Minutes of Helena Township Planning Commission

December 07, 2011

Meeting called to order by Swan at 7:06 p.m.

Opened with Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call:                      Present:            Jim Swan                Jim Gurr

Chris Dewald           Bonnie Robbins

Bob Johnson

Absent:             Mike Robinson        Rodger Dewey

Township officials present:                    Guy Molby

Approval of Agenda: Motion: Gurr, 2^nd Johnson. Carried (5,0)

Statement of Conflict of Interest:          None

Approval of Minutes: Minutes approved as submitted.   Motion: Gurr, 2^nd Dewald (5,0)

Public Comment:         1 in attendance. Discussion of short term rental language in ordinance. Families have owned for over 100 years and this will affect the enjoyment of their homes. Believes this is commercial use in the R1 district and should have more restrictions.   Believes township could be sued if a tragedy were to happen with this allowed use. Discussion between Swan and public member on what could be done. General discussion of why ordinance language was drafted. Swan suggests bringing all concerns to the PC in writing again.   Discussion of process and how to proceed with their concerns through the public hearing and to the township board.

New Business:             ZA report 2 land use, 7 field checks, 0 attorney contact, 10 other public contacts, 0 violations

Old Business:              Zoning ordinance review:

                                    Discussion of when to hold public hearing. Meeting will be with our regular January meeting. Public hearing will be January 4, 2012. No changes to the proposed ordinance at this meeting. Robbins will contact the web host to put the final draft on the web and will make copies for the office and library.

Public Comment:         No additional comment.

Adjourn: Motion Johnson, 2^nd Dewald. Carried (5,0) 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bonnie Robbins

Helena Township Planning Commission Recording Secretary