Minutes of Helena Township Planning Commission

March 5, 2014

 

Meeting called to order by Swan.

Opened with Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call:                      Present:            Jim Swan                Jim Gurr

Chris Dewald           Bonnie Robbins

Rodger Dewey

Absent:             Mike Robinson        Bob Johnson

 

 

Township officials present:                    David Peterson       Bob Logee

 

Approval of Agenda:  As submitted.  Motion: Dewald, 2^nd Robbins.  Carried

 

Statement of Conflict of Interest:          None

 

Approval of Minutes:  One change, site selection committee members.  Motion: Gurr, 2^nd Dewald.  Carried

 

Public Comment:         (2 in attendance) No comments.

 

Communications:         DEQ Public Hearing March 12^th, 6 pm for boathouse application.

                                    Elk River Watershed meeting at Camp Hayowenta on March 19^th.  RSVP County Conservation District if attending.

Gurr stated the County Planning Commission approved the ordinance language change.

 

New Business:

ZA report

December 2013:  Land Use 3, Field Checks 5, Attorney Contacts 3, Public Contacts 12

                        January 2014:      Land Use 0, Field Checks 3, Attorney Contacts 0, Public Contacts 8

February 2014:    Land Use 1, Field Checks 4, Attorney Contacts 0, Public Contacts 5

Conservation Easement Discussion.  Gurr asked what this is about.  Robbins stated Molby asked to discuss this during public comment at the December meeting.  Request was initiated by David Peterson based on the EPA permit for the Walker Shores Development.  Peterson stated language in the permit discusses protection of identified wetlands during the development but the land purchaser needs to be aware of any identified sensitive areas.  Peterson stated ordinance allows township to address this and would like to discuss including language in any condominium documents to protect these areas.  Members will review language and discuss at next meeting.  Peterson will make copies of the EPA permit for the commission members.

 

Old Business:  Robbins reported the Township Board has completed the process of selecting an engineering firm.  Preliminary site plan review committee can schedule meeting with Bzdok and Lapham as soon as possible.  Swan will work with Molby to set date.  Committee reminded to include all interested parties in meeting notification and post the meeting for the public.

 

Public Comment:

                        Swan asked when officer elections would be held.  Elections will be at the May meeting.

Gurr suggested we consider scheduling a meeting with the Planning Commission and Township Board as the summer season begins.

 

Adjourn: Motion Dewald, 2^nd Swan. Carried 7:25 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Bonnie Robbins

Helena Township Planning Commission Recording Secretary