Planning Commission
Check below for links to agendas and minutes of meetings and hearings.
Nancy Nichols, Chairperson Job Description
Phone:547-6760 E-mail: plancommission@twp.rollin.mi.us
Ray McGrath, Walt Miller, Olis Burch (Vice Chairperson), (Secretary), Kim Griewahn, Jim Driskill, Barb McClain.
May 31, 2012 * Planning Commission Public Hearing Continuation
Rollin Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 7:00 pm to consider a re-zoning request for RLO-110-2550-00 and RLO-110-1920-00 for Elting. Requested change from R-2 Residential to C3- Commercial and SE – Suburban Estates. This hearing is a continuation of the public hearing held April 19, 2012. Copies of documents may be picked up Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 1 pm or by appointment. Written comments may be sent to Rollin Township, Attn: Planning Commission, P.O. Box 296, Manitou Beach, MI 49253 before the hearing or by E-mailing comments to rollintownship@comcast.net. Please direct questions to Rollin Township, 517-547-7786, extension 20. Meeting to be held at Rollin Township Hall, 730 Manitou Road, Manitou Beach, MI 49253.
Sharon M. Gust
Rollin Township Clerk
May 3, 2012 * Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission met on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at the township hall. The regular meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month.
Click here for the agenda for this meeting.
The unapproved minutes for this meeting will be uploaded when they are available.
April 19, 2012 * Planning Commission Public Hearing
Rollin Township Planning Commission held a public hearing on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 7:00 pm to consider a re-zoning request for RLO-110-2550-00 and RLO-110-1920-00 for Elting. Requested change from R-2 Residential to C3- Commercial and SE – Suburban Estates.
Minutes of this hearing will be posted when they are made available.
April 12, 2012 * Planning Commission Meeting
The Planning Commission met on Thursday, April 12th, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at the township hall. Note: This is a change from the usual first Thursday of the month meeting date. The May meeting will be on the 3rd.
No agenda for this meeting was made available.
Minutes for this meeting will be posted when they are available.
Planning Commission Meeting & Public Hearing Approved Minutes
Beginning with the minutes of the August 4, 2009 Planning Commission meetings and public hearings, the format used for files is ".pdf". The Free Adobe Reader must be installed on your computer to view ".pdf" files included on this page. They are blue, underlined links . If you do not already have Adobe Reader, download it by: Clicking here.
Click below for the approved Planning Commission Meeting minutes.
(Feb. 2, 2012 Minutes will be posted here when available.)
Minutes of Planning Commission Meetings before August 4, 2009 are listed below in reverse chronological order. March 4, 2008 meeting is the first meeting posted, so the minutes for it will be the last ones on this page.
June 8, 2009
At 7:00 p.m. on June 8, 2009 Chairman Olis Burch called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Roll Call: Julia Peterson, George Hawkins, Ray McGrath, Olis Burch, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols. Absent with notice: Amy Gilhouse.
Nancy Nichols moved, supported by George Hawkins to approve the minutes of the May 5, 2009 meeting. All ayes voted.
Comments from the floor: Tim Miller mentioned that several people were not mowing their lawns all the way to the road and he would look into it.
Walter Miller reported that the Appeals Board had met on June 1 to hear an appeal for Joe Crossgrove for property at 8682 Cherry Point for a privacy fence. The fence was already in place. The board turned down his appeal. A compromise was reached and Mr. Crossgrove was instructed to take the fence down to a height of 4’ above the ground.
There was no report from the Trustees.
Sub Committee report : Township Planning Enabling Act: Nancy Nichols reported that the committee is going through everything, starting in Agriculture. They are looking at the Right to Farm Act, Open Space Preservation and all current documents to see if we are in compliance before they bring these things before the board. There are many hours of work still ahead. Olis Burch said that Tim Anderson from Region II Planning would be willing to come down and help.
Mark Riggle was to come and talk about rezoning a property from Residential to Commercial/Recreation. He did not appear.
Olis Burch talked to County Commissioner Jim VanBuren about Wind Generation. Jim told him that it was the Townships responsibility to come up with the regulations. Olis suggested that we table the Wind Generation until we get the Enabling Act work done. Olis also stated he would like to see the Wind Generation divided into two parts: Person use, and on site use.
Next the board discussed the No Parking signs along Sandy Beach Rd. by the public access. With no place to park the public cannot use the access. There is plenty of room to pull completely off the road in much of this area.
Nancy Nichols made a motion to draft a letter to the Township Board to remove the No Parking signs on Sandy Beach Rd, supported by Julia Peterson. Roll Call vote: Julia Peterson: Yes; George Hawkins: Yes; Ray McGrath: Yes; Olis Burch: Yes; Walter Miller: Yes; Nancy Nichols: Yes. Motion carried. Tim Miller suggested we look at the governing ordinances which might apply in this case.
George Hawkins complained about smoke from camp fires burning green wood affecting his lung problems. George was given some suggestions from other members of the board how he might handle the problem.
Ray McGrath mentioned to the Commission that the Township attorney would be at the Township Board meeting to address several issues.
