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Planning Commission
Elmira Township
County of Otsego
November 25, 2003
The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, commencing at 7:00 p.m. with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Suzanne Bannister, Diane Purgiel and Gloria Torello.
New Business:
The 2004 budget was discussed. Professional Services will be changed to $6,000.00. The total budget proposed for 2004 is $13,085.00. Purgiel will bring this to the Township Board.
At the January 2004 PC meeting the following will be discussed: Open Meetings Act, Planning Commission Guidelines, Elmira Township By-Laws, Township Planning Act. PC members are asked to read these documents and come to the meeting with any questions or discussion topics for review.
Concerns were discussed regarding PC member John Wiacek’s absences from recent PC meetings. Hoffman has tried to contact Wiacek via telephone on two occasions at the residence and business phone numbers. Hoffman was able to leave a message both times, but had not received a call back from Wiacek as of the date of the PC meeting. Hoffman will discuss this with Bud Robarge, Supervisor Elmira Township Board, and will try again to contact Wiacek. The PC recommends Purgiel discuss this issue at the next Board meeting. The PC recommends the Board send a certified letter to Wiacek, copying the PC, asking Wiacek his intentions on participating in the PC.
Old business:
Torello moved and Purgiel seconded a motion to approve the PC notes from October 2003. There was no objection.
It is requested Mary Campbell provide the township with a draft agenda of the following: proposed dates Campbell will be at PC meetings in 2004; discussion topics for those meetings; and a schedule to complete the draft master plan-including target dates. This is in an effort to keep moving forward on the plan and attempt to meet the target 18 months to complete the draft. Torello will contact Campbell about this.
PC members finished review of draft Chapter 7 of the master plan. Torello will forward comments to Campbell. Purgiel provided comments on the Service Information, which will be sent to Campbell also.
The digital photos along M-32, for the billboard ordinance, have not yet been taken. Hoffman please put on January adgenda.
Hoffman provided information on the Antrim County Planning Commission’s visioning meetings discussing the potential for countywide zoning in Antrim County. For more information go to: www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/visioning.html.
Hoffman, please include the Antrim County Planning Commission web site agenda for their next meeting. Their web site is: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.
Wiacek, was not at the meeting, so in January there will be a report of transmittals from Antrim County regarding the Antrim County Planning Commissions information and documents. Hoffman put on agenda.
Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees.
The next PC meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2004 at 7:00 PM. Mary Campbell plans to attend. Because of the Christmas holiday, there will not be December 2003 Planning Commission meeting.
Purgiel moved to adjourn and Banister seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Planning Commission
Elmira Township
County of Otsego
October 28, 2003
The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, commencing at 7:00 p.m. with Gloria Torello, secretary, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Suzanne Bannister, Diane Purgiel and John Ernst.
New Business:
Torello opened the meeting and turned it over to Purgiel to run.
Old business:
One typo was corrected in the August 2003 notes. With the correction, Torello moved to approve the meeting notes from August 2003, and Purgiel seconded, there was no objection.
Purgiel gave follow up comments to her investigation on Mr. Cherry’s concerns. The concern centered on the Kyles property in Elmira, including wanting to know if a building permit for a pole barn had been issued by the county. Purgiel contacted Otsego County Zoning, Mike Zalewski, then followed up with Mr. Cherry. There is a recently issued county permit for a pole barn on the Kyles property. The intention is for Kyles to build a pole barn to store items now in the yard to come into compliance with zoning.
PC members reviewed about half of the draft of Chapter 7 of the master plan. At the November 2003 meeting review of draft Chapter 7 will continue.
The digital photos along M-32, for the billboard ordinance, have not yet been taken.
Hoffman, please include the Antrim County Planning Commission web site agenda for their next meeting. Their web site is: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.
Wiacek, was not at the meeting, so in November there will be a report of transmittals from Antrim County regarding the Antrim County Planning Commissions information and documents. Hoffman put on agenda.
Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees.
