MINUTES
CASCO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 18, 2011

Present:   Members Cynthia Goulston, Joe Stevens, Eric Reeve, William Ruemenapp, Wayne Baumgarten, Jennifer Andersen, and Susan Macker; also present Township Planner Rod Arroyo, and Mike Czenkus

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 - SEPTEMBER 20, 2011

    It was moved by member Macker and seconded by member Baumgarten that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on September 20, 2011, be approved as written.
   
        Ayes:  Members Goulston, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Macker
        Nays:    None
        The motion carried.

  4.    APPROVAL OF AGENDA

    It was moved by member Stevens and seconded by member Andersen that the agenda be approved as submitted.

        Ayes:  Members Goulston, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Macker
        Nays:  None
        The motion carried.

  5.    COMMUNICATIONS

    It was stated that the St. Clair County Metro Planning Commission Fall Workshop is coming up. Any members interested in attending should contact the township office tomorrow or early Thursday so they can make reservations.

    Eric Quint entered the meeting at 7:07 p.m.

    Copies of the bi-laws update were handed out.
   
6.    DISCUSSION FROM THE FLOOR

    There was no Discussion From The Floor.

 7.    PUBLIC HEARING

    A.  AMEND SECTION 8.02 B-2 GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES
    B.  AMEND SECTION 8.03 B-2 GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, USES PERMITTED ON SPECIAL LAND USE

    It was reported that the Township Board had approved a general law ordinance for buying precious metals.  They asked Mr. Quint if he had received a copy.

    Mr. Quint stated that he had not received one.

    The Planning Commission stated that if anyone had a copy of the ordinance, they would give him a copy before he left the meeting.

    The Public Hearing was opened at 7:12 p.m.

    The changes to Sections 8.02 and 8.03 on permitted use and special land use for gun and firearms sales and/or gun ranges as decided at the September 20, 2011, meeting were discussed.

    The Planning Commission informed Mr. Quint that if the ordinance amendments were approved, and if they wanted to sell guns and firearms, they would need a revised site plan with a blow up of the     building showing where things will be sold and stored. Also, how the five conditions would be     adhered to must be added to the site plan.  It was suggested that, if possible, this information should be sent to the Township Planner before the meeting so he can review it.

    It was moved by member Reeve and seconded by member Baumgarten that the Public Hearing be closed and the Planning Commission recommend to the Township Board approval of amendments to Section 8.02 B-2 Business District, Principal Permitted Uses, and Section 8.03 B-2 General Business District, Uses Permitted on Special Land Use.
   
        Ayes:  Members Goulston, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Macker
        Nays:  None
        The motion carried.

    The Planning Commission requested Mr. Quint call the Township Office and ask for a copy of the precious metals general law ordinance.
    Mr. Quint stated that he would do that.

 8.      UNFINISHED BUSINESS

    There was no Unfinished Business.

 9.      NEW BUSINESS   
    A.  DISCUSS HORSE BOARDING ORDINANCE

    The Empty Pockets situation and the agreement with the Township was discussed.  It was stated that     Mr. Crooks has not signed the agreement yet.

    Planner Arroyo presented copies of ordinances from other areas on private and public stables. Chairman Ruemenapp also presented information from Ira and Lenox Townships.  The information was briefly discussed, and it was decided that Commission members would look it over and bring     back questions and suggestions at the November 15, 2011, meeting.


10.    PLANNER'S REPORT

    Planner Arroyo stated that he and Planner Bahm are giving a presentation at the Michigan
    Association of Planning Commission Conference which will be held October 20th and 21st in Grand Rapids.  He stated their presentation is called, „The Little Suburb That Could.“ 

11.    REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES

    It was reported that the Township Board approved the precious metals General Law Ordinance.

    It was stated that the township is moving ahead to put a road millage on the ballot.  It will be 1 mill for 4 years. 

    It was stated the township will be billed $160,000 for cleaning the drain on Church Road.  The Township is considering selling two lots they own in Adair to Parks and Rec to help pay for this.

12.    ADJOURNMENT

    It was moved by member Baumgarten and seconded by member Andersen that the meeting adjourn at 7:55 p.m.

        Ayes:  Members Gouldston, Stevens, Reeve, Ruemenapp, Baumgarten, Andersen, and Macker
        Nays:  None
        The motion carried.