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Elmira Township Planning Commission Meeting

Date: October 25, 2005

The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this

date at the Elmira Township Hall, with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the

meeting to order.  Also attending the meeting were Gloria Torello,

Leonard Skop, Jim Theisen, and John Ernst.

Call to Order:  7:00 p.m.

Roll Call:  NA

Approval of Minutes:   Theisen moved and Torello seconded a

motion to approve the PC meeting notes from the September 2005 meeting.

The motion passed unanimously.

New Business:  Ernst discussed the existing billboards along M-32 in the

village of Elmira and near Camp Ten Road.  “Up lighting” was recently

installed on these billboards.  Ernst will contact Mr. Edmonds at

Otsego County zoning to see if the Otsego County zoning ordinance

for lighting applies to this situation.

Ongoing Business:

A. Public Comments:  NA

B.  Round Table Meetings (Otsego County Economic Alliance).

Hoffman, Ernst and Torello attended the “Preserving and Enhancing

Small Town Character” and “Planning for Effective Transportation

” workshops at Treetops Resort on 9/29/05 as presented by Mark Wyckoff.

Skop communicated to the Elmira Township Board (Board) the

PC moved to not support Conditional Rezoning at this time.

See the August 2005 notes for details.

The Task Force meetings are yet to resume.  (Forest and Agriculture

Task Force-Jim Theisen & Middleton; Town Centers Task Force-Hoffman.)

C. Otsego County Economic Alliance will have a training at Michaywe on

Thursday 10/27/05.  The topic is protecting the water supply.  There is no fee to attend.

D. Neighboring Planning Commissions.  Antrim County Planning

Commission, http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html,

Hoffman-nothing to report. Corwith Township PC, Middleton nothing to

report (no web site).  Livingston Township Planning Commission

http://www.otsego.org/livingston/index.htm, Theisen received a disk of

their draft comprehensive plan.  The disk will be placed in our Master

Plan file.  A Walgreen’s may go in at the old Little Caesars.

F. New Urban News:  Torello, no report.

G. Master Plan:

Torello will add a note to the Master Plan file.  In a future master plan revision,

include Elmira Township’s interest in having Gaylord serve as the local central

business district, while Elmira maintains its rural character.  Mark Wyckoff,

see B above, recommended this at the recent training.

Hoffman will contact Theresa Plachta to make sure the master plan was

put on the Elmira Township web site, and then work with Diane Frankowiak

to put in the local paper a press release.

1.  Mixed use district.  Work continued on drafting a mixed use zoning ordinance.

Discussion included having two or three mixed uses within the mixed use are

on the master plan.  Examples may include “main street zone, multi/single

family zone, blended zone.”

For the next meet all PC members shall have read and be prepared to

discuss from the existing Otsego County Zoning B-1 and B-2; read the

handouts about City of Boyne City, Village of Suttons Bay, and Village of

Bellaire zoning.

Hoffman provided maps of the mixed use area, the existing zoning and

existing use in this area.  Maps may be found on the internet under Otsego County.

Future work on addressing zoning to match the master plan will cover expansion of

B2 area (the "Pink" area on the master plan); Forest/Agriculture; NE corner of

Camp Ten Road and M32; and a Recreation Plan.

2. Downtown Development Authority.  The winds are not favorable for a DDA

at this time.  Instead of a DDA or working with the Joint Planning Act, Hoffman

shall contact Matt Dobrezelski of Warner Township to see what type of voluntary

projects could be completed together.  Examples may include beautification,

sidewalks to elementary school as needed.

H. By-Laws.  Theisen moved and Torello seconded a motion to accept the

modifications to the By-Laws.  The motion passed unanimously.  Skop shall

bring this to the next Board meeting.  Torello will send Skop a final draft for the

Board’s use.

I. Billboard Ordinance.  Skop said the Board had no objections to the

Internal Procedures, Billboard Application Review.  Torello shall provide

the final procedures to PC members and place a copy in the Billboard file.

J. Budget:  NA

K. Other:  NA

L. Next Meeting:  Because of the upcoming holidays, the next PC

meeting is scheduled for December 6, 2005.  Hoffman will notify Mr. Edwards

at Otsego County and post a note at the township hall of this change.

M. Annual Calendar-See meeting outline.

M.  Adjourn:  Skop proposed and Torello seconded a motion to adjourn.

The meeting ended at 10:45 p.m.

Elmira Township Planning Commission Meeting

Date: September 27, 2005

The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this

date at the Elmira Township Hall, with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the meeting to order.

 Also attending the meeting were Gloria Torello,

Leonard Skop, Jack Middleton, and Jim Theisen.

Call to Order:  7:00 p.m.

Roll Call:  NA

Approval of Minutes:   Skop moved and Theisen seconded a

motion to approve the PC meeting notes from the August 2005 meeting.

The motion passed unanimously.

New Business:  NA

Ongoing Business:

A. Public Comments:  NA

B.  Round Table Meetings (Otsego County Economic Alliance).   Hoffman and

Torello will attend the “Preserving and Enhancing Small Town Character” and

“Planning for Effective Transportation” workshops at Treetops Resort on 9/29/05

as presented by Mark Wyckoff.  There is no attendance fee.