Ray McGrath made a motion to adjourn supported by George Hawkins. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: AUGUST 4, 2009
Respectfully submitted
Walter Miller, Secretary
May 5, 2009
At 7 p.m. on May 5, 2009 Chairman Olis Burch called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Roll Call: Present: Julia Peterson, George Hawkins, Ray McGrath, Olis Burch, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols, Amy Gilhouse.
Ray McGrath moved, supported by George Hawkins to approve the minutes of the April 7, 2009 meeting. All ayes voted.
Comments from the floor: Dave Pietrzyk asked questions about commercial property on Geneva Hwy. Several board members replied to his questions. Mark Riggle, a realtor, came to inquire about rezoning property at 9730 Devils Lake Hwy for a restaurant. Riggle explained what his client wanted to do and show a map of the property. Riggle also stated he had talked with the DEQ. Chairman Burch explained that we could not spot zone. Board members also pointed out lake setback problems. Amy Gilhouse talked about protection of the lakes.
Walt Miller gave two appeals board reports. An appeal for Gary & Lynne Hicks for property at 10040 to build a deck with less than required setback. The appeal was approved with conditions. There was an appeal for Dr. Paul Gietzen to construct a 18’ x 8’ porch with less than required setbacks. The appeal was approved. The storage shed in the back yard was also addressed by the board. The owner was asked to move the shed to conform with setback requirements.
Trustee Ray McGrath reported that the regular Township Board meeting would be May 12.
Olis Burch handed out the budget for the year. The budget for 2009 is $6200.
Wind Energy ordinance work was tabled. We were missing a page in a report. We will look at the work Woodstock Twp. has done since it a neighboring township.
Nancy Nichols gave a report on the two hour plus meeting on April 20 by the Planning & Enabling Act subcommittee. There is a tremendous amount of work to do on the Act and a number of meetings will be required to complete this work.
Zoning Officer Tim Miller had two pages of items that he needed guidance and direction from the Planning Commission. Two big items are wind generation and outdoor wood burners. This work will be ongoing and much of it will be addressed by the Enabling Act. The members of the board addressed these items and tried to give direction until the Enabling Act work is completed.
Ray McGrath moved for adjournment, supported by George Hawkins. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectively submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary.
NEXT MEETING: JUNE 2, 2009
April 7, 2009
At 7 p.m. on April 7, 2009 Chairman Olis Burch called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Roll Call: Present: George Hawkins, Ray McGrath, Olis Burch, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols, Amy Gilhouse. Absent with notice: Julia Peterson.
Ray McGrath moved, supported by Nancy Nichols to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2009 meeting. All ayes voted. Ray McGrath moved, supported by George Hawkins to approve the minutes of the March 10, 2009 meeting. All ayes voted.
There were no comments from the floor.
There was no report from the Appeals Board since they haven’t met since the last meeting.
Trustees had nothing to report that applied to the Planning Commission.
There were two memos from John Jenkins. One applied to the use of the copy machine. The other memo brought to the attention of the Commission that we are in need for guidelines for installing wind generators. This issue will be addressed by the Commission.
A subcommittee consisting of Nancy Nichols, Amy Gilhouse, and Julia Peterson, with Barb McClain sitting in, will begin going over the Planning and Enabling Act and bring their report back to the whole committee.
Olis Burch gave a report on his attendance at the Wind Energy Workshop. Amy Gilhouse gave a report on the Introduction to Lakes Workshop she attended. There was a lot of interaction and questions from the floor as well as board members on both the workshops.
Ray McGrath moved for adjournment, supported by Nancy Nichols. Meeting adjourned at 815 p.m.
Respectively submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary
NEXT REGULAR MEETING : MAY 5, 2009
March 10, 2009 PUBLIC HEARING
At 7:00 p.m. on March 10, 2009 Chairman Olis Burch called the Rollin Township Planning Committee to order for a Public Hearing to consider a re-zoning request for the Supervisors Plat of Geneva, Lots 25 through 35, and Addition to Geneva Beach #2, lots 54, 55, and 56. Requested change from C-1 Commercial to R-1 Residential.
Roll Call: Present: Julia Peterson, Ray McGrath, Olis Burch, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols, Amy Gilhouse. Absent with notice: George Hawkins.
Chairman Burch explained what we were there for and also that we were an advising board.
Sidney Adams, who owns lot 35, had questions about what would happen to his commercial building if the lot was zoned R-l. Ray McGrath believed the building would be grand fathered in as C-1 use. Nancy Nichols said as long as the building was in continuous use it would stay C-1. If the building was vacant for six months the property would revert to R-1. Mr. Adams was concerned about selling the property in an R-1 Zone when his building was built to C-1 specs. Mr. Adams is in favor of the R-1 change.
Mr. Keith , who owns lot 34,spoke in favor of the change and how he hoped to spend money in the community in building a garage if the change was approved.
The Secretary read a letter from R.L. Borton, in favor of the change to R-1. The Secretary then read a letter from William Tolstyka and Katherine Sekulich, owners of lot 56, who were not in favor of rezoning lots 54, 55, 56.
Members of the board thoughts. Amy Gilhouse was not opposed and stated people look at things differently. Nancy Nichols said that lots 25 thru 35 lend themselves to R-1 single family dwellings. Walter Miller thought lots 25, 54, 55, 56 could stay Commercial. Julia Peterson looked at the history and there was no success rate for Commercial in this area and was in favor of Lots 25-35 be zoned R-1 Residential. Ray McGrath was in favor of the re-zoning but not sure of including lots 54, 55, 56. He talked about the history of the lots and businesses that used to be there. Favors lots 25-35 for R-1. Olis Burch talked about parking being an issue for Commercial and there being a hardship for Morris if the property was left C-1. Most of the property is R-1 already.
Ray McGrath made a motion to recommend to the Township Board that Lots 25 thru 35 of the Supervisors Plat of Geneva be re-zoned from C-1 Commercial to R-1 Residential. Motion supported by Nancy Nichols.
Roll Call vote: Julia Peterson: Yes, Ray McGrath: Yes, Olis Burch: Yes, Walter Miller:Yes, Nancy Nichols, Yes, Amy Gilhouse:Yes.
Nancy Nichols made a motion to adjourn. All ayes voted. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m Respectively submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary
March 3, 2009
At 7 p.m. on March 3, 2009 Chairman Olis Burch called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Roll Call: Present: Julia Peterson, George Hawkins, Ray McGrath, Olis Burch, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols, Amy Gilhouse.
Ray McGrath moved, supported by Nancy Nichols to approve the minutes of the February 3, 2009 meeting. All ayes voted.
Chairman Olis Burch thanked Nancy Nichols for the work she had done on the By-Laws.
There were no comments from the floor.
Walter Miller reported that the Appeals Board met on March 2 to hear an appeal from Mike and Nancy Haldy for property on 3225 Round Lake Hwy. For demolition and rebuilding of a home. The appeal was granted.
Communications were received from MSU Extension for several workshops. Olis Burch said he would like to go to the one on Wind Energy on March 31. Julia Peterson and Amy Gilhouse said they would like to go to the Introduction to Lakes workshop. Funding to attend to be sought from the Township Board.
March 10, 2009 there will be a Public Hearing for rezoning Geneva Hwy.
After much discussion of the proposed By-Laws, Ray McGrath moved to approve the By-Laws as amended with a change of Section 1 “D” date from April 1 to January 31, and in Section 3 eliminate part “G”, and therefore change section “H” to “G”. Amy Gilhouse supported the motion. Roll Call Vote: Julia Peterson: Yes, George Hawkins: Yes, Ray McGrath: Yes, Olis Burch: Yes, Walter Miller: Yes, Nancy Nichols: Yes, Amy Gilhouse: Yes.
New Business: A subcommittees will be set up during the April meeting to begin going over the Planning Enabling.
Ray McGrath mentioned that Sharon Gust’s mother, Carol Gosselin passed away and there would be a memorial service March 28 at 11 a.m. at Wagley Funeral home.
Ray McGrath moved for adjournment, supported by Nancy Nichols. Meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectively submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: APRIL 7, 2009
February 3, 2009
At 7:01 p.m. on February 3, 2009 Chairman Olis Burch called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Roll Call: Present: Julia Peterson, Ray McGrath, Olis Burch, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols, Amy Gilhouse. Absent with notice: George Hawkins.
Ray McGrath moved, supported by Julia Peterson to approve the minutes of the January 6 , 2009 meeting. All ayes voted.
There was no report from the appeals board since they haven’t met since the last meeting.
There was no report from the Trustees.
Communications: Someone had complained that Kevin Krohn had boats stored on his property. Mr. Krohn explained that he had 5 acres and that he had boats of his own, family, and some friends stored there at no charge. Kevin stated he would do what ever he had to to abide with Township Ordinances. Chairman Burch said he could find nothing in the Ordinances that would prohibit him from storing the boats there.
Stan Sexton was to appear on having a lot to sell used cars but did not make an appearance.
A date of March 10 at 7 p.m. was set for a Public Hearing to re-zone property on Geneva Hwy including Plot 480 starting with Adams and ending with Yackee; and RLO 510, Lavoy, Degroff, and Tolstyka. The re-zoning would be from Commercial to Residential R-1.
Ray McGrath made a motion that the proposed budget (handed out at the meeting) be increased as follows: Printing: from $300 to $500. Miscellaneous: from $300 to $500. Nancy Nichols supported. Roll Call vote: Julia Peterson: Yes, Ray McGrath: Yes, Olis Burch: Yes, Walter Miller: Yes, Nancy Nichols: Yes, Amy Gilhouse: Yes.
Nancy Nichols made a motion to accept the 2008 Annual Report of the Planning Commission. Supported by Ray McGrath. All ayes voted.
The Planning Commission then began going over the MTA Planning Commission Bylaws and the Rollin Township Planning Commission Bylaws. After much discussion and numerous changes agreement was made on the things needed to bring the Bylaws up to date. Nancy Nichols volunteered to have a draft ready for approval at the next meeting.
Walter Miller made a motion to be sent to the Township Board that Julia Peterson and Nancy Nichols be reappointed to the Planning Commission. Motion supported by Amy Gilhouse. All ayes voted.
Nancy Nichols moved for adjournment. Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary
NEXT MEETING: MARCH 3, 2009
January 6, 2009
At 7:03 p.m. on January 6, 2009 Chairman Olis Burch called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Roll Call: Present: Julia Peterson, Ray McGrath, Olis Burch, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols, and Amy Gilhouse. Absent with notice: George Hawkins.
Ray McGrath moved, supported by Amy Gilhouse to approve the minutes of the December 2, 2008 meeting. All ayes votes.
Walter Miller reported that the Appeals Board met on December 15, 2008 to hear an appeal for Robert Perry for property at 2600 Geneva Hwy for demolition and rebuild.
After discussion of lot coverage, setbacks, and foot print, the appeal was denied as presented. After more discussion the appeal was granted for a house 34’ x 24’ with a 8’ x 24’ deck on the lakeside of the house. House is to be 3’ from the Westside of property line, 6’ from Geneva Hwy., and 7’ from the Southeast side.
Ray McGrath reported for the Trustees that the paper work for re-zoning on Woerner Rd. had been sent to Region II and they have not received a reply back yet.
Region II has a meeting on January 8, 2009 in Hillsdale at the Elks Club at 6 p.m. on Michigan Economic Outlook for those interested.
Olis Burch discussed the re-zoning on Geneva Hwy. Secretary then read a letter from the Township Attorney Jonathon Poer stating we could make a recommendation to the Township Board after a Public Meeting had been held.
There was discussion on the many businesses that were no longer there on Geneva Hwy.. Nancy Nichols made a motion to pursue language to establish a Public Hearing for those properties on Geneva Hwy. To be re-zoned from Commercial to residential. Amy Gilhouse supported the motion. All ayes voted.
Election of officers for 2009: Olis Burch was nominated for chairman, supported by Nancy Nichols. Nancy Nichols was nominated for chairman by Amy Gilhouse, supported by Olis Burch. Olis Burch was elected.
Nancy Nichols was nominated for Vice Chairman by Amy Gilhouse, supported by Ray McGrath. Nancy Nichols was elected.
Walter Miller was nominated for Secretary, support by Ray McGrath. Walter Miller was elected.
All commission members received copies of sample MTA Plan. Bylaws and old Township Bylaws to be looked over before the next meeting so that we could begin work on setting up Bylaws at the next meeting.
Olis Burch said we have to present to the Township Board our budget before their March meeting. He also stated that we have to make an annual report to the Township Board.
Ray McGrath made a motion to adjourn, supported by Nancy Nichols. All ayes voted. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m NEXT MEETING: FEBRUARY 3, 2009
Respectfully submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary.
December 2, 2008
At 7:00 p.m. on December 2, 2008 Chairman Olis Burch called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Roll call: Present: Julia Peterson, George Hawkins, Ray McGrath, Olis Burch, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols, and Amy Gilhouse.
Ray McGrath moved, supported by George Hawkins to approve the minutes of the November 11, 2008 meeting. All ayes voted.
There was a question from the floor from Mr. Keith about the zoning change at 2959 Geneva Hwy. Chairman Burch said that we had not heard back from the Township attorney yet.
Walter Miller reported that the Appeals Board met on December 1, 2008 to hear an appeal for David and Cheryl Rajner for property at 2139 Yacht Club Drive for setback requirements. Rajner wanted to knock down the current house and rebuild. The appeal was denied as presented. Revisions were made and the plan was then approved as amended.
Trustees had nothing to report.
Chairman Burch opened the Public Hearing on the re-zoning of Woerner Rd. and said we would take the South side of Woerner Rd. first, starting with all those opposed.
Properties involved: Nichols, Gilhouse, First, Sager, Haller, Burch, and Mroz.
OPPOSED TO THE RE-ZONING OF THE SOUTH SIDE OF WOERNER RD.
Cheryl Petersen: limiting residential space
Lucrecia Rutan: Environmental concerns for water and animal sediment.
Shirley Shuman: Quality of water.
Pauline Gross: Concerned about taxes.
Gary Gross: Afraid of long term effect.
Joe Nofsinger: Concerned about water. Wetland requirements.
Jane Westfall: Concerned about drain next to property-can’t use the beach.
Molly Rose: Run off from chemicals in the water.
Mary Wilson: Nitrates getting into the lake.
Jim Naylor: zone with limits.
Gary Marzolf:Concerned about the buffer around the lake.
Vicky Davis-Mahler: Opposed
IN FAVOR TO RE-ZONE THE SOUTH SIDE OF WOERNER RD.
Rocky Winters: Had report from Soil Con. Dist. On his property and wetland rules to protect.
Ray Nichols: Uses no chemicals,. Food plots for wildlife. Says geese cause more nitrates.
Jim Nailor: Has always been Ag.
Carl Kelk: Has deeds to show it has been Ag.
Lois Burch: Understood if you had 5 acres you could have animals on it.
Troy McClain: Should be able to use barns for farm animals. Will not pollute.
Brad Dart: Lives in area, fishes lake, knows no one would pollute.
Gilly Gilhouse: Has a few animals and doesn’t believe they would pollute like 1500 geese. Talked about lake quality and drainage.
