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Metropolitan Planning Commission Meeting MinutesCALHOUN COUNTY METROPOLITAN PLANNING COMMISSION August 2, 2006 A Special Meeting of the Calhoun County Metropolitan Planning Commission convened at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 2, 2006 in the Planning Office Conference Room, Calhoun County Building, 315 West Green Street, Marshall, Michigan. Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Daniel Kesselring, Clarence Millard, Dian Schubel, and Larry Rizor. Absent: Comrs. Alex Cherney, Greg Moore, and Robert Bolton. Also Present: Planning Consultant Jennifer Bomba. APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
OLD AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS: CCMPC Visioning Workshop Ms. Bomba advised that she has spoken with Ms. Jan Hartough, Barry County Extension Director, regarding our interest in a visioning session with the CCMPC members. She is interested in meeting with us; however, her schedule is quite full. We have been considering August 21, 2006 which is only a few weeks away, and not all members are available on this date. The other date Ms. Hartough is available is Monday, September 11, 2006. Jennifer will poll everyone via e-mail and see which date works best. It is most likely that we will not carry this out on the 21st of August. NEW BUSINESS: Procedure for Township Planning & Zoning Coordination Ms. Bomba placed this on the agenda at the request of Chairperson Dian Schubel. Ms. Bomba stated the process for which action items are received from townships and the problem with the 30-day review stipulated in the statute. Townships that have planning commission meetings in the third week of the month will always have difficulty getting items submitted with enough time for adequate review and mailing of agenda to CCMPC members. However, in these instances it is likely that the 30 day review period will expire before the next regularly scheduled meeting. This scenario has resulted in the need for special meetings in order for the CCMPC to take action. In the event that the 30 day review period is allowed to run out, it is considered a waiver of the right to review on the part of the CCMPC. Jennifer suggested sending a letter to all townships noting the deadline for submittals to the CCMPC and include an updated form (based on the new MZEAs). The letter could also request a list of township planning commissioners for our database. This could turn into a yearly correspondence for late winter after new appointments are made to local boards. TOWNSHIP PLANNING AND ZONING COORDINATION: Case #07-06-01, Newton Township - Text Amendments regarding Article 11, Agricultural District and Article 22 Construction of Language and Definitions Ms. Bomba advised that the Newton Township Planning Commission has developed language that will allow landowners of agriculturally zoned property to transfer development rights to contiguous parcels. Currently the Newton Township Zoning Ordinance provides for the transfer of development rights to a contiguous quarter-quarter section. The new language would expand the provision to allow for the transfer to contiguous parcels less than 40 acres. The agricultural district regulations stipulate not more than two dwelling units per quarter-quarter section with a minimum lot size of one acre, or three acres if establishing a kennel or raising livestock for profit or pleasure. The township has recognized a trend in the development of “back lots” on quarter-quarter parcels. The new language would allow for these lots to be established along road frontage and provide for the potential to preserve farmland/open space behind the development lots. The adoption of the proposed language would result in a maximum of 4 lots per quarter-quarter section. The township has indicated that upon recording of the deed, any further development rights are extinguished. In addition, the township has recommended that the definition of “contiguous” to be included in Article 22, Construction of Language and Definitions. The proposed definition of contiguous “shall mean touching at a single point or along a boundary”. Ms. Bomba stated that she believes the proposed amendments to the Newton Township Zoning Ordinance will provide landowners with innovative tools for developing rural land while maintaining farmland and open space. Discussion took place regarding the possibility of establishing a lot maximum in order to maximize the preservation of farmland and open space. Comr. Millard voiced his disapproval of establishing a lot maximum.
Case #07-06-02, Newton Township - Text Amendments regarding Article 15, Residential Lake District Ms. Bomba advised that the Newton Township Planning Commission has proposed an amendment to Article 15 of the Newton Township Zoning Ordinance regarding the Residential Lake District. The proposed language defines the method for measuring the front yard setback. The ordinary high water mark is defined as the reference point used to measure the front yard setback, except for platted lots separated from the water by specifically dedicated right-of-way. In these instances, the lot line as noted on the plat shall be the reference point for measuring the front yard setback. The new language also stipulates there to be no construction, enlargement, extension, removal, or placement of a structure in the “bottom land” as defined by the Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act. Ms. Bomba advised that the proposed amendments clarify the front yard setbacks for this zoning district.
STAFF COMMENTS: Ms. Bomba noted that she was pleased with the attendance at the Joint Municipal Planning Act presentation. Quite a diverse group of townships attended with a variety of unique applications. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chairperson Schubel announced that the next CCMPC meeting shall be
on August 28 at ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at the call of the Chair at 12:17 p.m.
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