Helena Township Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

Thursday, June 5, 2025 – 5:00 PM

8751 Helena Road, Alden, Michigan 49612

Call to Order

Chair Mike Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:03 PM.

Pledge of Allegiance

All in attendance participated.

Roll Call

Present: F. VandenBerg, J. Gurr, M. Robinson, G. Schafer, J. Schilling, Darren Whipple
Absent: David Hunstad

Township Officials Present

Butch Peeples, Bob Logee

Approval of Agenda

J. Schilling motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by J. Gurr.
Motion approved.

Organizational Appointments

Appointments made by Butch Peeples:

• Mike Robinson – Chair (Motion by F. VandenBerg / Second by J. Schilling – unanimously approved)
• Jim Gurr – Vice Chair (Motion by G. Schafer / Second by J. Schilling – unanimously approved)
• Fay VandenBerg – Secretary (Motion by M. Robinson / Second by D. Whipple – unanimously approved)

Meeting Schedule (Balance of 2025 – June 2026)

Motion by J. Schilling, seconded by G. Schafer.
Motion approved.

• First Thursday of every month at 5:00 PM
• No meeting in July

Conflict of Interest

No conflicts.

Approval of May 8, 2025 Minutes

J. Schilling motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by G. Schafer.
Motion approved.

Communications

• The Helena Township Planning Commission & Board website is currently down. Inacomp has been contacted for service and support.

Public Comments (Related to Ordinance 5.02.02)

There was strong community participation, with many residents sharing diverse thoughts and opinions.

• The commission was encouraged to clarify the term “use” in Ordinance 5.02.02, Section D (Additional Restrictions – 3).
• Concerns were raised regarding boat lifts and docks, specifically the need for setback requirements from property lines to reduce encroachment.
• Requests were made to clarify and document specific terms regarding grandfathering and exemptions within Ordinance 5.02.02.

J. Schilling motioned to move forward with the current approved documentation for Ordinance 5.02.02 for public hearing, seconded by G. Schafer.
Motion approved.

New Business

• Bob Logee, Zoning Administrator, shared the May 2025 zoning activity report.

Announcements

• A public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM at the Helena Township Community Center regarding Ordinance 5.02.02, Section D (Additional Restrictions).
• There will be no Helena Township Planning Commission meeting on July 3, 2025.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Adjournment

J. Schilling motioned to adjourn, seconded by G. Schafer.
The meeting adjourned at 6:20 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Fay M. VandenBerg
Helena Township Planning Commission Secretary