April 3, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Sheridan Township Hall

Regular Meeting

April 3, 2025- 7:00 p.m.

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

Absent: Sally Jackson (Vice Chair)

Staff: David Martin (Zoning Administrator),

Guests: Brady Friss, representing Ranger Power

1.      The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

2.      Call to Order

3.      Agenda: Martin asked to add Ordinance Revision, Zoning Compliance and Regulation Size pertaining to Permits to New Business.  A motion was made by Hanlon; seconded by Frederick, to accept the agenda with the additions of Ordinance Revision, Zoning Compliance and Regulation Size pertaining to Permits added to New Business. Motion passed unanimously.

4.      Minutes: A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Hanlon, to accept the minutes of the February 6, 2025 meeting as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

5.      Public Comments:

a.       Friss provided an update on the zoning ordinance amendments.  They plan to put in applications mid-summer on D Drive and 29 Mile Road.  They plan on construction beginning next year or sooner, this fall if possible and the process can be accelerated.  Frederick asked about a sight plan. Friss will provide one in a month or two.

b.      Ordinance for battery storage:  The Township Board has it to review, their next meeting is April 15, 2025. The County made recommendations.  The board can adopt items, and put in place immediately.

6.      7:13 Public Comment Closed

7.      Correspondence Received – Offerson received a newsletter from Fleis&Vandernbrink.*

8.      Reports from Staff and Officials:

a)      Township Board Member - Frederick The 2025 Township Board budget was approved.

b)     Road Commission meeting – very disappointed, they turned down J drive

c)      Zoning Administrator – Martin

1.      Martin reviewed the various permits issued between 02/07/2025 thru 04/03/2025

2.      Martin reviewed enforcements, a late notice on an enforcement on 24 Mile Road, also notice for junk cars, pop up structure, blight and storage/repair which is now under trees from the storm. He might add time to allow clean up due to the storm damage.

3.      Offerson suggested Martin consider getting a body cam to record and document enforcements. Martin agreed and is also looking into getting a vest.

d)     Zoning Board of Appeals: No report

9.      Old Business:

a.      Mining and Gravel Pit Ordinance: A motion was made by Offerson; seconded by Frederick, to table the discussion until next meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

b.      Master Plan: The Township Board approved for distribution which begins the countdown.  Martin will check on the distribution and watch the countdown.

10.  New Business:

a.      Zoning Ordinance (#57) Home occupations in residential homes within the light industrial district.* Martin discussed a request to offer Dog Grooming and another to offer small engine repair out of their home. Neither occupation is on the list currently. Discussion followed regarding noise, hours of business, adequate parking, and all equipment would need to be stored inside. Martin will work with Lewan on a potential amendment to home occupations, allowing them in an industrial, but in medium density (multifamily/multi home) would be conditional use. 

b.      Zoning Ordinance revision* – Martin discussed a few typos/definitions that need reviewed regarding open space water conservation, and a $500 permit for a $100 shed.

c.       Zoning compliance – Get zoning permit not building permit for shed, so 6 months down the road someone complains its too close to the property line.

d.      Regulation size when permit is needed – Martin will work with Lewan. He is seeing  Pop up ‘Garage in a Box’ but often owners add sheet metal, electric, and such which then becomes a permanent building.  Should we consider changing the wording to note that it has to stay in the state it came in.  Offerson mentioned we may need to address to avoid blight.  Martin mentioned he is starting to see shipping containers and tractor trailers and may need an ordnance for them, and if the tires are left on them.  Offerson suggested that they be one color, no wording on the sides.

e.       Zoning updates - Offerson asked to get an update on the Zoning updates we submitted.

11. Reminder - our next regular meeting will be June 5, 2025 – Offerson may not be available, so Jackson may chair.

12. Adjournment – A motion was made by Offerson; seconded by Frederick, to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:53pm. 

Minutes submitted byJanet Cuatt, Secretary

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Rick Offerson, Chair

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Minutes approved at the 6/5/2025 meeting of the Sheridan Township Planning Commission

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