April 2, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Sheridan Township Hall

Regular Meeting

April 2, 2026- 7:00 p.m.

Planning Commission present: Rick Offerson (Chair), Sally Jackson (Vice Chair), Scott Frederick, Chip Hanlon, Janet Cuatt

Staff: David Martin (Zoning Administrator)

Guests: Rick Weaver, Robyn Papaioannou, Linda Tuttle, Chris Crepeau, Courtney Verberne, Harley Martin, Steve Martin, Naoma Hall, Michael Hall, Robert Hall, Dave Blodgett

1.      Pledge of Allegiance: The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00pm.

2.      Call to order, Roll call of members.

3.      Approval of Agenda: A motion was made by Hanlon; seconded by Jackson to accept the agenda as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.

4.      Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Hanlon to accept the meeting minutes from the regular meeting held on Feb 5, 2026.  Motion passed unanimously.

5.      Public Comment on any issue not on the agenda

a.      No comments

6.      Close Public Comment.

7.      Correspondence Received.

a.      Guide booklet from U of M regarding battery energy storage, and zoning considerations. 

b.      Lewan, our Planning Consultant, provided an example of a proposed zoning ordinance amendment regarding data centers to review.

8.      Reports from Staff and Officials:

a.      Township Board member – Scott Frederick

                                                  i.      The budget was reviewed and passed with a few resolutions.

                                                ii.      Trash pick-up will be scheduled in the township.

                                              iii.      No updates from the Road Commission. 

b.      Zoning Administrator – David Martin

                                                  i.      Permits*: Four (4) for building, one (1) demo, three (3) for electrical, three (3) for mechanical, one (1) for plumbing, three (3) for zoning.

                                                ii.      Enforcements*: Continued follow up regarding information with Zoning Board of Appeals. 

c.       Zoning Board of Appeals Representative – Rick Offerson – no updates, no meetings since last meeting.

9.      Old Business

a.      Consideration to Rezoning Section Along 27 Mile Road and C Drive N to its actual usage. Martin has been working on the request to rezone a property currently zoned as Light Industrial to RB-Medium Density Residential. While researching the request, per the use of surrounding properties in the section, consideration of rezoning then entire section to RB-Medium Density Residential was suggested. Martin discussed the current zoning designation, historical past use, standards for Light Industrial which have not been followed, and is not how the properties are being used.  Rezoning would address the issues of not being to the standards.*

                                                  i.      Public Comment: Opened at 7:11pm:

1.      Robyn Papaioannou asked how old the ordinance for Light Industrial is. Martin replied, nearest he has found reference to date is 1999. The properties are legal, though non-conforming. Papaiannou also asked why not consider rezoning to low density residential versus medium density residential. Martin explained there is no ‘low density’ designation.

2.      Papaioannou asked about the potential impact to property taxes. Martin shared he had spoken with the assessor and was told assessments are based on primary use, and not based on what the zoning district is.

                                                ii.      Close Public Comments: Closed at 7:18pm.

                                              iii.      A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Hanlon to table the motion to rezone the Section from Light Industrial to RB-Medium Density until tax implications can be confirmed and in writing from the assessor.  Motion passed unanimously.

b.      Data Center Ordinance:

                                                  i.      Offerson provided a Zoning Amendment for data centers as an example how other areas are working to add/modify their ordinances. It includes water and energy usage, setbacks, landscaping, infrastructure and security.

                                                ii.      Reportedly, Consumer Energy has no concerns regarding electric usage, and won’t affect the communities’ rates.  The data centers will pay for all the power they use. Frederick shared his concern about pulling from our grid, the impact and potential upgrade required, discussion followed if they should provide their own power grid.

                                              iii.      Offerson shared history from when the foundries were here, they pulled 7 (seven) million gallons of water a day.  Data Centers report they will only draw 3 (three) million gallons a day.

                                              iv.      The moratorium is still in place giving more time to prepare appropriate ordinance.

10.  New business:

a.      Zoning ordinance review/modify to allow older buildings or former locations of buildings to be used and or constructed. – Martin received a request to amend the nonconforming section of the ordinance to allow a decommissioned house to be restored as a residence.  The house in question was decommissioned, gutted, sheet metal over doors and windows approximately 8+ (eight) years ago in a light industrial zone. The ordinance states that if the non-conforming property has been vacated for more than 6 (six) consecutive months, it cannot be reused for the original use.  Offerson suggested rather than try the amendment process, due to duration of time and zoning, the request should be taken to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Jackson to not modify the existing ordinance to allow older buildings or former locations of building to be used and or constructed. Motion passed unanimously.

11.  Reminder of next meeting June 4, 2026.

12.  Meeting adjourned: A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Hanlon to adjourn the meeting.  Motion passed unanimously. 7:41pm.

Minutes submitted byJanet Cuatt, Secretary

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Rick Offerson, Chair

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Minutes approved at the 6/4/2026 meeting of the Sheridan Township Planning Commission

*Copies of item referenced in these minutes are available in the Township Clerk’s Office.