CALL TO ORDER- Call to order at 6 pm by Chairman Wieber.
In attendance: Wieber, Flynn, Bollenberg, Wildie, Orr.
Public Present: 12 including Heather Hollick, Mary Ferens, Brooke Haase, Eric VanDussen, Anne Noah, Christine Stapleton, Paula Figura, Lisa Pyne, Bob Michalak and Robin Talsma.
A MOTION by Wieber, SUPPORT by Wildie to accept the agenda with addition of potential closed session; Motion Carried, all ayes.
A MOTION by Bollenberg, SUPPORT by Wildie, to accept the minutes from the February 12, 2026 meeting; motion carried, all ayes.
PUBLIC INPUT
Eric VanDussen -asked about the closed session being added to agenda. Reminded that Foster Swift representation is a conflict of interest.
Anne Noah– agrees with Eric; asked if meetings are recorded and audio could be available on the website.
STAKEHOLDER COMMITTEE REPORT
Heather Hollick- reports tomorrow open house 1-3pm and 5-7pm. Next meeting with McKenna to review public responses on April 13, 2026
NEW BUSINESS
None
OLD BUSINESS
1. Recreational Marihuana Ordinance-
Wieber reports that Foster Swift recommends closed session while reviewing legal opinion received regarding the Forerunner/Baldwin Provisions/Benzonia Township. A MOTION by Wieber Support by Wildie to enter into closed session pursuant to MCL 15268IH to consider legal opinion, roll call: Flynn-no, Wildie-aye, Orr-no, Bollenberg-no, Wieber-aye, motion fails 3/2.
Wieber read opinion letter to all present. Discussion among all about Foster Swift representing Benzonia Township and the WBJPC. The Marihuana ordinance language submitted to the WBJPC reflects adding an industrial district to the permitted areas for recreational marihuana and increasing the number of licenses issued from 4 to 5. Changes to the current ordinance should reflect the intent of the Master Plan and land use districts. Discussion by all about the current Ordinance and which body has authority over implementation. Wieber comments the WBJPC duty is to the Master Plan and not the legislative body’s legal issues.
A MOTION by Orr Support by Flynn to postpone action on the amendment public hearing until Stakeholder review and input; Flynn-aye, Wildie-aye, Wieber-aye, Bollenberg-aye, Orr-aye; motion carried.
2.Watershed Overlay Ordinance-
Wieber states the overlay language has been ready to present at a public hearing. Discussion to schedule a public hearing. Wieber read action items from Master Plan. Discussion about if the Township Boards will approve-
last year it was recommended for approval by the WBJPC in 2025 and not approved by either Township. Recording Secretary Michalak read the February 11, 2025 joint meeting minutes concerning the Crystal Lake Watershed Overlay Ordinance decision. Bollenberg agreed to move forward and schedule a public hearing. Orr suggests the Stakeholder group review before a public hearing is held; The rewrite process will include a review of the CLW Overlay ordinance.
A MOTION by Bollenberg support by Flynn to hold a public hearing for (Article 24, amendments 22 article 2) the proposed Crystal Lake Watershed Overlay Ordinance on April 9, 2026 at 5:30; Roll call – Flynn-aye, Wildie-aye, Wieber-aye, Bollenberg-aye, Orr-nay; motion carried. 4/1
COMMISSIONER ROUNDTABLE
Wieber comments that the Planning Commission should pursue retaining a differing law firm. The current counsel is not serving our needs, as reflected in previous correspondence from said counsel. Concerned of the minimal effort by current counsel. Orr states Benzonia Township has issued a Request for Proposals seeking new Counsel. Discussion reviewing the number of hours the ZA and Planner work. Pitcher states currently 10 hours a week per position. Wieber states the hours necessary to implement the ZA/Planner duties should be increased and funded appropriately.
Pitcher states MTA has information/video presentation on data centers and bit mining.
Bollenberg suggests waiting to seek new counsel until resolution of the current pending issues.
Wieber would like to prioritize language addressing Data Centers and
an administrative ordinance addressing authority of The West Benzie Joint Planning Commission at the next meeting.
A MOTION by Wieber support by Bollenberg to hold the public hearing at 5:30pm on Thursday April 9, 2026 presenting the proposed West Benzie Joint Planning Commission Administrative ordinance; motion carried all ayes.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bollenberg informed all of the current State of Michigan legislation addressing data centers and short-term rentals and….
Open house to receive Public Input tomorrow, at the Benzonia Township Hall
March 13, 2026, 1:00pm to 3:00pm and 5:00pm-7:00pm
PUBLIC INPUT
Anne Noah- comments noticing the fatigue of the members. Offers her services to be of assistance. Would like to see priority of administrative ordinance and data centers. A Data Center webcast will be offered by Keith Schneider on March 21, 2026 Cautions action on Marihuana Ordinance.
Eric VanDussen-commends the Commission for abiding by the open meetings act. Commented on the legal status of the Marihuana judgement. States Foster Swift does have a conflict with the PC and Benzonia Township.
Mary Ferens- feels the Crystal Lake overlayis ready for Public Hearing.
Brooke Haase- comments thatthe duties of Township officials and thePlanning Commission requires a lot of effort and involvement- keep inviting the public toattend these meetings.
Molly Franks- concerned that other people did not receive the survey postcards as she did not.
Next meeting is Thursday, April 9, 2026, 6pm.
A MOTION by Wieber, SUPPORT by Wilde to adjourn at 8:43 pm
Julie Orr recorded meeting/Alison Michalak transcribed 3/3/2026
Respectfully submitted,
Alison Michalak, recording secretary