From last month’s meeting, Skop will communicate to the Elmira Township Board (Board)

the PC moved to not support Conditional Rezoning at this time.  See the August 2005

notes for details.

The Task Force meetings are yet to resume, stay tuned.  When they do,

attendance will be as follows:  Forest and Agriculture Task Force-Jim

Theisen & Middleton; Town Centers Task Force-Hoffman.  No PC

members are currently participating in the Urban, High Density, and Residential Task Force.

C. Training: See B above.

D. Neighboring Planning Commissions.  Antrim County Planning Commission is

updating their website faster-Hoffman.

http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html. Livingston Township Planning Commission

has a draft master plan available on a disk which Theisen received two weeks ago.

http://www.otsego.org/livingston/index.htm.  Corwith Township PC had no update-Middleton (no web site).

F. New Urban News:  The cover story deals with the US Supreme Court decision on Eminent Domain and

condemnation and takings.

G. Master Plan: Hoffman will contact Theresa Plachta to make sure the master plan was

put on the Elmira Township web site.  When on the website, Hoffman shall work with

Diane Frankowiak to write and have put in the local paper a press release about the master plan.

1.  Mixed use district.  Work started on drafting a mixed use zoning ordinance.  B-1 and B-2 from

Otsego County Comprehensive Plan was perused.  Copies were passed out and review was made

of existing mixed use zoning ordinances from City of Boyne City, Village of Suttons Bay, and Village

of Bellaire.  (Mary Campbell provided copies of these zoning ordinances.)  This discussion consumed

most of the meeting.  Pros and cons were discussed of including the entire area identified as Mixed

Use on the Elmira Township master plan into the pending mixed use zoning ordinance.

What is the mixed use area currently zoned as?  Does it provide for single family residential?

Will the pending Mixed Use zoning ordinance provide for single family residential structures?

Will side streets need up grading as the area is developed for mixed use?

Involvement from the community and Otsego County is encouraged at all steps in this process.

John Ernst shall keep the lines of communication open with the county.  There was discussion

of hiring a consultant to work on this, and to facilitate meeting(s) with community.

For the next meeting, Hoffman shall get an enlarged copy of Elmira’s

Mixed Use area from Otsego County.  Discussion shall continue at the next PC meeting.

Future work on addressing zoning to match the master plan will cover  expansion of B2 area

(the "Pink" area on the master plan); Forest/Agriculture; NE corner of Camp Ten Road and M32;

and a Recreation Plan.

2. Downtown Development Authority.  Warner Township, Matt

Dobrezelski, pulled out of this discussion.  Another avenue to pursue joint coordination between

Elmira and Warner Townships includes using the existing state law, “The Joint Planning Act.”

Torello and Hoffman shall bring related information to the next PC meeting.

H. By-Laws.  The PC chair shall enforce the billboard ordinance.  Modifications to the

By-Laws were discussed.   Torello shall provide draft changes a minimum of three days

before the next PC meeting.  Hoffman shall include this on the next agenda.

I. Billboard Ordinance.  Skop said the Board had no objections to the

Internal Procedures, Billboard Application Review.  Torello shall provide the final procedures to

PC members and place a copy in the Billboard file.

J. Budget:  NA

K. Other:  1. Downtown Development Authority (DDA).  See G.2. above.

L. Next Meeting:  The next regular PC meeting is scheduled for October 25, 2005.

M. Annual Calendar

January:  31st Finalize Budget

February:

March:

June:  1st elect new officers

             (annually per By-Laws Article 5

July:

April:  1st New budget starts; 1st Billboard

            renewal applications due;

4th       Tuesday remind Board to reappoint

            or choose new PC members by May 31;

30th     Billboard permits expire

August:

September:

October:

May:  PC appointment terms end as follows:

Middleton 5/31/08,

Hoffman 5/31/06, Torello 5/31/07, Theisen 5/31/07

November:  Start budget review

December:

M.  Adjourn:  Skop proposed and Torello seconded a motion to adjourn.

The meeting ended at 9:00 p.m.

Elmira Township Planning Commission Meeting

Date: August 23, 2005

Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call: NA

Approval of Minutes: With the modification to file the returned letter from Mr. Bob May in the H&D file, Middleton moved and Skop seconded a motion to approve the PC meeting notes from the June 2005 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business: NA

Ongoing Business:

A. Public Comments: NA

B. Round Table Meetings (Otsego County Economic Alliance). Hoffman, Middleton, Torello, and John Ernst attended the recent Otsego County meeting. Offered by MTA called “Beyond Traditional Zoning.” Based upon interpretation of information presented, Hoffman moved and Middleton seconded a motion for the PC to not support Conditional Rezoning at this time. The motion passed unanimously. Skop will communicate this to the Elmira Township Board (Board).

The start date for the various Task Forces was not discussed. When they resume, the Forest and Agriculture Task Force will be attended by Jim Theisen & Middleton; the Town Centers Task Force will be attended by Hoffman. There is also the Urban, High Density, and Residential Task Force. Middleton voiced his concern for lack of progress on the Forest and Agriculture Task Force. It was suggested the PC work on this at the township level and serve as a role model for the county. An example is to investigate establishing a mill to raise funds to purchase development rights on agricultural or forestry land. This will be discussed more at some future PC meeting.

