Minutes of Helena Township Planning Commission

May 4, 2023

Meeting called to order by Moglovkin at 5.00 P.M.

Opened with Pledge of Allegiance.

 Roll Call:

Present:            Sue Moglovkin              Gordy Schafer

Joe Bassil                    Jim Gurr

Bonnie Robbins             Mike Robinson (5:25)

Absent:             Gary Lockwood

Township officials present:   Bob Logee

 Approval of Agenda:  Motion by Gurr, 2^nd by Schafer    Carried

 Statement of Conflict of Interest:         None

 Public Comment:         0 in attendance.

Communications:         Gurr shared information about topics in the Township Focus from Michigan Township Association and the Michigan Planner along with alert that the State Legislature is trying to extend ability of officials to participate in votes via remote link.

Approval of Minutes:   February 2, 2023.  As submitted.  Motion: Schafer, 2^nd  Moglovkin.  Carried

New Business:             Zoning Administrator Report – LU (Land Use Permit) FC (Field Check) AC (Attorney Contact) PC (Public Contact) ZV (Zoning Violation)

February 2023:  LU 0, FC 0, AC 0, PC 9, ZV 0 (from Board meeting reports)

March 2023:      LU 3, FC 1, AC 0, PC 9, ZV 0 (from Board meeting reports)

April 2023:        LU 4, FC 2, AC 0, PC 5, ZV 0

Discussion of uses allowed in Agricultural District           

Old Business:             Master Plan survey data shared.  Robbins will group comments by topic and what is part of the governing from the zoning aspect and distribute thru mail.  Members will review the data and compare it with current master plan goals so they can be adjusted to incorporate changes in the public’s desire for growth in Helena Township.

Robbins distributed update of topics to be discussed for possible ordinance language change.

Discussion on accessory structure size restriction.

Motion by Gurr with support by Schafer. Motion carried to change zoning language as follows:

Section 5.01.01.C.2.c—strike this statement restricting size of accessory buildings and structures.

Additional language change discussion concerning use of shoreline greenbelt protection buffer.  Robbins will bring information of discussed changes for review at the June 1^st meeting.

Logee shared language change suggestions for future meeting review.

Public Comment:         None

Adjourn: 6:40 P.M.  by call of chair.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bonnie Robbins

Helena Township Planning Commission Recording Secretary