April

DRAFT

MINUTES

CASCO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING

APRIL 20, 2010

Present: Members Kathy McKenzie, Joe Stevens, Eric Reeve, William Ruemenapp, Wayne Baumgarten,

Jennifer Andersen, and Denise Page; also present Township Planner Rod Arroyo, Gerald Parylo,

John Pavlik, and Eric Quint

Absent: None

1. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., by Chairman Ruemenapp.

2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

The Pledge to the Flag was recited.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 16, 2010

It was moved by member Stevens and seconded by member McKenzie that the minutes of the Regular

Meeting held on February 16,2010, be approved with the following amendment:

Page 4, 5th paragraph be corrected from

Member Reeve stated that the pine line safety dinner and presentation would be held on

March 1, 2010.; to

Member Reeve stated that the pipeline safety dinner and presentation would be held on

March 1,2010.

Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page

Nays: None

The motion carried.

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by member Stevens and seconded by member Page that the agenda be approved as

submitted.

Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page

Nays: None

The motion carried.

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5. COMMUNICATIONS

An update from MTA on current legislation was presented.

It was stated that Kimball Township is not allowing the sale of marijuana until it is clear what state law

allows.

Planner Arroyo stated that Casco could adopt a simple amendment to their ordinances stating the only

uses of marijuana allowed are the ones permitted by ordinance and federal law. He further stated that the

federal law is clear on what is illegal, so even if state law permits use, federal law does not.

An invitation to the emergency services breakfast to be held on May 14,2010, was presented. It was

stated that members would need a reservation if they are interested in attending.

Member Reeve stated that he had received some complaints about the uncontrolled atmosphere at the

Suckerfest in Adair.

The Planning Commission members, Planner Arroyo, Mr. Pavlik, and Mr. Quint discussed some of the

problems that occurred such as not enough parking, closing of the streets for the parade, and some

general rowdiness. It was stated that there were about 3,000 people at the Suckerfest on Sunday, and the

money raised goes to a worthwhile charity.

6. DISCUSSION FROM THE FLOOR

Mr. Pavlik and Mr. Quint from the Adair Salvage Yard, stated that they have been considering opening

a pawn shop. They stated that they have been approached a number of times by individuals who wanted

to know if they could pawn equipment. They stated that besides accepting equipment, they are looking

into accepting guns, and they have gotten the necessary forms from the Police Department to do this.

They asked what they would have to do to be able to operate a pawn shop out of their salvage yard.

Planner Arroyo stated that he did not see this listed as a primary use in B2, but the Planning Commission

could amend the ordinance and add this under Special Land Use. He stated that he didn't foresee any

problems as they are only adding a use and not substantially changing a building or existing use of

property.

The Planning Commission stated that if Mr. Pavlik and Mr. Quint would like to come to the May 18,

2010, meeting, they would be looking at a draft of an amendment to the Special Land Use ordinance.

They also stated that the earliest an amendment could be approved would be August, 2010.

Planner Arroyo stated that he would get a copy of the State Act regarding pawn shops and bring it with a

draft of an amendment to the May 18,2010, meeting.

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7. PUBLIC HEARING

There was no Public Hearing.

8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

There was no Unfinished Business

9. NEW BUSINESS

A. MASTER PLAN UPDATE 2010

The Planning Commission stated that the township needs to keep expenses down, and asked what they

would have to do with the Master Plan to comply with the state law.

Planner Arroyo stated that the township would need to complete Tasks 1 and 2 on his communication

sent to the Planning Commission in February. He stated that Task 3 would be a good thing to do if

possible.

Planner Arroyo stated that the best time to work on the Master Plan is to start in September with the

work being done in October and November with a completion in the spring. He stated that he would

draw up some information and prices and get them to Supervisor Holk.

The Planning Commission asked about a parks and rec plan.

Planner Arroyo stated that you cannot apply for state grants if you don't have an up-to-date parks and rec

plan, but no review is required in 2010.

10. PLANNER'S REPORT

The Planning Commission and Planner Arroyo briefly discussed clear zoning.

The Planning Commission asked if Planner Arroyo thought the landscaping ordinance needed some

work.

Planner Arroyo stated that he felt the standards are fairly good, but the ordinance could use some

reworking.

Planner Arroyo stated that the eye clinic has not sent him updated information, and he is waiting for the

final version of the site plan for stamping.

It was reported that two men had made an inquiry about coming to the meeting to discuss the possibility

of being a vendor selling BBQ in Casco. They stated that they currently do this in Richmond on

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Saturdays. They had suggested a place, but after looking at the parking in the area decided it would not

work. They may come to a future meeting if they can find an area they think would work for this.

Planner Arroyo stated that he didn't think there was anything in the ordinance to cover this request, and

the Planning Commission could look at adding something if they receive a request.

It was asked if restaurants could cook outside.

Planner Arroyo stated that he had not seen anything in the ordinance, but was not sure if it would be

allowed.

It was suggested that maybe a BBQ type business such as this could be approved under a special permit.

11. REPORT FROM COMMITTEES

An article from the Port Huron Times Herald regarding the Statler situation was presented. It was stated

that a court date has been set for May 11,2010.

A presentation was given on the pipeline safety dinner held on March 1, 2010.

It was reported that Casco Township is applying for membership in FEMA as we have 16 houses in a

flood plain by Belle River.

12. ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by member Baumgarten and seconded by member Andersen that the meeting adjourn at

8:21 p.m.

Ayes: Members McKenzie, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Page

Nays: None

The motion carried.