The next PC meeting is scheduled for November 25, 2003 at 7:00 PM. Because review of draft Chapter 7 is not complete, it is suggested Mary Campbell attend the January 2004 meeting instead of the November meeting. Because of the Christmas holiday, there will not be December 2003 Planning Commission meeting.
Purgiel moved to adjourn and Banister seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Planning Commission
Elmira Township
County of Otsego
August 26, 2003
The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, commencing at 7:00 p.m. with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Suzanne Bannister, Diane Purgiel and Gloria Torello of the PC. Mary Campbell, consultant on the master plan, and Mr. Don Cherry were also present.
New Business
None
Old business:
Banister moved to approve the meeting notes from July 2003, Torello seconded, there were no objections.
Hoffman moved to approve the meeting notes from June 2003, Torello seconded, there were no objections.
Mr. Cherry wanted information on the Kyles property in Elmira, including information on what uses are allowed in B2. Hoffman read the activities that are a use by right. Mr. Cherry has concerns there is a building permit on the Kyles site that was not signed by the building department. Purgiel will contact Otsego County Zoning, then follow up with Mr. Cherry. Mr. Cherry voiced his concerns about “selective” zoning enforcement.
Campbell presented the photos that were taken by the community; passed out results of the SWOT Analysis, and passed out Draft Goals for discussion. Follow up on these items will be made in October when Campbell will be at the PC meeting.
Campbell will provide PC members with the next draft chapter in the master plan plan, so it can be reviewed at the September meeting.
Campbell provided to the PC resource maps of the Township.
Torello moved and Banister seconded a motion to have the vice chair take digital photos along M-32, for the billboard ordinance, by October 30, 2003. A camera may need to be rented or borrowed. The motion passed unanimously. Wiacek will follow up on this.
Purgiel brought the members up to date on the proposed county wide zoning plan.
Hoffman, please include the Antrim County Planning Commission web site agenda for their next meeting. Their web site is: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.
Wiacek, was not at the meeting, so in September there will be a report of transmittals from Antrim County regarding the Antrim County Planning Commissions information and documents. Hoffman put on agenda.
Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees.
The next PC meeting is scheduled for September 23, 2003 at 7:00 PM.
Torello moved to adjourn and Purgiel seconded. The meeting adjourned around 9:00 PM.
Planning Commission
Elmira Township
County of Otsego
July 22, 2003
The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, commencing at 7:00 p.m. with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Suzanne Bannister, and Gloria Torello of the PC and John Ernst who serves in an advisory role with the Otsego County Planning Commission.
New business:
Election of PC officers was completed. Bannister moved and Torello seconded a motion to elect Hoffman as the PC chair. No other nominations were made. The vote passed unanimously.
Torello moved and Hoffman seconded a motion to elect Wiacek as the PC vice chair. No other nominations were made. The vote passed unanimously.
Bannister moved and Hoffman seconded a motion to elect Torello as the PC secretary. No other nominations were made. The vote passed unanimously.
There is a mailbox in the Board office for PC members.
Hoffman talk to the Board about talking with Zaremba’s to get an idea of their future plans at the site of the recent fire in Elmira, and how their plans tie into the development of the master plan.
Ernst will look into the possibility of forming a Downtown Development Authority in Elmira.
Torello moved and Banister seconded a motion to have the vice chair take photos along M-32 to document existing conditions for future use when reviewing billboard application. The motion passed unanimously. Hoffman please put on next agenda.
Torello moved and Hoffman seconded a motion to approve $25.00 for Bannister to purchase “The Planning Commissioner Toolkit.” The motion passed unanimously. Purgiel please bring this to the Board.
Old business:
The meeting notes from May 2003 were approved.
The meeting notes from June 2003 could not be approved as there was not a quorum of PC members present who were at the June meeting (Torello, Hoffman, Wiacek, and Purgiel). This shall be carried over to the August 2003 meeting, Hoffman put on agenda.
Campbell did not mail PC members the next draft chapter in the plan, so it could not be reviewed. Campbell is scheduled to be at the August meeting and may provide the next chapter then.
