June 5, 2025 Planning commission meeting minutes

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Sheridan Township Hall

Regular Meeting

June 5, 2025- 7:00 p.m.

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

Absent: Chip Hanlon

Staff: David Martin (Zoning Administrator), Doug Lewan from Carlisle-Wortman Associates (via Zoom)

Guests: Brady Friss, representing Ranger Power

1.      Pledge of Allegiance: The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:05pm.

2.      Call to order

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

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

a.      A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Jackson to accept the meeting minutes from the regular meeting held on April 3, 2025 pending two spelling corrections.  Motioned passed unanimously.

b.      A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Jackson to accept the meeting minutes from the special meeting held on April 17, 2025 pending a spelling correction. Motioned passed unanimously.

5.      Public Comments: Opened at 7:11pm.  No public comments

6.      Close public comments at 7:11pm.

7.      Correspondence Received:

a.      Newsletter from Fleis&Vandernbrink regarding importance of keeping our sewers clean*. 

b.      Parma Township is preparing an updated master plan*.

c.       Calhoun County Planning Commission provided recommendations to zoning ordinance, as discussed and accepted in the April 17, 2025 special meeting*.

8.      Reports from Staff and Officials:

a.      Township Board member – Scott Frederick

                                                  i.      The Township Board approved our ordinance for solar, pending a few misspelling corrections.

                                                ii.      Pursuing a bond to do the roads, three (3) years to complete. Our funding will be spread out over time as the project progresses.

                                              iii.      There is a new state law to the affect solar companies have to complete their construction with in 60 to 120 days.  Martin explained unless the install is over 50kw the state isn’t involved, and our ordinance is followed.

b.      Zoning Administrator – David Martin

                                                  i.      Enforcements: No enforcements to report. Two (2) problem areas cleared.  The Porta John business moved to a different Township. The camper in the mobile home park was torn down.  Martin is monitoring four (4) potential locations for squatters and blight.

                                                ii.      Permits: Five (5) Building permits, seven (7) electrical, two (2) mechanical, one (1) plumbing, and two (2) zoning permits*.

c.       Zoning board of appeals representative – Rick Offerson

                                                  i.      Appeals: No updates since last meeting.

9.      Old Business

a.      Gravel Pits/Mining Ordinance: Offerson requested to keep this tabled allowing more time for research and thought.  It was agreed to remove it from next month’s agenda also. 

b.      Master Plan: It has been distributed to surrounding entities for comment and awaiting feedback.  The 63 days’ time will be ending soon. Once all comments have been received, a public meeting will be scheduled.

10.  New Business:

a.      Home occupations in residential homes within the Light Industrial district.  Martin and Lewan have been discussing potential problems regarding standards that are specific to an agricultural district.  They will continue working on it, but the thought is people should be allowed to have a home business as long as it does not change the neighborhood.

b.      Review Zoning Ordinance: Doug Lewan reviewed the 53 page document of questions and corrections from the Board*. The Planning Commission Board agreed with all the changes, and most of the suggestions to leave as is after discussions.

                                                  i.      Additional consideration is being considered for the difference in Lot sizes from the Master Plan and the Zoning Ordinance, which Lewan says a difference is not uncommon, and not a simple change.

                                                ii.      Section 26.11 Fees and Penalties – if the Township Board wants to recoup the fines, a Violation Bureau needs to be established which allows someone at the Township to receive the money. Without a Violation Bureau, and fees/fines collected if it goes to court, do not go back to the Township.

                                              iii.      A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Jackson, to readopt the Zoning Ordinance Changes for Sheridan Township as presented with changes and corrections, and schedule a Public Hearing. Motioned passed unanimously.

11.  Reminder of next meeting:  Aug 7, 2025 7:00pm

12.  Adjournment: A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Jackson, to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.

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.