Joy Nichols: in favor of allowing horses and thinks lake is ok.
OPPOSED TO THE NORTH SIDE OF WOERNER RD. BEING RE-ZONED . Properties include: Kelk:9.3 acres, Winters: 28 acres, Perry: 6.8 acres.
David Mulder: Swamp has nitrates. Afraid well will be polluted. Property values., regulations on barns and animals.
Cheryl Petersen: read Ag definition. No zoning enforcement.
Shirley Shuman: Once zoned under the radar. No zoning enforcement.
Lynn Wilson: Electric fence. Cows standing in water. Smell. Dogs with puppies being sold.
Lucrecia Rutan: Electric fence. Animals on residential property. (Perry property).
Bruce Walker: Noise, property value. (Perry property)
Karen Jasmund: Animals, property value.
Arlen Miller: Manure coming down from Skinner Hwy. Geese don’t need help with more manure. Drainage into lake from North and South side of Woerner. $25,000 spent to keep weeds out of lake. 140 families involved.
Dave Glowacki: Animals in swamp, electric fence, junk vehicles, dogs. (Perry property).
Pat Dutched: Bought because area is residential.
Jane Westfall: Drain
Norma Bodenmiller: Opposes anything draining in to lake.
Mary Wilson: Pollution
Gary Marzolf: dogs, junk vehicles.
IN FAVOR OF RE-ZONING THREE PARCELS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF WOERNER RD.
Rocky Winters: Goes by the book. Cattle there 15-20 years ago.
Ray Nichols
Carl Kelk
Troy McClain
Gilly Gilhouse: In favor but not for those out of compliance.
Joshua Perry: Pointed out current maps and proposed maps. Said property has been in Ag for 48 years. Electric fence turned off, and new fence being built. Dogs are now limited. No one can show why he cannot have cows on more than 5 acres.
Kathy Miller talked about the Land Use Plan vs the Zoning. There was then an informal show of hands . A majority of the people showed no re-zoning on the North side of Woerner Rd. The South side was ok.
The secretary then read all the letters he had received up to that date. Those letters are attached to these minutes to the Township Board.
COMMENTS OF THE BOARD
Nancy Nichols: Neighbor concurred it was Ag, maps showed it was Ag, and would like to maintain it as Ag. All but 150 feet along Woerner Rd. is already Ag.
Amy Gilhouse: talked about the Proposed Land Use Plan. Not in favor of farming in an irresponsible manner. Talked about providing horse rides for troubled teens and others and the results.
Walt Miller: Talked about the different life styles and how people in Ag need to educate those who have never had that experience. Electric fence is no more dangerous than telling a child not to touch a hot stove. Once they touch it and get burnt they leave it alone. All people want the freedom to enjoy the hard work of their labors in peace and quiet. Those in Ag especially bordering residential areas need to be extra careful that their animals, dogs, noise, chickens, manure, etc. are all kept under control. People in residential areas need to observe zoning regulations (no electric fence). I believe that the pollution is not coming from the properties involved in this re-zoning and all need to work together to find where it is coming from. I believe that those who have 5 acres or more should be allowed to have animals (within reasonable numbers).
George Hawkins: Petitioners brought this on themselves. Is against re-zoning.
Ray McGrath: Wife has lived here all her life and it has always been Ag. When was it changed and why?
Olis Burch: South side should be re-zoned. His property has always been a farm and he keeps his property neat.
Ray McGrath made a motion that we recommend to the Township Board re-zoning from Geneva Hwy. The South side of Woerner Rd. East to and including the Gilhouse property to Ag. Properties included on Case #08-003. Support by George Hawkins. Roll Call vote:
Julia Peterson: Yes; George Hawkins: No; Ray McGrath: Yes; Olis Burch: Abstain, Walter Miller: Yes; Nancy Nichols: Abstain; Amy Gilhouse: Abstain.
After discussion George Hawkins made a motion to rescind the previous motion, support by Julia Peterson. Roll call vote.Julia Peterson: Yes; George Hawkins: Yes; Ray McGrath: Yes; Olis Burch: Yes; Walter Miller: Yes; Nancy Nichols: Yes; Amy Gilhouse: Yes.
Chairman Olis Burch said that all findings of Board stating comments of public and DEQ will be sent to the Township Board for their recommendation.
NEXT MEETING: January 6, 2009.
George Hawkins made a motion to adjourn, supported by Ray McGrath. All ayes voted. Meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Respectively submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary
10 Letters attached.
November 11, 2008
At 7:00 p.m. on November 11, 2008 Chairman John Jenkins called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Roll call: Present: Ollis Burch, George Hawkins, Ray McGrath, John Jenkins, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols, and Amy Gilhouse.
Chairman Jenkins asked all to join him in the pledge of allegiance. Chairman Jenkins then had some historical remarks.
Ray McGrath moved, supported by Ollis Burch to approve the minutes of the October 7, 2008 . All ayes voted.
Chairman Jenkins explained the situation for Jason and Sara Daniels application for a special use permit for a day care at 5215 Townley Hwy. McGrath had questions on the process. Chairman Jenkins explained. Discussion by the board.
