Planning Commission
March 10, 2011
7:00 p.m. 

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. 

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag 

Roll call:  Present:  Westrick, Acciavatti, Cataldo, M. Boulier, Short, Dembinski.
                 Absent:  Cunningham, D. Boulier, Kays 

Motion by Cataldo to approve agenda as presented.  Seconded by M. Boulier.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Motion by M. Boulier to approve December 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes as presented.  Seconded by Cataldo.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Brief Public Comment:  None 

Correspondence/Communications:

            Township Board Meeting Minutes
            Michigan State University Citizens Planner Meetings
 

New Business: 

            Discussion held regarding accessory structures to be built on property prior to
            construction of the house.  Brian Bayly, presented accessory structure ordinance from
            other communities.  Discussed agriculture versus residential areas.  Brian Bayly would
            like to take the statement out of the ordinance that would allow simultaneous construction
            of the accessory structure and the house at the discretion of the Building Inspector. 
            Westrick, I have objections to allowing the construction of an accessory structure prior to
            the house and then they decide not to build the house.  Then we have a building sitting on
            a vacant parcel, this could be used for business, storage, etc.  Cataldo, I have vacant
            property in the Township that I would like to build my dream house, unfortunately in this
            economy that is not possible.  I would like to construct a building that I could use for
            recreational purposes. 

             J.Leaman – I tried to put up a building with the intention of using it for my horses as
            an agricultural structure.  I think we should be able to put a building on your property. 
            We have ordinances to deal with blight issues and so forth. 
            Discussions held regarding smaller than 5 acre parcels vs larger parcels.
            Cataldo – could we do something with a special use approval?  Maybe we could bring
            back next month permitted uses by lot size.  Brian Bayly, we could increase the bond
            that is required so we could ensure that they are going to build a house. 

            Short – Does everyone agree that we should work on the ordinance according to the 
             lot size and request the bond be increased on the smaller parcels? M. Boulier – what if
            someone wanted to build a pole barn and a house together?  They would have to have
            a rough inspection prior to the construction of an accessory structure.  Consensus of
            Planning Commission, Brian Bayly to submit new ordinance for review at next
            meeting:  5 acres or less rough inspection has to be performed prior to construction
            of accessory and over 5 acres increase the bond amount.

 Old Business:  None

Call from the Floor:   

            Any information regarding the canoe launch?  Cataldo, I am still working with a group
            in St. Clair to obtain funding.

Reports: 

            Mike Boulier – Township Board – Approved Outdoor and Burning Ordinance, residents
            apply for an annual permit. 

            Frank Short – Board of Zoning Appeals

Call from the Table: 

            Cataldo – My concern regarding the meeting with Verizon.  This was a special use approval.  The only way we could deny the project is if we had cause.  Should we be stating a reason of why we are voting the way we vote?  M. Boulier – my feeling is that it was a cut and dry vote according to the ordinance.  Cataldo – I voted no, but I did not state the reason why I voted no.  Shouldn’t we have a protocol to explain the votes? 

   Next meeting scheduled for April 14. 2011 

Meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. 

 

                                                                              Respectively submitted,
 

                                                                               Mike Boulier
                                                                              Secretary