PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes Mar 2026-1

VILLAGE OF ELLSWORTH PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes of meeting held on March 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Members Present: Al Drenth, Larry Essenberg, Mary Neer, Brian Certa, Jerry Klooster Absent – Lynn Aldrich Spearing Guest – Ruben Shell (Beckett & Raeder), Gary Strange, Dylan Sommer and Jerry Rasmussen Planning Commission Meeting called to order by Larry Essenberg at 6:30 pm with opening prayer by Larry. Reviewed Minutes - Minutes from Feb 12, 2026, meeting did not get distributed to everyone so they will be reviewed and approved at the next meeting. Old Business – New Business – Reviewed Draft of an Ordinance to amend the Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance Articles 4 and 9 pertaining to laundromats. It looked good to everyone. Planning Commission will have a Public Hearing at the normal meeting on April 9th at 6:30 pm to receive public comment on the Ordinance to amend the Village of Ellsworth Zoning pertaining to laundromats. Ruben noted that if approved at the April meeting that the Antrim County Planning Commission will also need to give their approval of this Amendment to the Zoning before going to Ellsworth Village Council. Discussion on Laundromat – Reviewed location and drawing, Dylan Sommer noted that it would be permitted for 4000 gal of water per day so the septic would be sized accordingly, Dylan shared that he discussed with Tex Drenth for available water from the Village and Tex shared that this amount would be fine. Village would prefer usage of Village Water for the added revenue. Dylan shared concern because of the cost he would invest in the septic drainfield that if in the future Ellsworth would get Septic Service would the Laundromat be required to connect? Jerry Rasmussen said the laundromat would not be required to connect if Village Septic would become available. Discussed Side Setbacks for C-1. Gary Strange is recommending to the Planning Commission that we add side setbacks to the Village of Ellsworth Zoning to allow access to the outside walls of any existing structure. Discus sed the pros and cons. It was decided that the Planning Commission would like to discuss this more with Village Council. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm. Submitted by: Jerry Klooster Next Meeting will be April 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.