Manchester - Washtenaw County's New Banquet Hall Capital?

They're at it again.

The Manchester Planning Commission has requested a proposal from contracted planning advisers, Carlisle/Wortman, to change the wording in Manchester Township's A/R zoning ordinance, section 5.03 (Follow this link and go to section 5.03 to read it as it exists today beginning on page 43.), which would expressly allow banquet halls as a conditional use within the zoning ordinance.  This move comes on the heels of the Planning Commission's March 1st vote to allow a banquet hall under the undefined use of "country club house" in the ordinance, despite opposition from over 60 residents, as advised by Carlisle/Wortman planning consultant Andrea Bibby.  That decision resulted in a large group of residents filing a lawsuit against the planning commission and the township over the mishandling, misconduct, ordinance violations, and Open Meeting Act violations associated with the acceptance and erroneous approval of the conditional use permit application submitted by Dan and Carol Huntsbarger for a banquet hall facility at 13291 Tracey Road.  The applicants for the permit have since requested that it be revoked, and stated publicly that they will not be seeking approval to use the property in question as a banquet hall.  However, construction and facility improvements continue on the property and appear to be in accordance with the planning commission's latest move.  Area residents have speculated that this has been part of the plan for the project since the March 1st meeting, and have long questioned the incentive behind planning commission chairperson, Les Kopka's, motivation to push an approval through despite such strong opposition by township residents.

The new proposal from Carlisle/Wortman offers several options to the planning commission, the first of which would simply change the wording in the A/R zoning ordinance, section 5.03 item H, from "country club house" to "banquet hall".  This would allow anyone within the A/R zoning districts to apply for a conditional use permit for banquet hall purposes, opening up everyone in the township owning property in an A/R district the potential to operate, or be forced to live with the operations of, a banquet hall in an area historically used for agricultural and rural purposes.  Curiously, this is offered as the first, and presumably, most favored of the options presented by Andrea Bibby of Carlisle/Wortman, who previously dubbed the Huntsbarger project a "country club house", "special event facility", and now, a banquet hall.  Other options presented on the list include striking this allowance from the zoning all together, which seems incredibly unlikely given the determination shown  by Bibby of Carlisle/Wortman, planning commissioner and township board trustee candidate Pete Stumpo, and planning commission chair and township supervisor candidate, Les Kopka, to see that the Huntsbarger project gains approval at any cost.  While no dollar amount has been released for the total expenditures by the township for this particular conditional use permit application, approval process, and subsequent proposals and changes from Carlisle/Wortman, it is certain that the township has wasted a significant amount of time, resources, and township tax dollars pursuing the approval and changes required to allow the Huntsbarger's private venture.

It remains unclear why such a project, which will benefit only the applicants, and will severely disturb the quality of life for area residents, is being treated as a priority by our appointed and contracted representatives in the face of strong, consistent opposition by Manchester residents.  While the initial protest of 60+ people was comprised primarily of residents in the direct area of impact for the Huntsbarger project, the new proposal affects a much greater number of Manchester residents and is likely to produce a far greater demonstration of disapproval.  This is a very odd move by commissioner Stumpo and chairperson Kopka, who are both seeking election in other offices outside of the planning commission.

 

Below are links to the Planning Commission's March 1st meeting minutes, and the audio from July's planning commission meeting where these changes were discussed - it's a must listen for everyone within the township.

Find the Manchester Township Planning Commission meeting minutes here (NOTE: meeting minute availability is limited due to township personnel constraints) 


Listen to the full July 12, 2012 Planning Commission Meeting here - how your planning commission and advisers plan to allow banquet hall facilities in your neighborhood. 



Related links:

http://heritage.com/articles/2012/03/02/manchester_enterprise/news/doc4f50fa306e638277268641.txt

http://www.wireenterprise.blogspot.com/2012/03/strange-vote-at-manchester-township.html
 

Concerned Residents Question Township Supervisor Candidates

Despite the sweltering heat, over 50 Manchester residents attended the Candidate's Forum in Carr Park on Tuesday, July 17.  All of the candidates for Manchester Township's elected offices were invited to attend.  Those present included Gene DeRossett and Leslie Kopka, both running for township supervisor, and several candidates for township trustee positions: Jim Schiel, John Seefeld, and Pete Stumpo.  The current township clerk, Ann Becktel, township treasurer, Judith Huber, and trustee Carl Macomber declined to attend for unspecified reasons.  Current trustee, Lyle Widmeyer was unable to attend due to health reasons.

The biggest draw of the evening was the question and answer period for the township supervisor candidates.  Mr. Kopka cited his biggest qualifying strength for this position as his experience on Manchester's Planning Commission, a recently tumultuous appointment that has resulted in local residents filing litigation against the township as a direct result of Mr. Kopka's conduct on that commission.  In contrast, Gene DeRossett presents his vast history of public service, experience in all three branches of government, and extensive network of contacts from serving in and around the Manchester area as a solid background for taking the township into new and positive directions.

Though none of the specifics regarding the challenges of Mr. Kopka's present term on the planning commission were raised as a part of the forum, Kopka referred to them in several of his responses, highlighting the contentious nature that he has fostered between himself and the public at the monthly Planning Commission meetings.

Q: How would you handle conflict resolution on issues that arise, and minimize personal bias as supervisor?

