December 7, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Sheridan Township Hall

Regular Meeting and Public Hearing

December 7, 2023 - 7:04 p.m.

Planning Commission present:  Harold Badger (Chair), Sally Jackson (Vice Chair), Scott Frederick, Rick Offerson,  Peggy Vogt

Staff:  David Martin, Zoning Administrator

Guests:  See attached*

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a roll call of Planning Commission members.

Agenda:  A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Offerson, to accept the agenda after adding an addition, "Master Plan".   Motion passed unanimously.

Minutes:  A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Jackson, to approve the minutes of the October 25, 2023, meeting as presented.  Motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Offerson; seconded by Jackson, to approve the minutes of the October 5, 2023 meeting as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments: None

Correspondence:  None

Reports:  Township Board - (1) Frederick reported that Calhoun County townships have asked for an evaluation of road conditions in all of the County.  Fifty percent (50%) of the townships must agree to participate in order to cover the cost of the study;  (2) The township board has approved the decommissioning bond for the AES solar project; (3) The construction of the addition to the township hall/fire department has begun.

Zoning Administrator - (1) Martin presented a list of the permits recently granted*; (2)  He reported AES has submitted the application completing the escrow requirements; (3) He continues to follow up on various zoning violations within the township.

Zoning Board of Appeals - Badger had nothing to report.

Miscellaneous - Badger reported that Pine Gate Solar Energy is operating and power is going to Consumers Energy.

Public Hearing opened 7:18 p.m.

Purpose:  To consider a Conditional Land Use (CUP) permit for vacant parcel number 19-362-048-00 located on North Clark Street for a Dollar General Market.  The applicant is proposing a 12,489 square foot building. This will include produce, fresh meat, frozen and canned goods along with the usual Dollar General merchandise.

Representatives from Dollar General, Chris Wilson and Jason Vanryan, were present to answer questions and presented a site plan outlining the proposed building which will be 20% larger than the usual Dollar General Stores in this area and will have 40 parking spaces.  The building will be styled with a step 3 architectural EFIS frontal view replacing metal on the front. The proposed building will be located on the East side of N. Clark Street and  will have City of Albion sewer and water services.

Concerns addressed by those in attendance:

(Q) Will there be a generator in case of power outages? 

(A) There is no plan for a generator at this time.

(Q)Will lighting be bright at night? 

(A) Lights in the parking area will be aimed low and store sign will be turned off.

(Q) Will this store be replacing the store currently located at Cass & Eaton Streets in Albion?

(A) That is not the plan.

(Q)  Is there a plan for a sidewalk on the east side of N. Clark Street? 

(A) Not at this time. There will be a designation for a crosswalk on N. Clark Street for shoppers that may be walking. Perhaps an agreement could be discussed with the City of Albion or owners of the property at the corner of N. Clark Street and Michigan Avenue (Stahl Dentistry) re: a sidewalk in the future.

Being no further comments/questions, the Public Hearing closed at 7:55 p.m.

After review and discussion, a motion was made by Frederick to approve the request for a CUP for the vacant parcel at N. Clark Street in Sheridan Township pursuant to Section 8.03.R to allow for a retail market (General Store) establishment in the CS Community Service Commercial District and to pass this recommendation on to the Township Board.  Motion was seconded by Jackson. Motion passed unanimously.

Solar Ordinance - A review of the Solar Ordinance as it applies to our Master Plan is being reviewed by Martin and Doug Lewan of Carlisle-Wortman Associates.  Badger reiterated that our Master Plan must be done ASAP.

Recreational Camper Vehicle Ordinance - A handout was available for Commissioners to review.  This item will be tabled for discussion at our February 1, 2024 meeting.

Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

Minutes submitted  by                                               

Peggy Vogt, Secretary                        

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Approved at the 2/1/24 meeting of the Sheridan Township Planning Commission.

*Copies of items referenced in these minutes are available in the Township Clerk's Office. 

The next meeting of the Sheridan Township Planning Commission is scheduled for 4/7/24.