Republic Township Planning Commission Meeting
September 15, 2008
Call to order: at 7:02 by Chair Leslie Hurst.
Members in Attendance: Leslie, Glenn, Marcy, Marie, Paul, Diane, Jim, Bill D., Bill P (Zoning Administrator).
Members absent: Tom Sandblom (excused)
Also present: Fred Nannestad, Webmaster; six other community members
Approval of Aug 18, 2008 minutes: Move: Jim; 2nd: Marcy. All in favor; Motion carried.
Approval of Agenda: With the following change: move Public Hearing on Zoning Amendments to follow first Public Comment. Move: Marcy; 2nd: Jim. All in favor; Motion carried.
Public Comment: None
Public Hearing:
Bill P summarized the proposed amendments:
1) Clarifies why you need ordinances, what a zoning permit actually consists of and why we need accurate floor plan information. No public comment.
2) Increases minimum lot sizes in areas zoned RR-2 and WR-1 from 40,000 square feet and 100’ width to more than 1 acre (43,264+ square feet) and 150’ minimum width. This will preclude the need to have an engineer involved with the platting of the lots (as required by the State Platting Act, and in concurrence with Health Department regulations). This change would not apply to lots currently in existence, but only in the development of future parcels. Public comment: why 150’ minimum? Answer: to provide enough setback area for drain fields and wells.
3) Regulation of External Wood Boilers: Various points were brought up by concerned citizens:
A) Can ordinance be tailored to specific zoning areas?
B) Will existing stoves be “grandfathered”?
C) Do not intend to build a 30’ high stack.
D) Why regulate only external wood boilers? What about sauna stoves and other wood burners?
E) Republic Township is more rural than other townships and doesn’t need as much regulation.
F) Some residents rely on wood boilers to heat their homes economically; can’t afford other fuels.
G) Burning wood is carbon-neutral.
H) What about installing a wood boiler inside a building? Then it wouldn’t fall under new ordinance.
I) Wood boilers don’t smoke continually.
J) Hard to conceal fuel pile from neighbors. Most people in Republic who burn wood have visible wood piles.
K) Wood boilers are not an eyesore.
Public hearing was closed at 7:50.
Reports:
Zoning Administrator: See attached sheet (3 Compliance permits; all approved). No land divisions.
Parks & Recreation:
Beach dock has been brought in. There is a need for a new raft, as existing is unsafe. Jim B wants to consider re-building existing raft.
(At this point, citizen returned to question next steps in process of amending zoning ordinance.)
It was noted that Duane Oja had mowed the sledding hill (at the request of Supervisor Gary Johnson). Planning Commission would like to express our thanks.
Golf balls have been collected from driving range.
Dean Korvala has installed (1) Frisbee golf target…will there be more?
Township has sold one of two work trucks.
EDC: No report.
Heritage Trail:
(Submitted by Chuck Hurst):
q Opening Ceremony is planned for October 8, 2008, with participants leaving from Town Hall at 9:00am; ceremony at South Gate (Gamble’s Creek) Entrance at 9:30. Township will provide tent, porta-johns and refreshments.
q Afternoon events in Ishpeming/Negaunee begin at 2:00pm at the Negaunee Senior Center.
q Mike Lempinen is developing a logo for the Wetlands, to be unveiled at ceremony.
q Trail Committee will be making improvements at South Entrance next week. Entrance sign will be provided by Jon Mykkanen. Drawing showing proposed changes was submitted.
q Need to review proposed permanent trail signage to make sure it meets our Township guidelines. Examples were passed around.
q Regional Rec Authority will be mailing out informational brochures to voters across the 9 municipalities involved.
q Leslie noted she will be hosting a luncheon at Cedarhurst for invitees.
Master Plan/Zoning Ordinance Committee: See minutes for Master Plan Meeting, held prior to this meeting.
Ordinance Subcommittee:
Lawyer is tweaking changes to Nuisance, Blight and Junk ordinances. Dangerous Housing remains a separate ordinance. Have not scheduled next meeting, but it will be soon.
