June 4, 2026 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Sheridan Township Hall

Regular Meeting

June 4, 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: Logan Neill, Richard McGill, Linda Basista PE BM Enterprise LLC

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

2.      Call to order

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

4.      Approval of minutes from last meeting(s):

a.      A motion was made by Hanlon; seconded by Frederick to accept the meeting minutes from the regular meeting held on April 2, 2026 pending correction of the meeting date year from 2025 to 2026.  The motion passed unanimously.

5.      Public Comments: Opened at 7:05 pm. 

a.       Per request from Richard McGill, a moment of silence was held for Rusty Hull, a member of the township who recently passed away.

6.       Public comments Closed at 7:06pm.

7.      Correspondence Received:

a.       Offerson attended a conference regarding data centers in Michigan. The state is proposing a one-year moratorium until there is better understanding of the impact, the pros and cons of Data Centers to the area.*

b.      Offerson also received the Township Focus magazine listing some of things to consider about data centers, and a good reminder to be careful where information is from, both sides share information that benefits their agenda.

c.       Offerson attended a conference in Ann Arbor regarding hydrogen production, another alternative fuel source in the distant future.  How the glaciers contributed to Michigan’s geological formations, Michigan seems to have the capacity for hydrogen production. Marathon in Detroit is running on hydrogen. Interest is growing in several areas including aviation, power plants, and others.*

d.      Martin received overviews on data centers from our attorneys and a letter from Lewan at Carlisle Wortman. Offerson affirmed that we need to continue reviewing information from reliable sources as we move forward and to keep in mind with our ordinances. Water and energy usage impacts need to be understood. Consumer Energy reports there should be no impact.

8.      Reports from Staff and Officials:

a.       Township Board member – Scott Frederick

                                                  i.      From last week’s meeting, the solar company on H drive applied for a PILT (Payment in Lew of Taxes) agreement versus a township agreement.  The Board tabled the request for now.

                                                ii.      Roads update –

1.      Pending the bond is accepted, an agreement was approved for a three (3) year road plan.  We have enough money to pay for the first year, but need bond for second and third year.

2.      No agreements on the 425 properties at this time.

b.      Zoning Administrator – David Martin

                                                  i.      Enforcements: Continuing work regarding 24 Mile Road. One of the properties is improving.  The other property was granted a 30 day extension.

                                                ii.      Ordinances: Had one ordinance exception resolved through the ZBA.

                                              iii.      Permits:  Eight (8) Building permits, one (1) demolition, three (3) electrical, two (2) mechanical, and seven (7) zoning permits*.

1.      We have a new mechanical inspector. Mr. Wiegand.

c.       Zoning board of appeals representative – Rick Offerson

1.      The ZBA had one appeal to review the setback variance for a shed. There was no conflict with neighbors.  The appeal was approved.

9.      Old Business

a.       Zoning changes for properties from Light Industrial to RB

                                                  i.      Martin shared copies of the letter from the Assessor that states the zoning change will not have any effect on the classification for the properties, and will not see a tax increase or decreased caused by the rezoning. A copy of the assessor’s letter has been sent to the residents.*

                                                ii.      Steve Martin shared a public concern having heard of other areas whose taxes had been raised.  A copy of the Assessors letter was provided to him.

                                              iii.      A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Hanlon to approve the rezoning of section along 27 Mile Rd and C Drive from Light Industrial to RB-Medium Density.  The motion passed unanimously.  Next steps are approval from the county, followed by the Township Board approval.

b.      Data Center Ordinance –

                                                  i.      Lewan with Carlislie/Wortman provided recommendations regarding our data center ordinances.* Wording that use to allow data center type usage in the Light Industrial has been repealed. We still have considerable work to do regarding our ordinances for data centers.  Noise levels, light pollution, height of berms surrounding the facility. We need to get our ordinances in place before we inherit ordinances the State puts in place.

                                                ii.      Steve Martin shared some counties are adding in ordinances that the data centers will have to provide their own power, generators, etc.

c.       Zoning ordinance review/modify to allow older buildings or former locations of building to be used and or constructed – Martin reported that the requester has abandoned that request having decided to use it as a workshop. A motion was made by Hanlon; seconded by Frederick to dismiss/close the request. The motion passed unanimously.

10.  New Business:

a.       Site plan review for Andersons’s and approve.* Martin reported on the Andersons site expansion request for replacing ground pile storage. Fleis&Vandenbrink replied with their recommendations, finding no violations. Lewan with Carlislie/Wortman also reviewed and agreed with the findings. Due to review of lawyers a motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Jackson to approve the Andersons’s site expansion.  The motion passed unanimously.

b.      Conditional Use/Site Plan review for Neill and make recommendations to the Board.*  Mr. Neill is requesting to build an addition to his existing building in order to store his businesses off-season landscaping/lawn care and snow plowing equipment. The location is along the Michigan Ave Corridor. There will be no outside storage, but would not like that to be restricted.  Nearby properties are zoned to allow outside storage. The parking ordinance requires up to four (4) parking spaces, Neill only needs the two (2) existing spaces. He can take that through the Zoning Board of Appeals to request an exception. The Michigan Ave Corridor has not been developed as was expected over the years, but if that changes, Neill would be agreeable to put in a sidewalk. A motion was made by Hanlon; seconded by Frederick, to approve the request be taken to the ZBA.  The motion passed unanimously.

11.  Reminder of next meeting:  Aug 6, 2026 7:00pm.

12.  Adjournment: A motion was made by Hanlon; seconded by Jackson, to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:28pm.

Minutes submitted byJanet Cuatt, Secretary

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Rick Offerson, Chair

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Minutes approved at the 8/6/2025 meeting of the Sheridan Township Planning Commission.

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