Minutes of Helena Township Planning Commission

August 3, 2017

Meeting called to order by Gurr at 7:00 p.m.

Opened with Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call:                      Present:            Jim Gurr                  Bonnie Robbins

Laura Westerman     Joe Bassil

Absent:             Mike Robinson        Ken Renaud

(tornado warning)

Township officials present:                    Guy Molby and Bob Logee

Approval of Agenda: Add Campground Language discussion under zoning administrator report.

Motion: Bassil, 2^nd Westerman. Carried

Statement of Conflict of Interest:          None

Approval of Minutes: As presented Motion: Bssil, 2^nd Robbins. Carried

Public Comment:         1 in attendance,

Gurr discussed speed limit by ball park and why it probably won’t be changed.

Communications:         Molby discussed a letter concerning side yard setbacks. Concern was addressed.

New Business:             ZA Report:        3 LU; 11 FC; 0 AC; 14 PC; 0 ZV

Discussion of adding language to address development of campgrounds.         

Logee suggested we review housekeeping cabin park definition.

Topic(s) will be added to our list of bullet points of ordinance review.

Molby asked that we also add fines and penalties for projects that are started prior to approved land use permit. 

Old Business:   Discussion continued on development of shoreline. Discussion with public representative concerning importance to maintain language that prevents cutting all trees at the shoreline. Reference to this in master plan. Language needs to be in our ordinance to protect water and natural resources impacted by completely removing trees and shrubs.

The following language will be presented at a public hearing on September 7, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.

Section 5.02.02.C will be replaced with the following:

A strip of shoreline buffer shall be maintained to a depth of 25 feet from the high water mark of the inland lakes, rivers, or streams abutting or traversing the property in question. Within such area, no more than 30 percent of all living trees and shrubs shall be removed by cutting them to grade level. The remaining trees and shrubbery may be trimmed and pruned for a view of water from the property. Land alterations within such area require two permits. A Helena Township Land Use Permit shall require an approved plan and permit from the Antrim County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation officer; with notification and copies of said plan and permit provided to the zoning administrator prior to the commencement of any activity. The following conditions apply to structures within the buffer zone:

1. No roofs or canopies.
2. No vertical structure to exceed 36 inches in height.

The Greenbelt definition will be remived and the following definition will be added for Shoreline Buffer:

A 25’ strip extending across front lot line which features plantings, trees and natural features which prevent erosion.   Motion: Robbins, 2^nd Westerman. Carried

Section 4.01.01 – Districts

“PUD” will be removed. Motion: Robbins, 2^nd Westerman. Carried

Public Comment:         Process of review and discussion interesting. Appreciates allowing public voice in the discussion.

Adjourn: Motion Bassil, 2^nd Robbins. Carried  Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Motion: Robbins, 2^nd Westerman. Carried

Respectfully Submitted,

Bonnie Robbins, Helena Township Planning Commission Recording Secretary