 |
|
 |
 |
 |
||||||||
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
||||||
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
 |
||||||||||
|
|
||||||
 |
Metropolitan Planning Commission Meeting MinutesCalhoun County Metropolitan Planning Commission February 27, 2006 Meeting Minutes The regular meeting of the Calhoun County Metropolitan Planning Commission (CCMPC) was held on Monday, February 27, 2006, at 4:30 pm, in the Administrative Conference Room, County Building, Marshall, Michigan. Vice Chair Dian Schubel called the meeting to order at 4:30 pm. Roll was called with the following members present: Alex Cherney, Planning Commissioner Members absent: Also present were: Mr. Kesselring brought to the attention of Vice Chair Schubel, two items for addition to the agenda as new business. The agenda was amended to include the items and also to move item 8A - Case #02-06-01, Marengo Township to follow public comments. Public Comments Mr. Chip Walker requested that the CCMPC table item 8A until he is able to have legal counsel present. Planning and Zoning Review Case #02-06-01, Marengo Township - Text Amendments to Articles 15, 16, and 18 regarding sexually oriented businesses. Jennifer Bomba presented CCMPC members with a summary of the requested amendments submitted by Marengo Township. The Marengo Township Board, with support from the Township Planning Commission, has adopted amendments to Articles 15 (Highway Service Commercial District), 16 (Light Industrial District), and 18 (Construction of Language and Definitions) of the Township Zoning Ordinance regarding sexually oriented businesses. Previous language provided for this type of land use as a conditional use in the Highway Service Commercial District. The new language would allow for sexually oriented businesses to be a permitted use in the Highway Service Commercial and Light Industrial districts subject to the following conditions:
In addition to the new language, the recommendation also includes the deletion of the provisions for adult businesses as a conditional use in the Highway Service Commercial District. Also recommended for deletion are various definitions associated with sexually oriented businesses. Russ Wicklund, planning consultant for Marengo Township, presented additional information to the CCMPC regarding the status of the amendments. The Marengo Township Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding the amendments on January 18, 2006. The Township Board adopted the new provisions governing sexually oriented businesses on January 31, 2006.
Vice Chair Schubel thanked Mr. Wicklund for his presentation. Meeting Minutes
Communications Jennifer Bomba presented the following communications to Commissioners as information:
New Business Elections, Chair and Vice Chair Vice Chair Schubel asked for nominations for the CCMPC Chair.
Vice Chair Schubel inquired if there were any further nominations. No other nominations were offered. Vice Chair Schubel called for a voice vote on the above nomination: All in favor of Dian Schubel for CCMPC Chair for 2006 - 6 in favor With a unanimous vote, Dian Schubel was elected CCMPC Chair for 2006. Chair Schubel asked for nominations for the CCMPC Vice Chair.
Chair Schubel inquired if there were any further nominations. No other nominations were offered. Chair Schubel called for a voice vote on the above nominations: All in favor of Dan Kesselring for CCMPC Vice
Chair - 4 in favor With a majority of the vote, Dan Kesselring was elected CCMPC Vice Chair for 2006. Discussion took place regarding the need for a recording secretary. Greg Moore suggested the possible use of Ms. Mary Lou Barrett, secretary for the Board of Commissioners. The current meeting time could pose a problem.
Commissioner Moore agreed to investigate the possibility of using Ms. Barrett as the CCMPC recording secretary and report to Ms. Bomba before the next meeting. In the event that this is not feasible, a recording device could also assist with the needs of the Commission. Commissioner Kesselring presented CCMPC members with a resolution/special tribute to James Keefer.
Commissioner Kesselring presented an additional resolution regarding the procedure for appointing/reappointing members to the CCMPC. The appointment of Mr. Cherney did not follow the CCMPC by-laws adopted by the County Board of Commissioners. Ms. Bomba agreed to discuss the current process with the Board Chair and report back to the CCMPC. Planning and Zoning Review Case #02-06-02, Eckford Township - PA 116 Application (Bonnie Bidwell). Jennifer explained that Eckford Township received an Application for Farmland Agreement from Bonnie Bidwell for 20 acres located in Section 30 of Eckford Township. The subject acreage is part of a larger cash crop operation and contains no structures. The property owner has requested a 7 year contract; however the state stipulates a minimum contract length of 10 years. The Eckford Township Zoning Map and Master Plan Map classify the subject property as Agricultural as well as all surrounding property.
Staff Comments Jennifer Bomba presented the members with an updated member roster including new member Alex Cherney. Jennifer requested that all members review their information and return any noted changes to her for amendment. Jennifer also handed out a meeting schedule noting that the time change approved during the meeting is not reflected on the schedule. Jennifer noted that the planning department office will be open on Wednesdays from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm, and other times by appointment only. The office is located on the ground level of the county building adjacent to the MSU Extension office. Regularly scheduled meetings will take place in the planning office beginning in March. As soon as all contact information is set, a letter indicating the new location and office hours will be sent to all local units of government and community stakeholders. Member Comments Commissioner Rizor questioned if the county’s new property foreclosure program applies to agricultural land and questioned if Ms. Petredean could explain the program to the CCMPC. Commissioner Rizor also questioned how other counties in the state are funding planning, and what a loss it is if the county is not proactive in the efforts to promote proper land use including agricultural preservation and parks and recreation planning. Commissioner Schubel welcomed new member Alex Cherney. Commissioner Moore noted that this may be the time to revisit the goals of the CCMPC. The County Board of Commissioners may be open to new initiatives/projects that ultimately promote economic development and/or sustainable development. Commissioner Millard asked why the CCMPC had not reviewed the addition to the Woodland Hills Subdivision located in Newton Township. Jennifer noted that unless there is a zoning change or a text amendment, the CCMPC is not involved in the process. Commissioner Rizor noted that he is working with the Huron Band of Potawotomi to design a new community building. In addition, they have hired a consultant to develop a Master Plan for the reservation land. A draft of the Master Plan and building design plans were presented to the Athens Township Planning Commission on February 9, 2006. The township seemed receptive of the projects underway. Public Comments Gardy Berezonsky noted that there was a great deal of public comment that occurred at the Marengo Township public hearing for the proposed sexually oriented business language. He believes that the Township Board members are allowing their personal beliefs to direct the actions being taken on this issue. The next regular meeting of the CCMPC is scheduled for March 27, 2006, at 4:00 pm. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 6:43 pm.
|
|
||||
|
||||||
|
Calhoun County Government
| Visiting Calhoun County
| Living in Calhoun County Calhoun County
Click here to contact the webmaster
at Calhoun County
Click here to report technical problems with this website,
This page last modified
08/03/05. DHTML Menu By Milonic JavaScript
|
||||||
Minutes Archive
Several photos included in this 
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |