Members present: J. Fischer. L. Little, L. MacDonald, C. Marsh, B. Osborne, C. Person
Absent: B. Gardella
Public: Supervisor Gallagher and 8 members of the public
Meeting called to order: 7:04p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Election of Officers for 2007: Motion to have current officers remain by C. Marsh, 2nd L.
Little. Motion carried. Officers for 2007 are: Chairperson L. MacDonald, vice-chair
L. Little, Secretary C. Person, under-secretary B. Osborne.
Approval of agenda: Approved as presented
Approval of 8 November 2006 minutes: Motion by C. Marsh, 2nd L. Little to approve as presented. Carried Unanimously.
Public comment: S. Esch presented written concerns of issues of neighbors for the Planning Commission to review. Chair will make copies for the Commissioners to review for next Meeting. No other comments.
Special Land Use request: Meridian Consultants/Collins Collision request permit for a body shop Business to be located on the corner of M-129 and 15 Mile Road in an existing garage on the property. The garage has been modified previously to accommodate such activity.
Public Hearing opened 7:14p.m. with description of business by owner Lohff and operator
Collins. No other comment from the public. Hearing closed 7:20 p.m.
Commissioners reviewed the decision document and set forth three conditions before granting the permit: 1) No used vehicle or vehicle part sales 2) Damaged parts and vehicle storage subject to Township monitoring, 3) No more than 4 vehicles for repair stored outside for longer than 1 month per vehicle.
Motion by C. Marsh, 2nd B, Osborne to grant permit with stated conditions. Roll call vote:
Fischer-yes, Person-yes, MacDonald-yes, Little-yes, Marsh-yes, Osborne-yes. Chair filled out appropriate form. Motion to adopt Special Land Use Permit Decision Document as recorded made by C. Marsh, 2nd L. Little, carried unanimously.
Chairman comments: 1) Chair informed members of 2 new laws enacted by the legislature concerning billboards (our ordinances are compatible with new law) and County Road Commission members. 2) Chair reported that there was confusion concerning the requirement in the ordinance for test well(s) in new gravel pits to monitor water quality in the area surrounding pits. More direction is needed if this requirement is to remain in the ordinance. Brief discussion and then the matter was tabled until next month.
Commissioner comments: J. Fischer inquired about an off premise business sign that has appeared on M-129 at about 81/2 mile. Chair and Supervisor expressed it was the jurisdiction of the highway department, however, Supervisor will look into the matter.
No other comments.
Master Plan Update: Chair reported that the Planning Commission is permitted by law to approve the Master Plan as an official document after the Public hearing and after any changes have been made as a result of the hearing. Township Board can opt to take the approval authority responsibility if they choose to do so. Chair will present option at the next Township Board meeting. The Master Plan could be approved at the February Planning Commission meeting if Planning Commission retains authority.
At this time S Esch asked to present a brief explanation of her written questions that she had presented earlier. Chair recognized that a second Public Comment time was in order for addition to the agenda. S Esch then briefly explained the points in her presentation and indicated that the residents she represented were wanting a response to their comments. Chair thanked S Esch for her input and indicated that he and the Supervisor would make a determination as to which of her points were the concern of the Planning Commission and which were the responsibility of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Person, Secretary