C. Training: Hoffman, Torello, and Middle ton attended MTA’s Beyond Traditional Zoning offered July 26, 2005 at Otsego Club.

D. Neighboring Planning Commissions. Hoffman and Middleton said there was nothing new to report in their areas. They are as follows:

1. Antrim County Planning Commission. Hoffman. http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html

2. Corwith Township. Middleton. Corwith Township Planning Commission has no web site.

3. Livingston Township Planning Commission. Theisen was not at the meeting to report. http://www.otsego.org/livingston/index.htm

F. New Urban News: The latest two copies were distributed.

G. Master Plan:

Skop passed out copies of the plan to Board. Skop gave Theresa Plachta the CD containing the master plan. Hoffman shall contact Theresa to confirm the master plan is placed on the Elmira Township website. Once on the website, Hoffman shall work with Diane Frankowiak, Elmira Township Supervisor to write and have put in the local paper a press release making the public aware the master plan is finalized and accessible on the home page.

As a priority, the PC shall work on draft zoning ordinance language to match the master plan as described below. For the September 2005 meeting Hoffman shall place on the agenda development of draft ordinance language for Mixed Use. Hoffman shall get an enlarged copy of Elmira’s Mixed Use area from Otsego County.

All PC members shall come to the September 2005 PC meeting having read Otsego County’s B2, B1, and Residential zoning ordinance and be prepared to discuss how to merge this language into draft text for a Mixed Use zoning ordinance in Elmira.

Future PC meetings will address expansion of B2 area (the "Pink" area on the master plan); Forest/Agriculture; NE corner of Camp Ten Road and M32; and a Recreation Plan.

H. By-Laws. This was tabled until the September 2005 meeting. (Revision of the By-Laws to reflect recent modifications to the Billboard Ordinance will be on the August 2005 agenda.)

I. Billboard Ordinance. Torello distributed a June 28, 2005 draft of Internal Procedures, Billboard Application Review, see attached. Discussion provided the following improvements to the draft.

Bullet 1. Add: “… and instructions to send seven (7) copies of competed application to the Elmira Township Treasurer at and address as determined…”

Bullet 3. Add: “Upon receipt of the application, the chair will peruse the application. If gross omissions are discovered, the chair shall write the applicant and request the omitted information.”

Bullet 10 will be added and state: The Planning Commission shall periodically review these Internal Procedures and update or revise them as necessary.

With these revisions, Middleton moved and Skop seconded a motion to approve the Internal Procedures, Billboard Application Review. The motion passed unanimously. Skop shall bring this to the Board.

J. Budget: NA

K. Other: Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

Ernst made attended the last Board meeting and talked about DDAs. Matt Dobrezelski (sp?) from Warner Township was also there. The Board seemed to be receptive to a DDA. Matt seemed open minded to a DDA but of course needed to discuss this with his board. Ernst offered to go to the Warner Township Board meeting to discuss the same DDA options with them.

For Elmira Township, Torello moved and Hoffman seconded a motion to recommend to the Board to retain a consultant to move forward with development of a DDA in Elmira. The motion passed unanimously. Skop will bring this to the Board.

L. Next Meeting: The next regular PC meeting is scheduled for Sept 29, 2005.

M. Annual Calendar

January: 31st Finalize Budget

February:

March:

April: 1st New budget starts; 1st Billboard renewal applications due; 4th Tuesday remind Board to reappoint or choose new PC members by May 31; 30th Billboard permits expire

May: PC appointment terms end as follows: Middleton 5/31/08,

Hoffman 5/31/06, Torello 5/31/07, Theisen 5/31/07

June: 1st elect new officers (annually per By-Laws Article 5

July:

August:

September:

October:

November: Start budget review

December:

M. Adjourn: Middleton proposed and Skop seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting ended at 9:00 p.m.

Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) Meeting

Date: June 28, 2005

The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Gloria Torello, Leonard Skop, Jim Theisen, Jack Middleton, and John Ernst who serves in a non-voting advisory role.

Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call: NA

Approval of Minutes: Hoffman moved and Skop seconded a motion to approve the PC meeting notes from the May 2005 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business: NA

Ongoing Business:

A. Public Comments: NA

B.Election of Officers. Middleton moved and Skop seconded a motion to nominate Theisen as the vice chair, and to retain Hoffman as the chair, and Torello as the secretary. The vote passed unanimously.

C. Round Table Meetings (Otsego County Economic Alliance):

Ernst attended the June 8, 2005 Otsego County Economic Alliance meeting. Discussion included review of accomplishments intended in the 1995 master plan. Included were exploring an alternative route over the I75; developing ground water protection and storm water management plan; developing a traffic management plan; and spacing of driveways on M32 and 27. Task Forces meetings will resume in the fall.

(Forest and Agriculture Task Force. Theisen & Middleton; Town Centers Task Force. Hoffman; Urban, High Density, and Residential Task Forces.)

D. Training: Hoffman provided information on upcoming training including MSU Extension Citizen Planner offered on line, and MTA’s Beyond Traditional Zoning offered July 26, 2005 at Otsego Club. Torello, Hoffman, and Middleton intend to attend the Beyond Traditional Zoning and he will preregister the three. Theisen will try to attend both.