Bill D requests that the issue of garbage cans be addressed in ordinance, so that residents cannot leave them out indefinitely in an unsecured manner.
Community Meetings:
Status of new sign: materials are in; installation will occur this week.
Bill has contacted Harry Miron concerning his “Antiques” sign on the highway. Mr. Miron is not averse to making a change, but may require our assistance in dealing with MDOT.
Website Report:
Continued improvement on number of hits, with Beautiful Scenes being most popular destination.
Old Business:
a. Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments: Discussed at Public Hearing (see above). Planning Commission determined more homework is needed before we send final version to Township Board.
b. Tagged Fishing Derby: Paul presented his idea for new fishing derby to be held during the free fishing weekend next June. Members voiced approval and asked Paul to proceed with arrangements. Nan Payne suggested we add a “Bridgewalk”; Diane suggested a community fish fry.
New Business:
Absence Notification: Discussion on procedure to follow in regards to absences from these meetings. What constitutes an “unexcused” absence? The importance of having a quorum present makes it imperative that all absences be reported at the earliest opportunity to the Chairperson, so that she can notify members and the public if a meeting needs to be canceled. Leslie indicated she will always be available by cell phone, number 250-2507.
2009 Meeting Schedule: Because meeting dates have already been posted Community Calendar as being the 3rd Monday of every month, we will go with that schedule.
(At this point, Diane’s situation---being a township employee serving on the Planning Commission, which is not allowed under the new state regulations—was discussed. Motion was made to make Diane Chairman of the Parks and Rec Committee, who will report to the Planning Commission. Move: Marie; 2nd: Glenn. All in favor; motion carried.)
Enabling Act Training: The following members have indicated a desire to attend the training class at NMU on November 25, 2008: Leslie, Marie, Bill P, Paul, Bill D, Jim and Marcy (if possible). We request that the Board authorize us to attend.
Public Comment: none
Next Meeting: 7:00 pm, October 20, 2008
Motion to adjourn at 9:01pm: Move: Marcy; 2nd: Leslie. All in favor; motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Marie Serafin,
Secretary, Republic Township Planning Commission
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Republic Township Planning Commission Special Meeting
September 24, 2008
Call to order: at 5:38 by Chair Leslie Hurst.
Members in Attendance: Leslie Hurst, Glenn Adams, Marcy Rankinen, Marie Serafin, Diane Tapio, Jim Brennan (came in at 5:47), Tom Sandblom, Bill DeGenaro, Bill Payne (Zoning Administrator).
Members absent: Paul Polanski (excused)
Also present: Fred Nannestad, Webmaster; two other community members
Approval of Agenda: Move: Tom; 2nd: Marie. All in favor; Motion carried.
Public Comment: None
Leslie read Action Letter to Township Board, dated July 24, 2008, which outlined proposedamendments. (It was noted these amendments originated with Bill Payne, Zoning Administrator, NOT the Ordinance Subcommittee).
Zoning Ordinance Amendment-Site Plans:
This amendment refers to changes in Section 14 of the Township Zoning Ordinance. (See attached sheet for existing version). Clarifies why you need ordinances, what a zoning permit actually consists of and why we need accurate floor plan information.
Section 14 Administrative, Enforcement and Penalties
Section A may stand as it is.
Add the following (new Sections B-E; old Section B will become F and the rest become G-N, accordingly):
B. An application fro zoning approval shall be required for all new structures, and for any additions and alterations to existing structures which affect external dimensions. Applications shall also be required for mobile homes as well as for the removal or relocation of structures.
C. An approved application shall constitute a permit.
D. A Zoning Permit shall automatically expire 18 months from the date of issuance whether construction has begun or not. The Zoning Administrator may extend the Permit for an additional 12 months if it is determined that the applicant will make a good faith effort to commence or complete construction. If a permit shall expire while the construction is still in progress, the applicant or his designee shall apply for a new permit.
