County  of  Antrim

PLANNING  COMMISSION

Minutes

December 6, 2005

7:00 p.m.

Antrim County Building - Board of Commissioners Room

Members present:

Alan Martel, Barb Bradford, Jill Barnard (entered at 8:20), Terry Morris, Tom Maleck, Marshall Wright, Laura Stanek and Al Luurtsema

Members absent:

Joe Allen

Advisory present:

Stan Moore

Staff and others:

Peter Garwood, Joe Meyers, Jim Gurr, Mike Meriwether

1.       Meeting called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Tom Maleck, Planning Commission Vice-Chair.

2.       Public Comment

None.

3.       Approval of Minutes

Motion by Barb Bradford, to approve the minutes of the November 1, 2005 meeting.

Al Luurtsema noted that there was a grammatical error on the last motion of the minutes.

Barb Bradford rescinded her original motion.

Motion by Barb Bradford, supported by Marshall Wright, to approve the minutes of the November 1, 2005 with the recommended changes.  Motion carried – unanimous.

4.       Conflict of Interest Disclosure

None.  

5.       Interim Rules of Procedure Update

Joe Meyers informed the Commission that he had reviewed the Antrim County Planning Commission Rules for the Transaction of Business (old and new) (attached).  Mr. Meyers felt that everything that was in the old document was in the new document but legal counsel has added the rest of the powers that are granted by the statute that allows the Planning Commission to exist. 

Mr. Luurtsema questioned the master/general/development plan language and felt that we should keep it simply as “Master Plan” throughout the entire plan so no one get confused.  Mr. Luurtsema also noted that taking minutes, distributing agendas and writing correspondence, should be added to the duties of the County Planner.

Motion by Marshal Wright, supported by Al Luurtsema to recommend the Board of Commissioners approve the Antrim County Planning Commission Rules for the Transaction of Business and Rules of Procedure.  Role call vote; Tom Maleck – Yes, Al Martel – Yes, Joe Allen – Absent, Jill Barnard – Absent, Barb Bradford – Yes, Al Luurtsema – Yes, Terry Morris – Yes, Laura Stanek – Yes, Marshall Wright – Yes. Motion passed.

Mr. Meyers handed out the Antrim County Planning Commission Ordinance and noted that there were not many changes made to the document but, informed the Commission that the number of the Commissioners has been changed from 9 to 10 and the section that required a member of the public schools system was added when the statute was updated. 

Ms. Bradford noted that to keep with the statement that we create a Master Plan.  She further noted that we should change County Plan to Master Plan or County Master Plan.

Motion by Marshall Wright, supported by Barb Bradford, to recommend the Board of Commissioners approves the Antrim County Planning Commission Ordinance with the noted changes.  Motion carried – unanimous.

6.       Natural Resources and Environment Section

Al Martel spoke to the Commission about his thought process when writing the forestry section of the Natural Resources and Environment section.  Mr. Martel noted that he wanted to capture the Counties largest natural resource and find innovative ways to help protect it.  Mr. Martel further noted that all of the 7 zoned townships have in their master plans that they want to maintain the rural character of the area.  Mr. Martel felt that forests are one of the main reasons that we have such rural character in the County.  Mr. Martel felt that the particulars in the plan were a little opinionated and felt that it could be toned down. 

Mr. Luurtsema questioned whether the County could or should regulate private forestland.  Mike Meriwether, Antrim County Forester, noted that it was not the intent of the Forester to regulate private forestland but he does provide information and education to all Antrim County residents on the forestlands.

Mr. Meriwether feels that we need to address increasing tree planting throughout the County.  He further noted that the County could possibly look into ways to give tax breaks for forestry without as many restrictions as the CFR program.

The Commission ensued discussion about the format of the plan.  The Commission felt that it should be left up to the future consultant for their ideas on the plan.

Mr. Meriwether noted that a stable funding source for the forestry program would be a great benefit to the County as well as his position.

Motion by Barb Bradford, supported by Laura Stanek, to hold the Natural Resources and Environmental section until such a time that a consultant is chosen and to have the consultant re-word the document so some of the items do not sound offensive or abrasive.  Motion carried – unanimous.

Terry Morris asked Mr. Meriwether to draft a list of things that he feels should be included in the Master Plan to be reviewed by the Planning Commission.

7.       Wilson Township Master Plan

Mr. Meyers informed the Commission that he had received a Master Plan from Wilson Township in Charlevoix County and we will have comments at the next meeting. 

Marshall Wright expressed the need for color maps to accurately read the maps. 

Mr. Meyers informed the Commission that he would be contacting Wilson Township to get a digital copy of the Master Plan.

8.      Focus Group Reports

None.      

9.      Completion of the Master Plan Update

Mr. Meyers informed the Commission that he had sent out the RFP and had a great deal of responses.  Mr. Meyers informed the Commission of the firms that he sent a “hard copy” of the proposal to as well as the ones that have contacted him.  Mr. Meyers noted that the proposals were due next week.

10.    Communication

None. 

11.       Public/Member Comment

Terry Morris informed the Commission that this was his 6^th meeting and felt that a lot has been accomplished and was impressed.

Pete Garwood wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.              

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.