September 1, 2009

The meeting of the Planning Commission of Franklin Township, held in the Township office, was 
called to order at 1904 hours.  Present were Dwight Miller, Joe Szymanowicz, Hugh Crandall, 
Dennis Howard, David Knight, and Gary Wade from the Franklin Center United Methodist Church.  
Tom Horn arrived about 1915 hours.  Dan Netzler arrived about 1935 hours.

VISITORS/PUBLIC COMMENT
None

MINUTES
Howard moved to approve the minutes of 8/4/09 as presented.  Miller seconded.  Carried.

NEW BUSINESS
Methodist Church Mylar – Wade explained the proposed change in the property line between the 
lot (Parcel No.22-005-014.0-015.00) that the Church bought on the northeast corner of Old State 
and Route 98 and the McKenrick property due north of it.  After a survey, the Church and 
McKenrick have agreed that the lot line should be moved so that the lot reflects the dimensions that 
were previously thought to exist.  Therefore the Church lot would be 118 feet north and south by the 
original 132 feet east and west.  This lot dimension and the building placement on it would be 
conforming to the Township Zoning Ordinance for a B1 zone.  Szymanowicz moved to accept the 
Mylar as presented by the Church.  Knight seconded.  Carried.  Wade left the meeting at 1926 
hours after discussing the next requirements for the Mylar approval process.

Horn Sketch Plan – Horn presented a limited detail sketch plan and discussed subdividing the 
96.378 acre Horn property that would create a 10-acre lot subdivision from 10088 Eureka (Parcel 
No. 22- 005-014.0-009.00) that would include a proposed new house.  The old house would be torn 
down following the occupancy of the new house.  The PC discussed with Horn that a contractual 
requirement would be needed to approve the plan that would insure that the old house would be 
removed.  Additionally, the PC noted that approval of any Mylar would also be based on the 
location of the property line between the Tom Horn house and the 1-acre lot of Royce and Dianne 
Horn.  That 1-acre lot could be adjusted at the same time to correct any non-conformance issues.  
Horn will return with a Mylar.  He left the meeting at 1947 hours.

Netzler use of 11334 Silverthorn as an inspection and repair garage – Netzler presented his 
proposal to use a portion of his residential property, which is zoned A1, as an inspection and repair 
garage for all sizes of vehicles.  Discussion was held on the pros and cons of spot zoning and the 
state’s “no-impact home based business law” amended in the Municipalities Planning Code.  Further 
discussion was held on the need for consistent and planned zoning and the need for maintaining 
that consistency.  Miller moved to deny the requested use of the property and any rezoning.  Knight 
seconded.  Motion carried with Crandall voting nay.  Netzler left the meeting at approximately 
2020 hours.

OLD BUSINESS
Zoning Ordinance Rewrite – discussion was held on proposed changes that were discussed with 
the Township’s consultant, Tom Graney.  A proposed zoning map and a new draft of the Zoning 
Ordinance are due soon.  Also related to the zoning changes is the DEP declaration that the 
EMERSUB LXXVIII INC property, 11984 Fry Rd. (Parcel No. 22-011-032.0-005.01) must always 
be non-residential.  How this can be accommodated will be discussed at the Joint Zoning Board.

ADJOURN
Howard moved to adjourn, Miller seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 2044 hours.

David G Henderson, Assistant Secretary