SWWCOG

Welcome to the web page of the Manchester Community Joint Planning Commission! The Commission was formed to consider and develop a joint master land use plan, to address issues and decisions involving the Village of Manchester and the surrounding townships that comprise the greater Manchester Community. This effort is based on preliminary planning and review work done during 2006-2007 under SWWCOG purview. The starting point for this work will be the SWWCOG Regional Plan initially developed in 2003.

From September 2006 through August 2007, SWWCOG met monthly with assistance from Washtenaw County's Department of Planning and Environment and  the Land Information Access Association (LIAA) of Traverse City, to learn more about joint municipal planning, the benefits and requirements of doing so, and the lessons gleaned from other joint planning efforts in Michigan. Joint municipal planning is enabled by Public Act 226 of 2003, the “Joint Municipal Planning Act.” This effort was aided by a grant from LIAA. The proceedings and information summaries of this year-long effort are available on the LIAA Grant web page.

Summaries of monthly meetings and relevant documents are presented below. Agendas and minutes are also available by clicking on the menu to the right.

Interested persons can be added to an e-mail notification process, informing them of web site additions, a reminder of an upcoming meeting, and other current happenings with the MCJPC. Please contact Ray Berg at rayberg@att.net to be added to this list. Any other comments or questions regarding this web page should also be directed to Ray Berg.




June 2008 Discussion Documents

Transportation Chapter Draft

Natural Resources Outline

MCJPC Planning Process June 2008

May 2008 Discussion Documents

Revised Master Schedule of Tasks - May 2008 to December 2008

Transportation Module - May 2008

Draft Future Land Use Map - May 14 2008

March 2008 Discussion Documents

Land Use Designations Matrix

Potential Future Land Use Categories (12-11-07)

Goals Identification Exercise for March 12 Meeting

Input from Manchester DDA

Proposed March to May 2008 Timeline

Michigan Land Use Legislative Summary

February 2008 Discussion Documents

SWWCOG Master Plans Goals Statements (matrix)

SWWCOG Regional Plan Land Use Goals (from October 2006 LIAA session)

SWWCOG Master Plans Goals, Objectives and Policies

     Key MCJPC Documents                                       
     Preliminary approved Section 2 of report                                         
     Preliminary approved Section 1 of report 
     Existing Growth Development Plans Land Uses
     Land Use Map SWWCOG 2003
     January 11 2008 Instruction Memo
     Planning Map December 2007
     Potential Future Land Use Categories
     JPC Mailer November 2007
     JPC Workplan November 2007
     MCJPC Vision and Mission Statement
     Final MCJPC By-Laws
     
The MCJPC seeks to define long-term manufacturing locations.

June 11, 2008 Meeting Summary

The June 11, 2008 MCJPC meeting was held at Freedom Township Hall. It was a joint meeting with regular MCJPC members and alternates, and representatives from the Boards and Planning Commissions of the constituent governments (Village of Manchester, Manchester Township, Freedom Township, and Bridgewater Township).

Mark Roby began the meeting by explaining the history of SWWCOG, and the development work which led to the creation of the MCJPC. Roby explained that the MCJPC is far enough along in their discussions to touch base with the various boards and planning commissions, to update them on their activities. Roby stated a public workshop was originally scheduled for May, but was delayed due to the large undertaking of the project.

Roby distributed “Mapping out the Future” brochures, process review and timelines, the first draft of the transportation chapter along with draft maps for future non-motorized transportation improvements, right of way requirements, and the road classification network to all members. 

Roby explained the proposed 2008 work flow, and the process review and timelines for the joint master plan sections. For each section of the master plan, an outline is provided for guidance regarding each section’s construction, components and approach. Roby then writes a draft of the section in compliance with the outline. The MCJPC reviews the preliminary draft of the section, and distributes to each local planning commission or sends it back to Roby for more editing. Local planning commissions review the draft of plan components, and provide written feedback to Roby for inclusion in the next draft of the section. The MCJPC then considers feedback and approves this component for inclusion in the draft plan document.

Roby explained that he has been incorporating language from the SWWCOG 2003 Regional Plan and each jurisdiction’s master plan into the MCJPC plan. Roby said he has also taken language from Frankenmuth’s master plan that fits the Manchester community. Roby stressed that this is “work in progress”, and that timelines are meant to be flexible. 

