August 7, 2025 Planning commission meeting minutes

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Sheridan Township Hall

Regular Meeting

August 7, 2025- 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), Doug Lewan from Carlisle-Wortman Associates (via Zoom)

Guests: Alicia Botello

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

2.      Call to order.  

3.      Agenda: A motion was made by Hanlon; seconded by Frederick to approve the agenda as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

4.       Approval of minutes:

a.      The meeting minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting were not in the folders, we’ll review them next meeting.

b.      A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Jackson to accept the minutes for the July 10, 2025 Public Hearing as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

5.       Public Comments: Botello had question about who to contact about property assessment questions.  Offerson provided Dan Sloan’s office schedule and number to call, as he would be the best person to contact with her questions regarding reassessment. 

6.      Close public comment: 7:10

7.      Correspondence Received*: Offerson received correspondence from Carlisle Wortman which will be reviewed during old business discussion regarding Home Occupancy Amendment.

8.      Reports from Staff and Officials:

a.      Township Board member – Scott Frederick. No reports as there was no meeting last month. 

b.      Zoning Administrator – David Martin. 

                                                  i.      Permits*: Seven (7) for building, four (4) for electrical, one (1) for mechanical, two (2) for plumbing, three (3) for zoning.

                                                ii.      Enforcements*: Nine (9) enforcements for the month. 

c.       Zoning board of appeals representative – Rick Offerson. No updates, no meetings since the last meeting.

9.      Old Business:

a.      Zoning/Ordinance review and acceptance: Lewan has made the changes discussed last month, and kept the recommendations agreed upon. He has done the same with Renewables. Solar Fencing will be an amendment.  Some minor changes can still be made after the public hearing if needed. It is ready for a public hearing.

b.      Home Occupation Standards: Lewan reported he has finished it, clarifying the standard and definition. 14.22 is the newest section. Word changes allow for home occupation if residentially owned or zoned. As discussed, Lewan removed the list of types of businesses that are allowed, allowing anything as long as it continues to look like a home, is not disruptive or noticeable to neighbors. 

                                                  i.      Frederick asked about a green house. Lewan explained if the green house is making an income from it, it falls under the Right To Farm Act which they are exempt from local zoning but must follow the states regulation. If they are not making an income from it, they are subject to local ordinances.

                                                ii.      A motion was made by Hanlon; seconded by Frederick to accept the Home Occupation Standards as presented.  The motion passed unanimously.

c.       Accessory buildings: Martin and Lewan want to take more time to discuss requirements per square footage and other factors before its ready for a public hearing.

d.      Master Plan: Still in the 63 days for feedback per the process. 

10.  New Business: None

11.  Reminder of next meeting: Oct 2, 2025

12.  Adjournment: A motion was made by Jackson; seconded by Fredrick, to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.

Minutes submitted byJanet Cuatt, Secretary

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Rick Offerson, Chair

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Minutes approved at the 10/2/2025 meeting of the Sheridan Township Planning Commission

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