Bruce Township Planning Commission
12 June 2007
Meeting called to order: 7:05 pm
Members present: J. Fischer, L. Little, L. MacDonald, B. Osborne, C. Person,
Absent: C. Marsh, B. Gardella
Also present: D. Gallagher, M. Schmidt and 3 members of the Public
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda approved with the addition of item 4A: Zoning Administrators report
Minutes of 9 May 2007 approved. Motion by B. Osborn, 2nd L. Little motion carried
Zoning Administrator Report: 17 building permits have been issued since the first of the year, which corresponds with the same number as last year. 7 courtesy notices have been issued concerning junk cars and refuse in yards. 6 residents are complying with the requests.
Public comment: Question from Public as to the storing of boats on the water side of a residence/business. Resident’s water view is being obscured and resident inquired if there was anything in the zoning ordinances that addressed the issue. Also questions concerning the number of campers that may be parked on property that is not designated as a campground. Resident also presented a letter from their attorney sighting other recent cases concerning view obstruction. Letter placed on file.
J. Fischer suggested Township consult with Township attorney. Chair suggested resident check with DEQ and Health Department regarding sanitation and fuel storage requirements before any legal action is undertaken by residents. Zoning Administrator will look into issues and check site plans on file.
Chairperson comments: It would appear that B. Gardella has vacated his Planning Commission seat and is no longer in the area. Chair asked members if there was any objection to leaving his seat vacant for the time being. J. Fischer asked if there were any requirements regarding an uneven number on the Commission. Chair didn’t recall but Supervisor will check into the matter. It is the consensus of Commission to have the Chair present to Township Board that the seat doesn’t need to be filled at this time. It is the responsibility of the Board to appoint Commission members.
Commissioner comments: J. Fischer inquired about progress on sign for business on M-129 that is not located near business. Supervisor reported he had contacted the owner and informed them they needed approval from the State as M-129 is a state road. Owner was to get approval. Supervisor will follow up on matter.
C. Person also inquired about another small sign on M-129 advertising a business west of Dafter. Again it is a State highway and under the jurisdiction on the State.
Public Hearing on Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 8 opened 7:37 pm. Chair presented the proposed changes in wording for the ordinances needed to coincide with the Master Plan. There were no major changes involved. Public had a few questions that were satisfactorily addressed by the Chair. Motion by L. Little, 2nd B. Osborn to close Public Hearing. Session closed 8:16 pm.
It is the consensus to hold no Planning Commission meetings July through September, resuming in October 2007 unless a need arises for business.
Other business: Phase II Master Plan study and discussions will begin in the fall. Chair urged members to give thought to proposed zoning districts for the north-south and east-west roads in the Township not covered in Phase 1.
Motion made by B. Osborn, 2nd by L. Little to recommend to the Township Board to adopted the changes presented in Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 8. Motion carried.
Commissioners thanked the Public for listening and participating in the Public Hearing discussion.
Motion to adjourn by L. Little, 2nd by B. Osborne. Meeting adjourned 8:28pm.
Respectfully submitted.
Carolyn Person, Secretary