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Planning Commission

Elmira Township

County of Otsego

Elmira, MI

August 24, 2004

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, Diane Purgiel, Jim Theisen, and John Ernst.

New Business

Purgiel will ask Theresa Plachta to put on the Elmira Township website the PC’s meeting dates.

Old Business:

Hoffman moved and Torello seconded a motion to pass the meeting notes from the June 2004 PC meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Purgiel moved and Hoffman seconded a motion to pass the meeting notes from the July 2004 PC meeting. Hoffman pointed out the date of the next meeting should be revised to August 27, 2004. Theisen pointed out the Elmira Township Board (Board) had approved the draft master plan for distribution at the Board’s July 2004 meeting. Theisen then contacted Mary Campbell and the Campbell started the distribution process. Therefore, the July 2004 PC notes were revised. With these revisions, the motion to approve the July 2004 minutes passed unanimously.

The proposed draft master plan map includes proposed future uses in areas which currently have zoning different than described on the proposed draft master plan map. In an effort to update zoning in these areas which do not share a proposed future use with current zoning, Ernst suggests: 1. the PC identify these areas; 2. develop draft language to change the existing Otsego County ordinance and zoning to reflect these changes; 3. have the Board review the draft language and request the Board’s approval of the changes; and 3. get on the Otsego County Planning Commission agenda to hear the PC’s concerns.

This ties into the PC’s July 2004 discussion: “As an on going item, when the master plan is finalized, the PC intends to solicit the Otsego County Zoning Department to make changes to the zoning in Elmira Township to reflect the master plan. The PC will need to identify where in the Township zoning does not match the master plan.”

Ernst led a discussion of the draft Private Road Ordinance being reviewed by the Otsego County Townships. Purgiel said the Board discussed this at the Board’s last meeting. A copy of the draft ordinance was passed out.

Hoffman reported there was no news from the Antrim County planning commission since May 5, 2004. Check the Antrim County website at: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.

Middleton was not at the meeting so there was not a report. He shall find out if there is a website for Corwith Township PC.

Theisen reported to the Livingston Township PC has the following website: www.otsego.org\livingson.

Hoffman continues working with the Elmira Township attorney to resolve the unauthorized placement of a billboard consisting of a wooden bed frame and sign as placed on M-32 by Mr. Todd Richards P.O. Box 72 Elmira, MI 49730. A copy of the deed for the property on which the billboard is located was obtained. The deed shows an owner other than Mr. Richards. Hoffman has drafted an outline showing the nature of the violation and the steps the township has taken to try to resolve the matter.

Purgiel reported the Board has asked the PC to consider amending the Elmira Township Billboard Ordinance to increase the square footage of a billboard from 72 square feet to 120 square feet. Hoffman will put this topic on the September 2004 PC agenda.

Purgiel and Hoffman shall contact the Michigan Township association and the Michigan Society of Planning and request copies of billboard ordinances that have been through the court system and the ordinance prevailed.

Hoffman shall attend a meeting on August 31, 2004 at the University Center. The topic of the meeting is to review the findings from the visioning sessions report.

Torello continues preparing a disk containing electronic copies of the original billboard ordinance, the amendment, and the application; and the notice of violation letter; and other PC documents. The disk will be held on file at the Township.

Review of the By-Laws was tabled until the next PC meeting. At the next PC meeting all PC members shall come to the meeting having read and prepared to discuss the Elmira Township By-Laws.

Review of the following will be discussed at a future meeting: Open Meetings Act, Planning Commission Guidelines, and Township Planning Act. (All ready discussed was the Bill Board Ordinance.)

Hoffman started the project to take digital photos along M-32 for the billboard ordinance. It is suggested he include the date the photos are taken, and include the road signs as points of reference in the video.

Torello works on a position description list for the different officers. The intent is to better define officer duties associated with the various positions.

Hoffman shall contact the PC members and confirm when the next PC meeting will be held.

Torello moved and Purgiel seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Planning Commission

Elmira Township

County of Otsego

Elmira, MI

June 22, 2004

New Business

PC meeting notes will continue to be filed chronologically. However, starting in June 2004, specific “cases” will be filed alphabetically in a CASE file. Examples of cases include billboard applications/violations, applications for rezoning, etc.

PC member officers were nominated for a new annual term as follows. Middleton moved and Torello seconded a motion to keep the same officers in the same positions only if the vote could pass unanimously. This means the following individuals were nominated for the following positions: Torello-secretary, Hoffman-chair, Middleton-vice chair. The vote passed unanimously.

