MARION TOWNSHIP

                                 PLANNING COMMISSION

                                 ORDINANCE WORKSHOP

                                    DECEMBER 10, 2002

                                              7:15 P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT:          John Lowe, David Hamann and Debra Wiedman-Clawson

MEMBERS ABSENT:                Jean Root

OTHERS PRESENT:               Annette McNamara, Zoning Administrator

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CALL TO ORDER

John Lowe called the Ordinance Workshop to order at 7:15 p.m.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Proposed ordinance amendment to Article XI Public Land District Section 11.01

Subsection D - Uses Permitted by Special Use Permit - item 2. 

David Hamann motioned to approve the Ordinance Workshop agenda dated December 10, 2002. 

 Debra Wiedman-Clawson seconded.  Motion carried 3-0.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Amendment to Article XI Public Land District Section 11.01 

Subsection D--Uses Permitted by Special Use Permit--item 2

John Lowe gave the following overview.  This amendment will delete the Subsection D item 2 paragraph

 and add one sentence which allows Marion Township to place towers within any of the Marion Township 

property.  Any questions?  Does anyone need information on the ramifications of this amendment?

CALL TO THE PUBLIC

No response from the public.  John Lowe closed call to the public.

John Lowe asked the board if there was anything to discuss.

Debra Wiedman-Clawson requested clarification.  A communication company can come in and request

 to put a tower on township property. The company owns the tower but has to be on Marion Township 

property...so they are leasing. Clarification from Tom Klebba--the way it is written, it can go either way.

It does not say public and does not say private so it is at the discretion of the township.

Debra Wiedman-Clawson asked if the only way a company can get a communication tower on a piece 

of property is if the township owns it? Tom Klebba stated this is only in the Public Land District. 

There is still a Wireless Communication Facility ordinance and this amendment has no bearing on it.

By changing the ordinance, the township would have the option of owning or leasing. John Lowe stated

 it allows more flexibility. John Lowe acknowledged a letter received from Jean Root dated December 10, 2002. 

The letter is her response to the amendment.

Motion

David Hamann motioned to amend Article XI Public Land District Section 11.01 subsection D item 2 to remove 

the entire paragraph and replace with item 2 “Communication Towers on Land owned by 

Marion Township”.  Debra Wiedman-Clawson seconded.  Motion carried 3-0.

Discussion ensued regarding a public hearing date that would speed up the process of sending this amendment 

to the Livingston County Department of Planning in January 2003 for its review.  Board was unable to expedite 

the process due to advertising timeframes.

Motion

David Hamann motioned to set a public hearing at 7:15 p.m. on January 28, 2003 prior to the regularly 

scheduled meeting to address changes to this ordinance.  Debra Wiedman-Clawson seconded. 

  Motion carried 3-0.

CALL TO THE PUBLIC

No response from the public.  Jack Lowe closed the call to the public.

ADJOURNMENT

David Hamann motioned to adjourn at 7:28 p.m.  Debra Wiedman-Clawson seconded.  Motion carried 3-0.