Helena Township Planning Commission Meeting
October 1, 2026
8751 Helena Road, Alden, Michigan
Meeting Time: 7:00 PM
Status: DRAFT
Meeting Minutes
1. Call to Order
Chair D. Hunstad called the regular meeting to order at approximately 7:00 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Those present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call
Present: D. Hunstad, F. Vandenberg, J. Gurr, J. Schilling, R. Wanstreet, R. Byron, and D. Whipple.
Also Present: Zoning Administrator Jackie Petersen; Deputy Clerk Shayla Savage; Township Supervisor C.C. Peeples; Assessor Robert Logee; and members of the public.
4. Approval of Agenda
The October 1, 2026 agenda was approved.
Motion: VandenBerg
Second: Gurr
Vote: 7-0. Motion carried without opposition.
5. Conflict of Interest
No conflicts were declared.
6. Approval of September 3, 2026 Minutes
The September 3, 2026 meeting minutes were approved.
Motion: Byron
Second: Wanstreet
Vote: 7-0. Motion carried without opposition.
7. Communications
None.
8. Public Comment
Resident Wilcox commented on administrative consistency and public access to Planning Commission records. Topics included clear identification of draft versus approved minutes, incorporation of approved minute corrections, posting of current ordinances, and correction of the meeting schedule shown on the Township website.
9. Zoning Administrator Report
Zoning Administrator Jackie Petersen reported that zoning activity had reached permit number 39 and reviewed materials distributed to the Commission. She also reported that online credit card payment for permits had begun.
A. Act 58 Update/Introduction
Petersen advised that the land-division changes discussed under Act 58 are expected to take effect March 24, 2027, and may require review of Township parcel-split, access, and private-road standards.
She will continue researching affected parcels and implementation considerations and report back to the Commission.
B. Planning/Zoning Training
Members were advised of a Banks Township Planning Commission training opportunity in October and a November 11 training in Gaylord addressing data-center issues and moratoriums.
Interested members may register, and mileage will be reimbursed under Township policy.
C. Trailers/RVs
The Commission reviewed existing Township language concerning recreational vehicles and temporary dwellings and compared it with practices in nearby townships.
Discussion focused on defining “temporary,” use on vacant versus improved parcels, permit and tracking options, enforcement, and distinctions among RVs, trailers, motor homes, and temporary dwellings.
The Commission did not form a subcommittee. D. Whipple will provide prior research and materials to the Zoning Administrator.
Petersen will use the existing ordinance language, surrounding-township examples, and submitted materials to draft clarifying language for later Commission review.
10. Old Business
A. Definitions
The Commission reviewed the ongoing zoning definitions. The working set was reported to be substantially complete, with additional clarification needed for several terms, including mobile-home-related terms, short-term vacation rentals, motor homes/RVs, private roads, fences, and data centers.
The Commission also discussed the relationship between private-road standards, emergency-vehicle access, and possible future ordinance work. Relevant County and private-road information will be provided for continued review.
B. Data Centers
The Commission reviewed the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) sample material, Helena Township’s prior work, and written questions submitted by Rian Wanstreet.
Wanstreet’s written comments raised several issues, including:
- Siting without an Industrial District.
- Use of the Master Plan overlay concept.
- Private well and septic considerations and water impacts.
- Objective size and intensity thresholds.
- Sensitive land uses.
- Community-benefit agreements.
- Ongoing public reporting.
The Commission discussed whether data-center provisions should remain integrated with renewable energy provisions or be developed as a stand-alone ordinance.
The discussion generally moved toward further evaluation of a stand-alone approach, but no final ordinance direction was adopted.
The Zoning Administrator reported that a multi-township ad hoc effort is being organized and that additional data-center training is scheduled.
Members were encouraged to submit research and concerns to the Zoning Administrator as a central collection point. No formal Planning Commission subcommittee was created.
When the Zoning Administrator asked whether the Commission wished to recommend a data-center moratorium to the Township Board, the Chair polled the members.
The record reflected some support for a moratorium, with a count of 3 of 7 polled members. However, no formal recommendation or motion was adopted.
C. Zoning Ordinance Discrepancies
The Commission acknowledged that ordinance discrepancies, wording, references, and missing or uncertain provisions remain part of the broader ordinance and definitions review.
No formal action was taken.
D. Bylaws
The Zoning Administrator clarified that a public hearing is not required to amend the Planning Commission’s bylaws. Proposed bylaw amendments must be forwarded to the Township Board for approval.
No further action was taken at this meeting.
11. New Business
No new business was presented.
12. Public Comment
A member of the public commented on distinctions among RVs, trailers, mobile homes, and related definitions.
After the Chair initially moved toward adjournment, the meeting was reopened to allow a Zoom participant to comment.
G. Mayes commented that the MTA data-center material should be treated as a guideline or template rather than adopted without additional Township-specific analysis.
He encouraged review of multiple ordinances and best practices before Helena Township finalizes its approach.
13. Next Meeting
The next regular Planning Commission meeting was announced for Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
14. Adjournment
Following completion of the additional remote public comment, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:12 PM.
Minutes Prepared By:
Oryana Leffew, Township Clerk / Recording Secretary
Prepared from the October 1, 2026 meeting agenda, recorded transcript, audio, and meeting recordings for Zoning Administrator Jackie Petersen and Planning Commission review.
These minutes are in draft form and are subject to Planning Commission review and approval.