Iosco County Clerk- Commissioner's Minutes

Planning Commission Minutes

MEETING MINUTES: JULY 19, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chairman Joe Pellens with everyone reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Present: Armstead, Brown, Casey, Freel, Huddy, Huntley, Matthews, Pellens, Ryan and Taber.
Absent: -0-

Motion by Brown supported by Freel to approve the Agenda for July 19, 2007 meeting. Ayes unanimous. Motion carried.

Motion by Freel supported by Brown, to approve the minutes of the May 17, 2007 regular meeting. Ayes unanimous. Motion carried.

Correspondence: None received

Old Business:

The County Master Plan is now available on the County website as a PDF file.

Report of the County Commissioner Representative:

Mr. Matthews reported that the County Commission had decided to delay the sale of the former Sawyer AuSable Canoe property for sixty days so that it could be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Board and Planning Commission with the possibility of keeping the site for public use. The AuSable Canoe Marathon Committee was also contacted. A resolution of support was passed for a drag strip at the former Wurtsmith Airbase.

Parks and Recreation:

There are no County Parks & Rec funds available to purchase the sawyer Canoe property; there are only sufficient funds available for snowmobile trail maintenance. Applying for funds for additional trail heads, parking and connector trails (These trails are also used as hiking/biking trails). New trail connectors are proposed for access into the AuSable River Store, Parks & Rec also studying feasibility of building a bridge at Footsite for mutiple use Snowmobile/hiking/ORV and handicap).
There was much discussion on the advantages of a full-time Parks & Rec Administrator and how this postion may be funded. The greatest asset of Iosco County is recreational use. This position could generate funds by writing grants. Mr. Matthews pointed out that land use issues must be covered in the County Master Plan to apply for funds for projects. Freel stated that work would be started on a Master Plan supplement to support recreational uses in Iosco County. There was additional discussion on the benefits of a full-time Administrator for the County.
Freel commented that there is community support for a skateboard park with possibility as a County, Tawas City, East Tawas project.

New Business:

Sue Fortune (Executive Director East Central Michigan Planning and Development Regional Commission) could not attend this meeting due to health issues.
Master Plan supplement covering Land Use issues.

Comments from Planning Commission Members:

Ryan asked what we might do to protect the quality of the Great Lakes. Mathews reported on a group forming in Oscoda to address Storm water drain issues.
Huddy remarked that the Airport Advisory Committee Report should be on the Planning Commission agenda. The airport is in need of a building to store the new tractor. All of the new hangars (except one) have been leased. A two/track shortcut across airport property from Aulerich to Scott roads has been closed.
There was additional discussion on sending the County Commission a letter of support for a full time Parks and Rec position.

Motion by Freel, supported by Huddy to approve Per Diems and Mileage for those in attendance. Roll call, Ayes Unanimous. Motion carried.

Motion by Ryan, supported by Freel to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 P.M. Ayes unanimous. Motion carried.

NEXT MEETING 7:00 P.M. October 18, 2007

Andrew Taber, Secretary
F. Joseph Pellens, Chairman

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