Helena Township Planning Commission
December 2, 2015
Gurr called meeting to order at 7:00 pm
Opened with Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call: Present: Jim Gurr Bonnie Robbins
Ken Renaud Chris Dewald
Absent: Mike Robinson Rodger Dewey
Bob Johnson
Township officials present: none
Approval of Agenda: Motion: Robbins, 2nd Dewald
Statement of Conflict of Interest: None
Approval of Minutes: Motion: Dewald, 2nd Renaud. Carried
Public Comment: 1 present. Resident has checked sign ordinances in other townships and shared the results. Concerned about potential for the township to become over populated with flashing signs and light from signs left on after business hours. Resident would like to see language in the ordinance addressing illuminated signs.
Communications: Planning commission received an email as follow up to the septic ordinance presentation. Tip of Mitt Watershed asked if we would attend a presentation to townships in May or early June. Robbins will notify them representatives from Helena Township would attend.
Old Business:
Master Plan Review: Language clarification from Parks and Recreation Committee will be inserted into the document and copies made for the public to review. Public Hearing will be held with the regular January 6, 2016 meeting.
New Business:
ZA report
Nov 2015: Land Use 2, Field Checks 10, Attorney Contacts 0, Public Contacts 12, Zoning Violations 0
Discussion of need for checklist for applicants. Consensus that a checklist may confuse public due to extensive material requests or not including all material needed for a permit. Decision to request applicants meet with zoning administrator to discuss needs on a site by site basis.
Public Comment: Dewald commented on the concern of language regulating signs and feels the township should discuss this issue during the review of the zoning ordinance.
Adjourn: Motion Renaud, 2nd Dewald. Carried
Respectfully Submitted,
Bonnie Robbins
Helena Township Planning Commission Recording Secretary