Planning commission sends comments on Melrose Township zoning amendments; staff releases parks plan RFP and reports trail, boat-launch progress

The Charlevoix County Planning Commission reviewed proposed zoning text amendments from Melrose Township and voted to send written comments to the township, while staff reported several planning and parks updates.

Kiersten Stark walked the commission through Melrose Township’s proposed changes, including additions to definitions (setback; underground/below grade), edits to permitted-use language in the C-3 district, notice-period wording to align with the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, and clean-up of Farm & Forest district language. Commissioners identified redundant or undefined terms (for example, the meaning of "gross acre") and suggested wording adjustments; Pam Grassmick moved, and Nancy Ferguson seconded, to forward the commission’s comments and to thank the township for submitting the amendments in ordinance format. The motion passed by voice vote.

Stark also reported she had finalized a Request for Proposals (RFP) for planning services to update the County Parks & Recreation Plan and that a subcommittee of commissioners, Parks Committee members and county staff will review proposals and interview firms; Nancy Ferguson volunteered to serve on that subcommittee. Staff updated the commission on trail work: Phase 3 construction has resumed and is scheduled for completion by the end of May with a likely summer ribbon-cutting; phases 4 and 5 engineering work is moving toward a contract with Wade Trim (under legal review). The Whiting Park boat launch ribbon-cutting was announced for June as DNR paperwork is completed. The new Materials Management Planning Committee has met twice, approved bylaws, and proposed a work program for the county’s materials management plan.

The commission’s comments to Melrose Township and the RFP release move those planning efforts forward; no zoning adoptions were made at this meeting.