The MCJPC members briefly discussed the draft transportation chapter. Members discussed referencing and acknowledging the WATS and WCRC ROW plans with the understanding the MCJPC does not have to adopt these plans. Some minor revisions were made to the text under section II. Due to the late hour, the MCJPC decided to defer further discussion of the transportation chapter until their July meeting.

There was a brief question and answer period regarding the role of local planning commissions in the development of the joint master plan. Each jurisdiction’s planning commission will be working closely with the MCJPC through their designated representatives in developing the joint master plan. Members were advised that the final draft plan will go before each jurisdiction’s Board of Trustees to vote on the plan. Each jurisdiction has the flexibility of opting out of joint planning if they decide to do so for whatever reason.

May 14, 2008 Meeting Summary

Mark Roby began the meeting at Freedom Township Hall by presenting a revised Draft Future Land Use Map incorporating the changes made by the local jurisdiction Planning Commissions. He noted the following open items on this map:

1. There is still some overlap on the definitions regarding agricultural, agricultural/residential, and high density residential designations, which need to be resolved.
2. The density values to be applied to land use districts still need to be finalized.
3. There are overlaps in “natural features” areas – distinction needs to be defined between this and “buffer zones” and “drains”.

These definitions will be defined further under their respective “modules” by the MCJPC.

Mr. Roby then introduced the spreadsheet entitled “Process Review”. This spreadsheet is a column-formatted timetable of events and actions to be undertaken by the MCJPC, with Action Date, Mark Roby Tasks, MCJPC Tasks, and PCs Tasks defined. This master schedule runs from May 14, 2008 through December 31, 2008, utilizing a “revolving-door” approach to processing the tasks and information flow.

Modules are defined as follows: Transportation, Natural Features, Public/Quasi-Public Preserves, Agriculture, Commercial, Industrial, and Residential. The MCJPC then discussed the timing of a joint meeting with all jurisdictions’ Boards and Planning Commissions, which will be held in June, as well as the format and timing of each step in the schedule.

The MCJPC then began detailed review and discussion of the Transportation Module. The components of the module were reviewed, and the following comments/additions were noted:

· Major Corridors – identify the qualities of a major corridor, such as access management
· M-52 – role of bicycle paths on each side to be added during reconstruction
· Hibbard Road – the “alternative route” issue and pros/cons
· Scenic Roads – add definition and discussion of “Natural Beauty Road designation”
· Community Character – Movement of farm equipment on roads, setbacks, M-52 bypass possible development, Adopt-a Road programs
· Circulation within Manchester – use of traffic “calmers”
· Pedestrian travel – sidewalks, bike paths
· Park and Ride – issue of Manchester residents going back and forth to Ann Arbor for work

The draft module will be updated with this input.

The MCJPC then reviewed the requirements and routines for posting minutes and meeting notices of the MCJPC. In particular, the issue of special notices when Boards and Planning Commissions attend MCJPC with majority quorums was addressed. The schedule of remaining MCJPC meetings was reviewed.

The role of the MCJPC Secretary was discussed, and the need to separate officers among the MCJPC jurisdictions. Laurie Fromhart of Bridgewater Township was appointed to take notes for these meetings.

The Frankenmuth regional plan was offered by Mr. Roby as a good example of goals and definitions, particularly with respect to urban boundary limit. The MCJPC members have received copies of these sections as a reference.

The June 11 meeting of the MCJPC was moved to Freedom Township for better capacity, due to the attendance by township/village boards and planning commissions. The regular SWWCOG for June 2008 was cancelled. The July 9 meeting of the MCJPC will be held at Bridgewater Township, along with a regular SWWCOG meeting. The goals are to review the Natural Features module and approve the process schedule.

April 9, 2008 Meeting Summary

The MCJPC meeting at Manchester Village Hall began with discussion of the shortened amount of time available for detailed MCJPC discussions because the SWWCOG meeting prior to it runs long. It was agreed in the short term to hold the next SWWCOG meeting on May 14 to 30 minutes to provide more time for discussion of MCJPC issues.