Hoffman reviewed notes from a previous planning training and has a checklist of the various actions required under the law to coordinate the master plan with adjacent communities.
Campbell shall provide to the PC resource maps of the Township.
Hoffman, please include the Antrim County Planning Commission web site agenda for their next meeting. Their web site is: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.
From Wiacek, get a report of transmittals from Antrim County regarding the Antrim County Planning Commissions information and documents. Hoffman put on agenda.
Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees.
Hoffman communicated with Wiacek and Bud Robarge, Board. Existing billboards in the township are grandfathered in, and do not have to make (renewal) application each year under the jurisdiction of the billboard ordinance.
Bannister shall make a copy of written comments and attachments from Jean Brown, relating to the master plan development, and give to PC members in August.
The next PC meeting is scheduled for 26, 2003 at 7:00 PM.
Torello moved to adjourn and Bannister seconded. The meeting adjourned around 9:00 PM.
Planning Commission
Elmira Township
County of Otsego
June 24, 2003
The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, commencing at 7:00 p.m. with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were John Wiacek, Diane Purgiel, and Gloria Torello of the PC and John Ernst who serves in an advisory role with the Otsego County Planning Commission. Others included Mary Campbell (planner) and those on the attached list.
New business:
None.
Old business:
The meeting notes from May 2003 could not be approved as there was not a quorum of PC members present who were at the May meeting (Torello, Hoffman, and Bannister). This shall be carried over to the July 2003 meeting, Hoffman put on agenda.
Torello mailed Chapter 3 of the draft master plan to Mary Campbell. Campbell will mail PC members the next chapter so it may be reviewed at the July meeting. Hoffman put on agenda.
The Elmira Township Board (Board) approved the PC member’s dues to the Michigan Society of Planning. PC members must send the paperwork to Sue Shaedig. Sue will then forward the paperwork and fees.
Purgiel moved to postpone the balance of the evening’s agenda items to allow time to work with Campbell on the master plan. The motion passed unanimously. The following items were postponed until the July meeting.
Hoffman shall review the various laws and make a checklist of actions required under the laws as it relates to coordinating the master plan with adjacent communities. The purpose of the list is to ensure the law is being followed.
Campbell shall provide to the PC resource maps of the Township.
Hoffman, please include the Antrim County Planning Commission web site agenda for their next meeting. Their web site is: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.
From Wiacek, get a report of transmittals from Antrim County regarding the Antrim County Planning Commissions information and documents. Hoffman put on agenda.
Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees. Hoffman put on agenda.
Wiacek shall discuss with Bud Robarge, Board, and the township attorney if necessary, if existing billboards in the township are grandfathered in, or if existing billboards must make renewal applications and come under the jurisdiction of the billboard ordinance. Hoffman put on agenda.
Campbell led the discussion on the master plan development. An overview was given of the master planning process, the existing draft chapters of the plan, the past survey results-including handouts of the past survey summary, and public visioning meeting-including things to preserve and “weeds” that need to be addressed.
Regarding modifications to the summary from the visioning meeting, the issue of pole buildings on vacant lots was addressed by the county. Garbage pick-up would need to be addressed through a petition to the Board. Windmill energy has become a Township issue since the survey and visioning meeting.
Campbell provided single use cameras to the PC members and interested public participants. The directive was to take photos of “things” in the Township to preserve/protect, and things in the Township that may be problems that need to be addressed. The purpose of the photos is to help give definition to items listed from the visioning meeting, items like “maintain rural character, more green space, revitalize village of Elmira.” The photos are to reflect a definition of those items.
Campbell also provided a sheet to list Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to the Township. Both the cameras and sheets are due back to the PC members by July 1, 2003, and to Campbell by July 7, 2003.
There is a tentative goal to have the full draft of the master plan written by December 2003. From there, the various notices and hearings would be conducted.
Six people from the community were present at the meeting, which included the reporter from the Gaylord Herald Times. Three of the public heard of the meeting from word of mouth, one saw a flyer in Hops and Schnapps; one heard the announcement on the local radio station.