E. Neighboring Planning Commissions (Antrim, Corwith, Livingston, Otsego):

1. Antrim County Planning Commission. Hoffman said the web site had little news. http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.

2. Corwith Township. Middleton had no report. Corwith Township Planning Commission has no web site.

3. Livingston Township Planning Commission. Theisen reported there is a lot of large parcel properties for sale in Livingston Township. http://www.otsego.org/livingston/index.htm

F. New Urban News: The latest addition included a book review on “The Long Emergency.”

G. Master Plan:

Skop shall pass out copies of the plan to Elmira Township board members (the copies are in the PC's file cabinet).

Skop will give Theresa Plachta the CD containing the master plan and he will request Theresa put the master plan on the Elmira Township website.

After the master plan is placed on the website, Hoffman shall work with Diane Frankowiak, Elmira Township Supervisor to write and have put in the local paper a press release making the public aware the master plan is finalized and accessible on the home page.

The PC needs to work on ordinance language to match the master plan as described below. Future agenda topics include:

1. Mixed use. Hoffman. Town Centers Task Force may address this.

2. Expansion of B2 areas, the "Pink" area on the draft plan. Torello.

3. Forest/Agriculture. Theisen and Middleton.

4. NE corner of Camp Ten Road and M32. .

5. Downtown Development Authority.

6. Recreation plan.

7. Other.

H. By-Laws:

Revision of the By-Laws to reflect recent modifications will be on the August 2005 agenda.

I. Billboard Ordinance:

The PC chair will be responsible for administering the Billboard Ordinance.

A draft of an internal procedure was developed. See both Hoffman and Torello’s first attempts are attached. Torello will type up changes and provide to the PC members. This will be put on the August 2005 meeting agenda.

Skop shall tell the board there are typos in the ordinance 1 of 2003 that need correcting.

J. Budget: NA

K. Other:

a. DDA. Ernst was unable to attend the last Elmira Township Board meeting. Skop shall contact the Board to have Ernst put on the agenda to discuss Downtown Development Authorities.

b. Electronic copies of the original billboard ordinance, the amendment, and the application; and the notice of violation letter; and other PC documents and other documents are in the PC file drawer at the township office.

c. Hoffman attempted to provide Mr. Bob May with copies of requested documents relating to the H&D sand and gravel operation application. A letter was mailed twice and returned twice. Hoffman’s two telephone message to Mr. May went unreturned. The returned letter is on file with these notes.

Hoffman contacted Otsego County Sheriff McBride, and Mr. Mike Roper of Otsego County Road Commission and requested a sign be placed on Theisen road warning traffic that autos southbound on North Townline Road no longer stops. Signs on both sides of the intersections have been installed.

L. Next Meeting: The next regular PC meeting is scheduled for August 23, 2005, unless Hoffman contacts PC members to notify of a July meeting.

M. Annual Calendar

January: 31st Finalize Budget

February:

March:

April: 1st New budget starts; 1st Billboard renewal applications due; 4th Tuesday remind Board to reappoint or choose new PC members by May 31; 30th Billboard permits expire

May: PC appointment terms end as follows: Middleton 5/31/08,

Hoffman 5/31/06, Torello 5/31/07, Theisen 5/31/07

June: 1st elect new officers (annually per By-Laws Article 5

July:

August:

September:

October:

November: Start budget review

December:

M. Adjourn: Torello proposed and Skop seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting ended at 9:40 p.m.

Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) Meeting

Date: May 24, 2005

The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Gloria Torello, Leonard Skop, Jim Theisen, and John Ernst who serves in a non-voting advisory role.

Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call: NA

Approval of Minutes: Skop moved and Theisen seconded a motion to approve the PC meeting notes from the April 2005 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Agenda: Approved

New Business: On May 4, 2005 the PC held a special meeting on H&D Inc.'s application for sand and gravel mining at the existing site located near the intersection of North Townline and Martindale Road. The PC Hoffman moved and Theisen seconded a motion to recommending approval of the application, with conditions. See the notes from the meeting under separate cover. After the special meeting Mr. Bob May contacted Hoffman and requested a copy of the special meeting notes and a copy of the PC's motion. Hoffman shall provide Mr. May this information. Otsego County took final action on the application, and H&D received a special permit for mining. Concurrent with that action the stop sign on southbound North Townline road was removed. Hoffman shall also contact Otsego County Sheriff McBride, and Mr. Mike Roper of Otsego County Road Commission and request a sign be placed on Theisen road warning traffic that autos southbound on North Townline Road no longer stops.

Torello moved and Theisen seconded a motion to approve the minutes from the May 4, 2005 special meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Ongoing Business:

A. Public Comments: NA

B. Round Table Meetings (Otsego County Economic Alliance):

Forest and Agriculture Task Force. Theisen attended the recent meeting. Progress is moves slowly. Farmers attend the meetings and want to be represented. The direction the Task Force takes is under development. It is important for Theisen to represent Elmira Township.

Ernst contacted Fred Gottschalk, Headwaters Land Conservancy regarding placing property in a development restriction easement on land with a conservancy. There are income tax benefits, but apparently there are few or property tax benefits to the easement.

