Ensley Township in Newaygo County MI

Planning Commission

July Minutes

Ensley Township Planning Commission

July 27, 2009

Members Present: Matt Bonzo, Keith Bouwkamp, Robert Buckowing, Janet Dravk,
                                Ross Harwood, John Vander Meulen

Members Absent: Ralph Palmer (with call in)

Guests: One

Meeting:

A.     Pledge of Allegiance:

Matt Bonzo called the July 27, 2009 meeting of the Ensley Township Planning Commission to order at 8:05 PM.  Pledge of Allegiance was cited.

B.     Roll Call:

Matt Bonzo

1.      8:05 motion made (Bonzo) and supported (Bouwkamp) to open to public discussions

2.      One guest – Referred to township assessor and county assessors’ office

3.      8:20 motion made (VanderMeulen) to close public discussions supported (Bouwkamp)

C.     Approval of Agenda:

Bonzo presented the agenda for July 27, 2009 as written.  Motion made (Dravk) and supported (Bouwkamp) to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.

D.    Approval of Minutes for June 29, 2009:

Ralph Palmer absent, Review of June minutes deferred to August Meeting

Reports:

A.     Correspondence Received:

a)      Strategic Alliance – Michigan Planner

B.     Township Board Representative (John Vander Meulen):

a)      Building Permits: 3; 1 violation

b)      Electrical Permits: 1

c)      Zoning Compliances: 0

d)      Board Meeting Update:

e)      Forest Committee Update: Progress update on Ensley property trail

f)       Crime Watch Update: None

C.     Information and Inquiry Including Public Comment:

a)      None

D.    Zoning Administrator (Bob Hall):

a)      Bob Hall gave Zoning report

b)      Spoke of Grant Wind Ordinance - Handout

Old Business:

A.     Alternative Energy Zoning:

a)      Work on Wind Turbine ordinance

B.     Master Plan:

a)      Matt made updates discussed what we used as a guide to create the master plan.

b)      Related discussions: County Planning Commission comments, Surrounding township comments – Brooks township commented, Ryan Coffee commented

c)      Make correction to Master Plan; Removal of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) from Master Plan as it is not statutorily authorized by the State of Michigan to local units of government, Add a future land use map, Add Appendix

d)      Scenario “Best Case – Worse Case” Examples given by commission members

New Business:

            A.     Solar Energy:  Research information for creating a township ordinance – No new discussions on this topic

B.     Outdoor wood burning units:  Research information for creating a township ordinance – No new discussions on this topic

C.     Ordinances:  To review and update township ordinances to ensure they are in line with the updated Master plan – continue work on Wind ordinance

Motion made by (Buckowing) and supported (Bouwkamp) to adjourn at 9:15 PM. Motion carried.

Sub Sec. Janet Dravk

Copyright 2011 - Ensley Township - All Rights Reserved