The next PC meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2003 at 7:00 PM.
Purgiel moved to adjourn and Wiacek seconded. The meeting adjourned around 9:00 PM.
Planning Commission
Elmira Township
County of Otsego
May 27, 2003
The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, commencing at 7:15 p.m. with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Gloria Torello and Suzanne Bannister. Banister moved to approve the meeting notes from March 2003, and Hoffman seconded.
New business:
None.
Old business:
Chapter 3 of the draft master plan was read and reviewed. Comments were made on a marked up copy of the chapter. Torello will mail the comments to Mary Campbell.
Purgiel provided a copy of the letter the Elmira Township Board (Board) has written to Otsego County Equalization Director. The letter provides for Mary Campbell and Duane Hoffman to use maps and aerial system information on Elmira Township’s behalf.
Purgiel also provided a copy of the PC’s 2003 approved budget. Copy attached.
Hoffman shall review the various laws and make a checklist of actions required under the laws as it relates to coordinating the master plan with adjacent communities. The purpose of the list is to ensure the law is being followed.
Hoffman shall talk to Purgiel and ask Purgiel to ask the Board if the Township will buy the PC member’s dues to the Michigan Society of Planning.
Campbell shall develop a historical background of the township.
Campbell shall provide to the PC resource maps of the Township.
Campbell shall be at the June 24, 2003 PC meeting. Future development will be discussed. Campbell shall go over maps, background information; give an overview of socioeconomic demographics, natural resources, and existing land use. Campbell will also provide handouts of the past survey summary, discuss goals, things to preserve and problems that need to be addressed. As a group, Campbell shall facilitate brainstorming ideas for the master plan development. Public participation is needed and encouraged. Hoffman shall request the local paper place a notice of the meeting in the newspaper. Bannister shall contact the local radio station about announcing the June 24, 2003 meeting. Torello shall coordinate placing an announcement in Pat and Buds Groceries, The party store at Glen Meadows, and at Bea’s restaurant. Torello suggested everyone from the PC invite three neighbors to the meeting.
Ernst shall invite Warner Township (Antrim County) Board to our June 2003 PC meeting. Campbell shall invite to the June 2003 PC meeting a representative from MSU Extension, and Patricia Osborn of the Soil Conservation Service.
The Board approved funds for Ernst and PC members to attend the Citizen Planner Program program being offered through Michigan State University Extension.
The Board also approved the reappointment of Duane Hoffman to the PC.
Hoffman, on the annual calendar, in April, put a note to contact the Board for PC reappointments.
Hoffman as an ongoing agenda item, please include the Antrim County Planning Commission web site agenda for their next meeting. Their web site is: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.
Wiacek was not present, so there was no report of transmittals from Antrim County regarding the Antrim County Planning Commissions information and documents. Wiacek please provide an update at the June meeting. Hoffman please put on the agenda as an ongoing item.
Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees. (Hoffman please put on next agenda.)
Wiacek shall discuss with Bud Robarge, Board, and the township attorney if necessary, if existing billboards in the township are grandfathered in, or if existing billboards must make renewal applications and come under the jurisdiction of the billboard ordinance. Hoffman, please put on agenda for next month.
The next PC meeting is scheduled for June 24, 2003 at 7:00 PM. All PC members shall be at the hall at 6:30 pm to set up tables.
Bannister moved to adjourn and Torello seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Planning Commission
Elmira Township
County of Otsego
April 22, 2003
The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, commencing at 7:00 p.m. with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were John Wiacek, Gloria Torello, Suzanne Bannister, and Diane Purgiel of the PC, and John Ernst who serves in an advisory role with the Otsego County Planning Commission. Others included Mary Campbell (planner), Bud & Pat Robarge.
Wiacek moved to approve the meeting notes from March 2003, and Banister seconded.
New business:
None.
Old business:
Discussion of the master plan continued. Campbell had the group identify on a map areas in the Township with existing development/housing.