Town Centers Task Force. Hoffman attended the 5/11/05 meeting; about 8 people attended. Johannesburg has retained a consultant from Traverse City to conduct a survey. Survey questions are being developed to identify preferences to things like: curb & gutters, local parks, lighting, basic improvements, desired grow patterns, establishment of a downtown development authority (DDA). A goal is to educate the citizens on the goals and definition of a Town Center. The next meeting is June 8, 2005.

There was no report on the Urban, High Density, and Residential Task Forces.

C. Training: None

D. Neighboring Planning Commissions (Antrim, Corwith, Livingston, Otsego):

1. Antrim County Planning Commission. Hoffman said the web site had little news. http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.

2. Corwith Township. Middleton was not present to report. Corwith Township Planning Commission has no web site.

3. Livingston Township Planning Commission. Theisen. See the website for information on the spring clean-up/dump day. See their web site at: http://www.otsego.org/livingston/index.htm

E. New Urban News: Torello handed out latest issue. The subscription is being renewed.

F. Master Plan:

Figure 8-1 was replaced with the correct figure and master plan books were given back to. Skop shall pass out copies of the plan to Elmira Township board (board) members (the copies are in the PC's file cabinet).

Figure 8-1 was corrected on the CD. The master plan is now ready to be placed on Elmira Township's website and a CD copy shall be given to Theresa Plachta to do so. Skop will ask Theresa Plachta to put on the Elmira Township website the PC's meeting dates.

Hoffman shall work with the Board to write and have put in the local paper a press release making the public aware the master plan is finalized and accessible on the home page.

The PC needs to work on ordinance language to match the master plan as described below. Future agenda topics include:

1. Mixed use. Hoffman. Town Centers Task Force may address this.

2. Expansion of B2 areas, the "Pink" area on the draft plan. Torello.

3. Forest/Agriculture. Theisen and Middleton.

4. NE corner of Camp Ten Road and M32. .

5. Downtown Development Authority.

6. Recreation plan.

7. Other.

G. By-Laws:

See the Board's January 13, 2005 meeting notes.

By way of amending the Billboard Ordinance with Township of Elmira Ordinance No. 1 of 2005, the Board determined the:

a. party responsible for permitting (administering) the Billboard Ordinance is the Planning Commission; the party responsible for enforcement of the Billboard Ordinance is the Planning Commission chairperson or other person designated by the PC. This person is authorized to issue municipal civil infraction citations.

b. party who will process Billboard applications is the Planning Commission. Checks will be made out to Elmira Township and sent to the Elmira Township Treasure (Diane Purgiel) for processing.

An internal procedure needs to be written by the PC describing how processing the application (including the check). All PC members come to the next meeting having read bill ordinance and its revision (Ordinance 1 of 2005) and be prepared discuss.

Will the existing By-Laws need to be modified?

H. Billboard Ordinance:

See G above. This will be discussed at the next meeting.

I. Budget: NA

J. Other:

DDA. Hoffman contacted Matt Dobjolewski of Warner Township Supervisor in Antrim County and Matt is still interested in a DDA for Elmira Township. Because Elmira sits in two counties, two DDA documents are necessary. Ernst shall attend the Board's next meeting and explain a DDA. If the Board gives the PC the approval to start the process to develop a DDA in Elmira, then Ernst & Hoffman shall contact Matt Dobjolewski and ask to attend the Matt's next meeting. Skop shall contact the Board to have Ernst put on the agenda.

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.

K. Next Meeting: The next regular PC meeting is scheduled for June 28, 2005.

L. Annual Calendar

January: 31st Finalize Budget

February:

March:

April: 1st New budget starts; 1st Billboard renewal applications due; 4th Tuesday remind Board to reappoint or choose new PC members by May 31; 30th Billboard permits expire

May: PC appointment terms end as follows: Middleton 5/31/05, Hoffman 5/31/06, Torello 5/31/07, Theisen 5/31/07

June: 1st elect new officers (annually per By-Laws Article 5

July:

August:

September:

October:

November: Start budget review

December:

M. Adjourn: Torello proposed and Theisen seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting ended at about 10:00 p.m.

Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) Meeting

Special Meeting for H&D, Inc. Application

Date: May 4, 2005

The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a special meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Gloria Torello, Leonard Skop, Jim Theisen, and Jack Middleton. Matt Stuck of H&D Paving was also present

Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call: Hoffman, Torello, Skop, Theisen, and Middleton.

H&D, Inc. made application for a special use permit to operate a sand and gravel operation located on the northwesterly side of the intersection at North Townline and Martindale Roads. The operation already exists based on a previously issued special use permit that is about to expire. The proposal is to operate within the same 40 acres where sand and gravel is mined currently.

Concerned citizens sent letters that included the following issues: dust and track out; noise; accident and excessive speeds of trucks.

The memorandum dated April 11, 2005 from Richard Edmonds, Otsego County Director of Land Use Services, outlines Sections and Articles from the Otsego County Zoning Ordinance related to requirements of a special use permit. PC members reviewed this information and found it was inclusive and pertinent.

The existing Otsego County special use permit requires a bond. This bond is renewed annually. A copy of the existing bond was included with the application.

To address dust and track out, the PC recommends H&D propose a Preventative Maintenance and Malfunction Abatement Plan (PMMAP). The PMMAP may include as preventative maintenance putting down Afton stone, or lengthening the existing paving. As malfunction abatement the PMMAP may include watering and or sweeping the road way.

