Bruce Township Planning Commission

10 October 2006

Members present: J. Fischer, L. Little, L. MacDonald, B. Osborne, C. Person and M. Schmidt, Zoning Administrator

Absent: B. Gardella and C. Marsh

Public: Sue Esch

Meeting called to order: 7:05 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

Approval of Agenda: No additions: approved as presented

Approval of minutes: Motion to approve minutes of 12 September 2006 made by L. Little, 2^nd by B. Osborne. Unanimous approval.

Public comment: Sue Esch asked if the Health Department well and septic permits were confirmed before a zoning permit was issued. She cited some instances where construction was halted for lack of Health Department approval. Commission was under the impression that proof of Health Department permit was noted on application before Zoning permit was granted. Discussion followed and Chairman will confer with Zoning Administrator and Supervisor to set procedure.

Ms Esch also inquired as to fence regulations as there was a problem in her area with private fence. She asked if a no fee courtesy permit requirement could be added to zoning regulations to ensure proper placement of fences on property and that construction material of fences be included in the requirement information. Chairman indicated that imposes too much regulation in the Ordinances, which the public opposes. Zoning Administrator would look into the situation as soon as a complaint is filed, as it would be an enforcement issue.

Zoning Administrator’s report: Building in the township is down from last year, however, there are more stick-built homes being constructed. Thanks in part to the township’s nuisance ordinance; the Township presents a clean environment. Chairperson comment: The question of more complete recording of public comment during Public Hearings was addressed. J. Fischer quoted

from The Township Guide to Planning and Zoning, Chapter 16, page 168, which outlines accepted procedure for recording Public Hearing minutes. Secretary noted directions and will follow outline for future meetings.

2). The property on East 14 mile that was the subject of a proposed gravel pit has been divided into lots with 3 of the 4 already sold for residential use.

3). The legislature has passed P.A. 376 which changes property tax definition for "farms" to include horse boarding, game bird, deer, camel, elk, ostriches and others. There is currently no clear category for "hunting preserve" on the tax roll.

Commissioner comments: L. Little commented that her firm now includes a check list of needed permits before property can change hands. This saves time and problems in transactions. Members agreed it is important, however, the Township needs to be aware of their responsibility boundaries.

Master Plan update: Commissioners were presented with Draft no. 1 of the Future Land Use map: One area under discussion is the M-129 corridor which is partly being considered for a commercial/light industrial designation.

Agricultural and residential uses will be included in all areas in the Township.

The lines drawn on the map are tentative and were partly established on the basis of the number of residences currently in the area.

Discussion as to the wording of the terms in the legend of the proposed map followed. It was felt that it will be very important to have clear definitions to avoid confusion by the public as to what will and will not be permitted in certain areas.

Chair asked for consensus of approval for this draft of land use so it could be presented to the Township Board at their next meeting. L. Little expressed concern that she didn’t want to approve sending something on to the Board that she felt was not clear. Chair indicated this was just a first step and he will work on definitions for the next meeting. With the stipulation that words and language to support the legend will be forthcoming, members than agreed to support the first draft of the Future Land Use map.

Other business: A question was raised concerning absenteeism at meetings. Were there any number of consecutive meetings a member was not present before they were removed from the board? Chairman shall research the question.

Adjourn: Motion by B. Osborne, 2^nd by J. Fischer to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn Person, Secretary