Members present: J. Fischer, B. Gardella, L.Little, L. MacDonald, C. Marsh, B. Osborne, C.Person and M. Schmidt. No members of the public present. Meeting called to order at 7:03 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda stands as presented.
Minutes of the 11 October 2005: J. Fischer wanted it clarified that "private radio antennas" were included in the wind generator reference of Amendment 5. Chairman indicated it was included in the original text of the amendment. Secretary was instructed to hand write notation in the 11 October 2005 minutes. Motion by C. Marsh, 2nd by L. Little to approve minutes with correction.
Approved unanimously.
No public present for comment.
Zoning Administrator reported that requests for permits have slowed. There have been three since the October report. There will be two variances upcoming for the Zoning Board of Appeals concerning construction in set back lines in side yards. Discussion followed as top whether it would be necessary for B. Gardella of the Cozy Corners Tavern Bar and Grill to obtain a permit to put advertising on an already existing sign located at Riverside Drive and 15 Mile Road. Consensus of the Planning Commission was that no permit would be necessary, as the physical aspects of the sign would not change.
Commissioner comments: J. Fischer showed a real estate ad that indicated site condos were for sale in the area.
She mentioned a residence in the area that had several junk cars in the yard and the permit was for a body repair shop only. Discussion followed of several other places where non-licensed vehicles were stored. The Zoning Administrator and Ordinance Enforcement Officer are aware of the problems. These problems come under Nuisance Ordinances and are not a concern of the Planning Commission.
L. Little reported LSSU will be involved in a wind generator program. C. Marsh commented the Commission should limit Public Meetings for amendments to once a year. It would be less confusing for the Public. Chairman agreed, however our Zoning Ordinance is still new and needs fine tuning. He hopes we are about finished with the wording of the document until circumstances warrant changes.
Zoning Ordinance issues: Chairman has prepared Amendment 6 which clarifies a few points in the Ordinance.
L. Little made motion for a Public hearing to be held at our next regularly scheduled meeting on 6 December 2005. 2nd B. Osborne. Unanimous approval.
The Township Board has proposed changes in the fees assessed residents for Township business. The Board has not approved the schedule change at this time.
Discussion followed concerning the words "limited commercial…development" and "family oriented farming" used in the vision statement. It was suggested at the last Public hearing that those words be removed as they were too restrictive. A 5-2 vote by Commission members allows the vision statement to stand as presented to the Public. Chairman is also looking at revising the wording in the first statement of the Goal-Land Development Policies. "…balance the rights of property developers…" to be changed to "..rights of property owners/developers.."
Chairman is working with EUP Planning and Development for statistics and land maps to be used in the Master Plan. Supervisor Gallagher is working on a map of the Township depicting current land use.
Chairman comments: New forms for Variance requests and decision documents are in process. There will also be a more concise Special Land Use permit form generated.
Kinross Township Planning Commission is meeting the second Monday of the month as they are up dating their Master Plan. Chairman may attend.
Michigan Township Association yearly meeting will be held in Grand Rapids 27- 29 Jan. 2006. Let chairman know if anyone wishes to attend.
B. Gardella invited everyone to the 7 December Community Christmas Party held at the Cozy Corner at 6pm. Bring a dish to pass.
Motion by L. Little, 2nd C. Marsh to adjourn. Meeting adjourned 9:05pm.
Respectfully.
Carolyn Person
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