MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE LEE TOWNSHIP

PLANNING COMMISSION, WHICH TOOK PLACE ON TUESDAY,

JUNE 6, 2006,

LEE TOWNSHIP HALL, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

PRESENT: Commissioners – Carol Alexander, Toney Kerns, Darla Rippee, Dale Wolfgang, and Tom York

ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Dan Coe

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Tom York.

It was moved by Dale Wolfgang, seconded by Toney Kerns, that the minutes of the meeting of May 2, 2006, be approved as written. Motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE: Carol reported that she had spoken with Donna Kripps of McKenna Associates on May 8, with regard to updates of Michigan Zoning Enabling Legislation, and the Commission’s question as to the difference between “family day-care facilities” and “group day-care facilities.” Donna said it may have to do with the number of people being cared for. She advised that revisions had been completed to the proposed new Lee Township Zoning Ordinance when the new enabling legislation was received by McKenna. They are in the process of incorporating these changes into the language in the new ordinance and will forward a copy of the revised document to us when those have been completed.

Tom gave each Commission member a copy of a letter from County Planning in response to the Commission’s request that they review the proposed Rental Housing Ordinance. Tom met with Cindy Winland to discuss the proposed ordinance, and both she and Rob Eggers, who wrote the letter, felt they were not qualified to professionally review the ordinance. They suggested it would be better to have it reviewed by an attorney with knowledge on rental housing law. They also suggested calling Matt Reno of Saginaw Township, who would be happy to discuss rental housing issues with the Commission. Dale said it was his opinion that the people Midland County hired for their Planning Department should have the professional know-how to review the proposed ordinance and make comments.

Darla suggested that Matt Reno be contacted for his input and asked to come to a Board meeting and discuss the proposed ordinance with them.

Carol reminded the Commission that the proposed Rental Housing Ordinance had been sent to the Township Attorney for review and comment in early 2004, after which it was forwarded to the Township Board. To date, no action has been taken by the Board on this document.

Dale suggested that the Planning Commission attend the next Township Board meeting and ask the Board to take action to adopt the proposed ordinance.

Tom said he is skeptical about the enforcement of a Rental Housing Ordinance only because, within the last few months, a new Building Inspector has been hired, and he seems to never be around. Tom asked the office staff when Jerry would be there, and was told they hadn’t seen him in two weeks. The Inspector is so busy with the new ball diamond and Ashman Court Hotel, that Tom feels he may not have time for his Township work. He said he was going to talk with Mike Glynn about the situation and have him ask the Inspector when he can be reached with regard to Township business.

In the absence of Tim Smith, there was no Enforcement Officer’s Report.

Tom said he had received a complaint about the new church on the southwest corner of M-20 and South Nine Mile Road. He said he had checked the property several times on a Sunday morning, and there were only a couple of cars in the parking area. Tom tried to reach the Code Authority to see if a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. Also, a requirement of the approval was that the building be painted, preferably white. To date, that has not been done. A comment was made that the building must be barrier-free. It was moved by Dale Wolfgang, seconded by Toney Kerns, that a letter be sent to Lorne Loree, reminding him of the conditions of approval.

Vote on the motion:

YEAS: Alexander, Kerns, Rippee, Wolfgang, York

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

Dale commented that “they” had approached the Township about renting tables and chairs every week for use in the church building. The request was denied.

Darla said that the building Joel Shook is using for his home occupation on the southwest corner of Eight Mile Road and M-20 usually has four vehicles in the parking area, rather than the two or three that he indicated would be there.

Frustration was expressed at how difficult, if not impossible, it is to get the Board to take action on items sent to them by the Commission. Two years is much too long to wait for a response on something as important as a Rental Housing Ordinance!

There was no other business, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Alexander, Secretary