The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chairman Taber

Present: Matthews, Casey, Houthoofd, Taber.
No members of the public in attendance

Approval of Agenda: Motion by Matthews supported by Houthoofd to approve the Agenda. Ayes Unanimous. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Casey supported by Houthoofd to Approve the minutes of the October 16, 2008 meeting. Ayes unanimous. Motion carried.

Correspondence:
Received from Reno Twp. Final Draft Master Plan

Received from Au Sable Twp. Zoning Ordinance #88 Amendment incorporating latest Sate of Michigan updates to MI zoning Act of 2006 and MI Planning Act of 2008.

Received from Oscoda Twp. Copy of Zoning Amendment Application (rejected) to permit “Recycling Collection Center status in “F” class Forrestry Land.

Casey presented a copy of an article: “Local Cooperative Efforts to Manage Regional Growth in Michigan”.

New Business:
A copy of the 2008 Planning Commission Annual Report was provided to the members by Taber.

Election of Officers – Taber asked the group for a motion as to their wishes for the year, to elect a Chairman/Secretary or separate the offices. Motion by Casey and supported by Mathews to keep them combined and nominate Taber as Chaiman/Secretary. Roll Cal Vote unanimous. Taber elected.

The Chairman of the Planning Commission is also a member of the Iosco County Airport Advisory board and will be attending those quarterly meetings.

Report of the County Commissioner Representative:
Matthews reported that the County Board of Commissioners had passed the new County ORV ordinance. Most Townships opted in and designated open and closed roads for access. A general discussion occurred regarding the Lands contiguous with U.S. Forrest Lands within the County. Matthews stated that the U.S. Forrest Service was taking the position that these roads, although maintained by the County, were U.S. Forrest roads and would be ticketing ORV riders traveling on these roads. The membership felt that a legal opinion should be sought to clarify this position. A motion by Houthoofd and Supported by Casey that the County Planning Commission draft a letter to the County Commissioners requesting a legal opinion be obtained regarding ownership of roads maintained by the County and contiguous to U.S. Forrest Service property.
Ayes unanimous, motion carried.

Parks and Recreation Report
Matthews reported the ongoing progress of trail maintenance, the M65 bridge Snowmobile route and a new initiative planned to define the rolls and responsibilities of the Parks Board members.

Old Business:
Taber provided copies of the latest version of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (effective Sept 1, 2008) replacing separate County, Municipal and Township versions, and PA 12 of 2008 amending the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (Effective immediately when signed February 28, 2008).
Taber pointed out a provision of the new Planning statute regarding designation of a County Planning Commission as a “Municipal Planning Commission” thus providing for this Commission to write and receive grant funding. Matthews requested that M. Schirmer check with MAC for an opinion.

Comments from Planning Commission Members:
No additional comments

Motion by Casey, supported by Matthews to approve Per Diems and Mileage for those in attendance. Roll call vote was unanimous, motion carried.

Motion by Houthoofd, supported by Casey to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 P.M. Ayes unanimous. Motion carried.

NEXT MEETING 7:00 P.M. April 16, 2009

Andrew Taber
Chairman/Secretary

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