The Community Open House tentatively scheduled for the end of May will be rescheduled. It was concluded that we are not far enough along with the draft Regional Map and Proposed Land Use Goals to have a meaningful meeting with the general public. It was decided that the township supervisors and the village president would meet to work out procedures for communications between the MCJPC and the various jurisdictional bodies. The June 11 meeting will be a special education and update session with the Planning Commissions and Boards from all jurisdictions.

Mark Roby provided feedback on the revisions to the Regional Planning Map based on comments from the March meeting. The MCJPC made several comments on the density levels and the terminology applied among the jurisdictions. Discussion on the Land Use Goals was tabled due to time constraints.

March 12, 2008 Meeting Summary

The March JPC meeting was held at the Manchester Community Schools offices. The meeting began with public input from Karl Racenis, representing the Manchester Downtown Development Authority. He presented a letter with accompanying maps to illustrate the boundaries of the Downtown Development Authority and the Historic District Commission. The intent is to ensure that the DDA and HDC are on the same page as the JPC in terms of commercial areas and historic districts, as the JPC is referencing the 2003 Manchester Village planning maps, wherein commercial boundaries do not exactly match those of the DDA and HDC plans which were authorized after that date. This letter and maps were received by the JPC.

The JPC began hearing feedback from the individual jurisdictions’ Planning Commissions in response to the planned use map homework assignments given at the February meeting. The review consisted of looking at previously published land use maps, and contemplating what has or might change. The following comments were discussed:

• Freedom Township – definition of “prime agricultural” lands, “fuzziness” of commercial areas
• Bridgewater Township – prime agricultural issue, size of hamlet, Clinton Village border resolution
• Manchester Township – flood plain boundaries, remove some recreation areas, Leonard Preserve, some residential area adjustments, border areas with Sharon Township
• Manchester Village – use of Collins-Aikman site as general office/service designation, residential area modifications, some DDA adjustments, affordable housing zone and planning

There was extensive discussion on “gateways” along M-52, Pleasant Lake Road, and Austin Road, as “corridors” into and within the Manchester community. Current and desired appearance, improvements and planning for these corridors is important.

There was debate on the following topics:

•  Do we begin from the SWWCOG 2003 Regional Plan map, or the individual municipality growth management plan maps, in redefining the overall land use map?
•  Planning commissions need to agree on a common set of definitions for each land use category or type.

The definition of each land use category by municipality will be summarized prior to the next meeting.

Regarding the signing of the formal Joint Planning Agreement, Freedom Township and the Village of Manchester need to supply publication dates to Jesse O’Jack, then a formal signing will occur.

Discussion began on Land Use Goals. It was noted that CBD and Regional Commercial designations need to be added. Each unit will send feedback to Mark Roby prior to the next meeting on current land use categories, and which ones need to be added.

Mark Roby presented a proposed March to May timeline, which was discussed. The first Open House event was set for May 29, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with location to be determined. The draft Regional Map and draft Goals and Objectives are needed for this Open House.

Additional public input received was the need for bicycling and walking routes.

Note: After the March 12 JPC meeting, Mark Roby forwarded a Michigan legislative update summary on land use and regional planning issues, including PA 12 of 2008 and PA 33 of 2008, and SB 115 of 2007 (would enable joint planning on a phased basis). Please refer also to these links:

http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2007-SB-0206  (PA 33)
http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2007-HB-5032  (PA 12)

February 13, 2008 Meeting Summary

The Manchester Community Joint Planning Commission reviewed final comments on the revised Section 2 of the plan. Some specific topics discussed included the accuracy and methods used to determine future population densities and demographic data, additional discussion on PA116s for agricultural preservation, the impact of land preserves overall on regional planning, and expanded discussion on open space preservation. The Commission gave preliminary approval to Section 2 of the plan.

Extensive discussion was held on the potential Future Land Use Map, comparison of current land uses vs. potential future land uses, the process to be used uniformly among the JPC members, and some specific comments developed by JPC member reviews to date. (See the two maps: Existing GDP Land Uses and Land Use Map SWWCOG 2003). The individual members’ planning commissions will provide input on “how have things changed” since the 2003 SWWCOG Regional Land Use Map planning, and compare their existing land use plans to new conceptual plans. There was discussion on the format of the maps, and the best way to allow input from the members in meetings. Exclusionary zoning issues were discussed. This topic will be revisited next month.