Ray McGrath made a motion to suspend the rules and grant a permit for child day care at 5215 Townley Hwy. Supported by George Hawkins. All ayes voted. Hawkins made a motion for the Township Board to refund the fees since there was no public hearing. Supported by McGrath. All ayes voted.
Public hearing for Conditional Use Permit for Gerald and Kimberly Griewahn at 17239 Manitou Rd. Mrs. Griewahn explained the situation. Chairman Jenkins said that those opposed would speak first limited to three minutes time followed by those in favor.
No one spoke in opposition for the permit. Jerry Wilson said several people had spoken in favor of the permit to him. George Hawkins said all looked well when he was there. Comments by the board. McGrath asked if the bakery was inspected by the health board. Mrs. Daniels answered yes. Bakery has been in operation for five years. Amy Gilhouse had questions for a later time but said all looked good.
Ray McGrath made a motion for the Township Board to grant a Conditional Use Permit for Griewahn at 17239 Manitou Rd Supported by Ollis Burch. Roll call vote. Ollis Burch: Yes, George Hawkins: Yes, Ray McGrath: Yes; John Jenkins: Yes; Walter Miller: Yes; Nancy Nichols: Yes; Amy Gilhouse: Yes.
Walter Miller reported that the Appeals Board met on October 13 to hear an appeal for Dan and Billie Hupp at 8750 W. Ferndale for lake setback requirements. After discussion the board granted the appeal with changes. The Appeals Board met on October 27 to hear an appeal for Robert Marquis for property at 2979 Round Lake Hwy for channel setback requirements. The appeal was denied.
The Trustees had no report at this time.
Communication was received from a Mr. Keith for zoning change so he could build a garage at 2959 Geneva Hwy. Chairman Jenkins said this board was not the place to do it. After much discussion between the board, Mr. Keith, and the audience Chairman Jenkins said he would get with the Township Attorney and get back with the board with the answer.
Communications received from John Jenkins resigning as the Chairman of the Planning Commission since he was elected Township Supervisor. McGrath moved, supported by Hawkins to accept the resignation with regret. All ayes voted.
Old business remained tabled .
George Hawkins nominated Nancy Nichols for Chairman. Ray McGrath nominated Ollis Burch for Chairman. McGrath’s motion was seconded by Nancy Nichols. All ayes voted.
Ollis Burch took over the meeting and announced the next meeting was December 2, 2008.
Amy Gilhouse made a motion to adjourn. Supported by Ray McGrath. All ayes voted. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary.
October 7, 2008
At 7:00 p.m. on October 7, 2008 Chairman John Jenkins called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Roll call: Present: Ollis Burch, George Hawkins, Ray McGrath, John Jenkins, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols, and Amy Gilhouse.
Chairman Jenkins asked all to join him in the pledge of allegiance.
Ollis Burch stated that he had given notice of his absence. Ray McGrath moved, seconded by Nancy Nichols that the minutes of September 2, 2008 be approved with the correction of “without notice” being removed. All ayes voted.
Chairman had no remarks at this time.
Troy McClain had questions regarding the conditional use permit by Griewahn coming up at the November meeting. Chairman Jenkins responded to his question.
Request by a Mr. Keith for zoning change so he could build a garage at 2959 Geneva Hwy. After discussion between the board members and Keith it was determined he should take his appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance instead of trying to spot zone.
The Public hearing for a Zoning change from Commercial to Agriculture on Woerner Rd has to be rescheduled due to the Exponent failing to publish the notice. Ray made the motion second by George to move the meeting to December 2, 2008. All ayes voted.
Walter Miller reported that the Appeals Board met on September 29 to hear an appeal for Larry and Joann Wilson for property at 280 Park St for lake setback requirements. After discussion of the board members the appeal was granted as applied for.
The Trustees had nothing to report that applied to the Planning Commission.
The five members of the Planning Commission who attended the MSU meeting on September 30 reported on the meeting. After their report Chairman Jenkins said the Township Association is working on sample by-laws and we may want to wait for them before proceeding.
There was some concern about the Dec 2 meeting for re-zoning. Ray had questions about the wording of the petition. Amy had concerns that people might base their decision on property where there had been complaints.
Letters were given to the Secretary pertaining to the re-zoning meeting now scheduled for December 2.
Question was brought up of who could speak to the re-zoning hearing. Anyone can speak at the meeting.
Chairman Jenkins said that he would be resigning as Chairman at the November 11 meeting. We will need a new Chairman and we need to begin thinking about that.
Chairman Jenkins adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: November 11, 2008
Respectively submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary
September 2, 2008
At 7:00 p.m. on September 2, 2008 Chairman John Jenkins called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Chairman asked all to join him in the pledge of allegiance.
Roll call: Present: George Hawkins, Ray McGrath, John Jenkins, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols, Amy Gilhouse. Absent: Olis Burch.
Ray McGrath moved that the minutes of August 12, 2008 be approved. Motion supported by Amy Gilhouse. All ayes voted.
The Chairman had no remarks.
Audience remarks: Question was asked about the procedure for the Woerner Rd rezoning. Chairman Jenkins answered those questions.
The Appeals board has not met since the August meeting so there was nothing to report.