Torello will work on a position description list for the different officers. The intent is to better define officer duties associated with the various positions.

Old Business:

Mary Campbell provided a collated copy of the “Elmira Township Master Plan Draft for Distribution June 2004.” Campbell will provide all PC members their own copy very soon. Five copies of the plan were given to Theisen.

Campbell modified the draft as follows:

1. on the draft master plan and resource maps a stream that does not exist was removed from sections 16 & 17;

2. on the draft master plan a wetlands that does not exist was removed from the proposed light industry area;

3. information in the white paper on wind turbines was combined into Chapter 6;

4. information about the existing Township Billboard Ordinance was not included in the draft as the plan is about future concerns.

Torello moved and Theisen seconded a motion for Theisen to give the Board copies of the draft so the draft could then be distributed to the public. Hoffman proposed modification to the motion. Hoffman suggested the board be given the draft plan and request the Board give release approval for the plan’s immediate distribution; and the Board would reserved, by means of a resolution, the ability to have final approval of the plan after the public comment period ended. The motion passed unanimously.

If the Board gives approval for distribution, Theisen will then contact Campbell to start the formal distribution process of the draft as required by law. Governments adjoining Elmira Township will be on the distribution list. Typically this means the governments’ clerk or chair will get the notice. During the public comment timeframe, the Board, and the public, may make comments on the draft.

It is hopeful a public hearing on the draft will be scheduled for October 26, 2004. The PC must hold the hearing, not the Board. Campbell will be at the hearing.

Torello moved and Theisen seconded a motion to approve the PC notes from April 2004. There was no objection.

Hoffman reported the Antrim County planning commission will hold a presentation on “takings issues” in July 2004. Chris Grobbel is one of the presenters. Check the Antrim County website for more details at: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.

Middleton will find out if there is a website for Corwith Township PC. There was nothing to report to the PC this month from Corwith Township on their master plan.

Theisen said there is no website for the Livingston Township PC. There was nothing to report to the PC this month from Livingston Township PC on their master plan.

Hoffman signed and sent a certified violation notice letter of to Mr. Todd Richards P.O. Box 72 Elmira, MI 49730. The letter was in regards to the “billboard” along M-32 consisting of a sign and wooden bed frame and posts. The letter was signed and mailed June 14, 2004 and gives Mr. Richards until June 28, 2004 to voluntarily come into compliance. See the CASE file for information on Richards. If the site does not come into compliance by June 28, 2004, there was discussion of Hoffman talking to Bud Robarge, Elmira Township Board (Board) to hand deliver the letter.

Before the violation notice letter was mailed, a draft copy of the letter was sent to the Township attorney for review and comment. The attorney had a few comments which were incorporated into the letter. Additionally, this letter will be used as a template for future notice of violation letters. See the VIOLAION Letter file in the file drawer.

Torello contacted the Township attorney to review the draft “working document” of the billboard ordinance combining the original ordinance and the amendment. The attorney had no objections to the working draft. The working draft is in the file draw and copies of it may be provided to the public. Copies of the working draft were handed out to PC members.

The PC members discussed the Billboard ordinance and amendment. The current ordinance addresses billboards at a location different than the property on which the billboard is located. A “sign” at a (home) business is regulated under the county zoning ordinance.

Review of the following will be discussed at a future meeting: Open Meetings Act, Planning Commission Guidelines, Elmira Township By-Laws, and Township Planning Act.

Hoffman is making preparations to take digital photos along M-32 for the billboard ordinance.

Purgiel shall give Shaedig forms for the Michigan Society of Planning newsletter.

The next PC meeting is scheduled for July 27, 2004 at 7:00 PM.

Torello moved and Theisen seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Planning Commission

Elmira Township

County of Otsego

Elmira, MI

May 25, 2004

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 Diane Purgiel, Gloria Torello, Jack Middleton, and Jim Theisen of the PC, and John Ernst who servers in an advisory role.

New Business:

Livingston Township in Otsego County is updating their master plan; Mark Stephens is the Livingston Township contact. Theisen was appointed as Elmira Township’s contact with Livingston Township and will provide the PC with updates from Livingston Township as they are provided to him. Theisen shall find out if there is a website for Livingston Township PC.

Old Business:

Theisen moved and Middleton seconded a motion to approve the PC notes from April 2004. There was no objection.

