Friendship Township Planning Commission
Minutes August 22, 2005 7:00 PM

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



I. Call to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Simon with declaration of taping devices
II. Public present: Sarah Cohen, Allyn Shepard, Dave Shepard, Caroline Kurburski, Roy York, Hans Milobinski, Barbara Vorce, Archie Gopigian, Gacon(?) Gopigian, Susan Gopigian, Ken Fowler, Jim Conrad, Rob Mossburg, Dale Scott, Janice Busher, David busher, Trich Woollcott, Lynn Dinning. Also present were Em. Co Planning Dept staff: Brentt Michalek and Anamika Laad
III. Minutes of 07/25/05 were approved as written.
IV. Case #45-05 – request by Friendship Township Board of Trustees to rezone properties from RR-2 to FF-2. Hearing was opened by Simon. The public was responding to Em. Co. letter of 8/10/05 describing the request for the RR-2 to FF-2 change.Michalek and Laad presented maps showing the zoning history of the township. They also gave a handout that included maps and the portions of the County Zoning Ordinance concerning the RR-2 rules and the FF-2 rules. 1971 Co. Master Plan showed the area as Farm Forest. 1973 Ordinance adopted with area as RR-1. 1986 RR-1 was changed to RR-2 at same time that SR-1 was changed to SR-2.
Questions and comments were taken from audience. Some concern was expressed about the uses allowed within FF-2 that are not allowed in RR-2. It was pointed out that the value of these properties would probably preclude the uses that were of concern. And also they require a permitting hearing and most likely would not fit with the neighborhood character. Sarah Cohen, Caroline Kurburski and Trish Woollcott indicated they were in favor of the proposal. Questions were asked about the tax implications of a zoning change. The County Planners clarified many specific items about how zoning works.
Discussion returned to the PC. Trufant felt we had discussed it enough. Simon asked if we wanted to address the concerns about uses. Kurburski moved, Trufant seconded, passed unanimously
Whereas, contiguous properties in adjacent county-zoned township are FF-2;

whereas, the township Master Plan calls strongly for keeping the rural character of the township;

whereas, the township Master Plan specifically states as a goal that the RR-2 area be changed to FF-2;

whereas, we have no other tool under current zoning to achieve the lower density desired by the residents of the township;

Therefore, because this is the best and most expedient tool currently available in the zoning code to address the density issues (1/2 acre lots vs. 2 acre lots), we propose rezoning all of the RR-2 district east of the SR-2 district east of M-119 to FF-2 (with the exception of platted parcels in said area), making it match the adjoining properties in Readmond Township.
V. Old Business
A. Heritage Highway – July 19 meeting of supervisors of Friendship, Readmond, and Cross Village to discuss concept of overlay Tree Protection Ordinance from M-119 corridor. Simon and Scott reported on this meeting. Twps seem unified in wanting to develop coordinating ordinances or an ordinance covering all three twps.
VI. Other Matters
A. Township Zoning–
1. Survey educational: Troup reported on FTBd response to our idea. We discussed the purpose and spent time working on fleshing out a draft document. This will be forwarded to members and will be worked on again next meeting.
B. Master Plan items for consideration–held over for next time
C. Election of officers will take place at next meeting.
VII. Open Discussion for issues not on the Agenda
A. Donahey handed out proposal for case review procedures. Will discuss next time.
VIII. Report of Township Board Representative—Troup noted that the Board supported our decisions at the last meeting and sent these recommendations on to the county.
IX. Adjourn at 10:10. Next meeting: September 26.

Cynthia Donahey 8/23/05