For the next PC meeting, all PC members shall have read Chapter 3 of the draft master plan and be prepared to provide comments. The comments will be compiled and sent to Campbell so she can have revisions ready for the June 2003 meeting. (Hoffman, please put on the next agenda.)
Purgiel shall ask the Elmira Township Board (Board) to write a letter to Otsego County to allow the County to release documents to Mary Campbell, and to Northern Michigan Council of Governments, as they are acting on the Townships behalf. An example of a document to be released includes digital parcel data. Campbell shall provide Purgiel with an example draft letter.
Campbell provided a copy of the letter sent to adjacent communities to notify them of Elmira Township’s development of a master plan, copy attached. (Hoffman, at the next meeting, lets discuss if Campbell should provide to the PC a list of actions required under the law as it relates to coordinating the master plan with adjacent communities so the PC may review the list to ensure the law is being followed.)
Campbell shall develop a historical background of the township.
At the May 2003 meeting, Campbell shall provide to the PC resource maps of the Township.
Campbell shall be at the June 23, 2003 PC meeting. Future development will be discussed. Campbell shall go over maps, background information; give an overview of socioeconomic demographics, natural resources, and existing land use. Campbell will also provide handouts of the past survey summary, discuss goals, things to preserve and problems that need to be addressed. As a group, Campbell shall facilitate brainstorming ideas for the master plan development. Public participation is needed and encouraged. The PC will arrange to have notice of the meeting in the local newspaper as a press release, on the radio, in fliers in the local stores. Torello suggested everyone from the PC invite three neighbors to the meeting.
Ernst shall invite Warner Township (Antrim County) Board to our June 2003 PC meeting. Campbell shall invite to the June 2003 PC meeting John Middleton of MSU Extension, and Patricia Osborn of the Soil Conservation Service.
Campbell shall put together a list of names and addresses of people who attended the visioning meeting.
Banister attended the public hearing relating to the State of Michigan, Land Use Leadership Council on April 21, 2003.
Purgiel moved to request from the Board funds for Ernst to attend the Citizen Planner Program being offered through Michigan State University Extension. Wiacek seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Purgiel will also request funds from the Board for Banister and Torello to attend one session each of the program. (Hoffman, at the next meeting, please review.)
The Antrim County Planning Commission web site was checked. The agenda for their next meeting, and future meetings, will not be posted until a week after the PC’s meetings. Hoffman will keep an eye on the website and advise if the topic looks like one of our PC members should attend. Torello reported Antrim County will hold a series of visioning meetings. The visioning meeting dates are on the their web site: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html. Hoffman, please update the PC at the next meeting.
Wiacek sent Antrim County a letter, copy attached, stating the Elmira Township PC agrees to receive electronic transmittals of the Antrim County Planning Commissions information and documents. The letter indicated the information needs to be sent to the Elmira Township PC vice chair, administered by Wiacek. The vice chair shall keep the PC up to date on the transmittals.
Purgiel provided a copy of the Board notes about the Billboard Applications fee resolution, attached. Wiacek provided a copy of the newspaper clipping of the Billboard ordinance that published in the Gaylord Herald Times on March 19, 2003, attached. Torello also received documentation from the newspaper of the posting, attached.
Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees. (Hoffman please put on next agenda.)
Wiacek shall discuss with Bud Robarge, Board, and the township attorney if necessary, if existing billboards in the township are grandfathered in, or if existing billboards must make renewal applications and come under the jurisdiction of the billboard ordinance. Hoffman, please put on agenda for next month.
Hoffman sent a letter to Otsego County Planning Commission regarding the PC’s comments on transfer stations, copy attached.
The next PC meeting is scheduled for May 27, 2003 at 7:00 PM
Purgiel moved to adjourn and Wiacek seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Planning Commission
Elmira Township
County of Otsego
March 25, 2003
The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, commencing at 7:00 p.m. with John Wiacek, vice Chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Gloria Torello, Suzanne Bannister of the PC.
Bannister moved to approve the meeting notes from February 2003, and Wiacek seconded.
