Proposed Minutes

Of the

Baroda Township Planning Commission

April 14, 2008

PRESENT ABSENT STAFF/OTHERS Madeleine Carroll, Chairman Tom Lippert, Vice Chair Howard Gaul, Building Insp.

Tom Shafer Dean Schmaltz Jeff Gaul, Zoning Admin.

Wendie Shafer David Schultz

Ed Heyn

Chairman Madeleine Carroll called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. in the Baroda Township Municipal Building meeting room. The minutes of the March 10, 2008 Planning Commission meeting were distributed and discussed. Ed Heyn moved, seconded by Dave Schultz to approve Minutes. Vote - All Yes. Motion Carried.

Howard Gaul reported that there was one Building Permit Issued in Baroda Township to Mark King on Landon Road for an 18 X 21 Car Port for $3,000.

Jeff Gaul submitted a Special Land Use Permit Application from Steve Salisbury for Worthenbury, tourist home. He said the application is complete and ready for scheduling a public hearing. Jeff also submitted an application for a Special Lane Use Permit from Verizon for a Telecommunications Tower. He said that there is a correction needed on the Zoning Permit, but the Special Use portion can be addressed, and a public hearing scheduled. Wendie Shafer reported that Verizon would like to get the process completed as soon as possible. The Commission agreed that a special meeting could be scheduled. Jeff reported that he had driven by the Bernard Radde / Dale Hartman properties concerning materials blowing into the neighbor’s fence. Kim Fowler is also involved in the issue.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - Discussion was held concerning the Commercial Business Dan Nitz is running on Agricultural Zoned Land. Ed Heyn supplied information taken from the internet describing Mr. Nitz’s business. Wendie Shafer referred to the Original Special Land Use Permit Application showing the Mr. Nitz has only applied for permission to use a portion on his property for storage, and had not applied for a Home Occupation. She said that the issue could be addressed through Kim Fowler the Ordinance Enforcement Officer. The matter is to be reported to Jim Brow, Baroda Township Supervisor.

Recommendations to delete/change language from the Zoning Ordinance were discussed. Wendie distributed draft language for the changes. It was decided to ask Ben Schwartz to review the changes before scheduling a public hearing.

Tom Lippert, prior to the meeting supplied information from the State Website, Michigan Right to Farm Act 93 of 1981 Section 286.474, showing that local municipalities cannot adopt regulations that limit farmers who are farming according to Generally Accepted agricultural and Management Practices (G.A.M.P.S.)

Discussion ensued. It was decided to Ask Ben Schwartz for his interpretation of the law in relationship to Township setbacks.

Wendie Shafer distributed copies of the original Survey used for developing the current Master Plan. Tom Lippert’s suggestions were relayed to the group. There was much discussion of questions. It was decided that the Planning Commissioners will make suggestions for deletions, rewording, additions to the survey and discuss further at the May meeting.

NEW BUSINESS – Verizon cell tower application for Special Land Use Permit addressed under Zoning Administrator’s report.

PUBLIC COMMENT – Phillip Falak suggested that the Commission not be too restrictive of the use of farm land in the Master Plan. He said that it is getting more expensive to farm and that the day will come when many of the farms will be sold. It is only a matter of time and we should be ready for it. Phil also suggested that each Planning Commission member should vote individually on the Zoning Ordinance Amendments.

ADJOURNMENT - Meeting Adjourned by Madeleine Carroll 8:01 p.m. Next meeting of the Planning Commission is to be held on May 12, 2008, or if an earlier date is set for a Public Hearing.

Wendie Shafer,

Secretary, Baroda Township Planning Commission