Minutes of Helena Township Planning Commission

June 5 2013

Meeting called to order by Swan at 7:02 p.m.

Opened with Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call:                      Present:            Jim Swan                Jim Gurr

Chris Dewald           Bonnie Robbins

Mike Robinson        Bob Johnson

Absent:             Rodger Dewey

Township officials present:                    Guy Molby

Approval of Agenda: Add Fireworks under New Business, RV time limit under Old Business. Motion: Dewald, 2^nd Robbins. Carried

Statement of Conflict of Interest:          None

Approval of Minutes: As submitted. Motion: Gurr, 2^nd Dewald. Carried

Public Comment:         Questions on why greenhouse project at Commercial District was not open for Memorial weekend. Discussion of permitting process and time requirement for special meeting. Complete application was not submitted to the zoning administrator in time to allow for scheduling a special meeting for approval. Use is not listed as Use by Right. Needed PC approval as a similar use which required a special meeting prior to opening.

Communications:        Gurr reported the Michigan Township Association meeting in January. Encourages all to attend. County is willing to fund a room so townships can set up an information table.

New Business:

Discussion of Fireworks Ordinance Language. Currently under review at state level, suggest waiting to see what changes they make. Complaints could fall under our current Nuisance Ordinance. Not a land use issue, policing ordinances have historically been developed by the township board of trustees. Motion to table discussion until state language is in place. Motion: Dewald, 2^nd by Robbins. Carried

ZA report 7 land use, 16 field checks, 0 attorney contact, 27 other public contacts,

• violations

Discussion of dock complaint, high water mark, temporary structures placed on lakefront are in violation as the lakefront is considered the front yard. Ordinance allows use of side and rear setback only.

Old Business:              RV complaint discussed. Commission satisfied the current language is sufficient. Violations to be handled as they arise.

Discussion of Board of Appeals language and minimum meeting requirements. Research to determine if our language needs revised.

Public Comment:         Question by PC member on meeting attendance. Robbins to discuss this with Board of Trustees.

Adjourn: Motion Dewald, 2^nd Johnson. Carried 8:10p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bonnie Robbins

Helena Township Planning Commission Recording Secretary