Ensley Township in Newaygo County MI

Planning Commission

April Minutes

Ensley Township Planning Commission

April 27, 2009

Members Present: John Vander Meulen,  Matt Bonzo, Janet Dravk, Ross Harwood, Ralph Palmer

Guests: Robert Hall.

Meeting:

            A         Pledge of Allegiance

                        Meeting was called to order at 8:03 by Matt Bonzo.  Pledge of Allegiance was cited. 

B.                 Roll Call

All present but Keith Bouwkamp and Robert Buckowing

C.                 Approval of Agenda

Bonzo presented the agenda for April 27^th, 2009.  Motion made (Dravk) and supported (Vander Meulen) to approve the agenda with the deletion of the reference to the October and November meeting minutes and the addition of March 30^th minutes for approval. Motion carried.

D.                Approval of Minutes for March 30^th ‘09

Motion made (Vander Meulen) and supported (Harwood) to accept the minutes as written.  Motion carried.

Reports

A.                 Correspondence Received

Nothing Received per Bonzo.

B.                 Township Representative

John Vander Meulen gave the Planning Commission an update on the Township Board. 

C.                 Information and Inquiry

None

D.                Zoning Administrator

Hall passed out the Ottawa County Model Wind Energy Ordinance, the Township of Bridgehampton Sanilac County Ordinance 05-1 “Wind Powered Electricity Generating Towers” as well sample language covering renewable energy issues from various sources for the Planning Commission’s review.

Old Business

A.                 Master Plan Discussion – Review Changes from March Mtg.

Bonzo requested clarification from Hall on the requirements of “Intent to Plan” of the Master Plan.  Per Hall, in the first step is to send the Master Plan to the neighboring townships and the County Commission.  They then have 43 days for to respond or comment, and then the PC needs to have a public hearing.  The Planning Commission then needs to send the Master Plan back to the County Commission.  They have then 30 days to respond.  At this point the Planning Commission can recommend to the Township Board.

B.                 Wind Power Generators / Alternative Energy Zoning

Matt Bonzo requested the Planning Commission read through the information passed out by Robert Hall for the next meeting to be able to work on a new ordinance.

New Business

A.                 Internship.

Matt Bonzo would like the Planning Commission to consider having someone to do research for the Planning Commission.  The “internship” would be an unpaid position and allow a student to gain real work experience and/or credits while performing valuable work at no cost for the township.

Motion made by (Dravk) and supported (Palmer) to adjourn at 9:20 PM.  Motion carried.

Sec.  Palmer