Helena Township Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 4, 2026 – 5:01 PM
8751 Helena Road, Alden, Michigan 49612
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:01 PM by Chairman Dave Hunstad.
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll Call
One member was absent while in transit and planned to attend. All others were in attendance.
In-transit Planning Commission member DW joined at 5:15 PM.
Approval of Agenda
The chair informed the commission, with apologies, that the evening’s agenda would be irregular as a result of a misunderstanding about the production of a regular agenda. The meeting proceeded normally.
No agenda was presented in advance. The meeting proceeded as typically as possible.
New Business
Necessity of Amending By-laws
The necessity of amending the by-laws during the meeting was discussed.
Appointment of Single-Year Term Planning Commission Members
Supervisor Peeples explained that two current single-year members had provided letters of interest. One will be reappointed, and the other’s term will expire June 30. Appointment will ensue.
Amendment of By-laws
The following amendments will go to the Helena Township Board of Trustees at their July meeting:
- Meetings will return to a full-year, first-Thursday-of-the-month schedule.
- Meetings will begin at 7:00 PM.
- Meetings will be conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order.
- Clarification of the acronym MAT to read MTA.
FV motioned to approve the amendments, seconded by JS.
Motion approved unanimously.
Election of Vice-Chair
Considering that the current term of vice-chair will expire June 30, JG motioned to elect FV vice-chair, seconded by JS.
Motion approved unanimously.
Oath of Office and Onboarding
The chair suggested following Citizen Planner advice about the desirability of Planning Commission members taking an oath of office and following MTA’s guidelines for onboarding new members.
Communications
Supervisor Peeples reported receiving concerns about commercial trailers used as off-premise signs.
Clerk OL reported that the township website email service still suffers from glitches and that a remedy is in the works.
Citizen Planner sessions enjoyed maximum attendance. The clerk is discussing with MSU Extension having Mary Reilly available for a single-day Helena Township-specific training in the fall.
The chair attended the Harbor Springs MTA Planning and Zoning Primer.
The chair suggested that recurrent training by Planning Commission members might secure financial benefit to the township. Township officials are already pursuing financial process matters.
Public Comments
Supervisor BP reported that he has been asked whether the township has quiet hour language. Discussion ensued. Public property, yes. Private property, no.
Citizen GM reminded the Planning Commission of the historic parking dispute on Wiscasset Lane.
Approval of Previous Minutes
JG motioned to approve the April 4, 2026 Planning Commission meeting minutes, seconded by JS.
Motion approved unanimously.
Zoning Administrator’s Report
The Zoning Administrator’s report was received. The Zoning Administrator brought to the Planning Commission’s attention a query from the owner of the Alden Highway concrete service property regarding status under the zoning ordinance.
JS addressed the cleanup status of the cleared Franklin Street property and lawn-mowing concerns in the commercial district. The chair recognized Alden Volunteer similar concerns for the property adjacent to the Village Center.
Old Business
Definitions
Member FV updated the Planning Commission on efforts to identify and address issues with concern to Planning Commission definitions. A spreadsheet approach is being used with identified definitions and their broader application with state and federal standards, with the goal of defining the issues, implementing an approach, and arriving at action. Clerk OL suggested an ad hoc committee approach might be used.
Complaint Form
Website reporting was suggested. Concerns were expressed regarding anonymity and FOIA conformity.
Shoreline Language Amendments
The chair reported that the Township Board of Trustees had approved, at their May meeting, the shoreline language amendments, 5.02.02 and definitions, and had publicly published their decision. The effective date of the amendments and definitions is June 19, 2026.
Data Centers
JG motioned that a final definition of data centers be approved, seconded by JS.
Motion approved unanimously.
The definition and associated language will continue through Planning Commission deliberation going forward for final approval.
Citizen GM wondered about broad industrial uses found in the zoning ordinance.
The chair advised doing research about the various contending forces in the ongoing data center debate.
Announcements
JS reported that speed signs are expected next week and “Creek Bridge” by the Fourth of July.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:29 PM.
Respectfully Submitted
Respectfully Submitted,
Jim Gurr
Secretary, Helena Township Planning Commission
Recorded at Helena Township Clerk’s office on 2026-06-08 by O. Leffew.