The Trustees had nothing to report that applied to the Planning Commission.
There were no communications. Chairman Jenkins did remind members to fill out their registrations for the MSU meeting on Sept. 30th.
Old Business: Mrs. Griewahn was there to present her case for a permit to operate a bakery. Motion was made by McGrath, supported by Nichols to have the hearing for the conditional use permit to the November meeting. All ayes voted.
Motion was made by McGrath, supported by Miller to set the Woerner Road rezoning hearing for the October 7, 2008 meeting. All ayes voted.
A copy of the By-Laws were found in the file. There was no date saying that they were adopted. Motion by Nichols, supported by Hawkins to table this issue until after we complete our study on the Zoning Enabling Act and the Planning Enabling Act. All ayes voted.
Motion to table the Zoning Enabling Act Issues and the Planning Enabling Act issues until the October meeting was made by Nichols, supported by Gilhouse. All ayes voted.
Amy Gilhouse passed out a brochure on planning and one on assessment.
McGrath made the motion to adjourn. Chairman Jenkins adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Respectively submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary.
NEXT MEETING: OCTOBER 7, 2008
August 12, 2008
At 7:02 p.m. on August 12, 2008 Chairman John Jenkins called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Present: Olis Burch, Ray McGrath, Walter Miller, Amy Gilhouse, Nancy Nichols, John Jenkins. Absent with notice: George Hawkins.
Chairman Jenkins asked all to join him in the pledge of allegiance.
Ray McGrath moved that the minutes for both meetings on June 10, 2008 be approved. Motion supported by Nancy Nichols. All ayes voted.
Chairman Jenkins made opening remarks and then welcomed Olis Burch to the committee.
Walter Miller gave the Appeals Board report that on July 21, 2008 the Appeals Board met to hear an appeal for Marie Parker for property at 103 Walnut St. for setback and height requirements. After determining that the property was C-1, Commercial, the board made restrictions of 8’ sidewalls and trusses to match the gambrel roof of the existing structure.
Ray McGrath reported that there was nothing from the Trustees that pertained to the Planning Commission.
Chairman Jenkins had the following communications:
MSU Seminar on September 30. Hawkins, Gilhouse, Nichols, Miller, and Jenkins expressed interest in attending. There will be a hearing on September 2 which is to be included in the regular meeting. Four members of the Planning Commission have a conflict of interest in relation to this hearing and must declare same. The meeting will proceed and deliberate as usual. Written comments and summary comments from the audience and the Planning Commission will be sent to the Township Board since we will not have a quorum. Discussion about who could speak at this meeting. Chairman Jenkins said anyone could.
There was no old business.
Chairman Jenkins brought up the Zoning Enabling Act Issues and the Planning Enabling Act. These were discussed at length. It was decided to address these issues after we received the books pertaining to these issues. Ray McGrath made a motion to have the Township Clerk make copies of both of these books so we could have them before the September 2 meeting. Motion supported by Nancy Nichols. Motion carried.
Ray McGrath had questions about the procedure for the September 2 meeting. Chairman Jenkins answered the questions.
Olis Burch made the motion to adjourn. Motion supported by Amy Gilhouse. All ayes.
At 8:17 Chairman Jenkins adjourned the meeting.
NEXT MEETING: SEPTEMBER 2, 2008
Respectively submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary.
June 10, 2008
PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPERTY AT 131 Devils Lake Hwy.
Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman John Jenkins.
Present: Amy Gilhouse, George Hawkins, John Jenkins, Ray McGrath, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols. Absent: Cheryl Petersen.
Chairman Jenkins read the application, stated the purpose of the hearing, and gave the background of the current ordinance and the hearing rules.
Barry Garrow from Michigan Building Spec. Made the presentation of the proposed use of the site.
Proponent’s remarks: Ken Gajda (owner) made a speech for the project.
Jerry Wilson, Marie Parker, and Marcia Applhans had questions or statements about the use. These were discussed.
There were no opponent’s speeches or remarks.
Motion to approve the conditional use permit for 131 Devils Lake Hwy. Was made Nancy Nichols, supported by George Hawkins. Motion to amend the conditional use permit to state: Living quarters for owners or guests was made by Amy Gilhouse, supported by Ray McGrath. All ayes for the amendment.
Roll call vote: Amy Gilhouse, yes; George Hawkins, yes; John Jenkins, yes; Ray McGrath, yes; Walter Miller, yes; Nancy Nichols, yes.
Public hearing for 131 Devils Lake Hwy. was closed.
Citizens present for this meeting were: Barry Garrow, Helen Brogan, Marcia Appelhans, Tim Miller, Arlen Miller, Marie Parker, Kim Picken, Ken Gajda, Jerry Wilson, Troy & Barb McClain, Julia Peterson.
Respectively submitted, Walter Miller, Secretary Pro-Tem.
June 10, 2008
At 7:35 p.m. on June 10, 2008 Chairman John Jenkins called the regular meeting of the Rollin Township Planning Commission to order.
Present: Amy Gilhouse, George Hawkins, John Jenkins, Ray McGrath, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols. Absent: Cheryl Petersen.
