March 14, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Public Hearing – Master Plan Workshop

March 14, 2024 – 7:11 pm

Present:  Harold Badger (chair), Scott Frederick, Sally Jackson, Peggy Vogt, Rick Offerson

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

Guests:  None

The public hearing was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Purpose:  Notices were published in The Recorder* and on the Township website.

Agenda: A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Vogt, to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.

Minutes: A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Vogt. To approve the minutes of the February 1, 2024 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments: None

Correspondence: None

Reports: Township Board – (1) Frederick reported that the Township Board had a Special Budget Workshop meeting on 03/12/2024. (2)  The Township Board is considering hiring a full time Deputy Sheriff who would be stationed out of the Township Hall for law enforcement activity within the township.

Zoning Administrator – Martin reported that at our next meeting we will be addressing the language change to our Solar Ordinance, Also any new permits issued and enforcement activity,

Zoning Board of Appeals – Badger has nothing to report.

New Business: Doug Lewan of Carlisle-Wortman Associates went over the proposed updates to the Master Plan from 2014. Discussion included the solar policy, future land use map, inclusion of language in relation to hydrogen production facilities and mining/gravel pits, addition of current photos of solar fields, farming and the township hall. The next step is to review the updated maps, tables and drafts. Once the drafts are approved by the Planning Commission they are submitted to the Township Board for approval. Next they are distributed to the surrounding townships and cities for their review. After 60 days the Planning Commission is to hold a Public Hearing for citizen comments to the changes to the Master Plan. Next workshop meeting is tentatively scheduled for 04/11/2024 at 7:00pm.

Unfinished Business: A Public Hearing is scheduled for 04/04/2024 re: solar energy filed fencing at our next scheduled Planning Commission meeting.  Continued work on a Recreational Vehicle Ordinance and review of the Mining Control Zoning and Stand-Alone Ordinance.

Adjourn:  A motion was made by Vogt; seconded by Jackson, to adjourn.  Motion passed unanimously.  Meeting adjourned at 8:53pm.

Minutes submitted by

Rick Offerson, Secretary

Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Harold Badger, Chair Sheridan Township Planning Commission

Approved at the 04/04/2024 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 April 4, 2024 at 7:00pm, along with a Public Hearing.