MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE LEE TOWNSHIP

PLANNING COMMISSION, WHICH TOOK PLACE ON TUESDAY,

May 2, 2006,

LEE TOWNSHIP HALL, MIDLAND, MICHIGAN

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

ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Tim Smith, Township Enforcement Officer

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 April 4, 2006, be approved as written. Motion carried.

CORRESPONDENCE: Darla distributed information the Township Clerk had received from Donna Kripps of McKenna Associates with regard to updates of Michigan Zoning Enabling Legislation, parts of which need to be incorporated into the Lee Township Zoning Ordinance. These changes include such subjects as public notices, State Licensed Residential Facilities, alternate Zoning Board members, and Open Space Preservation options. The reason for the changes is to make the law more user-friendly and easier to work with. The Commission had questions as to the difference between “family day-care facilities” and “group day-care facilities.” Carol will contact Donna for an explanation. It was also suggested that the Commission obtain a copy of the Public Act that deals with these updates.

Dale said Township enforcement of the distance buildings are being constructed from the river is not the way the Ordinance was intended. Case in point: Ed Wallace’s construction of new homes along the Chippewa River east of Eight Mile Road. Erosion of the river bank does not seem to be under control. Tom suggested this is the responsibility of the Drain Commission.

ENFORCEMENT OFFICER’S REPORT: Tim Smith said he is meeting on Friday with Judge Donaghue at the Noack (Ed Schultz) property on West Stewart Road. A violation was issued because cleanup was not proceeding as ordered. The Judge wants to see the property before he makes a decision on the case. Williamsons on West Gordonville Road are working on the cleanup of their property. Corey Crawford on North Nine Mile Road was given until June 1 to clean up his property. Ray Poirier was given until July 1 to clean up his property on South Meridian Road.

With regard to the old modular home which has been sitting for months on property on South Eight Mile Road south of the river, Tim is waiting for word from Jerry Davis of the Township Code Authority on its status. Dale advised Tim that the modular is very old and in poor condition. The man who previously owned it could not find a buyer because of its condition, and paid to have it moved to its current location. It was also noted that the property is in the floodplain and floodway.

Tim asked the status of the proposed new Zoning Ordinance, and Carol explained that work is proceeding slowly because Donna Kripps is working on it in her spare time since the amount of work contracted with the Township has been exceeded. Dale said they should just bill the township for any extra time they have to spend on the Ordinance.

Tom said the proposed Rental Housing Ordinance has been sent to Midland County Planning for review and comment, at the request of the Township Board. Carol said it was reviewed and commented on by the Township Attorney months ago. Tom acknowledged that but said the Board wanted further review by County Planning. Darla has asked County Planning to provide written comments on the proposed document.

Information was given to each Commissioner with regard to their pension plan, and Darla explained that “we are leaving Traveler’s and going to John Hancock,” which will put everyone into the same group. Forms were completed and will be given to the Clerk for processing.

There was no other business, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Alexander, Secretary