To address noise, the PC recommends H&D place a sign at the exit gate with a message similar to the following: No Jake Brake Use on North Townline Road.

Prior to the meeting, Hoffman contacted Otsego County Sheriff McBride and Mike Roper of the Otsego County Road Commission. In the past officers responded to complaints of speeding. Approximately four speeding tickets have been written in the past five years to drivers on North Townline Road. To address concerns of accidents, the PC suggests the Elmira Township Board request Otsego County Road Commission and Otsego County Sheriff Department review and examine the intersection of North Townline and Theisen Roads to ensure it is properly signed for safety of the citizens and best flow of traffic.

The issue of speed was discussed. The PC noted it has no jurisdiction on setting or enforcing road speed limits.

When the proposed 40 acres is mined out, it will be restored and then a second 40 acres will be excavated (as permitting provides).

The project meets the intent of the Elmira Township master plan.

All previous conditions in the original special use permit to be carried over to the new special use permit. It is noted the paving is completed.

It is the applicant’s burden to secure all necessary permits for the intended project.

Hoffman proposed a motion recommending approval of the application with conditions. See the attached Motion. The motion passed with five votes for and zero opposed to the motion.

Skop will bring the motion to the Elmira Township Board’s next meeting.

Adjourn: Skop proposed and Middleton seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting ended at about 10:00 p.m.

Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) Meeting

Date: April 26, 2005

The Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) held a meeting on this date at the Elmira Township Hall, with Duane Hoffman, chair, calling the meeting to order. Also attending the meeting were Gloria Torello, Leonard Skop, Jim Theisen, Jack Middleton and John Ernst who serves in a non-voting advisory role. Matt Stuck of H&D Paving was also present

Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call: NA

Approval of Minutes: Skop moved and Theisen seconded a motion to approve the PC meeting notes from the March 2005 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Agenda: Approved

New Business: Mr. Matt Stuck of H&D was present. H&D had made application for gravel mining at an existing pit located at Martindale and Townline Roads. Mr. Stuck thought the issue would be on the agenda. Hoffman said the PC did not receive the application. Hoffman will follow up with Mr. Richard Edmonds, Land Use Administrator for Otsego County Building, Planning and Zoning. Mr. Stuck communicated he would like a special meeting soon to keep the application process moving along. Hoffman will contact PC members on the status of the application, and communicate and post notice if a special meeting is called. Potential meeting dates include May 4 or 9, 2005.

Ongoing Business:

A. Public Comments: See New Business.

B. Round Table Meetings (Otsego County Economic Alliance):

Hoffman attended the Hamlets Task Force. It is now called the Town Centers Task Force. Vanderbilt is now in the Urban Task Force, but Elmira, Johannesburg and Waters remain. Meeting topics included sidewalks, street lights, parking in the rear. A survey will be put together to gather more information from the communities involved. The next meeting is May 11, 2005 at the Charlton Township Hall in Johannesburg. There will be no June 2005 meeting.

Hoffman will follow up on his discussion with Matt Dobjolewski, the Warner Township Supervisor in Antrim County, regarding a combined village of Elmira Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Skop shall bring this suggestion to the Elmira Township Board (Board) for their information and comment.

There was no report on the Urban, High Density, and Residential Task Forces.

Theisen reported the Forest and Agriculture Task Force shall meet the first Tuesday of the month. At the recent meeting Bill Kern from Otsego County tax equalization spoke. Kern communicated there was little to not tax relief if property is put into a conservation easement. This was contrary to what PC members thought. Ernst shall contact Fred Gottschalk of the Headwaters Land Conservancy for more information.

C. Training: None

D. Neighboring Planning Commissions (Antrim, Corwith, Livingston, Otsego):

Hoffman said the Antrim County Planning Commission web site had little news. http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html. There are two or three townships trying to organize their own planning and zoning specifically to address “red light district” zoning.

Theisen reported Livingston Township Planning Commission will have a spring clean-up/dump day. See their web site at: www.otsego.org\livingson

Middleton said there was nothing new on Corwith Township. Corwith Township Planning Commission has no web site.

E. New Urban News: None.

F. Draft Master Plan:

An error in the Adopted Master Plan is found in the printed copy Figure 8-1; and on the two recently received electronic copies. Torello will contact Mary Campbell to resolve the issue. All PC members must bring their master plan book to the May 2005 meeting to get the updated Figure 8-1. Skop shall collect the distributed master plan books from the Board members and bring to the May 2005 PC meeting. Torello will also confirm with Campbell the electronic copies include:

two (2) electronic copies of the map pictures in the following formats:

pdf for internet use;
“native format” with ability to edit maps in the future.

A draft press release was reviewed. When the master plan is available to put on the Elmira Township internet home page, Hoffman shall work with the Board to write and have put in the local paper a press release making the public aware the master plan is finalized and accessible on the home page.

Going forward with the master plan, the PC needs to work on ordinance language to match the master plan as described below. Hoffman will put this topic on the May 2005 agenda.

Mixed use. Hoffman. Town Centers Task Force may address this.

Expansion of B2 areas, the “Pink” area on the draft plan. Torello. To be worked on at May 2005 meeting.

