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

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

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

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Casey supported by Houthoofd to Approve the minutes of the January 15, 2009 meeting. Ayes unanimous. Motion carried.

Correspondence:

Michigan State University Extension “Wind Energy Siting and Policy Issues” Workshop.

Michigan Citizen Planner announcement of Planning Commission Training availability.

Received from: Wharton University of Pennsylvania, Nation-wide survey of residential land use practices and conditions.

Received from Sue Fortune, Executive Director, East Mi Council of Governments, an opinion requested by Taber on “What constitutes a Metropolitan Planning Organization” as provided under the most recent State Law governing County Planning Commissions. The opinion stated that such an organization is restricted under Federal Law to such Counties with a population of 50,000 or more. Currently only Bay and Saginaw Counties qualify in Michigan.

New Business:

Welcome Mr. Len Sarki as the newest member.

The members had a discussion of wind turbine power activities in Iosco County. The recent discussion of investigating the use of the U.S. Gypsum piers in Tawas Bay for a possible wind turbine location. There are advantages and disadvantages of this use. Matthews sited a possibility for such a location on the former Wurtsmith Airbase.

Mr. Sarki noted the Vice Chair position was vacant and stated that this position should be filled in case of the absence of the Chairman. Mr. Casey nominated Mr. Houthoofd for the position, supported by Sarki. Mr. Houthoofd accepted the nomination. Roll Call vote was unanimous, motion carried.

The members questioned the current meeting schedule, (third Thursday of each Quarter). This day conflicts with various Township meetings which some members would also like to attend. The members elected to move the remainder of the County meetings to 6:30 PM on the Second Thursday of July (9) and October (8).

Report of County Commission Member:
Mr. Matthews reported on the recent activity regarding the use/ownership of roads currently maintained by the county and contiguous with U.S. Forrest Service Lands. The U.S. Forrest Service taking the position that such roads are under their ownership and control and restricting usage by ORV’s. It was reported that several other Michigan Counties are having the same concerns and are gaining the support of our State and National Representatives for help in resolving this issue.

Parks and Recreation Report
Mr. Matthews provided an update on the ongoing efforts of using the old M-65 bridge as a crossing/connector for snowmobiling. A grant application is on the agenda of the Parks Board for replacement of the trail grooming tractor. A grant is also in process to update the County Master Recreation Plan. This update is necessary to facilitate other future grant applications. It was also reported that the State is modifying the MDNR Land Acquisition Policies and Procedures with the possibility of Michigan Counties acquiring land for recreational uses. One possibility being the old Sawyer Canoe site.
Mr. Houthoofd (member of Plainfield Twp Parks Board) inquired about the possibility of extending Snowmobile trail 6 into Hale. Mr. Matthews stated this has been a goal of the County Parks Board also and said that Mr. Houthoofd could work with a member of the County Parks board to make this happen.

Old Business:

Comments from Planning Commission Members:
No additional comments

Motion by Casey, supported by Houthoofd 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. July 9, 2009

Andrew Taber
Chairman/Secretary

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