The Goals, Objectives and Policies documents were initially reviewed (see individual documents: Matrix, LIAA Summary, GOPs). Some specific comments included the need for a “Highway Commercial” designation for areas along M-52 and US-12, the distinction between “General Commercial” and “Local Commercial”, the effect of commercial zones within PUDs, and a dedicated CBD commercial designation. This subject will be revisited next month.

The timing and structure of a “Community Open House” for public input on the Joint Planning Commission process was discussed. Local input is desired at the individual Planning Commission level and also through a JPC public forum. The format is envisioned as an “exercise”, where citizens see the process and hear some of the issues being discussed before finalization by the JPC, not a “workshop” where teams develop specific inputs or solutions. Mark Roby will begin to develop the proposed format and timing for this open house, with perhaps two sessions to be held before summer.

A PCL Quarterly paper on Form-Based Zoning was distributed.

January 16, 2008 Meeting Summary

The January meeting was held at the Manchester Village offices.

The JPC meeting began with Mark Roby requesting preliminary approval of the modified Section 1 of the report. Comments generated during and since the December meeting have been incorporated. The Commission members discussed the changes and granted preliminary approval to Section 1 of the report.

The status of the formal signing of the Joint Planning Agreement was discussed, and clarification was asked of each jurisdiction as to:

1. The effective date within each jurisdiction based on when the appropriate board/council approved the document and
2. When it was published in the local press.

Each jurisdiction will verify this information and reply to Jesse O’Jack to ensure we have a complete approval process.

The JPC discussed the timing of a public forum for citizen input. The March meeting is being considered for this forum.

Members provided their comments on the draft of Section 2 of the report. Comments were extensive and wide-ranging. Of particular note were the discussion of “form-based zoning” and design standards as a way to ensure that new construction enhances and complements existing community character. Other issues discussed included greater emphasis on the agriculture-based local economy, efforts to preserve both agricultural land and open spaces, use of PA 116s and the Preservation of Development Rights (PDR) program as ways to demonstrate the significance of these land uses in the plan narrative.

Two maps were distributed for initial review. One, “Existing Master Plan/Growth Development Plan Land Uses” illustrates future land uses in the four current individual master plans. Two, “Regional Plan Map 2003,” is the proposed regional future land use map as found in the 2003 SWWCOG Regional Plan. Members of the MCJPC are to review the Regional Plan Map and discuss its applicability (with possible revisions) to the joint master plan.

Establishment of a “village growth boundary” was identified as a necessary addition to the regional plan map. In addition, identifying appropriate places for more dense housing was suggested as a future activity for the MCJPC. The lack of senior citizen/retirement living communities within the Manchester Community JPC area (residents must leave the community when they need this level of service) was suggested as an example of more dense housing.

MCJPC members will review the Regional Plan Map with their local planning commissions. Discussion of the Regional Plan Map and a revised Section II will continue in the February meeting.

Clustered housing density is an issue being addressed by the MCJPC.


December 12, 2007 Meeting Summary

The December 2007 MCJPC meeting was held at the Manchester Township Hall. The following items were addressed by the members:

Finalized By-Laws

Amendments were made to the draft MCJPC By-Laws, and the Final By-Laws were approved by the members. The Manchester Village Hall will be added as a principal meeting place in accordance with the Open Meeting Act.

2008 Meeting Schedule

The 2008 meeting schedule was agreed upon, and set to align with the conclusion of the regularly scheduled SWWCOG meetings, as has been the practice throughout 2007. This results in the 2008 published meeting schedule.

Role of Planning Consultants

The members discussed the role of the local unit planning consultants in the development of the Joint Plan. It is felt that local unit of government planning consultants (currently Carlisle-Wortman, Don Pennington and Bill DeGroot) should be involved and integrated into the discussions, and be present at the MCJPC meetings. How local planning consultants interact with the MCJPC proceedings will be important in ensuring that local planning direction does not conflict with the overall plans developed by the MCJPC. Each local government unit will discuss this with their local boards and planning commissions, as well as possible collaborative efforts.

