'Planning Commission Meeting Minutes' Minutes: JANUARY 4, 2010

JANUARY 4, 2010

Jan 15th, 10

Pennfield Charter Township

Planning Commission Meeting

Minutes of January 4, 2010

The meeting was called to order by Recording Secretary Sandra Cummings at 6:30 p.m. Members present were: Paul Anderson, Brad Messenger, Jack Pooler, Joseph Weiss, Curtis Whitaker, and Elaine Walter. Member Jon Bartlett was absent. A quorum was met.

Others present: Rob Behnke, Township Supervisor/Zoning Administrator; Sandra Cummings, Recording Secretary; and a representative of Access Vision.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Election of Officers for 2010

a) Chairperson

Brad Messenger made a motion, seconded by Jack Pooler, to nominate Paul Anderson to the position of Chairperson. The motion carried with all members in favor of electing Paul Anderson to the position of Chairperson for 2010.

b) Vice Chairperson

Paul Anderson made a motion, seconded by Curtis Whitaker, to nominate Brad Messenger to the position of Vice-Chairperson. The motion carried with all members in favor of electing Brad Messenger to the position of Vice Chairperson for 2010.

c) Secretary/Treasurer

Paul Anderson made a motion, seconded by Brad Messenger, to nominate Jay Weiss to the position of Secretary Treasurer. The motion carried with all members in favor of electing Jay Weiss to the position of Secretary/Treasurer for 2010.

Approval of Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2009

A motion was made by Brad Messenger, seconded by Elaine Walter, to approve the September 14, 2009 meeting minutes. Motion carried.

Page 2 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 4, 2010

New Business

a) Wellhead Protection and District Overlay Ordinances

A general discussion was led by Supervisor Rob Behnke in regard to the proposed Pennfield Charter Township Wellhead Protection Ordinance and Overlay District. Each member had received a copy of both the proposed Pennfield Charter Township Wellhead Protection Ordinance and the Overlay District map prior to the meeting. The discussion centered on the need to protect the township’s two wells in addition to the Verona Well Field. The Wellhead Protection Area Map portrayed a one-year, five-year, and ten-year time of travel showing how long a hazardous material spill would take to reach the area water supplies. By instituting a Wellhead Protection Ordinance, the township will be better able to regulate proper storage of hazardous materials, what type of businesses would be allowed to operate in the township and proper reporting of hazardous spills.

Another aspect to be considered will be the need for “Performance Standards”. It was pointed out that the City of Battle Creek may collaborate with Pennfield Township to develop this document.

Further procedures to implement the Wellhead Protection Overlay District Ordinance will be for the Planning Commission to hold a Public Hearing, and then send the Ordinance Draft to the Calhoun County Planning Commission for recommendation. Finally, the Pennfield Township Board would decide on final approval.

It was pointed out that Wellhead Protection will be an important part of the site plan reviews for all future development in Pennfield Township. The use of bio-swells and retention areas for ground water protection will be encouraged.

Citizen Comments – none at this time.

Commissioner Comments

Jack Pooler commented on the problem of road repairs, and the unhappy possibility of some local roads being converted back to gravel.

Brad Messenger and Elaine Walter commented on the use of some local roads by heavy trucks, which have contributed to breaking down the roads.

Paul Anderson commented on some upcoming Citizen Planner Seminars which are being offered by Leroy Township and Calhoun County.

Motion by Paul Anderson, seconded by Elaine Walter, to adjourn the meeting at 6:42 pm.

Sandra Cummings

Recording Secretary