Minutes of Helena Township Planning Commission

October 6, 2010

 

Meeting called to order by Swan at 7:15 p.m.

Opened with Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call:                      Present:            Jim Swan                Jim Gurr

Bob Johnson           Bonnie Robbins

Chris Dewald

Absent:             Rodger Dewey

Township officials present:                      Guy Molby

 

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

 

Statement of Conflict of Interest:         None

Approval of Minutes:    August 4, 2010 Approved as submitted. Motion Robbins, 2^nd Gurr.  Carried (5,0)

                                    August 18, 2010 Approved as submitted. Motion Dewald, 2^nd Gurr.  Carried (5,0)

No quorum at September meeting.  Township Board decreased planning commission to seven member board during their September meeting.

 

Public Comment:         None  2 present

 

Communications:         Grand Vision meeting at Shanty Creek.

Molby: Additional items for Bzdok’s review would be boat storage or outside storage in commercial district.  Dewald referred to language in the ordinance that says it is not allowed, period.  Discussion of whether there was a need for Bzdok to review or simply an area to enforce as written. 2nd topic is addressing rental of single family dwelling within commercial district.  Should this be defined for commercial and R1 districts?  Discussion of surrounding townships’ language and if it would suit Helena Township.

New Business:

ZA Written Report

Aug 2010–        7 Land Use Permits,  _12 Field Checks,  2 Attorney Contact,    15  Other Contacts.  __2__ Zoning Violations — Lighting & Bldg w/o permit

Sept 2010         2 Land Use Permits,  _13 Field Checks,  1 Attorney Contact,    16  Other Contacts.  __1__ Zoning Violations

Discussion on zoning violations and procedure:  Given 30 day notice.  If not responding to request they are ticketed with a misdemeanor and can be taken to small claims court.

Old Business:

Wind Tower:

Approval of Wind Generator ordinance language.  Motion: Johnson, 2nd Swan, (5,0) Carried.  Next step is to forward to the County planning commission for comments or suggestions.  Robbins will prepare language sections for county pc.

Definitions and Standards:

Tabled

Discussion of what was sent to Chris Bzdok for review at this point.  Molby’s list from earlier was forwarded and is being worked on by an assistant.  Additional items planning commission would like reviewed are:

Outside storage in Commercial District

Weekly rental in R1 District

Allowing multiple dwellings on large parcels

Setback area (Secretary Note:  already given to Bzdok at Sept 1 meeting)

Public Comment:

None

 

Adjourn: 8:45 pm    Motion Johnson, 2^nd Robbins. Carried (5,0)

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Bonnie Robbins

Helena Township Planning Commission Recording Secretary