Friendship Township Planning Commission
Miinutes July 25, 2005 7:00 PM

Donahey T Franklin J Gelb Kurburski D Simon F Troup B Trufant
Present x x x x x
Absent x x



I. Call to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. Roll call and recognition of visitors, declaration of taping devices. Public present: Brian MacKenzie, Paul Borghesani, Jessica Moore (MacKenzie architect), Gerry Chamberlin, Rob Mossburg, Robert Mossburg, Max Putters (Emmet County Planner)
III. Max Putters presented a certificate of appreciation to Denise Simon (in absentia) for her service and work on the ECPC.
IV. Minutes of 6/27/05 were approved as written
V. New Business:
A. Brian and Christine Mackenzie, 4968 Lower Shore Drive, case # 17B78
1. Requesting variance for original structure, built in 1978, and the addition of a second story. Original building was supposed to have been decreased in size to fit outside of 10’ side yard set. It was built in violation and not noticed until this action with new owners, the Mackenzies. Ms. Moore presented drawings of the footprint of the building. The encroachment is 14+ inches on the setback. These are very narrow lots. The second story will not be any larger than the first story. County sent out notices 7/18 to the neighboring property owners’ tax addresses. Mr. Borghesani stated that he had received his (local mail) in a timely fashion. Mr. MacKenzie stated that neighbors to north and south have no great objection to what he is proposing.
2. We reviewed section 2000 and section 2002 of the zoning ordinance.
3. Kurburski moved, Donahey seconded: Barring any objections from the adjacent neighbors we recommend approving this variance request. Passed unanimously.
B. Mossberg Land Division
1. Request Special Use Permit to split off 3 more lots. This is five or more lots in a 10 year period.
2. DMSimon noted to applicant’s agent (Bowman), before the meeting, that we would like to see a plan for the parent parcel with regard to undisturbed green area / wildlife corridor / driveway cuts / protection for the M-119 Tunnel of Trees corridor. Bowman noted that these are interior lots except for bluff guesthouse.
3. Questions were asked of Mr. Mossburg based on the drawing of the property he presented. Both Kurburski and Donahey recalled that Mr. Mossburg had told us (when he applied for the other lake side parcels/buildings) that the studio on this new lot #4 was not intended to be a living space and would remain with parcel #3 as part of that home. Mr. Mossburg said he had never indicated this. Minutes from this previous meeting were not available.
4. We reviewed the items in Section 2100 and 2100-14 of the Zoning Ordinance.
5. We asked about a plan for the property as a whole. Mr. Mossburg stated there was no plan. We asked if he would consider making lot “D” 2.02 acres so it would not be a non-conforming lot if and when the proposed zoning change occurs. He took this under consideration.
6. Kurburski moved, Gelb seconded: Approve the request with the comment that we would like to see parcel “D” increased to 2.02 acres, since it is in the current RR-2 and would be non-conforming if the township’s proposed zoning change to FF-2 goes through. If he chooses to increase this lot size to 2.02 there is no need for re-review. Passed unanimously
VI. Old Business
A. Heritage Highway—July 19 meeting with supervisors of Friendship, Readmond, and Cross Village to discuss concept of overlay Tree Protection Ordinance from M-119 corridor. No report.
B. RR-2 to FF-2 Status—No news on this, Max had not seen it yet, but he said maybe one of his assistants had it.
VI. Other Matters
A. Township Zoning—Educational survey. Gelb presented a mock up of a tri-fold brochure for this purpose. All members will work on fleshing it out for the next meeting. Five questions at the most for the survey. Need to work on wording so it remains neutral and does not lead to wild assumptions.
B. Master Plan—reviewed input from Gelb, Kurburski and Donahey on items from action/goals pages at the end of the document. These were listed and will be worked on next time to arrange a prioritized list.
VII. Adjourn at 9:40. Next meeting: 7:00 p.m., August 22, 2005

Submitted by,

Cynthia Donahey



ACTION items to be done by members before the next meeting.
• Work on the wording of the educational survey. Are there items missing?
• Look over the MP goals/actions list that will be distributed and determine your priorities.