Bruce Township Planning Commission

9 May 2006

Absent: none

Audience: J. Colvin-Recreation Committee member

Meeting called to order by Chairperson MacDonald: 7:05 p.m.

Pledge of Alliance

Agenda stands as presented

Motion to approve the minutes of 11 April 2006 meeting made by C. Marsh; 2nd B. Osborne. Unanimous approval of minutes as read.

Public comments: none

Public Hearing for Special Land Use Permit request by Bruce Township opened at 7:15p.m.

Recreation Committee member Joe Colvin Presented request for a Special Land Use Permit for the creation of a recreation area adjacent to the Hall South of the parking area that would include a pavilion, playground, basketball courts and horse shoe pits. Projected completion is set for late July. The pavilion plans requires an engineers approval as explained by D. Gallagher. Project will commence with volunteer labor. No public bidding is required as the estimated cost is under $20,000. Township officials have received favorable comments concerning the project.

Public Hearing closed 7:27p.m.

Commissioners reviewed and completed the decision document. Motion by L. Little, 2^nd by B. Gardella to approve as submitted. Roll call vote: Osborne-yes, Marsh-yes, Little-yes, MacDonald-yes, Person-yes, Gardella-yes, Fischer-yes. There were no conditions of approval and no negative comments. Permit granted as submitted.

Commissioner comments: Chairperson requested title of Chairperson and Secretary be included in the appropriate places in the minutes.

On 1 July 2006 the Township Zoning Act becomes obsolete to be replaced by the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. The Township will need to do some minor editing of our zoning ordinance, however, we are current with present State zoning requirements.

Commissioner comments: C. Person reported favorable comments about our web-site. She also commented on the fine job the Township officials are doing in keeping our township current and viable in the changing world. Other commissioners agreed.

M. Schmidt reported 5 or 6 applications for zoning permits. Brief discussion followed concerning permits and fees for accessory buildings under 144 sq. feet. Section 28.1400 makes clear that zoning permits are not required for accessory buildings with floor areas of 144 sq. feet or less provided the buildings are not placed or constructed in setback areas.

D. Gallagher presented a sample of the new blue 911 signs with info flyer to be distributed throughout the Township. Grant money was obtained to defray the cost of the new reflective address markers allowing a $5 charge for residents. The Volunteer Firemen will offer assistance if requested by residents. Markers and additional info can be obtained by calling the Township office.

Zoning Enabling Act: Chairperson provided an info sheet and will report next month on the changes need in our ordinances to comply with the new act.

Master Plan Update: Unfortunately the Chairperson doesn’t feel we are ready for a Public Information meeting to present the proposed Master Plan to the residents on the proposed 20 June date. He is hoping we will be ready by late summer.

Drafts of the Township history and Future Land Use sections of the Master Plan were given to members for consideration.

Other Business: B. Gardella inquired about the Township looking into property on the north side of 15 mile by the St.Marys River to be used as a parking lot for water related activities. Supervisor explained that the property had been examined in the past for such use and it is not a large enough area to accommodate vehicles and trailers.

Motion by C. Marsh, 2^nd by L. Little to adjourn. Meeting adjourned 8:28p.m.