Helena Township Planning Commission Public Hearing Minutes
Monday, August 25, 2025 – 5:00 PM
8751 Helena Road, Alden, Michigan 49612
Call to Order
Chair Jim Gurr called the meeting to order at 5:01 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance
All in attendance participated.
Roll Call
Present: F. VandenBerg, J. Gurr, D. Hunstad, M. Robinson, J. Schilling
Absent: G. Schafer, D. Whipple
Township Officials Present
Butch Peeples, Oryana Leffew, Bob Logee
Approval of Agenda
J. Schilling motioned to approve the amended agenda, seconded by D. Hunstad.
Motion approved.
Conflict of Interest
No conflicts.
Communications
None.
Public Comments
None.
Public Input – Ordinance 5.02.01 and Contiguous Definitions
Public input related to Ordinance 5.02.01 and contiguous definitions was opened to residents:
- Laura Wilcox read a letter indicating she felt Open Meetings Act (OMA) requirements were not followed regarding advance notice of the public hearing.
- Paul Sak questioned the reasoning for allowing residential lots with 100 feet of waterfront to permit two (2) dwelling units.
- Gary Mayes indicated he agreed with Laura Wilcox.
It was noted that the Antrim Review is published once per week, which creates constraints on the fifteen (15) day advance public hearing notice requirement. The Planning Commission determined that the public hearing for Ordinance 5.02.01 should be rescheduled to meet the recommended notice requirements.
Announcements
- The next regular Helena Township Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Adjournment
The August 25, 2025 public hearing was adjourned at 5:33 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Fay M. VandenBerg
Helena Township Planning Commission Secretary
planningcomm@helenatownship.com