Missaukee County Planning Commission

MISSAUKEE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes County Annex Meeting Room June 25, 2014, 5:00pm

MEMBERS PRESENT: Linda Hartshorne-Shafer (Staff), Charles Belser, Natalie Davis, Craig Fisher, Bruce Miller, Susan Schwager, Don Shaarda, Dean Vivian

The meeting was called to order at 5:35pm, the Pledge of Allegiance immediately followed. The May 28, 2014 minutes were approved (motion by Dean with support from Charles – all in favor). The June 25, 2014 agenda was approved with the addition of a P.A. 116 application (motion by Dean with support from Susan – all in favor).

NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business to discuss.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Ben Jeffs Park update – Natalie reported on the Ben Jeffs Park Revitalization Plan, which was developed by the Parks Board Planning Committee and approved by the Parks Board on June 12, 2014. The plan outlines strategies for reviving the park through a combination of collaborative efforts with townships, community groups both within Missaukee County and with neighboring counties, concerned citizens, and others; physical improvements to the park, event planning, and other methods. Natalie also gave an overview of a possible partnership between the DNR and Missaukee County regarding the Reedsburg Dam campground. The plan does not lock the Parks Board into completing the projects that the plan mentions but merely provides flexibility and options moving forward.

2. ConnectMI update – Natalie reported that she has been in contact with Tom Stephenson and Carolyn regarding Missaukee’s Technology Action Plan, next steps, and priority projects. Discussion regarding necessity of broadband and improved access in the county. Linda will contact EDC Coordinator in Roscommon County to request attendance at one of our meetings, as Roscommon is farther ahead in the process and may have some suggestions.

3. Transportation Updates – Discussion regarding status of CWTA in Wexford County and implications for Missaukee County depending on what happens there. Susan and Linda have been attending Transportation Work Group meetings; this group is still in development and still determining who should participate. The group feels that a survey should be created to gauge the transportation needs of Missaukee County. Leilani Kitler obtained a draft survey from Manistee County for review and use as a template. Discussion about distribution of a survey – Surveymonkey, local businesses, the Health Department, doctor’s offices, etc.

P.R.A.C. (Planner’s Review and Advisory Committee) Report: N/A

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: P.A. 116’s – Robert, Darleen, and Sandra Arnold – Motion by Bruce that application be recommended to the Board for Approval. Support from Charles. All in favor. Motion passed.

MISCELLANEOUS: It was decided to divide the group up between two subcommittees, to improve efficiency: Transportation – Susan, Linda, Don ConnectMI – Sherry, Dean, Kim, Natalie, Bruce, Charles

Objectives for June to be completed for July meeting: 1. Review transportation survey – decide what ours should be comprised of 2. Determine when next ConnectMI meeting is, or if one has been scheduled (Dean will contact Carolyn) 3. Linda will contact Roscommon EDC Coordinator

Public Comment**

ADJOURN: The meeting was adjourned at 6:05pm by call of the Chair

NEXT MEETING: August 27, 2014, 5:00pm 1