Hamlin Township Planning Commission Meeting 10/07/98 UNofficial web page The final & approved minutes are not yet available. This is a reasonable recap of the meeting. 
The Wednesday, October 7, 1998 Special Land Use & general meeting of the Hamlin Township Planning Commission was called to order by Chairperson M. McCarthy at 7:30 PM , followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Members Present: W. Abrahamson, M. McCarthy, B. Matthews. C.Miller, R. Petersen , M. Rodriguez, J.Voelker
Members Absent: None

Others Present:S. Armstrong, Barbara Forgue, Fred & Stephanie Engel, John Hulick, Herman Stohr, Dave & Chrissie Hall,  Mrs. Vandervest, and about 4 others
 
SPECIAL LAND USE
 Fred & Stephanie Engel owners of the property located at 6706 Dewey Road, are requesting a Special Land Use as provided for in Sec.8.03 Sub Sec B of Hamlin Township Zoning Ordinance Number 34  now in effect.  Sub Sec B allows for small farming and truck gardening operations, together with a reasonable number of accessory buildings and the right to sell products, poultry or animals produced, raised or grown upon the premises.  The Engels wish to maintain up to 18 rabbits on their property which is zoned R-1, low density residential.

Correspondence: Letters of support were received from neighbors Karen Desgna, Richard & Marilyn Austin, , John Hulick, Clarence King, plus a petition signed by Michael Wagner, Diane Hawley, M. Takace, Ken & Barbara Drange, support at the meeting from Dave & Chrissie Hall, Loretta Granger, Herman Stohr,

Discussion centered around the issue of 4H and that the Board cannot show favoritism to 4H er's. Additional information supplied by Dave Petersen of the Extension Office stated that 18 rabbits would produce waste equivelent to 100 lbs of lawn fertilizer. The Engels compost their manure and recycle it into their gardens. Site inspection revealed meticulous care of the rabbits.

Motion: Motion made by  C. Miller  supported by R. Petersen to allow the property to be used for up to 18 rabbits in the manner in which they are currently kept, stipulating that the compost pile must be kept 100' from property lines.
Vote: W. Abrahamson Yes , M. McCarthy Yes , B. Matthews Yes. C.Miller Yes, R. Petersen Yes, M. Rodriguez  Yes, J. Voelker Yes . Motion APPROVED
The Special Land Use meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM. 


 GENERAL MEETING
The Wednesday, October 7, 1998 general meeting of the Hamlin Township Planning Commission was called to order by Chairperson M. McCarthy at 8:25 PM
Roll Call:
Members Present: W. Abrahamson, M. McCarthy, B. Matthews. C.Miller, R. Petersen , M. Rodriguez, J. Voelker
Members Absent:None

Others Present: S. Armstrong, Barbara Forgue, Fred & Stephanie Engel, John Hulick, Herman Stohr, Dave & Chrissie Hall,  Mrs. Vandervest, and about 4 others
Motion to approve the minutes of the September 2, 1998 meeting made by  AA MC.
Correspondence: None

Old Business:
M. McCarthy stated that Atty. Roger Anderson said a site visit is not required before a Special Land Use Hearing.

Special Land Use provision in R-1 for Small farming. This provision allows for horses, small animals and a host of other farming uses. The Board discussed clarifying lot sizes, classification of different animals as pets or livestock (goats, horses, pot bellied pigs, ducks, chickens etc.). B. Matthews distributed prepared maps showing that 5 acres is the minimum size required to provide all of the required setbacks and still allow 1 acre of space for a pasture, and that the "long skinny's" both 5 & 10 acres sites are only 165' wide, too narrow to meet the current setback requirements of 100' from neighboring propoerty lines. The issue will be continued next month.

The communication tower regulation and cleaning up dual zoned land have been tabled until after the animal issue is decided.

New Business:
None

The next meeting to be November 4, 1998 at 7:30 PM.

There being no further business before the Board,  J. Voelker moved that the meeting be adjourned at  8:45PM supported by  W. Abrahamson.

Official minutes to be published upon receipt

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