Proposed Minutes

Of the

Baroda Township Planning Commission

May 11, 2009

PRESENT ABSENT STAFF/OTHERS Wendie Shafer Tom Lippert Ed Heyn Jim Pheifer

Tom Shafer Dean Schmaltz Howard Gaul

David Schultz Madeleine Carroll, Chair

Chairperson, Madeleine Carroll called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. in the Baroda Township Municipal Building Meeting Room. There was one audience member

The minutes of the April 13, 2009 Planning Commission meeting were distributed and discussed. Wendie Shafer moved, seconded by David Schultz to approve the minutes as presented. Vote - All Yes. Motion Carried.

Building Inspector, Howard Gaul reported issuing five Building Permits since the January 2009.

2009-01 Shane Eagan, 721 Hinchman Rd. - Bathroom Repair

2009-02 Patrick Gallup, 243 W. Shawnee Rd. – Pole Barn

2009-03 Shawnee MHP Lot 218 – 16x80x8 Manufactured Home – $19,000.

2009-04 Shawnee MHP Lot 141 – 16x70x8 Manufactured Home – $19,000.

2009-05 Charles Vanderzwaag –Ruggles Rd. 32x40 Pole Barn - $15,000.

Zoning Administrator, Jim Pheifer reported that he had not received any applications for zoning permits this past month.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Much discussion occurred concerning whether to pursue making amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to accommodate an RV Condominium Project in Baroda Township. Tom Lippert suggested that condominium projects should be approved or denied by the Township Board as is done in Geneva Township. He saw no need to change the ordinance. Other commissioners made points pertaining to the viability of such a project without selling lots, as currently allowed under the ordinance by special use permit; and what could happen if the project went into foreclosure; if accommodated by ordinance changes, would too large and area be opened to this kind of development. It was decided that Wendie will prepare a list of amendment options to consider at the June Planning Commission meeting. Jim Pheifer said that in addition to other changes to the Ordinance, changes to the Condominium Project Section XV lot sizes would also require amendment.

The issue of minimum lot sizes in the Agricultural Zone was discussed at length. Tom Lippert moved, seconded by Wendie Shafer, to recommend to the Baroda Township Board to amend the language of Agricultural Zoning Section 9.04 to reflect a minimum lot size of 2 acres for residential use only, and that livestock and horses be allowed on lots of more than 2 acres. Motion Carried by 5 Yes and 2 No Votes.

NEW BUSINESS – The following persons were elected as Officers of the Planning Commission for the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year: Moved by Tom Lippert , seconded by Wendie Shafer, Chairperson – Madeleine Carroll; Vice Chairman – David Schultz (if Ed Heyn declines the position); Secretary – Wendie Shafer. Vote - 5 Yes, 1 Abstain – Motion Carried

Madeleine Carroll, Dean Schmaltz and Tom Lippert have terms expiring in June. Madeleine agreed to accept a new three year term on the Planning Commission. Dean Schmaltz said he had been thinking of resigning from the Planning Commission and does not want to commit to a full three year term. He said he will stay on at least until the Master Plan Process is completed. Tom Lippert will give his decision at next months meeting. Dean Schmaltz said he has been on the Planning Commission since 1988, and Tom Lippert has been on since 1989.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting Adjourned by Chairperson, Madeleine Carroll at 8:35 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is to be held on June 8, 2009. Wendie Reminded the Commissioners that the Master Plan Open House and Visioning Workshop scheduled for next Thursday May 14, 2009 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tom Shafer and David Schultz said that they will be unable to attend the Master Plan meeting.

Wendie Shafer,

Secretary, Baroda Township Planning Commission