New business:
Torello informed the PC, the State of Michigan, Land Use Leadership Council will hold a public hearing on Monday April 21, 2003. One hearing is from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and a second is from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The Gaylord hearings will be held at the Michigan Technical Education Center (MTEC) Rooms 103-105, 60 Livingston Boulevard Gaylord, MI. Bannister volunteered to attend one of the hearings and make comments on behalf of the PC.
A new Citizen Planner Program is being offered through Michigan State University Extension. PC members were given information on the training.
The Antrim County Planning Commission advised the PC it intends to begin the process of creating a new county master plan. Antrim County Planning Commission requests Elmira Township PC cooperation, comments and input during the process. We are welcome to attend their meetings or ask for minutes of the meetings. They will meet the first Tuesday of each month in the Board of Commissioners Room, Antrim County Building at 7:00 pm. Agendas can be viewed at http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.
By law, Antrim County is required to provide various information and documents. They requested written permission from Elmira Township PC to forward electronically the information and documents. If Elmira Township PC agrees to electronic transmittal of such documents we are to forward written authorization to Arlen Turner, Chairman Antrim County Planning Commission, Antrim County Building P.O. Box 187 Bellaire, Michigan 49615. Torello proposed the vice chair receive the information from them electronically, Banister seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Wiacek shall send Antrim County a letter stating agreement to the electronic transmittals, and copy Torello. The vice chair shall keep the PC up to date on the transmittals.
PC members shall view Antrim County Planning Commission’s web page before future PC meetings. The PC shall determine if the agenda topic warrants a PC member to attend. If it so, one of the PC members will try to attend. It is suggested the PC members rotate this responsibility. Hoffman, please put this on the agenda as an ongoing item.
Old Business:
PC members discussed and commented on the draft master plan (plan) Table of Contents, Chapter 1 (Introduction), Chapter 2 (Township Social and Economic Characteristics) provided by Campbell. Torello shall compile comments and mail to Mary so she can prepare for the April 2003 PC meeting.
The Elmira Township Board (Board) signed the Billboard Ordinance Certification. The Board passed a resolution setting the Billboard Applications fees. Purgiel, please provide a copy of the Board notes about the fee resolution. The Billboard ordinance was published in the Gaylord Herald Times on March 19, 2003 and was filed with the County Clerk on March 14 2003. Therefore, the Billboard Ordinance went into effect on March 20, 2003. Copies of the Billboard Ordinance were given to PC members. Wiacek shall provide a copy of the newspaper clipping.
Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees.
No new billboard application was received. Wiacek shall discuss with Bud Robarge,
Board, and the township attorney if necessary, if existing billboards in the township are grand fathered in, or if existing billboards must make renewal applications and come under the jurisdiction of the billboard ordinance.
Follow up with Hoffman, did he send the Otsego County Planning Commission a letter with the PC’s comments on transfer stations, and copy Torello?
There was no new information on the budget.
Torello provided a copy of the By-Laws to PC members.
Campbell shall coordinate the master plan with the adjacent communities as required by law. Torello suggested Campbell provide to the PC a list of actions required under the law. The PC shall review the list to ensure the law is being followed.
Campbell shall develop a historical background of the township.
Follow up with Purgiel about the Board recommendations of special interest groups to invite to the planning meetings.
Ernst shall invite Warner Township (Antrim County) Board to our April 2003 PC meeting. Banister shall contact the local radio station (Mike Riley) and request a public service announce be made for the April 22, 2003 PC meeting; Campbell shall send a similar request to the Gaylord Herald Times. Campbell shall invite to the April 22, 2003 PC meeting John Middleton of MSU Extension, and Patricia Osborn of the Soil Conservation Service.
Campbell shall put together a list of names and addresses of people who attended the visioning meeting.
The next PC meeting is scheduled for April 22, 2003 at 7:00 PM. PC members shall get to the hall by 6:30 pm to set up tables and chairs for the meeting.
Torello moved to adjourn and Banister seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.