Hoffman reported any progress on the Antrim County master plan may be found on their website. Their web site is: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.

Middleton will find out if there is a website for Corwith Township PC. There was nothing to report to the PC this month from Corwith Township on their master plan.

Middleton moved and Purgiel seconded a motion that passed unanimously for Hoffman and Torello to draft a notice letter for Hoffman’s signature to Mr. Todd Richards P.O. Box 72 Elmira, MI 49730. The letter will be in regards to the “billboard” along M-32 consisting of a sign and wooden bed frame and posts. On 4/28/04 Hoffman sent Mr. Richards a letter and copies of the billboard ordinance and amendments advising him of the Elmira Township billboard ordinance.

Torello prepared a draft “working document” of the billboard ordinance combining the original ordinance and the amendment. PC members reviewed the draft. Torello shall contact the Township attorney to review the draft. The intent is to have the working draft available for distribution at the June PC meeting. Copies of the signed original ordinance and the amendment are on file at the Township. Torello shall prepare electronic copies of the original ordinance, the amendment, and the application to have on file at the Township.

The PC reviewed the one copy of the latest draft of the master plan provided by Mary Campbell. There were a few comments which Torello will report to Campbell by June 8, 2004. Hoffman shall contact Campbell to determine if a draft of the master plan may be ready for the Elmira Township Board by their July 2004 meeting.

Campbell is requested to follow up on the following:

on the draft master plan and resource maps a stream that does not exist is seen in sections 16 & 17 of the township; on the draft master plan a wetlands that does not exist is seen in the proposed light industry area; contact John Ernst and ask if there is a white paper on wind turbines; include in Chapter 6 text about the existing Township Billboard Ordinance.

Ernst shall contact the Otsego County Road Commission to find out the number of miles of local gravel and seasonal roads in the Township. Ernst will then contact Campbell to Page 5-3 of the draft plan may be updated.

For the next PC meeting, all PC members shall have read and come prepared to discuss the Billboard ordinance and amendment. Review of the following will be discussed at a future meeting: Open Meetings Act, Planning Commission Guidelines, Elmira Township By-Laws, and Township Planning Act.

Hoffman is making preparations to take digital photos along M-32 for the billboard ordinance.

Purgiel shall give Shaedig forms for the Michigan Society of Planning newsletter.

The next PC meeting is scheduled for June 22, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.

Middleton moved and Purgiel seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Planning Commission

Elmira Township

County of Otsego

Elmira, MI

April 27, 2004

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 Diane Purgiel, Gloria Torello, Jack Middleton, John Ernst, and Jim Theisen of the PC; and Mary Campbell and Bud Robarge.

New Business:

Jim Theisen has filled the PC vacancy. His term ends May 31, 2007.

Hoffman reported a “new billboard” along M-32 consisting of a sign and wooden bed frame and posts. It was placed by Mr. Todd Richards P.O. Box 72 Elmira, MI 49730. Hoffman contacted Mr. Richards and told him about the billboard ordinance. Hoffman shall send Mr. Richards copies of the billboard ordinance and amendments.

Torello was given permission to spend money to attend the 25^th Anniversary Celebration of the Wetland Protection Act in Traverse City.

Old Business:

Middleton moved and Purgiel seconded a motion to approve the PC notes from March 2003. There was no objection.

Torello shall contact Sue Shaedig for copies of the Elmira Township Board signed billboard ordinance and amendments.

Torello shall contact the township attorney’s office for electronic copies of the billboard ordinance and amendments.

Torello returned her old county plat book to Purgiel.

Middleton will find out if there is a website for Corwith Township PC. Middleton will update PC members with any information he receives from Corwith Township on their master plan. There was no information this month.

Hoffman will update PC members with any information and documents he receives from Antrim County on their master plan. This month Hoffman reported the Antrim County plan is making progress. See there website for details. Their web site is: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html. There is no zoning in Antrim County.

Mary Campbell reported a clear plastic overlay of the future land use map is not available. Campbell provided PC members with the latest drafts of the master plan chapters. All PC members are requested to read these chapters and provide comments back to Campbell by May 14, 2004. Depending on what comments she receives, Campbell may not be at the May 2004 PC meeting.

Campbell shall address issues on the draft master plan and resource maps that deal with a stream in sections 16 & 17 of the township; and of described wetlands in the proposed “industrial” area north of the village of Elmira.

Hoffman is making preparations to take digital photos along M-32 for the billboard ordinance.