E. Application for a Zoning Permit shall be filed in writing with the Zoning Administrator, signed by the person, firm, or co-partnership or corporation requesting the same or by the duly authorized agent of such person, firm, co-partnership or corporation. There shall be submitted with all applications for zoning permits, two (2) copies of a plot plan, giving accurate dimensions on a scale drawing. Scale drawings shall be required for all structures and shall contain the following information: building information, footprints, location on the lot, dimensions, setbacks, typical floor plans to scale. Also, the following must be indicated:
1. Existing or intended use of the structure
2. Lines and dimensions of the lot to be used.
3. Location upon the lot of all existing and proposed structures, streets and utility easements.
4. Evidence that all required federal, state and county licenses and permits have been acquired or that applications have been filed for the same. These include, but are not limited to: Michigan DEQ, Marquette County Erosion Control, Michigan Department of Public Health, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, etc.
5. Other information with respect to the proposed structure, site, use, lot and adjoining property as may be required by the Zoning Administrator.
It was noted that we need to update Zoning Compliance Forms to add tax ID numbers, for ease in processing. Leslie and Bill will get together to do this.
Motion to approve amendment and send to Township Board: Move: Marie; 2nd: Tom. All in favor. Motion carried.
Zoning Ordinance Amendment-R2 and WR1 Minimum Lot Size:
(NOTE: These changes are being made to Section 4, Subdivisions 4 and 6, NOT 7 and 6, as indicated in the Action Letter of July 24, 2008.)
Increases minimum lot sizes in areas zoned R-2 and WR-1 from 40,000 square feet and 100’ width to more than 1 acre (43,264+ square feet) and 150’ minimum width.
Also noted was need to change table in Subdivision 14, should amendment be approved.
(See attached sheets for existing ordinance wording.)
Motion to approve amendment and send to Township Board: Move: Jim; 2nd: Marie. All in favor. Motion carried.
Zoning Ordinance Amendment-Outside Wood Boilers:
In order to protect the health, safety and economic well-being of the citizens of Republic Township, the following regulations shall affect the use of external wood burning boilers/units:
1) Minimum parcel size will be 5 acres
2) Setbacks will be 75 feet on all sides
3) Minimum chimney height of 15 feet, measured from grade to chimney top, or two feet higher than the neighboring principle dwelling within 1000 feet, whichever is higher.
4) Unit shall not be located in a front yard.
5) No fuel other than natural wood without additives, wood pellets without additives and agricultural seeds in their natural state may be burned.
6) Fuel shall not be visible from any surrounding properties.
7) The granting of a zoning approval permit constitutes an agreement between the landowner and Republic Township, that the Zoning Administrator, at any reasonable time, may enter the property for the purpose of inspection to determine compliance with the above conditions.
After much discussion, including input from community members, it was determined that Planning Commission needs to undertake further study on this matter. We will try to meet with a representative of the Michigan DEQ at our next regular meeting, October 20, 2008. In the meantime, members should undertake their own study of similar ordinances passed by nearby communities.
Motion to recommend that Township Board send this amendment back to the Planning Commission for further review: Move: Marcy; 2nd: Glenn. All in favor. Motion carried.
Further discussion was made following motion. Leslie noted that an amendment to regulate outside wood boilers has been under consideration since at least May of 2006, and is not merely the result of recent complaints. We will make this issue an agenda item for our next regular meeting. Bill P recommends that we all take the following under consideration as we ponder this amendment:
· Property size, 2.5 acres? Or more?
· Prohibit in certain zoning districts (C1, C2, WR2, and R2)
· Accept in certain zoning districts (WR1, RP, MR, and MP)
· Stack height criteria
· Setbacks, 25-75 ft
Bill D offered to check on possible mitigating measures which may be available.
Public Comment:
Guy and Dawn Murray (arrived 6:45) presented application for land division of their Lake Michigamme property. Because this was a special meeting called to discuss only the proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments, the Commission was unable to take their request under consideration at this time. They were advised to attend the Township Board meeting, September 26, 2008 and to follow through with the process of requesting a land division, including the possibility of calling a special meeting of the Planning Commission to expedite their request.
Motion to adjourn at 7:02pm: Move: Tom; 2nd: Diane. All in favor. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Marie Serafin,
Secretary, Republic Township Planning Commission