Planning Commission
Elmira Township
County of Otsego
February 25, 2003
The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, commencing at 7:00 p.m. with Duane Hoffman, Chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Gloria Torello, John Wiacek, Suzanne Bannister of the PC, and John Ernst who serves in an advisory role with the Otsego County Planning Commission. Others included Mary Campbell, who has been retained by the PC to assist in developing the master plan (plan).
Wiacek moved to approve the meeting notes from January 2003, and Bannister seconded.
New business:
See the agenda Mary Campbell provided. A historical background of the township will be developed and included in the plan. Campbell will contact the local historical society, and Indian tribe historian for some information. Public involvement is a big concern while developing the plan. Special interest groups, and the entire public, will be invited to future planning meetings. Downtown Elmira residents/business owners, farmers, Michigan State University Extension, health care providers are examples of special interest groups. The public may be informed of planning sessions through the newspaper, radio, fliers at Pat & Buds and Hops and Schnaps, and post cards. It was suggested the White Water Township Plan be used an as example of how our plan may look upon completion. There was discussion of having a Saturday session were the people go out into the community and take photos of things they like in the township and want to conserve.
Campbell shall put together a list of names and addresses of people who attended the visioning meeting. This list will grow as individuals show interest and participate in the planning meetings. Campbell will be at the April 2003 meeting and shall invite to the meeting John Middleton of MSU Extension, and Patricia Osborn of the Soil Conservation Service. These invitees are encouraged to share the word with others in their circles to participate in the planning meeting(s). The Elmira Township Board (board) may also participate in the planning meetings.
Purgiel shall ask the board if they are aware of any special interest groups to invite to the planning meetings.
Ernst shall attend the next Warner Township (Antrim County) Board meeting and invite that board and township residents to the April 2003 PC meeting.
Campbell shall coordinate the plan with the adjacent communities as required by law. The time frame for completing the plan is a function of community involvement, and the seasonal nature of many township residents.
For the March 2003 PC meetings, all PC members shall read and come to the meeting prepared to provide comments and feedback on the draft plan Table of Contents, Chapter 1 (Introduction), Chapter 2 (Township Social and Economic Characteristics) provided by Campbell. Comments will be compiled and sent to Mary so she can prepare for the April 2003 PC meeting.
For the April 2003 PC meeting, Banister shall contact the local radio station (Mike Riley) and request a public service announce be made; Campbell shall send a similar request to the Gaylord Herald Times.
Old Business:
Hoffman shall send the Otsego County Planning Commission a letter with the PC’s comments on transfer stations. PC suggestions included having perhaps two ordinances, one for commercial and another for residential transfer stations. A size component may be included also. (Copy Torello)
The budget was submitted to the board, see attached. At the next board meeting, the board will vote on the entire township budget (including the PC’s budget.) Purgiel provided a copy of the PC budget that was submitted, and a copy of the PC expenses for the last year, see attached. Purgiel shall keep us updated on any revisions as a result of the board meeting.
The board signed the Billboard Ordinance. It will go into effect the day following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the township. Purgiel shall keep the PC informed of the date of the publications.
The board did not sign the Ordinance Certification. Purgiel shall bring this issue up at the next board meeting.
The township attorney reviewed the revised Billboard Application. He was concerned about the application fees. Section 5(a) of the Billboard Ordinance requires that the fees be established by Resolution of the board. Purgiel shall ask the board to pass a resolution setting the fees, if this has not been done already.
To avoid having multiple approved ordinances which must be referred to, the “original” ordinance language may be rewritten into a “working document” with the new ordinance language included. When the new language is included, cite in parenthesis information like “as amended by Ordinance X as approved on 1/1/2003.” This documents the “paper trial,” or “ordinance trail.” Note, on record there will be the ordinances approved by the Board, the working document will be more user friendly. Torello shall prepare this “working document” after the Board has approved the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees.
Purgiel was not at the meeting, but forwarded information through Hoffman and Torello. The board officially designated the PC to “handle the Billboard ordinance.” See the enclosed copies of the board notes from January 9, 2003.
