Minutes of Helena Township Planning Commission

June 6, 2019

Meeting called to order by Gurr at 3:07 p.m.

Opened with Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call:

Present:            Jim Gurr                        Laura Westerman

Joe Bassil                    Gordy Schafer

Bonnie Robbins

Absent:             Mike Robinson

Township officials present: Bob Logee

Approval of Agenda:   Motion: Bassil, 2^nd Schafer Carried

Statement of Conflict of Interest:         None

Approval of Minutes: May 2, 2019 approved as submitted. Motion: Westerman, 2^nd Shafer. Carried

Public Comment:         None

Communications:         Training offered at Shanty Creek. Contact clerk by June 24 if interested

New Business:             May 2019: LU 3 ; FC 4 ; AC 0 ; PC 5 ; ZV 0

                                    Logee suggested we consider adding discussion of minimum lot size in the Commercial District to bullet points for review.

Old Business: Signs    Language approved for definitions of types of signs.

The following definitions will be added to Chapter 1, Section 1.03

Digital Signs: Signs that have capability of being programmed with changing messages and graphics.

Electronic Signs: Signs such as the ‘open’ signs, where the message is not programmable with changing wording. The electronic sign may have features that allow for borders and the message may flash.

Illuminated Signs: Stationary signs with a spot light providing the illumination or lighted from within.

The regular meeting falls on July 4^th. Consensus to move meeting to 3:00 p.m. July 11 and to schedule public hearing for proposed language change. Robbins will provide library with copy of language change and post on website for public review prior to the meeting.

Public Comment:         Schafer discussed shoreline development and would like to bring more info to future meeting(s) to show members. Members agreed to revisit the language in the ordinance addressing the shoreline protection language and possible amendments to the current language.

Westerman discussed signs that remain on during the off-season when the business is closed. She would like the business owners to be reminded of the language requiring them to dim the signs or shut them off when closed.

Gurr discussed road end access language currently being challenged. Shafer pointed out the challenge is for access to Lake Michigan and doesn’t affect inland lakes.

Bassil asked about short term rental and where we are with addressing language change. Gurr stated the subject is in the hands of the State Legislature now and it is best to see what they decide.

Bassil also asked if we can regulate noise. Gurr stated the sheriff office was working on this but has taken the stance that all townships need to agree on the regulation.                    

Adjourn: 5:42 p.m. Motion: Robbins, 2^nd Shafer. Carried

Respectfully Submitted,              Bonnie Robbins

Helena Township Planning Commission Recording Secretary