Campbell shall contact John Ernst and ask if there is a white paper on wind turbines.

Review of the following will be discussed at a future meeting: Open Meetings Act, Planning Commission Guidelines, Elmira Township By-Laws, and Township Planning Act.

Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees.

On May 5, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. Otsego County is conducting a visioning meeting at the Elmira Township hall. All are encouraged to attend.

On May 18, 2004 at 7:00 pm there is a Citizen Planner meeting at Bagley Township hall to discuss water quality issues. All are encouraged to attend.

The next PC meeting is scheduled for May 25, 2004 at 7:00 PM.

Purgiel moved to adjourn and Torello seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Cc: Sue Shaedig, Elmira Township Board Secretary

Mary Campbell, MC Planning

Planning Commission

Elmira Township

County of Otsego

Elmira, MI

March 23, 2004

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 Diane Purgiel, Gloria Torello and Jack Middleton of the PC; and Mary Campbell.

New Business:

The PC vacancy was posted in the Gaylord Herald Times. Only one person responded.

The Otsego County Economic Alliance will have a visioning session in Elmira on May 5, 2004 at 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Elmira Township Hall.

April 1, 2004 starts the new budget.

No new, or renewal applications for billboards were received.

A public information meeting on Water Quality In Otsego County will be held May 18, 2004 at 7:00 PM at the Bagley Township hall.

Old Business:

Purgiel moved and Middleton seconded a motion to approve the PC notes from February 2003. There was no objection.

Planning commissioners appointments end on May 31, and new appointments start June first. Hoffman’s term ends May 31, 2006, Middleton’s term ends May 31, 2005, Torello’s term ends May 31, 2004 and is up for reappointment after action by the Elmira Township Board. When the vacancy is filled, that position will be a three-year appointment ending May 31, 2007. Torello shall up date the annual calendar with this information.

PC supplies were returned from Suzanne Bannister and John Wiacek.

New county plat books were given to PC members.

Middleton will update PC members with any information he receives from Corwith Township on their master plan. There was no information this month.

Hoffman will update PC members with any information and documents he receives from Antrim County on their master plan. There was no information this month. Their web site is: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.

Hoffman purchased for the PC a hard copy of the Antrim County Land Use Atlas.

Mary Campbell provided PC members with the latest drafts of the master plan chapters 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8. All PC members are requested to read these chapters and provide comments back to Campbell by April 12, 2004. Campbell shall email chapter 6 to PC members to review. The goal is to have a full draft of the master plan for the Board after the April meeting.

For the April meeting, all PC members shall have reviewed the back ground information materials of the draft master plan and be prepared to discuss/document/defend how the background information supports the draft land use map.

Campbell will provide a digital topographic map to the PC members; and clear plastic overlay maps.

Near May 2004, Hoffman will take digital photos along M-32 for the billboard ordinance.

Torello contacted the Department of Environmental Quality about the following:

There is one open leaking underground storage tank on file, and one closed “brown field” site in Elmira Township, see attached.
There is no map of sand and gravel reserves for Elmira Township.
DEQ procedures for closing gas and oil wells are attached.

Campbell shall contact John Ernst and ask if there is a white paper on wind turbines.

Review of the following will be discussed at a future meeting: Open Meetings Act, Planning Commission Guidelines, Elmira Township By-Laws, and Township Planning Act.

Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees.

The next PC meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2004 at 7:00 PM.

Purgiel moved to adjourn and Middleton seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Cc: Sue Shaedig, Elmira Township Board Secretary

Mary Campbell

Planning Commission

Elmira Township

County of Otsego

February 24, 2004

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 Diane Purgiel, Gloria Torello and Jack Middleton of the PC; and Mary Campbell.

New Business:

Suzanne Bannister resigned from the planning commission.

Purgiel moved and Hoffman seconded a motion to elect Jack Middleton the new vice chair. The motion passed unanimously.

Purgiel will ask Bud Robarge, Elmira Township Board, to write to Bannister and John Wiacek and ask them to return various PC supplies.

Purgiel will purchase new county plat books for the PC.

Corwith Township is developing a master plan. Middleton will serve as the Elmira Township contact person and provide updates at PC meetings. Middleton will contact Corwith Township and notify them he is the Elmira Township contact person; and tell them to forward information electronically to him.

Hoffman shall contact Antrim County and notify them to contact Hoffman, via e-mail, with transmittals regarding Antrim County Planning Commission information and documents. In the past this was a vice chair responsibility.

