Planning Commission Meeting
March 17,2008
Meeting called to order at 7:00 by Chairperson Leslie Hurst
Members present: Leslie Hurst, Marcy Rankinen, Paul Polanski, Diane Tapia, Bill Payne(za)
Members absent: Jay Mattila, Glenn Adams, Marie Sarafin
Guest: KenSalo
Paul P. made a motion to approve the minutes, Diane T. seconded.
Motion to accept the agenda by Marcy R., seconded by Paul P.
No public comment.
Leslie H. noted that the Marquette Planning Commission is updating their comprehensive
plan and she will request a copy.
It has also been suggested that Eric Anderson review a copy of our master plan before
finalization.
No permit reviews.
REPORTS:
Zoning: Bill P. subnlitted a written report (see attached).
No response from Colosimo RE: Boathouse permit.
Park and Recreatiol1: Kids fishing and Family Fun days were both a good community turnout.
While not completed, our part of the sledding hill project is finished
EDC: No action taken.
Heritage Trail: Written report is attached.
Three scheduled meetings with CCI have been cancelled, to possibly reschedule after
Easter.
The Regional Recreation Authority approved the recreationa1 plan for the Heritage Trail
(copy available in township office).
Bill Sanders (UPEA) will provide cci his presentation focusing on Republic's Heritage
trail and wetlands.
Township board has approved a grant application to MDNR for the old bank building, can proceed following an appraisal.
Master Plan:
Will meet immediately following adjournment.
Ordinance Subcommittee: Hopes to meet and complete in April.
Community Meeting/Plan: No development from sign comnlittee (north entrance).
PaulP. has gotten prices for vinyl backing/enamel paint from a sign co. and hopes to set up a meeting with thenl.
Campground Subcommittee: To meet when the snow is gone.
Website Updates: Will update when Fred Nanstad returns in April.
OLD BUSINESS:
The amendment to the recreation plan was adopted by the township board and submitted
to the DNR by Leslie H. Fred N. will also get a copy to post on the township website.
.
Proposed Z011ing Ordinance Amendment: Bill P. will follow up on this as to holding a
public hearing.
NEW BUISNESS: None.
Public comment: Leslie H. suggested putting a banner in the township showcase with the
website address on it.
Ken Salo spoke on the popularity ofthe VOLKSWALK in Germany( showing great
community participation).
We would also like to note that Ken was also awarded the Longyear Award for his
research and contributions in the history field. Congratulations Ken!
Motion to adjourn by Paul P., seconded by Diane T. at 8:04 p.m.
REPUBLIC TOWNSIDP Zoning Administrator Report Feb. 18, 2008
There were no applications for Zoning Compliance Permits this month. And there were no Land Division Applications.
Respectfully submitted,
William Payne, Zoning Administrator
Report: Heritage Trail/Wetlands Preserve
Planning Commission: 03/17/2008
Three separate scheduled meetings with CCI have been cancelled. We are now hoping to have a meeting the week after Easter. The Regional Recreation Authority has approved the recreation plan for the Heritage Trail. A copy is in the township office.
Bill Sanders ofUPEA has developed a presentation focusing on the Heritage Trail in Republicandthedevelopment oftheWetlands. Withtheexception ofsomeproject information which will be provided by our local group the presentation is complete and will be provide to eel when we have atlr meeting. '
The Township Board has approved a grant application to the MDNR Trust for the purcllase ofthe Bank Building. An appraisal is being done at which point we can proceed. Approx. purchase price (dependant on
Republic Township Master Plannil1g Meeting
March 17, 2008
Meeting called to order by Chairperson Leslie Hurst at 8:04 p.m.
Members present: Leslie Hurst, Marcy Rankinen, Paul Polanski, Diane Tapio, Bill Payne (2-f\ ) Members absent: Jay Mattila, Glenn Adams, Marie Sarafin
Approval of2-21-08 special meeting minutes by Marcy R motion, seconded by Paul P.
Motion to approve agenda by Marcy R. seconded by Diane T.
No public comment.
CUPPAD Contract: Township board approved our request 0[$5,000 ,Michelle DeWitt
will provide a new contract with our request oftime and materials for the board to sign. As our chapters are compiled we should forward them to Michelle's E-Mail wl1ich is mdewitt.cuppad@charterintemet.com----where she could edit the infonnation onto her template. Leslie H. al1d Bill P. will set up a conference call with Michelle to discuss the templates. Marie S. chapter has already been sent.
Marie S. has sent letters ofour intent to frame a new Master Plan to neighboring counties,townships, utilities, other interested parties such as John Jilbert and Roger Crimmins.
It has been decided that we continue to gather more infonnation 1 more month before having Michelle meet with us.
Chapter Status/Reviews:
Chapter 1: Historical Background Paul Polanski
Chapter 2: Population Diana Tapio/Bill Payne
Chapter 3: Economic Base Marcy Rankinen
Chapter 4: Natural Features Natural Features
Chapter 7: Housing Bill Payne/Diane Tapio
Chapter 8: Transportation Paul Polanski
Chapter 9: Recreation Leslie Hurst
Motion to Adjourn, Diane t.seconded by Paul P. at 9:09P.M.
