Helena Township Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

Thursday, January 9, 2025 – 5:00 PM

8751 Helena Road, Alden, Michigan 49612

Call to Order

Vice Chair Mike Robinson called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM.

Pledge of Allegiance

All in attendance participated.

Roll Call

Present: J. Gurr, M. Robinson, G. Schafer, F. VandenBerg
Absent: S. Moglovkin, J. Bassil

Township Officials Present

Butch Peeples, Jim Schilling, Bob Logee

Approval of Agenda

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

Statement of Conflict of Interest

No conflicts.

Approval of November 7, 2024 Minutes

J. Gurr motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by F. VandenBerg.
Motion approved.

Communications

• Introduction of Jim Schilling.

Public Comments

1. A discussion encouraged the Planning Commission to consider Master Plan results when prioritizing ordinance revisions and updates.
2. Inquiry regarding the status of a certified, signature-required letter sent to both the Helena Township Board and Planning Commission. The matter has been forwarded to the attorney; no updates at this time.
3. Additional inquiries included:
   • Status of Zoom use for public hearing meetings
   • Helena Township junk pickup day
   • Updates regarding Cedar Shores

New Business

• Zoning Administrator Report: November and December 2024 reports were presented with no questions.
• Definitions for ordinance language in Section 1.03 were discussed and approved for attorney review.
• Ordinance language for Private Waterfront Access (Section 5.02.01) was discussed, updated, and approved for attorney review.
• Ordinance language for Restrictions Applicable to Property Abutting Lakes, Rivers, or Streams (Section 5.02.02) was discussed, updated, and approved for attorney review.

Old Business

None.

Adjournment

M. Robinson motioned to adjourn, seconded by F. VandenBerg.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM.

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

Approved at the February 6, 2025 Helena Township Planning Commission meeting.