Forest/Agriculture. Theisen and Middleton. To be worked on at May 2005 meeting.

NE corner of Camp Ten Road and M32. Future assignment.
Downtown Development Authority. Future assignment.
Recreation plan. Future assignment.
Other. Future assignment.

G. By-Laws:

This was tabled until the next PC meeting. Skop will bring the following to the next Board meeting.

The Board needs to determine what party or parties are responsible for permitting and enforcement of the Billboard Ordinance.

The Board needs to state what party or parties will process applications for a Billboard. For example, is it the PC, or constable? It is assumed the township clerk would collect the money for the Billboard application, and then the stated party would process the application.

The Board may need to follow up with the Township attorney on this issue. Depending on the outcome, Article IV of the By-Laws may need to be changed.

H. Billboard Ordinance:

This was tabled until the next PC meeting. In the Board’s January 13, 2005 notes, they moved to adopt an ordinance to amend the Billboard Ordinance, being Ordinance No. 1 of 2001, Section 5a, and Section 9. Skop will contact Purgiel to determine if Ordinance No. 1 of 2003 was taken into consideration with this was amended. It is noted Ordinance No. 1 of 2003 Section 3 served to amend Section 5(a) of Ordinance No. 1 of 2001.

I. Budget: NA

J. Other:

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.

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

K. Next Meeting: The next regular PC meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2005. Hoffman will contact PC members if there is a special meeting.

L. Annual Calendar

January: 31st Finalize Budget

February:

March:

April: 1st New budget starts; 1st Billboard renewal applications due; 4^th Tuesday remind Board to reappoint or choose new PC members by May 31; 30^th Billboard permits expire

May: PC appointment terms end as follows: Middleton 5/31/05, Hoffman 5/31/06, Torello 5/31/07, Theisen 5/31/07

June: 1^st elect new officers (annually per By-Laws Article 5

July:

August:

September:

October:

November: Start budget review

December:

M. Adjourn: Skop proposed and Middleton seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting ended at about 8:30 p.m.

Planning Commission (PC) Meeting

Date: March 22, 2005

Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call: NA

Approval of Minutes: Torello moved and Middleton seconded a motion to approve the PC meeting notes from November 2004 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Agenda: Approved

New Business: Skop replaces Diane Purgiel as the Elmira Township Board (Board) representative to the PC.

Ongoing Business:

A. Public Comments: None

B. Round Table Meetings (Otsego County Economic Alliance):

Hoffman reported the Hamlets Task Force is progressing slowly and hopefully by February 2005 it will be in place. The Urban, High Density, and Residential Task Forces have been established.

Theisen reported the Forest and Agriculture Task Force meeting is February 2, 2005. He and Middleton plan to attend.

C. Training: None

D. Neighboring Planning Commissions (Antrim, Corwith, Livingston, Otsego):

Hoffman reported the Antrim County Planning Commission had nothing new on the web site. http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.

Theisen reported Livingston Township Planning had nothing new to report. See their web site at: www.otsego.org\livingson

Middleton had nothing new on Corwith Township. Corwith Township Planning Commission has no web site.

E. New Urban News: Torello routed to the next issue to PC members.

F. Draft Master Plan:

The public hearing meeting notes for the master plan were reviewed. A header and a carbon copy list will be added to the notes. With those modifications, Torello moved and Theisen seconded a motion to approve the public hearing notes. The motion passed unanimously. Torello will send Mary Campbell a copy of the notes.

At their January 13, 2005 meeting, the Board accepted the Elmira Township Master Plan with amendments. Torello will send Campbell a copy of the notes.

With documentation of the PC’s and Board’s acceptance of the master plan, Torello will request Campbell to send the PC the following copies of the master plan:

a. Fifteen (15) printed copies,

b. Two (2) electronic copies,

c. Two (2) electronic copies of the map pictures in the following formats:

1. pdf for internet use,

2. “native format” with ability to edit maps in the future.

d. A copy of the letter(s) to the adjoining governments who may receive notice plan

completion.

Going forward with the master plan, the PC needs to work on ordinance language to match the master plan, as following:

Mixed use. Hoffman has started draft text for a proposed ordinance.

Expansion of B2 areas, the “Pink” area on the draft plan. Torello will make a first draft of this.

Forest/Agriculture. Theisen and Middleton are on the Forest and Agriculture Task Force. It is intended draft ordinance language will be generated from that work. It is hoped the language could include minimum lot sizes for State of Michigan land if the land ever leaves State ownership.

NE corner of Camp Ten Road and M32. Future assignment.
Downtown Development Authority. Future assignment.
Recreation plan. Future assignment.
Other. Future assignment.

G. By-Laws:

This was tabled until the next PC meeting. Skop will bring the following to the next Board meeting.

The Board needs to determine what party or parties are responsible for permitting and enforcement of the Billboard Ordinance.

The Board needs to state what party or parties will process applications for a Billboard. For example, is it the PC, or constable? It is assumed the township clerk would collect the money for the Billboard application, and then the stated party would process the application.

The Board may need to follow up with the Township attorney on this issue. Depending on the outcome, Article IV of the By-Laws may need to be changed.