Ray McGrath moved the minutes of May 6 meeting be approved with the correction of address at 1407 Woerner Rd read 14076 Woerner Rd. Motion supported by George Hawkins. All ayes voted
Chairman Jenkins talked about Flag Day and read an article for all to contemplate. The Pledge of Allegiance was then said by all.
There were no audience comments for non-agenda items at this time..
Walter Miller reported that there was an appeal for Jeff Tagsold for lake setback variance on June 2, 2008. That appeal was granted as applied for.
Trustee Ray McGrath said that there was nothing to report from the Township Board that applied to the Planning Commission.
There was correspondence from Amy Gilhouse about the 2007 Land Use Plan. After discussion Amy made the motion to go back to the 2006 Land Use Map. Support by Walter Miller. After discussion by the board a motion to table the motion until sometime after a meeting with Tim Anderson was made by Nancy Nichols, supported by George Hawkins. All ayes on tabling the motion.
Chairman Jenkins said there was a need to review the Zoning Ordinance.
At 8:08 p.m. Chairman Jenkins adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Walter Miller, Secretary
NOTE: Meeting scheduled for July 1, 2008 was cancelled.
May 6, 2008
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairperson Jenkins. Present: Amy Gilhouse, George Hawkins, John Jenkins, Ray McGrath, Walter Miller, Cheryl Petersen. Absent with notice: Nancy Nichols.
Hawkins moved and McGrath supported that the minutes of April 1, 2008 be approved with typo correction.
Chairperson Jenkins read the preamble to the State of Micigan Constitution and hopes that we can preserve the freedoms we have.
Appeals – Miller reported that there was an appeal on April 28, 2008 for Dick and Deborah Beagle for property at 3130 Geneva Hwy. for set back requirements. Appeal was granted as applied for.No business that applied to the Planning Commission from the trustees.
Communications: (1) Letter from Nancy Nichols,(2) Letter from Ms. Leslie Kettren, (3) An invitation to a Legislative Dinner on May 28, for Small Town and Rural Planning.
Old Business: Elect a secretary. Since no one accepted nomination, Chairperson said each member of the board would take their turn as secretary doing a meeting.
New Business: Winters, 1407 Woerner Rd. Someone complained he had horses on property zoned residential. He has 27 acres. Winters said he was notified by a phone call on a Saturday morning. Chairperson Jenkins said he had the options of requesting a zoning change or get a permit of non-conforming use. He was told to get the appropriate forms from the Township Clerk.
Gajda, 131 Devils Lake Hwy. Property was a trim shop and he wants to put a 2 bedroom apt. above it for personal use. Chairperson Jenkins instructed him to file for a conditional use permit from the township clerk and then come back before the palnning commission.
Griewahn: No show.
There were discussions on conditional use permits. There were discussions on the Land Use Plan by both members of the Planning Commission and citizens present.
Citizens present were: David Gajda, Barry Garrow, Julia Peterson, Arlen Miller, Tim Miller, Troy and Barb McClain.
Chairperson Jenkins is going to recommend to the Township Board that any violations to the zoning ordinance that those involved be notified by certified mail with a return receipt instead of someone calling on the phone.
Chairperson Jenkins needs to know any items to come before the Planning Commission at least a week before the meeting so the agenda can be published on the web site.
Hawkins moved; McGrath seconded adjournment at 8:30 p.m.. Ayes- All.
Respectfully submitted,
Walter Miller
Planning Commission Secretary Pro-Tem
April 1, 2008
Meeting called to order at 7:01 PM by Acting Chairperson Hawkins. Present: Amy Gilhouse, George Hawkins, John Jenkins, Ray McGrath, Walter Miller, Nancy Nichols. Absent with Notice: Petersen.
Chairman Hawkins introduced newly appointed member, Nancy Nichols.
McGrath moved and Gilhouse supported that the minutes of March 4, 2008 be approved. Ayes: all. Appeals – Miller reported on the following appeals: None.
Township Board Report: McGrath reported on Budget and Web site.
Citizen Comment: Florence Gene-Goodson commented on her perceived difficulty of getting non-conforming use permits. McGrath responded that none had been turned down and that those seeking to do business in a residential district should get an application from the Township Office.
Communications: Chairman Hawkins reported an invitation to attend a Region II Planning Commission meeting.
Old Business: None.
New Business: Gilhouse moved that the Planning Commission recommend to the Township Board that the Land Use Plan be reopened and that we review it with Leslie Kettren and suggest updates. Died for lack of second.
Nichols moved and McGrath supported a motion that we invite Leslie Kettren to review the Land Use Plan and report to the next Planning Commission meeting of suggested updates. Ayes -All
Election of Officers: McGrath moved, support by Hawkins that that John Jenkins be elected Chair. Ayes - All McGrath Moved and Nichols supported George Hawkins to be the Vice Chair. Ayes- All Hawkins appointed Miller to be Secretary-pro-tem until the next meeting, since no one stepped to the plate to be secretary.
McGrath moved; Miller seconded adjournment at 8:02. Ayes – All.
Respectfully submitted
John Jenkins
Planning Commission Secretary
March 4, 2008
The Planning Commission met Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the township hall. Due to inclement weather, business for this meeting was postponed until next month.