Draft Section 1

The draft of Section 1 (“Introduction”) of the Plan was distributed and discussed. A wide range of comments was received from different participants. Reference was also made to the 2003 SWWGOG Regional Plan for inputs. Members considered whether this draft addressed all the important issues and themes, and identified what they thought was missing or incorrect.

Future Land Use

MCJPC members were given an assignment to be completed for the next meeting. They will consider future land uses in the Manchester Community. A planning map was provided, as well as a document entitled “ Potential Future Land Use Categories”. Members were asked to mark up the map as to where they believed certain types of growth, activities, establishments, etc. should be placed in the future. A “bubble diagram” approach was suggested to show the general limits of such things as the “Village Growth Boundary” (i.e., where village infrastructure such as water and sewer would stop). Members should also consider such reference material as the 2003 Plan, soil conditions, topography, etc. A 10-year planning window was suggested by John Enos of Carlisle-Wortman.

November 14, 2007 Meeting Summary

The Manchester Community Joint Planning Commission held its regular monthly meeting at Sharon Township Hall on Wednesday, November 14 at 8:00 PM. The proposed by-laws underwent a final review, and a new Draft By-Laws document was prepared for final approval at the December meeting. The Commission also reviewed and adopted a Vision and Mission Statement to guide the commission’s activities.

An updated Workplan document was distributed, which will direct the Commission’s activities over the next year. The Commission also reviewed, edited and approved a MCJPC Informational Mailer to be mailed from the LIAA office to all residents in the affected jurisdictions of the MCJPC as well as Sharon Township residents.

A summary of the October 27, 2007 MCJPC Training Session was also distributed for information.

The Committee members discussed alternative meeting scenarios, the establishment of subcommittees, and the process of engaging the public in the planning process. These topics will be continued at the December meeting, which will be held December 12 at the Manchester Township Hall after the SWWCOG meeting (7:00 PM).



Preservation of rural areas and agriculture is a focus.


October 21, 2007 - Update on MCJPC Training Session

The Citizen Planner Training session for MCJPC members will be held Saturday, October 27, 2007 at the Manchester Village Hall, beginning at 8:00 AM. The draft Training Session Agenda is available for viewing. This is a training session only, and no decisions regarding the MCJPC objectives will be made. 


 L-R: Elected Members Ron Mann, Bob Little, Pat Vailliencourt, and Jolea Mull, with Mark Roby and Brett Lenart of Washtenaw County

October 10, 2007 MCJPC Meeting Summary

The Manchester Community Joint Planning Commission (MCJPC) met at the Bridgewater Township Hall for its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday October 10. Each participating jurisdiction confirmed both the elected (E) and appointed (A) representatives to the Joint Planning Commission and their alternates (Alt). The following were confirmed as representatives and/or alternates to the Joint Planning Commission:

Bridgewater Township:  Jolea Mull (E), Christopher Brown (A), Amy Riley (E Alt), TBD (A Alt)

Freedom Township:  Robert Little (E), Larry Lindemann (A), Jennifer Alexa (E Alt), Peter DeLoof (A Alt)

Manchester Township:  Ron Mann (E), Deena McIntosh (A), Sybil Kolon (E Alt), George Daubner (A Alt)

Village of Manchester:  Pat Vailliencourt (E), Gina Lentz (A), Martin Way (E Alt), Jeff Wallace (A Alt)

The following officers were elected: Jolea Mull as Chair, Pat Vailliencourt as Vice Chair, Deena McIntosh as Secretary, and Bob Little as Treasurer. The MCJPC also discussed the role of recording secretary and noted that a volunteer would be sought for future meetings. The Commission also discussed the publication of a meeting synopsis. Ray Berg was designated the webmaster for the MCJPC.

Final Agreement Establishing the MCJPC

The final agreement establishing the MCJPC, which has been adopted by the respective participants, is available by clicking here.

Adoption of By-laws

M. Roby introduced a draft by-laws document that was modeled after other planning commission by-laws. The MCJPC discussed several proposed changes to the draft, and Roby will coordinate with Jesse O’Jack and present an updated version for adoption at the next meeting. The draft by-laws will be posted to this web page shortly. 

It was also agreed that Manchester Village be the coordinating FOIA entity and that Jeff Wallace be the FOIA Coordinator.