H. Billboard Ordinance:

In the Board’s January 13, 2005 notes, they moved to adopt an ordinance to amend the Billboard Ordinance, being Ordinance No. 1 of 2001, Section 5a, and Section 9. Skop will contact Purgiel to determine if Ordinance No. 1 of 2003 was taken into consideration with this was amended. It is noted Ordinance No. 1 of 2003 Section 3 served to amend Section 5(a) of Ordinance No. 1 of 2001.

I. Budget: In the Board’s January 13, 2005 notes, they approved the PC’s $13,135.00 budget which Purgiel presented for 2005.

J. Other:

Ernst brought the PC up to date on the wind turbine issue in Otsego County.

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

K. Next Meeting: The next PC meeting is scheduled for February 22, 2005

L. Annual Calendar

January: 31st Finalize Budget

February:

March:

April: 1st New budget starts; 1st Billboard renewal applications due; 4^th Tuesday remind Board to reappoint or choose new PC members by May 31; 30^th Billboard permits expire

May: PC appointment terms end as follows: Middleton 5/31/05, Hoffman 5/31/06, Torello 5/31/07, Theisen 5/31/07

June: 1^st elect new officers (annually per By-Laws Article 5

July:

August:

September:

October:

November: Start budget review

December:

M. Adjourn: Torello proposed and Theisen seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting ended at about 9:15 p.m.

Elmira Township Planning Commission (PC) Meeting

Date: January 25, 2005

Call to Order: 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call: NA

Approval of Minutes: Torello moved and Middleton seconded a motion to approve the PC meeting notes from November 2004 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Agenda: Approved

New Business: Skop replaces Diane Purgiel as the Elmira Township Board (Board) representative to the PC.

Ongoing Business:

A. Public Comments: None

B. Round Table Meetings (Otsego County Economic Alliance):

Hoffman reported the Hamlets Task Force is progressing slowly and hopefully by February 2005 it will be in place. The Urban, High Density, and Residential Task Forces have been established.

Theisen reported the Forest and Agriculture Task Force meeting is February 2, 2005. He and Middleton plan to attend.

C. Training: None

D. Neighboring Planning Commissions (Antrim, Corwith, Livingston, Otsego):

Hoffman reported the Antrim County Planning Commission had nothing new on the web site. http://www.antrimcounty.org/webpages/comm-plan.html.

Theisen reported Livingston Township Planning had nothing new to report. See their web site at: www.otsego.org\livingson

Middleton had nothing new on Corwith Township. Corwith Township Planning Commission has no web site.

E. New Urban News: Torello routed to the next issue to PC members.

F. Draft Master Plan:

At their January 13, 2005 meeting, the Board accepted the Elmira Township Master Plan with amendments. Torello will send Campbell a copy of the notes.

With documentation of the PC’s and Board’s acceptance of the master plan, Torello will request Campbell to send the PC the following copies of the master plan:

a. Fifteen (15) printed copies,

b. Two (2) electronic copies,

c. Two (2) electronic copies of the map pictures in the following formats:

1. pdf for internet use,

2. “native format” with ability to edit maps in the future.

d. A copy of the letter(s) to the adjoining governments who may receive notice plan

completion.

Going forward with the master plan, the PC needs to work on ordinance language to match the master plan, as following:

1. Mixed use. Hoffman has started draft text for a proposed ordinance.

2. Expansion of B2 areas, the “Pink” area on the draft plan. Torello will make a first draft of this.

3. Forest/Agriculture. Theisen and Middleton are on the Forest and Agriculture Task Force. It is intended draft ordinance language will be generated from that work. It is hoped the language could include minimum lot sizes for State of Michigan land if the land ever leaves State ownership.

4. NE corner of Camp Ten Road and M32. Future assignment.

5.Downtown Development Authority. Future assignment.

6.Recreation plan. Future assignment.

7.Other. Future assignment.

G. By-Laws:

This was tabled until the next PC meeting. Skop will bring the following to the next Board meeting.

a. The Board needs to determine what party or parties are responsible for permitting and enforcement of the Billboard Ordinance.

b. The Board needs to state what party or parties will process applications for a Billboard. For example, is it the PC, or constable? It is assumed the township clerk would collect the money for the Billboard application, and then the stated party would process the application.

The Board may need to follow up with the Township attorney on this issue. Depending on the outcome, Article IV of the By-Laws may need to be changed.

H. Billboard Ordinance:

I. Budget: In the Board’s January 13, 2005 notes, they approved the PC’s $13,135.00 budget which Purgiel presented for 2005.

J. Other:

Ernst brought the PC up to date on the wind turbine issue in Otsego County.

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

K. Next Meeting: The next PC meeting is scheduled for February 22, 2005

L. Annual Calendar

January: 31st Finalize Budget

February:

March:

April: 1st New budget starts; 1st Billboard renewal applications due; 4^th Tuesday remind Board to reappoint or choose new PC members by May 31; 30^th Billboard permits expire

May: PC appointment terms end as follows: Middleton 5/31/05, Hoffman 5/31/06, Torello 5/31/07, Theisen 5/31/07

June: 1^st elect new officers (annually per By-Laws Article 5

July:

August:

September:

October:

November: Start budget review

December:

M. Adjourn: Torello proposed and Theisen seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting ended at about 9:15 p.m.

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