A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of Alexandria Township was held on the 28th day of June, 2010 at the Alexandria Township Conference Room, 610 Fillmore Street.
Roll Call: Commission members present were John Knowles, Julie Haar, Russ Niskanen, Larry Steidl and Lyle Hammerschmidt. Also present was Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk, and Ben Oleson, Township Zoning Administrator. As said members formed a quorum and the meeting was called to order by Chairman Knowles at 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Hammerschmidt, seconded by Steidl, made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of discussion concerning chicken coops under “New Business”. Motion carried unanimously.
Minutes: Hammerschmidt, seconded by Haar, made a motion to approve the minutes of the 04/20/10 site visit as written. Motion carried, with Niskanen abstaining. Niskanen, seconded by Hammerschmidt, made a motion to approve the meeting minutes of 05/24/10 as written. Motion carried, with Knowles abstaining.
New Business: Mr. Ron Clobes, 1210 Moorstone Drive, was present to informally discuss the possibility of obtaining an interim use permit which would allow a chicken tractor/coop in his backyard. Mr. Clobes showed the commission a picture/diagram of the coop, approximately 4’ x 8’. He stated that the coop can be rotated throughout the yard and/or garden and, if done properly, would have a minimum of odor. He would like to house up to five hens. The hens are considered “free range”; however, they would be incarcerated at all times. No special storage area would be needed for feed, etc.
Zoning Administrator Oleson stated that chicken coops are allowed under our ordinance, falling under the category “limited livestock”.
The commission advised Mr. Clobes to poll his neighbors before going through the expense of filing an application.
Old Business: Zoning Administrator Oleson presented draft ordinance language specifying the performance standards applicable to the operation of home occupations. The commission discussed distinguishing between high and moderate visibility categories. They elected to use performance standards along with examples for each of the three categories (low, moderate and high visibility). The commissioners will each compile a list of occupations for each category and submit it to the zoning administrator before the next meeting.
Zoning Administrator’s Report: Update given.
Adjournment: Being no further business Hammerschmidt, seconded by Steidl, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted…
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Bonnie Fulghum, Deputy Clerk
Approved this ____ day of ___________, 2010
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John B. Knowles, Chairman