Kopka: "Well, I'm sure that is referring to the Dan Huntsbarger property project.  Uh, that is something that has been ongoing for...since November.  Uh, that is...that really does not go through the township...uh, supervisor's office.  It's handled by the planning commission, and uh, what we have in our zoning ordinances...some of the ordinances are extremely outdated and need to be updated, and that's something that we've been talking about in the planning commission.  Um, the issue is, do you do spot updates, or do a major re-do, re-make of the ordinance, and then are you back to the cost, and it'll take a lot of time to do that, and it'll take a lot of money to do that.  And, uh, with as tight as things are, it's a problem.  We're basically fixing the leaks as they appear.  I mean, that's about all we can do right now."

DeRossett approached the question in a completely different manner, "The question was how do you resolve conflict?  I think the most important thing is that you listen, you gather all the information, and then if you are undecided you do nothing and gather additional information, and you make sure that everyone is heard, and all issues are vented, and that you're able to make good, informed decisions.  It's about listening, and it's about bringing people together to resolve conflicts that you might have."

This set the tone for the remainder of the event, with Kopka stating numerous times, "It's a problem", but presenting no clear-cut platform for addressing issues which were raised, and DeRossett giving examples of how he plans on approaching the issues, will encourage residents to re-claim an active role in township government, and will use his previous public service experience to benefit the community.  For an informal event with a casual debate, one would expect that the candidates would be in tune with the issues that concern residents the most.  Kopka left residents wondering exactly which meetings he's been present at, let alone acted as chair on, while DeRossett seemed determined to insure that he understands the concerns and where they stem from.

Listen to the event in it's entirety here.

 

Manchester Township Candidates Forum

Candidates Forum - Mark Your Calendars!

 A Candidates Forum that has been scheduled for Tuesday, July 17th at Carr Park at 7:00 PM.  All of the candidates for our township elected offices have been invited for a meet and greet and a question and answer session.  This is a terrific opportunity to become acquainted with the individuals who are interested in representing your interests and the future of our township.

Planning Commission Meeting, Thursday, June 7th

Thursday's meeting starts at 7:30 PM as there are two items scheduled for a public hearing, followed by the regular planning commission meeting.  If you have not been able to attend a planning commission meeting, we strongly encourage that you do.  There are several items on the agenda that affect the township as a whole, and  as residents, we're finding that the more meetings we attend, the more issues there are that require the time and attention of Manchester residents.

This is also a good opportunity to become acquainted with planning commission appointees who will be running for elected offices in our township government.   There is nothing quite like seeing candidates in action to ascertain their qualifications and deciding who will (and will not) earn your votes. 

Here is a copy of the proposed agenda that has been posted to the township's web site:

A.    CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIR

B.    APPROVAL OF AGENDA

C.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES – 05/03/2012 Regular Meeting

Close Regular Meeting and Open Public Hearing
D.    PUBLIC HEARINGS

Amend Section 2.03, Definitions for lots, lot measurements, yards, lot lines, waterfront lots, and lot measurements; amend Section 2.03 to add definitions of “Animals” amend Section 4.04 (G) to add setback measurements for waterfront lots for all zoning districts; amend Section 5.04(B) to change description for lot width measurements in the Rural Agricultural District (AR); amend Section 5.04(E) to add reference to waterfront lot measurements in the Rural Agricultural District (AR); amend Section 6.04(B) to change description for lot width measurements in the Low Residential District (LR); amend Section 6.04 to add reference for waterfront lot measurements in the Low Residential District (LR); and proposed new Section 16.23 Regulation of Animals

Close Public Hearing and Re-Open Regular Meeting

E.    PUBLIC COMMENT

F.    REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE
1.    Report of Chairperson
2.    Report of Township Board Representative
3.    Report of Zoning Board of Appeals
4.    Report of Planning Consultant
5.    Reports of Committees
        a.    SWWCOG
6.  Correspondence

G.    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. MCJPC
2. Ordinance Setback Revisions Discussion / Front/Back of Lot Language for Lake Property
3. Dangerous Building Ordinance
4. Animal  Regulation Discussion
5. Section Review
6. Tracey Road Lawsuit
7. Road Ordinance - Oil and Gas Wells
8. Doan Property

H.    NEW BUSINESS
1.  Change date for July meeting??

I.    COMMENTS FROM COMMISSION

J.    PUBLIC COMMENT

K.    NEXT MEETING:   Regular Meeting – Thursday, 07/05/2012 - 8:00 p.m.

On Hold Items:

MCJPC Future Land Use Plan Discussion/MCJPC 425 Agreement Areas Discussion /AR Rezoning Discussion

New Commercial Minimum Acreage Discussion

L.    ADJOURNMENT
 

Wanted: Township Supervisor

The ideal candidate will be dedicated to representing the interests and needs of township residents.  A strong desire to implement policies that will insure transparency in township government and operations is a plus.  Motivation to preserve the unique qualities of Manchester's rural heritage is vital to the position, as is common sense, ethics, and an upstanding moral character.  Must have excellent communications skills, a sincere desire to work with constituents, and a genuine interest in thwarting political decisions serving special interests over the needs of township residents.  Pay is $23,500, but may be increased if applicant chooses to perform additional duties as available.  Hours are flexible, and position may allow candidate the ability to maintain outside employment.  Packets to apply for this position must be completed and turned in by May 15th, and are available at the Manchester Township Hall located at 275 S. Macomb, Manchester, MI 4815.  Phone: (734)428-7090.     

Meetings Reminder

The Planning Commission meets tonight at 8 PM in the town hall board room.  An agenda for this evening's meeting can be found HERE.

The township board meets on Tuesday, May 8th, also in the town hall board room.

With elections coming up, it is imperative that we pay close attention to our township government and the candidates who are running for office or are appointed to represent us.