Summary
The Leelanau Township Planning Commission met September 12, 2024, with all seven members present. The main business was a public hearing on the proposed Farm Stay Campground Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment, which the Commission substantially revised based on Township Board concerns and public comment, then voted unanimously (motion by Hugh Scott, seconded by Brigid Hart) to forward to the Leelanau County Planning Commission for review before returning to the Township PC on September 26, 2024. The Commission also approved the June 27, 2024 minutes as amended, and received reports on a cell tower application, ARPA fund reallocation, and potential land swaps involving Buster Dame Park and Woolsey Airport.
Public Comments
In the first public comment period, Rick Gans (Kehl Lake) praised the Zoning Administrator's tower report and suggested adding a propagation map overlay with existing towers. Rebecca Teahen raised concern that her June 30th email was not included in correspondence and questioned the late posting of the agenda.
During the Farm Stay public hearing, Phil Hallstedt thanked the Commission for its work. Gina Harder (also a Township Trustee) relayed Township Board concerns: the 20 vs. 40 acre minimum parcel size, enforcement of Farm Stay operations, and the possibility of multiple Farm Stays on adjacent parcels owned by one person. Rick Gans, Erica Hallstedt, Allen Dalzell (Omena), and Jerry Spears spoke in support of the amendment. Elizabeth Mallek complimented the Commission but flagged enforcement as a concern. Phyllis Rebori submitted written comments on the draft amendment.
In the second public comment period, Paris Morse (E. Garthe Rd.) noted total tower costs would exceed $500,000 with only $100,000 allocated, and urged adequate time to review the revised tower application. Jerry Spears asked who the planning consultant would represent. Ben Purdy suggested the township examine the cemetery parcel for housing. Elizabeth Mallek praised Commissioner Schatz's park comments and suggested Parks and Rec involvement.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Commissioner Schatz stated his personal view that the Buster Dame/7th Street property is best used as a natural area, though he acknowledged the need for housing, and felt the matter should have gone through the Planning Commission and Capital Improvement Plan. Commissioner Scott said the issue may not yet be ripe for Commission review. Elizabeth Mallek suggested the Parks and Rec Committee be involved in these discussions.
Infrastructure Projects
Zoning Administrator Patmore reported completing a preliminary review of a cell tower application and submitting comments to Leelanau County Administration, which will file a revision; the earliest this returns to the Commission is the second October meeting. He plans to use the township's planning consultant as a resource. Paris Morse noted total tower costs would exceed $500,000, with only $100,000 currently allocated.
Financial Summary
ARPA funds are being repurposed: solar panels for 10 families (only 3 have completed the process so far), with remaining board-earmarked funds protected for the tower project. All ARPA funds must be allocated by the end of 2024. Tower costs are estimated to exceed $500,000, with only $100,000 allocated to date.
Other Business
Gina Harder reported the Township Board discussed a proposed land swap with the MDNR at Woolsey Airport and a potential swap at Buster Dame Park for housing, which may face grant restrictions; Rick Gans clarified related statements from the audience. Trustees Georgie Murray and Gina Harder are working on township policies. Commissioner Mitchell recalled former Supervisor Doug Scripps' past discussion of using the cemetery property for housing, noting considerable public opposition at that time. Commissioner Schatz noted the Village of Northport's efforts to find housing properties. ZA Patmore reported 2024 permit numbers are well above last year's already busy pace.
Action Items
- Commission to review Leelanau County Planning Commission comments on the Farm Stay Campground amendment at the September 26, 2024 meeting before it proceeds to the Township Board for adoption.
- Zoning Administrator Patmore to continue reviewing the revised cell tower application with assistance from the township's planning consultant; item expected at the second October meeting.
- Master Plan discussion scheduled for the September 26, 2024 meeting.
- Ongoing Township Board discussion needed on Buster Dame Park/housing land swap, which Commissioner Schatz felt should involve the Planning Commission and Capital Improvement Plan.