Bruce Township
Planning Commission
12 September 2006
Members present: J. Fischer, B. Gardella, L. Little, L. MacDonald, C. Marsh, B. Osborne C. Person
No Public or other Township officials present.
Meeting called to order 7:02 pm
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda approved with the addition of 16 August 2006 Special Meeting minutes for approval action.
Approval of minutes of 9 August 2006 and 16 August 2006:
J. Fischer asked that it be added to the report of the discussion of the request for Special land Use for Jeff and Kathy Moran that J. Moran personally offered the conditions for his request and the Commission concurred.
J. Fischer also asked why there was not a more detailed account of public comment in the official record. Secretary indicated comments were written in the rough notes with name of commenter especially for Public Hearings and were either summarized or not included in the official minutes. Secretary read opinion from MTA on minutes requirements. (See attachment)
B. Gardella commented that the report of "5 apple trees" and non-compliance with the Variance requirements for his Cozy Corner Restaurant and Grill were not accurate statements.
Motion by L. little, 2nd B. Osborne to approve minutes with the addition of the
statement regarding the Moran permit conditions. Motioned carried by unanimous vote.
No Public available for comment.
Chairperson comment: Brief discussion concerning need for more detail in minutes of public hearings and the use of microphone for Commissioners as there has been some comment that the public cannot hear proceedings. At future public hearings, we will include more detail in the minutes regarding public comments.
Township newsletter is available and copies were handed out to members.
MTA annual meeting information has been received and interested members are urged to think about attending. More information will be handed out as it is received.
The Parks and Recreation Plan was handed out per request of commissioners.
The November meeting date has been moved to Wednesday 8 November 2006 as the General Election takes place on Tuesday.
The Zoning Administrator is on vacation. Only one permit has been issued this month.
Commissioner comments: J. Fischer commented on article concerning down-state developments and re-affirmed that planning commission needs to take as much time as necessary in making decisions about special land uses. Agreement amongst other commissioners.
Chairperson handed out replacement pages to incorporate the changes made in the Zoning Ordinances by the 7th amendment passed last month.
Master Plan update: EUP Regional Planning director John Campbell completed their review of the Township Master Plan Draft and offered only one comment. He stressed the importance of Future Land Use maps in a master plan. Zoning districts should not be established except as they are consistent with the land use plan in the Master Plan. Adjustments to the Draft Plan can be made as long as a Public Hearing precedes approval action.
A Future Land Use Map needs to be created and incorporated into the Draft Master Plan.
Chairperson will work with the Supervisor and prepare a proposed land use map as a starting place for commission discussions. Chair pointed out this is not adding ordinance requirements of any kind. It is a necessary guide for future development in the Township. Chair shall have something prepared for discussion at the next meeting. There are some sections along the St. Marys River that need early attention.
It was agreed that a Public Hearing for Draft Master Plan presentation should occur after the new year. This will give the Planning Commission time to fine tune the Master Plan and be a better time for public participation.
No other business.
Motion to adjourn C. Marsh, 2nd B. Gardella. Meeting adjourned 8:12 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Person, Secretary
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