Helena Township Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

Thursday, June 19, 2025 – 5:00 PM

8751 Helena Road, Alden, Michigan 49612

Call to Order

Chair Jim Gurr called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.

Pledge of Allegiance

All in attendance participated.

Roll Call

Present: J. Gurr, D. Hunstad, M. Robinson, G. Schafer, J. Schilling, F. VandenBerg, D. Whipple

Township Officials Present

Butch Peeples, Bob Logee

Approval of Agenda

F. VandenBerg motioned to approve the agenda, seconded by D. Hunstad.
Motion approved.

Statement of Conflict of Interest

No conflicts.

Communications

None.

Public Hearing / Comments

1. Dusty Kiel expressed concern about the potential number of boats permitted in a worst-case scenario.
2. Paul Covert shared support for the ordinance language.
3. Laura Wilcox stated she is not concerned with the number of boats, but does not understand how the ordinance will enhance the township.
4. Mark Moody indicated support for the ordinance as written.
5. Trish Narwold opposed the ordinance language, noting potential canopies may impact property owners’ water views and that no setbacks are included.
6. Kathleen Volle stated the lake will never be like it was over sixty years ago and expressed concern about newer black canopies covering boats on hoists.
7. Laury Stone expressed support, stating the ordinance is a good compromise that prohibits marinas and funneling. She commended the commission’s efforts.
8. Gary Mayes expressed disagreement with the commission’s processes and noted the website was down.
9. Lori Woodland-Mayes asked how each commission member reached their decision and inquired about the long-term (10-year) impact on the community.
   J. Schilling responded that the ordinance represents a compromise among diverse opinions.
10. Lori Sak read a letter from a resident unable to attend, expressing concern about overdevelopment, population growth, and a desire to maintain the current township character.
11. Michael McCracken supported the ordinance, noting that change is difficult but the compromise is fair and positive for the future. He thanked the commission.
12. Dan Roketenetz expressed concerns regarding potential funneling, grandfathered properties, and enforcement.
13. Diane Roketenetz preferred the pre-2012 ordinance allowing two (2) boats and expressed concern about boat volume during holidays. She encouraged compromise.
14. Paul Sak stated concerns that the township may be in violation of the Zoning Enabling Act and Open Meetings Act based on his interpretation, and suggested possible legal action.

No additional public comments were made. The public hearing portion of the meeting was closed.

New Business

• F. VandenBerg motioned to close the public hearing, seconded by M. Robinson.
  Motion approved.
• F. VandenBerg motioned to approve the ordinance language and associated definitions, seconded by D. Whipple.
  Motion approved.
• F. VandenBerg motioned to prepare documents for (1) the Antrim County Planning Commission and, with county suggestions, (2) the Helena Township Board, seconded by D. Whipple.
  Motion approved.

Old Business

None.

Adjournment

J. Schilling motioned to adjourn.
Motion approved.
The meeting adjourned at 6:46 PM.

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