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County of Antrim |
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PLANNING COMMISSION |
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Minutes |
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March 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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Barb Bradford, Terry Morris, Jill Barnard, Marshall Wright, Laura Stanek, Jim Gurr and Al Luurtsema |
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Members absent: |
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Al Martel, Joe Allen and Tom Maleck |
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Advisory present: |
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None. |
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Staff and others: |
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Peter Garwood and Joe Meyers |
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1. Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Al Luurtsema. |
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2. Public Comment |
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Terry Smith, Supervisor and Zoning Administrator for Forest Home Township, informed the Commission that the Township is going for a grant this year to acquire 165 acres of property in the township. This will be a small part of a natural area that will span over 763 acres upon completion. The original grant was for the County to go in with the Township for the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to purchase 345 acres surrounding another 418 acres of currently fragmented County owned land. Mr. Smith noted that the Trust Fund did not like that two entities were jointly applying for a grant and asked if they would “trim the grant down”. Mr. Smith further noted that the County has expressed interest in trying to acquire the other 180 acres completing the 763 acres.
Motion by Laura Stanek, supported by Jill Barnard to send a letter of support to Forest Home Township regarding the grant for the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area. Motion carried – unanimous. |
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3. Approval of Minutes |
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Motion by Marshall Wright, supported by Barb Bradford to approve the minutes of February 7, 2006 as amended. Motion carried – unanimous. |
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4. Conflict of Interest Disclosure |
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None. |
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5. Forest Home Township Zoning Amendments |
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Terry Smith presented the zoning amendments for Forest Home Townships section 23 of their zoning ordinance involving oil and gas surface facilities (attached). Mr. Smith informed the Commission that they had no real way of regulating oil and gas wells except on the surface. This amendment is to help protect the Township from legal battles that they cannot win. Mr. Smith noted that they have had several meetings with SRW and DTE (the two big companies in the township) and they felt that they could work with the Township on the placement of the surface facilities. Mr. Smith noted that by state law, you could only regulate the surface for gas drilling (surface facilities). Due to this restriction, they could only regulate central production facilities (CPF) in the Township. This ordinance would allow the CPF through special approval.
Barb Bradford expressed concern that this did not address netting around brine pits.
Motion by Laura Stanek, supported by Marshall Wright, to recommend Forest Home Township approve amendments to section 23 of their Zoning Ordinance regarding Oil and Gas Surface Facilities. Motion carried as a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – Al Luurtsema, Jill Barnard, Barb Bradford, Jim Gurr, Terry Morris, Laura Stanek, Marshall Wright; No – None; Absent – Tom Maleck, Al Martel, Joe Allen. Motion carried. |
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6. Elk Rapids Zoning Ordinance Amendments |
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Discussion ensued over amendments to the Elk Rapids Zoning Ordinance (attached).
Jim Gurr noted that he felt that it is sad that they make the farmers take their signs down in the winter because it is hard to maintain a small business.
Marshall Wright expressed concern over section 2.06 on the accessory buildings due to the restrictive nature and the height requirements. Mr. Wright noted that when you limit height it can make for flatter roofs.
Mr. Gurr indicated that he was pleased with the allowance of accessory buildings because some zoning ordinances do not allow for them anymore. Mr. Gurr further noted that section 2.02 – B upset him because it does not make exceptions for creative ideas (i.e. Frank Lloyd Wright houses).
Motion by Laura Stanek, supported by Barb Bradford, to recommend approval of all amendments to the Elk Rapids Township Zoning Ordinance as presented to the Commission. The Commission noted that the Township should consider eliminating the height restriction on accessory buildings. Motion carried by a yea and nay vote as follows: Yes – Al Luurtsema, Jill Barnard, Barb Bradford, Jim Gurr, Terry Morris, Laura Stanek, Marshall Wright; No – None; Absent – Tom Maleck, Al Martel, Joe Allen. Motion carried. |
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7. Focus Group Reports |
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Laura Stanek presented the agriculture section of the master plan. The Commission reviewed the information and inquired about the visioning session results. Joe Meyers informed the Commission that he would put all of the results of the visioning session regarding farmland preservation in the section. |
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8. Communication |
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Mr. Luurtsema informed the Commission that they will be receiving the Board of Commissioners minutes in their packets each month. |
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9. Public/Member Comment |
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Jim Gurr expressed concern again over the title master plan.
Al Luurtsema spoke in support of the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area.
Laura Stanek expressed concern over the 180 acres that the Township is hoping the County purchases. |
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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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