Bruce Township Planning Commission
6 December 2005

Members present: J. Fischer, L. Little, L. MacDonald, C. Marsh, B. Osborne, C. Person, M. Schmidt
And Supervisor D. Gallagher
Absent: B. Gardella
Member of the Public: R. Southwell from Kinross Planning Commission
Meeting called to order 7:10 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda stands as presented.
Minutes of 8 November, 2005: J. Fischer would like it clarified that in the discussion of junk cars at a couple body shop businesses in the area had permits for body shop repair only and felt they would not come under the junk car ordinance. Zoning administrator and Supervisor indicated they had referred to the permits issued and found no restrictions in either permit pertaining to storage of cars. These permits were issued under previous permit procedures. Zoning Administrator commented it appeared there was some voluntary cleaning up of the places in question. Chairperson requested comment be noted in the minutes.
L. Little commented the reported wind generation tower newly located at LSSU was in fact a communication tower.
Motion by L. Little, 2nd by B. Osborne to approve the minutes with the adjustments. Minutes approved unanimously.
Public Comments: Visitor R. Southwell from Kinross was present as observer.
Chairperson proposed the Public Hearing portion be moved to later in the meeting. No objection.
Zoning Administrator's report: There was no activity the past month. There are two requests scheduled for the Zoning Board of Appeals on 13 December 2005. Administrator reports success with having conversations with residents who seem to have an abundance of junk in their yards. Administrator will return in April and Supervisor will act in his place when needed.
Chairperson comments: The MTA annual meeting will be held 24-27 January 2006. 3 P.C. members indicated interest in attending the meetings.
2) Michigan House of Representatives has a proposal in the works to pre-empt all local authority concerning wind turbines. This Bill would make all local ordinances unenforceable.
3) MTA Legal Advisor Evelyn David will present information at a meeting in Kinross 8 December 2005, 7 p.m.
4). Kinross Planning Commission will hold a Public Meeting 12 December 2006 7:30p.m. to discuss their Master Plan update.
5). Bruce Township Board approved an adjustment to the fee schedule exempting porches, patios and decks from fee application. A permit for construction is still required.
6). There was a Township Board work session that Chairperson felt was very beneficial. It was emphasized keeping communication open and up to date between the Board and the Planning Commission was important.
7). The 2006 meeting schedule was handed out.
8). Members were reminded of a community potluck sponsored by Cozy Corner in Barbeau on 7 December 2005, 6 p.m.
Commissioner Comments: No comments.
Public Hearing: opened 7:41 p.m. No Public present. Chairperson reviewed changes, which were a result of comments made after Public Hearing for Amendment 5. Motion to close L. Little, 2nd B. Osborne. Meeting closed 7:52 p.m. unanimous approval. Amendment 6 will be presented to Township Board for adoption.
Master Plan update: Chairperson distributed draft of Master Plan introduction and urged members to glance over old Master Plan for any addition to information in draft. A population density map is in progress.
Motion by C. Marsh, 2nd L. Little to adjourn. Meeting adjourned 8:32p.m.
Respectfully submitted. C. Person

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