Board recommends reappointing two planning commissioners; discussion flags SMRs, mining and solar rules

The Barry County Committee of the Whole on April 15 recommended reappointment of John LaForge and Jack (applicant) to three-year terms on the county Planning Commission and heard an extended briefing about planning and zoning priorities.

Why it matters: The Planning Commission shapes local land-use decisions and ordinance language that guide new projects such as data centers, solar fields and gravel mining. Commissioners and the county planner flagged emerging technologies and industries that may require policy updates.

John LaForge, who identifies himself as the Planning Commission chair, told commissioners the commission has no existing policies for "ML or SMRs" (mini/miniature nuclear units) and urged the county to consider rules if data centers with small reactors seek siting. "It's not like a regular nuclear reactor because a lot of it's underground. It doesn't have to have water for cooling," LaForge said. He described the staffing transition at the planning office as smooth and said the new planner is "working really well."

The commission also reviewed improvements to gravel-mining review procedures after recent applications. LaForge said the commission now requires early involvement of the county Road Commission when truck traffic and driveway placement are at issue and has added monitoring, dust control and third-party hydrological reporting and bonding requirements for mining operations.

Commissioners and the presenter discussed renewable energy siting. LaForge said Consumers Energy had worked with the commission constructively on proposed solar fields. A public commenter, Eric Zizka, reminded the board that state law limits exclusionary zoning and advised that counties "can't exclusionary zone things out" for uses such as solar or wind; instead, local ordinances must provide for and regulate them.

What happened next: A formal motion by Commissioner Hatfield, supported by Commissioner Smelker, recommended the two applicants be reappointed to the Planning Commission; the motion carried and was forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for final action.

Context: The planning conversation reflected both ongoing work on mining regulations and anticipation of future issues tied to energy projects, including small modular reactors and large solar installations. David LaForge and the other planning commissioners said they expect upcoming applications to test the new procedures.