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County of Antrim |
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PLANNING COMMISSION |
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Minutes |
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February 7, 2006 7:00 p.m. |
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Antrim County Building - Board of Commissioners Room |
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Members present: |
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Joe Allen, Barb Bradford, Alan Martel, Terry Morris, Tom Maleck, Jill Barnard, Marshall Wright, Laura Stanek, Jim Gurr and Al Luurtsema |
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Members absent: |
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None. |
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Advisory present: |
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None. |
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Staff and others: |
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Peter Garwood, Joe Meyers, Kent McNeil, Patty O’Donnell, and Joe Merillat. |
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1. Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Pete Garwood, Coordinator/Planner. |
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2. Public Comment |
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Kent McNeil addressed the Planning Commission on issues regarding zoning and the master plan. |
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3. Approval of Minutes |
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Motion by Marshall Wright, supported by Joe Allen to approve the minutes of January 3, 2006. Motion carried – unanimous |
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4. Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
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None. |
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5. Grand Traverse Bay Joint Planning Project |
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Patty O’Donnell, Regional Planner with Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, addressed the Commission on the Joint Planning Project in regards to Grand Traverse Bay. Ms. O’Donnell further discussed key issues regarding the watershed (attached).
Discussion ensued over what the process was and who was involved. Ms. O’Donnell informed the Commission of her next workshop on February 28, 2006. |
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6. Milton Township Zoning Ordinance Amendment |
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Joe Merillat, Milton Township Planning Commission, explained the purpose for amending the zoning ordinance.
Discussion ensued over the sign ordinance and short term rentals.
Motion by Marshall Wright, supported by Tom Maleck, to recommend approval of the amendments to the Milton Township Zoning Ordinance sections 117.224 and 117.301. Motion carried as a yea and nay vote as follows: Yea – Al Luurtsema, Tom Maleck, Alan Martel, Joe Allen, Jill Barnard, Barb Bradford, Jim Gurr, Terry Morris, Laura Stanek, Marshall Wright No – None Absent – None. Motion Carried. |
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7. Wilson Township Master Plan |
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Discussion ensued over the Wilson Township Master Plan. The Commission inquired about the maps in the plan and indicated that they could be clearer. Mr. Meyers noted that Stan Moore, Advisory Member, indicated that there was an error with some numbers on Page 4-1.
Jim Gurr indicated that he was very pleased with the Township’s Master Plan and noted that it makes sense why their population is increasing.
Motion by Laura Stanek, supported by Tom Maleck, to recommend approval of the Wilson Township Master Plan with the following changes:
Page 4-1 – in the residential section, it mentions 1,152 acres as 19 percent but the percent is actually 5.2. A clearer font is needed on the map text, especially on the legends.
Motion carried as a yea and nay vote as follows: Yea – Al Luurtsema, Tom Maleck, Alan Martel, Joe Allen, Jill Barnard, Barb Bradford, Jim Gurr, Terry Morris, Laura Stanek, Marshall Wright No – None Absent – None. Motion carried. |
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8. Focus Group Reports |
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Tom Maleck, Transportation Section, informed the Commission of the new laws regarding transportation. Mr. Maleck further noted that this is making his section more challenging.
Discussion ensued about the Safe Passage to Schools. The Commission spoke on how sidewalks are a very important part of a safe passage to school.
Al Luurtsema, Chairman, informed the Commission that he would like to have some preliminary reports from the focus groups that have not reported to the Commission on the next month agenda. Mr. Meyers requested that all of the information get to the Coordinator/Planner's Office by February 27, 2006 to be sent out with the agendas.
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9. Completion of the Master Plan |
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Discussion ensued about the completion of the Master Plan.
Jim Gurr and Al Martel expressed concern about how a Master Plan is associated with zoning.
Tom Maleck indicated that in the preamble at the beginning of the document we could add that this tool was not intended to be used for zoning. |
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10. Communication |
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Mr. Meyers indicated that he attached an article from Gosling Czubak about schools and zoning.
Discussion ensued about the pros and cons of schools with zoning. |
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11. Public/Member Comment |
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Kent McNeil spoke on his concern about the Master Plan.
Al Martel spoke on deer related accidents in Torch Lake Township on US-31. Mr. Martel further noted that he is unimpressed with zoned and un-zoned communities equally.
Jim Gurr spoke on Michigan Land Use seminars that he has attended land use seminars and the population are split about zoned and un-zoned communities.
Joe Allen spoke on his comment last meeting and informed the Committee that he regrets his use of the word “never”. |
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Meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m. |
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Submitted and Approved
Alan Martel, Secretary Date: Antrim County Planning Commission |
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