Helena Township Planning Commission Meeting and Public Hearing Minutes

Thursday, April 3, 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: S. Moglovkin, F. VandenBerg, J. Bassil, J. Gurr, M. Robinson, J. Schilling
Absent: G. Schafer

Township Officials Present

Bob Logee

Approval of Agenda

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

Statement of Conflict of Interest

No conflicts.

Approval of March 6, 2025 Minutes

J. Gurr motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by S. Moglovkin.
Motion approved.

Communications

1. ZBA training for members of the Helena Township Planning Commission and Zoning Board will take place on May 1, 2025 at the Helena Township Community Center.

New Business

• Zoning Administrator Report: The March 2025 report was presented.

Meeting recessed at 5:28 PM.

• Review of Ordinance 5.02.02 and definitions, including attorney input, was provided to meeting participants prior to the meeting.

Public Comments (Related to Ordinance 5.02.02 and Definitions)

1. Gary Mayes inquired about the number of boats permitted per 100 feet or less of shoreline.
2. Laura Wilcox inquired about adding solar to the motor definition.
3. Paul Sak inquired about additional shoreline and the number of boats permitted.
4. Melinda Hamilton and Gerry Schwandt submitted questions that were read aloud.

The Helena Township Planning Commission completed a Finding of Fact and motion vote.

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

Ordinance 5.02.02 and definitions were approved as follows:

• Yes: S. Moglovkin, F. VandenBerg, M. Robinson, J. Gurr, J. Schilling
• No: J. Bassil

Meeting reconvened at 6:43 PM.

New Business (Continued)

• A letter from the Antrim Township attorney regarding the existing short-term ordinance indicated that no changes are warranted at this time.
• Carolyn and Gregg Nowfel inquired about the township’s nuisance/blight ordinance. They reported a neighboring home vacant for over 30 years with structural collapse, creating a safety hazard.

Old Business

• J. Gurr advised that target dates for the FEMA Flood Plain have been extended.

Adjournment

J. Gurr motioned to adjourn, seconded by S. Moglovkin.
The meeting adjourned at 7:03 PM.

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