstone Golf Club and Champion Plastics.

Mr. Keenan explained that Matrix Engineered Systems is a full-service company specializing in industrial
automation and controls engineering. They were formed in 2000 with just three people and have since grown to
20 employees. The happy Matrix plans to stay in Auburn Hills, and we look forward to seeing them continue to
grow in their new facility.

Mr. Keenan noted that construction is anticipated to take place in April 2018 with completion by December 2018.
The total investment is estimated at $2 million.

Mr. Beau Wynn, Detroit Architectural Group, 1644 Ford Ave Wyandotte, MI 48192, stated that Matrix
Engineering Systems is excited to be staying in Auburn Hills.

Move by Mr. Pierce to recommend to City Council approval of the Site Plan for Matrix Engineered
Systems subject to the conditions of the administrative review team.
Support by Ms. Ochs

VOTE: Yes: Beidoun, Moniz, Ochs, Ouellette, Pierce, Shearer
No: None Motion Carried (6-0)

6. OLD BUSINESS: None

7. NEW BUSINESS: None

8. COMMUNICATIONS

Mr. Keenan provided the Planning Commission with an update on the status of the developments that were
approved in the past. He also gave a brief overview of all the projects expected to take place this year in the
City’s Downtown.

9. NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING – Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. the City Council Chamber

10. ADJOURNED at 9:30 p.m.

Submitted by:
Kristine Klassen
Transcriptionist
Planning/Recreation Commission Agenda
March 14, 2018 Meeting Agenda Item No. 6b.

To: Chairperson Greg Ouellette and the Planning/Recreation Commission
From: Brian Marzolf, Recreation Director, Steven J. Cohen, Director of Community Development, and Shawn
Keenan, City Planner
Submitted: March 9, 2018
Subject: Consideration of MNRTF Grant Application for Kayak Point Park (proposed name)

INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY
Early in the fall of 2017, the City took ownership of vacant property at 2041 Auburn Road, formerly known as the Country
Kitchen site for many years. One of the best natural features of this 8 acres of land is over 800 feet of river frontage on
both sides of the Clinton River that flows in a southeasterly direction across the site. Along with river frontage, the site
contains open areas to the north and south of the river, with the majority of open space located south of the river.

Later in the fall of 2017, a City Council workshop was held where the “Green Team” led by City Manager Tom Tanghe
(Cohen, Melchert, Keenan, Grice, Marzolf, and Judici/OHM) presented some alternatives to the Council for the
redevelopment and improvement of this property. After careful consideration and much discussion, it was agreed that a
passive park with river access would be the highest and best use for this property. A city park in this location with river
access is consistent with the goals set forth in the 2009 City of Auburn Hills Riverwalk Master Plan as well as the 2014-
2018 Parks & Recreation Master Plan. This type of park development also meets the goals of the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources (MDNR), the Trust Fund grant program, the Michigan Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan (SCORP), Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG)’s - Green Infrastructure Vision for Southeast
Michigan, Partnering for Prosperity: Economic Development Strategy for Southeast Michigan, the Water Resources Plan
for Southeast Michigan, and the Clinton River Watershed Council Water Towns program.

This project also has the full support of eleven organizations that the City works with and each has provided the City with
a letter of support for this grant including: DNR Fisheries: SEMCOG; Oakland County Economic & Planning; the Clinton
River Watershed Council; our adjacent neighbors downstream the City of Rochester Hills; local businesses and nearby
property owners.

As pointed out in the application narrative, the development of the Clinton River as a recreational resource has been a top
and long-standing goal of the City for many years. This is evident as we currently own and operate two very popular parks
on the banks of the Clinton River. Riverside Park downtown, River Woods Park near Squirrel & M-59 and the Skate Park,
which is also located on the river - and also a popular place not only for kids but for anglers too.

A key component to the bigger recreational picture related to this grant application/park development project is this – in
2018, in preparation for this project with a new kayak/canoe launch point in 2019 or 2020, the city DPW staff will
coordinate our river maintenance with a local contractor to clean out and prepare a new 2 mile section of the Clinton
River. For more years than most can remember, the portion of the river from Opdyke Rd. to Riverside Park has not been
available for the public. It has existing obstacles like no public access points available and about 8-10 huge log jams that
make the river in this location impassable in a kayak or canoe if you did try to navigate this section. These clean-up
efforts, combined with this grant application for assistance with funding this park development project, seeks to change
these conditions for the better with a long-range goal of having three parks, all with river and paddling access in Auburn
Hills. We believe the development of the Auburn Hills section of the developing Clinton River “Water Trail” will be very
popular.

Concept Plan for Kayak Point Park
A concept plan for this new park has been developed by city staff and engineering consultants from OHM Advisors and is
included for review. This conceptual plan depicts the new park in an amount of detail necessary to gain a clear
understanding of what is being proposed, and includes an estimated amount of associated costs based on the plan. The
main items included in the project are all clearly identified on the concept plan. This plan can be further refined and
developed into a site plan and construction drawings in the future.
Page 2

Highlights of this park development grant application include:
 New access point to the Clinton River for recreational use
 Kayak and canoe launch
 Riverfront/access for fishing
 Wildlife/river viewing areas
 Pathways and nature trails
 Entrance drive for vehicles from Auburn Rd.
 Picnic shelter with seating
 River wayfinding and safety signage
 LED and solar site lighting
 Landscaping with native plants/grasses, rock

Trust Fund Grant Application
Key and relevant portions of the DNR Trust Fund grant application are included as attachments to provide details of this
project. Categories of the grant application include: Applicant Site and Project Information; Project Funding and
Explanation of Match Sources; Project Details; Justification of Need; Applicant History and Stewardship; Site Conditions;
Natural Features of the site; Wildlife Values of the site; Natural Resource Recreation Opportunities; Public Access
Opportunities; Trails; Application Narrative; Required Attachments; Additional Information; and Certification of Authorized
Official. The application must be approved and supported by Planning/Recreation Commission and the City Council prior
to submittal by the April 1, 2018 deadline. In a very competitive state-wide process, the MDNR Trust Fund Board will
make their recommendations for funding to the legislature at the end of 2018. If successful, the City would eventually
enter into a project agreement with the DNR for the development of this project in 2019-20.

Grant request and estimated costs
We are requesting a DNR Trust Fund grant in the amount of $199,600, with a city matching amount of $70,200 ($60,000
cash/$10,200 In-Kind (26% match) for a total estimated project cost of $269,682. When this park project gets developed
in 2019-20, the City should anticipate additional costs of approximately $40,000+/- for engineering services related to the
creation of an official site plan, bid documents and actual construction engineering services. The DNR grant program
limits the amount of engineering services to 15% of total project costs (included in this grant request), the applicant is
responsible for the rest. The Trust Fund grant program is a reimbursement type of funding program, where all project
funds are expensed first by the city, then reimbursed in the amount of the grant following successful completion of the
project.

Public Input
This proposed grant application is available for public review and comment at the Auburn Hills Community Center.
Interested parties wishing to express their views may do so by contacting Recreation Director Marzolf by phone or in-
person at the Community Center during normal business hours. This public meeting of March 14th, 2018 has been
properly noticed and advertised to the public in advance. Any comments by the public may be received by the
Commission at this meeting.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Approve the submittal of a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant application for the
development of Kayak Point Park (proposed name) at 2041 Auburn Road., Auburn Hills, prior to the April 1, 2018
deadline.

Recommended Action:
“Move to recommend to City Council approval of the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources Trust Fund grant application as presented for submittal by April 1, 2018.”