Purgiel provided a copy of the November 14, 2002 board notes approving the revised By-Laws, enclosed. Purgiel, please bring a copy of the revised signed By-Laws to the next PC meeting. When received, Torello will provide a copy to PC members.
Purgiel provided a copy of the contract with Mary Campbell to develop the plan, enclosed.
All PC members shall read the handouts Purgiel provided and be prepared to discuss them at the next meeting.
On April 1, 2003 the new budget went into effect.
Hoffman will not be at the March meeting, Wiacek shall chair. Hoffman shall provide a draft agenda to Wiacek before the meeting.
The next PC meeting is scheduled for March 27, 2003 at 7:00 PM.
Wiacek moved to adjourn and Banister seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 PM.
Planning Commission
Elmira Township
County of Otsego
January 28, 2003
The Elmira Township planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, commencing at 7:00 p.m. with Duane Hoffman, Chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Gloria Torello, John Wiacek, Suzanne Bannister of the PC, and John Ernst who serves in an advisory role with the Otsego County Planning Commission. Others included Kerrie Klein.
Bannister moved to approve the meeting notes from November 2002, and Wiacek seconded.
New business:
Ernst talked about transfer stations, and pending changes to the county zoning ordinance. Issues around the changes include how to zone existing and future transfer stations. There are concerns about transfer stations being accessible to residential area without being a nuisance. Should transfer stations be put in Industrial, Residential, or Business zoned areas? PC suggestions included having perhaps two ordinances, one for commercial and another for residential transfer stations. A size component may be included also. By February 14, 2003, Hoffman shall send the Otsego County Planning Commission a letter with the PC’s comments, and copy Torello.
The budget needs to be finalized for 2003. All PC members shall look at the existing budget and be prepared to discuss at the February 2003 meeting.
Bannister is to sign up for a class for new planning commission members when one is available.
Hoffman shall include the annual calendar on future outlines of the monthly meetings
Ongoing business:
A new draft Ordinance Certification, and Billboard Ordinance were reviewed by the PC. These drafts incorporated the suggestions made in the past by the township attorney. The PC moved to approve the changes. (Torello sent the changes to Bryan Graham, attorney, on January 29, 2003 and the attorney had no objections do the drafts. The drafts are below.) Purgiel shall bring these changes to the Board for review and approval at the next Board meeting.
Revisions were made to the draft Billboard Application, the PC moved to approve the changes. Torello shall send the revised Billboard Application to the attorney for review. After it is reviewed by the attorney, Purgiel shall take it to the Board for approval.
To avoid having multiple approved ordinances which must be referred to, the “original” ordinance language may be rewritten into a “working document” with the new ordinance language included. When the new language is included, cite in parenthesis information like “as amended by Ordinance X as approved on 1/1/2003.” This documents the “paper trial,” or “ordinance trail.” Note, on record there will be the ordinances approved by the Board, the working document will be more user friendly. Torello shall prepare this “working document” after the Board has approved the new ordinance and distribute to the PC.
Purgiel was not at the meeting, but sent word to Hoffman that the Board officially designated the PC to perform the functions of reviewing billboard applications. Purgiel, please bring a copy of these notes to the next PC meeting to be placed on file.
Purgiel also sent word that the Board approved the revised By-Laws and signed the By-Laws. Purgiel, please bring a copy of the revised By-Laws to the next PC meeting. When received, Torello will provide a copy to PC members. Hoffman, please put this on the February agenda.
The PC’s request for a budget of $15,000.00 to develop the comprehensive plan was approved by the Board. The Board also approved hiring Mary Cambell of M.C. Planning and Design to write the comprehensive plan. A contract has not been finalize. Purgiel, please bring this issue to the next Board meeting. Campbell will attend the February PC meeting. Torello shall send Campbell the survey, survey results, and materials from the visioning meeting in time for Campbell to review them before the next PC meeting.
Purgiel will continue to act as the liaison between the PC and the Board.
The next PC meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2003 at 7:00 PM.
Torello moved to adjourn and Wiacek seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
© 2001 Elmira Township
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