Maine Prairie Township
Planning & Zoning Meeting
January 8, 2008
Chair Wicker opened the Planning meeting at 7:38 p.m. He called for any
changes or additions to the
Minutes of December 11, 2007. Chuck Froehling/Supervisor Unterberger made a
motion to accept the minutes as presented. Motion carried.
Old Business: Dave Lochen’s hearing is set for February 13th. The hearing was extended to meet the 60 day rule required legally. Don Adams, from environmental services, explained that they have to look more closely at the 60 day rule because of the lawsuits that are being brought forth. He was saying how the plats were exempt from the 60 day rule then in another lawsuit the plats were not exempt from the rule. He stated that he could not think of a plat that could make it through the process in 60 days and usually not in 120 days. He said it will be something that the county and townships will have to look at a little closer. There should be no problem with the rezoning the Lochen property because it was an error on the counties part.
Ken Zutz plat was passed by the commissioners with Don Adams explaining that the county will review the ordinance concerning cul-de-sac’s, which was what caused Zutz’s Powder Ridge Plat to be held up and turned down by the Planning commission. While at the hearing, Supervisor Unterberger had a chance to speak with some environmental service representatives and Commissioner Schaefer. There was a concern on how the township board members were treated by some planning board members at that meeting which was frustrating and uncalled for. Don Adams explained the planning board is just a recommending board appointed to the position by the commissioners. His department has no control of what is said by that board but could understand how things might have gotten out of the proper discussion area. Don explained if the board has issues with his staff, he would like to be informed, but if the issues are with the planning board, they need to have those issues addressed at the County Board. They questioned whether the township has a future road plan. They felt it important that on the plats passed, that the township should have requirements for roads up to spec with a time limit to get it done. They also felt that money should be appropriated in the form of a bond to complete the road incase the developers would pull out. They suggested having a developer agreement drawn up by a lawyer. A couple of problem roads examples were Kimball Estates and Cabana Circle and a developer agreement would have had proper roads built at the time the plat was accepted. Don explained that the future road plan issue is in up for discussion in the 209 ordinance change. Supervisor Unterberger felt the township should look at the township ordinance to make sure it gets a bond to cover a road to ensure that the road be put in before the plat is approved. Don Adams explained that he is willing to work with the town officers association to have a set of guidelines to help townships with future roads especially in new plats. Supervisor Wicker mentioned that the subject of a “Developers Agreement” (Lynden Township) was discussed at the Township Asso. Meeting.
With Don Adams present, Supervisor Loewen asked what the township can do or what benefit would there be for the township to get their planning and zoning back from the county. Don explained they still would have to meet all the county guidelines and rules by state law. All rezoning will still need to be done at the county because when they adopted the comprehensive growth plan, the state requires the townships to abide by the county if their rules are stricter than the township. He said if the townships want to issue all construction site permits, they can do that but the plats and rezoning will all need to go before the County because it is state law. He suggested the township board revise its own Comprehensive plan and get that approved by the county. Don Adams asked if the board would be willing to sit down with staff and review the townships plan. The township board was in favor of that.
Chair Wicker called for New Business: With none, Chair called for permit.
MPP08-02
Permit presented to the board:
Permit# Receipt# Cost
Warren Lommel New shed MP07-30 074517 $ 275.00
Supervisor Loewen/Unterberger made a motion to accept the permit presented. Motion carried
Supervisors Unterberger/Loewen made a motion to adjourn the Planning and
Zoning meeting. Motion carried.
Terre Harff,
Maine Prairie Township, Clerk/Treasurer