MINUTES
CASCO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2013
Present: Members Wayne Baumgarten, Stan Pankiewicz, Eric Reeve, Jennifer Andersen, Sue Macker and Cynthia Goulston.
Also Present: Supervisor Ruemenapp.
Absent: Joe Stevens.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Reeve.
2. THE PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
The Pledge to the flag was recited.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Member Andersen and seconded by Member Goulson to approve the minutes of March 19, 2013 as presented.
Ayes: Member Baumgarten, Pankiewicz, Reeve, Andersen, Macker, Goulston.
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Motion carried.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion was made by Member Andersen and seconded by Member Macker to approve the agenda as presented.
Ayes: Member Baumgarten, Pankiewicz, Reeve, Andersen, Macker, Goulston.
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Motion carried.
5. COMMUNICATIONS
Homeland Security presentation/breakfast on May 3rd at 7:00 a.m. at Fore Lakes Golf Club. Featured speaker usually from outside the county. Invitation passed out to commission members. RSVP at the appropriate number.
6. DISCUSSION FROM THE FLOOR
None.
7. PUBLIC HEARING
A) SOLAR FARMS ORDINANCE #30-83
Open the Public Hearing at 7:11 p.m. for the Solar Farm Ordinance #30-83.
A motion was made by Member Macker and seconded by Member Goulston to close the public hearing on Solar Farms Ordinance #30-83 at 7:15 p.m.
Ayes: Member Baumgarten, Pankiewicz, Reeve, Andersen, Macker, Goulston.
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Motion carried.
A motion was made by Member Baumgarten and seconded by Member Goulston to send Solar Farms Ordinance #30-83 to the Casco Township board for approval.
Ayes: Member Baumgarten, Pankiewicz, Reeve, Andersen, Macker, Goulston.
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Motion carried.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
9. NEW BUSINESS
A) DISCUSSION ON NONRESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAYS
Supervisor Ruemenapp passed out documents regarding Richmond’s driveway ordinance, along with a newspaper article. Supervisor spoke to Planner Arroyo regarding proposing ordinance language. Currently have no ordinance on driveways for agricultural use.
Commissioners to review Richmond ordinance regarding nonresidential driveways. Commission to work with Planner Arroyo regarding appropriate language. Commission Members to make notes and discuss with Planner Arroyo at May meeting. Tabled to May 21, 2013 meeting.
10. PLANNER’S REPORT
None.
11. REPORT FROM COMMITTEES
Chairman Reeve stated he attended a county meeting regarding Right to Farm and speaker at the meeting indicated that unless what a resident is doing on a parcel of land meets to the letter GAAMP’s that are listed then what they may be doing doesn’t fall under Right to Farm. All they look for is what are they doing and are they following GAAMP’s, and have to follow it to the letter. Manure management issues need to be satisfied and resident must have a manure management plan.
Chairman Reeve attended meeting where topic of discussion was Trail Towns. When communities are considering non-motorized routes they must consider parking, signs, historical markers, attractions or the trail becomes stale and doesn’t get used. Need to incorporate some of these things into your overall plan. Conversion of rails to trails is a feature, but not an option for Casco Township. Possibility of linking Orchard Trail to St. Clair County trail system may be an option in the future. Supervisor Ruemenapp went to a supervisor’s meeting and a lot of people were talking about the Orchard Trail. Member Macker indicated marketing was discussed at the meeting. Attendees discussed how difficult it is to keep people off trails at night. Discussion held at meeting surrounded getting community involvement to maintain the trail and/or deter vandalism.
Supervisor Ruemenapp has had communication with property owner on corner of Palms and Division Roads, Ted Rattee, regarding expansion of his business without a site plan. Recently a driveway was installed out to Palms Road. Enforcement officer requested him to speak to the Supervisor. Supervisor Ruemenapp expects Ted Rattee to come to the May 21, 2013 meeting. Property is zoned commercial and in 1990 it was approved to sell lawn ornaments. Later he was selling swimming pools. Past few years Ted Rattee has been enlarging his business, may need engineered site plan and drainage plan.
12. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Member Baumgarten and supported by Member Andersen to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.
Ayes: Member Baumgarten, Pankiewicz, Reeve, Andersen, Macker, Goulston.
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Motion carried.
The next regular meeting of the Casco Township Planning Commission will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at the Casco Township Hall, 4512 Meldrum Road.
Wayne Baumgarten, Secretary _________________________________________________________
Christine Ruemenapp, Recording Secretary _______________________________________________
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