Hoffman will purchase for the PC a hard copy of the Antrim County Land Use Atlas.

Old Business:

Hoffman moved and Middleton seconded a motion to approve the PC notes from November 2003. There was no objection.

Mary Campbell provided PC members with the latest drafts of the master plan chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9. All PC members are requested to read these chapters and provide comments back to Campbell by March 9, 2004. With this feedback, Campbell will make necessary changes to these chapters and provide final, or nearly final, drafts to PC members at the March 2004 meeting.

Work progresses on developing Chapter 8-Future Land Use Recommendations.

Near May 2004, Hoffman will take digital photos along M-32 for the billboard ordinance.

Hoffman, reported there is not a lot new with the Antrim County Planning Commission’s progress on the master plan. Their web site is: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.

Torello will contact the Department of Environmental Quality and request information on the following:

Is there a “brown field” in Elmira Township;
Is there a map of sand and gravel reserves for Elmira Township;
DEQ procedures for closing gas and oil wells.

Campbell shall contact John Ernst and ask if there is a white paper on wind turbines.

At the March 2004 meeting, Campbell shall provide the PC with the latest draft of the entire master plan.

Review of the following will be discussed at a future meeting: Open Meetings Act, Planning Commission Guidelines, Elmira Township By-Laws, and Township Planning Act.

Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees.

The next PC meeting is scheduled for March 23, 2004 at 7:00 PM.

Torello moved to adjourn and Middleton seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.

Planning Commission

Elmira Township

County of Otsego

January 27, 2004

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, Gloria Torello and Jack Middleton of the PC, and Mary Campbell.

New Business:

Jack Middleton is the new Planning Commission member, and replaces John Wiacek’s.

Middleton moved and Banister seconded a motion to make Suzanne Bannister the next PC vice chair. There was a unanimous vote, and Bannister is the new vice chair.

Purgiel, shall ask the Elmira Township Board to put Jack Middleton on the list to receive the Michigan Society of Planning newsletter.

Old Business:

Torello moved and Banister seconded a motion to approve the PC notes from November 2003. There was no objection.

Mary Campbell provided the PC with the following draft agenda for writing the master plan: proposed dates Campbell will be at PC meetings in 2004 include February, March, and April 2004; discussion topics for those meetings includes Chapter 8-Future Land Use Recommendations; a “full draft” of the master plan is hoped for by March 2004, with a full draft going the Elmira Township Board (Board) by April 2004. After the Board reviews and approves the full draft, Campbell and the PC will go forward with the legal steps to distribute and notice the draft. At the February 2004 meeting, chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 will be in final draft.

Mary Campbell provided PC members with the latest drafts of the master plan chapters 4, 5 and 7. All PC members are requested to read the chapters and provide comments back to Campbell by February 10, 2004. With this feedback, Campbell will make necessary changes to these chapters and provide final, or nearly final, drafts to PC members at the February 2004 meeting.

Mary Campbell will email PC members Chapters 6 and 9. All PC members shall read and have comments on these chapters by the February 2004 PC meeting. Chapter 6 shall include significant land use issues, such as windmills, aquifer concerns, half of the village of Elmira is in another county-one without zoning, and mining issues including gas/oil/gravel mining. All PC members bring to the February 2004 meeting other potential concerns.

All PC members bring to the February 2004 PC meeting a list of ideas to develop Chapter 8-Future Land Use Recommendations.

By February 10, 2004, Hoffman shall email to Campbell the following information for the master plan: year township hall was built, acreage at the hall site, discussion of how the Elmira Township fire hall is meeting the needs of the community it serves. Campbell will use this information to complete Chapter 5.

The digital photos along M-32, for the billboard ordinance, have not yet been taken. Hoffman volunteered to complete this task, most likely photos will be taken in May 2004.

Hoffman, reported there is not a lot new with the Antrim County Planning Commission’s progress on the master plan. Their web site is: http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.

Hoffman, on the February 2004 agenda, please include the issue of transmittals from Antrim County regarding the Antrim County Planning Commissions information and documents. In the past this was a vice chair responsibility.

Torello shall prepare a “working document” of the new billboard ordinance, certification, and application and fees.

Review of the following will be discussed at a future meeting: Open Meetings Act, Planning Commission Guidelines, Elmira Township By-Laws, and Township Planning Act.

The next PC meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2004 at 7:00 PM.

Torello moved to adjourn and Hoffman seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

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