Joseph Leigeb � Chairperson, Sheila Mesler � Vice-Chairperson

Members: Denise Schneider, Susan Ensign and Gary Elza

The meeting of the Lincoln Township Planning Commission was called to order by Joseph Leigeb, chairperson at 6:30 p.m.

Roll call was taken: Joseph Leigeb, Sheila Mesler, Denise Schneider and Gary Elza were present. Susan Ensign was absent.

Motion by Gary Elza with support by Sheila Mesler to accept the minutes of the November 16, 2004 meeting. Motion approved.

Motion by Gary Elza with support by Denise Schneider to accept the agenda with the addition of election of officers. Motion approved.

Motion by Sheila Mesler with support by Denise Schneider to elect Joseph Leigeb as chairperson of the Lincoln Township Planning Commission for a one-year term. Motion approved.

Motion by Denise Schneider with support by Gary Elza to elect Sheila Messier as vice-chairperson of the Lincoln Township Planning Commission for a one-year term. Motion approved.

Motion by Denise Schneider with support by Sheila Mesler to elect Gary Elza as secretary of the Lincoln Township Planning Commission for a one-year term. Motion approved.

Site Plan review for Black Oak Preserve Wilcox Professional Services LLC for Greg Weckesser, developer. Mike Rybickl and Brent Barringer of Wilcox was in attendance to answer questions. Mike indicated that Greg Weckesser had gone home sick this afternoon but had planned to be at the meeting. Letters from the Midland County Drain and Road Commission�s were available for review. There are issues to be resolved with both the Drain and Road commission�s before the planning commission can move on the site plan review. There is a meeting with both the Drain and Road commission�s scheduled for 1-19-05 for the developer to resolve the items in question. Motion by Sheila Mesler with support by Denise Schneider to table the site plan review until the other questions are resolved and then bring it back to the Planning Commission. Motion approved.

Chairperson Leigeb requested comments from the commission or the public that were present.

No comments from the commission were presented.

Brent Bartos questioned access to property that they own that is east of the Black Oak Preserve. Chairperson Leigeb questioned how they access it now and Mr. Bartos indicated they walk in. Chairperson Leigeb explained that it is up to the property owners themselves to obtain easement or right of ways with the developer or property owners. It is not the position of the Planning Commission to be involved in that issue.

Kevin Wray requested information on how to determine what an �Improved Road� and an �Approved Road� is in relationship to private road ordinances within the Township. It was discussed if it would be good to have one clear ordinance regarding private roads. Chairperson Leigeb agreed to review the wording in the new text that is being worked on and also to look at some other township �Private Road� ordinances for comparison.

Chairperson Leigeb requested any old business. It was asked where we are at in getting the new text from The Spicer Group that has been reviewed. Chairperson Leigeb said he would contact them to move it along.

Chairperson Leigeb requested any new business. The township board had requested the planning commission look into the site of the old township hall to see what could be built on this lot. It is in a platted subdivision, can it meet the set back requirements to build something on it. If not could it be requested that a variance be given. There was a motion by Sheila Mesler with support by Denise Schneider to table the request so some research could be done on it as to what the township could do with this property. Motion approved.

The next scheduled meeting of the Lincoln Township Planning Commission is March 1, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. in the township hall on Hope Rd.

Chairperson Leigeb adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m.

Gary Elza, Secretary

Lincoln Township Planning Commission

Midland County, Michigan