Ensley Township in Newaygo County MI

Planning Commission

January Minutes

Ensley Township Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

October 27, 2008

Ensley Township Planning Commission

October 27th 2008

Members Present: Phil Starr, Ralph Palmer, John Vander Meulen, Keith Bouwkamp, Matt Bonzo, Jeanette Dravk, Robert Buckowing 

Guests: Robert Hall and two members of the public.

Meeting:

            A         Pledge of Allegiance

                        Meeting was called to order at 8:00 by Phil Starr.  Pledge of Allegiance was cited.

B.                 Roll Call

All present.

C.                 Approval of Agenda

Starr presented the agenda for October 27^th, 2008.  Motion made (Bouwkamp) and supported (Vander Meulen) to approve the agenda as written. Motion carried.

D.                Approval of Minutes for September 29^th ‘08

Motion made (Bouwkamp) and supported (Palmer) to accept the minutes with the paragraph headings “D” and “C” under “Reports” switched over the existing text and any names of the public are deleted and “resident” inserted.  Motion carried.

Reports

A.                 Correspondence Received

Wind Energy Siting and Policy Issues brochure presented by Starr.

B.                 Township Representative

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

C.                 Information and Inquiry

Public requested an update on the graffiti issue

D.                Zoning Administrator

ZA gave an update on wind energy issues.

Old Business

A.                 Discussion Graffiti

ZA gave an update on the graffiti issue.  After consultation with Cliff Blum and the MTA attorneys, the township is empowered to develop graffiti ordinances but it was also pointed out that enforcement is quite difficult.  ZA also reported that letters have been sent but no response has been received.

A resident contacted Amy Goethal, Code Compliance Supervisor of the city of Grand Rapids and received a letter advising strategies a community can undertake to combat graffiti.  This resident handed the Planning Commission a copy of this information in order to support the management of such issues now and in the future.

Starr asked the PC is we should pursue an ordinance to fight graffiti.  All agreed this should be pursued by the Planning Commission.  Phil Starr asked Robert Hall to investigate

Resident also reported that the residency in question also has several unlicensed vehicles on the property.  Resident cited section 3.30b to the Planning Commission and is concerned that the residency is not in compliance.  Resident also cited section 3.34 to the Planning Commission and stated that this residency is also not in compliance with this section of the zoning ordinance and is requesting something be done.

B.                 Wind Power Generators

Phil Starr reviewed the Chester Township of Ottawa County ordinance and said this could be a good template for Ensley for commercial and residential.  All are members to review the Chester ordinance and be prepared to discuss the ordinance for next meeting.

C.                 Work On Master Plan

Latest revision of the Master Plan was passed out for review.

New Business

None

Motion made by (Bouwkamp) and supported (Dravk) to adjourn at 9:38 PM.  Motion carried.

Sec.  Palmer

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