Scoping Exercise

Due to the late hour, M. Roby suggested the scoping exercise be performed at the training session and the members of the Commission concurred. An overview of the proposed training was distributed.

Review and Agree on the Timeline/Workplan

M. Roby presented the draft workplan that was provided in each member’s binder ahead of the meeting. Roby requested that each member review and be prepared to discuss the workplan and timeline template at the upcoming October 27 training session.

Finalize LIAA Citizen Information Mailer

J. Mull had several comments on the mailer, and indicated she would fax them to Mark Roby for incorporation. The Commission agreed that the document should be consistent in its use of terminology and that the questions on the back and front of the document should be different. The final mailer will be posted to this web page when complete.

Role of the Planning Consultants

M. Roby provided a handout on the role of planning consultants, and discussed future interaction with Planning Consultants. R. Mann suggested that coordination with the respective consultants should be the responsibility of MCJPC members. This coordination should extend to communication with other participating jurisdictions’ boards, and the commission suggested that this be included in the by-laws.

Training Session

M. Roby reminded members that the MCJPC training session would be held on October 27th at the Village of Manchester Hall. Jeff Wallace indicated that the Village Hall location was acceptable. Roby reminded members that the training had to be posted, as a quorum would be present, for compliance with the Open Meetings Act. The Commission discussed the importance that meetings are posted in each jurisdiction as well as the location where the meeting will be held.


 October 10, 2007 MCJPC Meeting, Bridgewater Township Hall

September 12, 2007 SWWCOG Meeting Summary

This meeting began with a survey of participating municipalities in the Manchester Community Joint Planning Commission (JPC). The signatories to the Joint Planning Agreement will be: Manchester Township, Freedom Township, the Village of Manchester, and Bridgewater Township. Sharon Township has opted not to participate in the JPC.

Initial appointments to the Manchester Community Joint Planning Commission were announced:

Jolea Mull and Chris Brown (Bridgewater Twp.), with alternate Amy Riley.
Pat Vailliencourt and Gina Lentz (Village of Manchester), alternates to be named later.
Bob Little and Larry Lindemann (Freedom Twp.), with alternates Jennifer Alexa and Peter DeLoof.
Ron Mann and Deena McIntosh (Manchester Twp.) with alternates Sybil Kolon and George Daubner

The preliminary Work Plan was distributed. A meeting schedule for the Manchester Community Joint Planning Commission was discussed. It was proposed that the regular SWWCOG meeting be held for the first 30 minutes, followed by the Joint Planning Commission, with meetings each second Wednesday. R. Mann stated that more time should be allowed for SWWCOG business. R. Little suggested a flexible approach.

A motion was made by R. Little for a 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (or sooner) SWWCOG meeting time, followed by 8:00 PM (or earlier) - 9:30 PM for the Joint Planning Commission meetings, with Open Meetings Act concern addressed by posting the start time as “after SWWCOG” or “7:30 PM or later”. Motion supported by R. Mann, and approved by acclamation.

A Citizen Planner grant has been obtained to host a one-day training/team-building session. M. Roby suggested a Saturday in October or November, and R. Mann suggested an e-mail survey of each member providing three available dates. P. Vailliencourt recommended holding the training session before the end of the year to mitigate avoidable plan creation errors before training. Sections I and II of the workplan should be completed by the end of the year.

M. Roby presented and discussed the Work Plan. A Community Open House may be held in January 2008. R. Mann stated his view for this session to be a community visioning opportunity. P. Vailliencourt suggested the respective Boards and Planning Commissions be involved after the community visioning. LIAA may assist in organizing and promotional efforts for this visioning session.

J. O’Jack pointed out that the Joint Planning Ordinances for each participating jurisdiction need to be revised to reflect the correct number of participating jurisdictions. He will undertake the revisions.

P. Vailliencourt thanked Heather Seyfarth, Mark Roby, and Jesse O’Jack for their great efforts in making the Joint Planning Agreement happen. M. Roby suggested a public ceremony for signing the Joint Planning Agreement. A motion was made by D. McIntosh, supported by R. Little, to send a letter to LIAA thanking Heather Seyfarth and LIAA for their efforts. This was approved by all SWWCOG members.


The MCJPC seeks to balance tradition with growth.