Planning Commission Meets 2nd Thursday of the EVEN months
Ellsworth Planning Commission Meeting Dates Resolution-2025–approved (1)
Commission Members:
Larry Essenberg – Chair Person
Al Drenth
Jerry Klooster
Lynn Spearing
Mary Neer
Click Here to view/print/download Planning Commission By Laws.
INTRODUCTION:
This 2024 Village of Ellsworth Planning Commission Annual Report was prepared pursuant to the requirements of Section 19(2) of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (“MPEA”), which states:
A planning commission shall make an annual written report to the legislative body concerning its operations and the status of planning activities, including recommendations regarding actions by the legislative body related to planning and development.
This report is intended to serve as the Planning Commission’s report to the Village Council in accordance with the MPEA as quoted above, and it will also outline a work plan of items for the Planning Commission to address in the coming year.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
The following boards and commissions work directly and/or indirectly with the Planning Commission to move the Village forward on economic development and land use planning matters:
ADMINISTRATION:
The Planning Commission receives administrative support from the Village President and Village Clerk as well as a Planning Consultant. Development decisions and strategic planning documents are developed through community and stakeholder input, and planning commission meetings are conducted within the requirements of the OMA (Open Meetings Act). The Village of Ellsworth Zoning Administrator receives and processes land use permit applications and seeks outside assistance in the case of more complex site plan review development applications.
PLANNING COMMISSION:
The Planning Commission meets the second Thursday of odd months and is responsible for reviewing development applications, preparing plans, and making recommendations to the Village Council on development applications and zoning amendments. This schedule will continue throughout 2024.
MEMBERS:
The Village of Ellsworth Planning Commission consists of five (5) members in compliance with Section 15(2) of PA 33 which provides in relevant part: “Planning Commissions shall consist of five (5), seven (7), or nine (9) members” (MCL 125.3815).
The 2023 Village Planning Commissioners were:
Larry Essenberg, Chairperson
Al Drenth
Jerry Klooster
Lynn Spearing, Village Council Representative
Mary Neer
PLANNING ACTIVITY AND STATUS:
Aside from its January organizational meeting, the Planning Commission did not have any new
business in 2023.
PLANNING COMMISSION PRIORITIES AND WORK LIST FOR 2024:
• Complete the Michigan Redevelopment Ready Community certification process.
• Review the Village Master Plan.
• Update the Village Capital Improvement Plan.
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS BY VILLAGE COUNCIL RELATED TO PLANNING:
• Establish annual joint meeting of Village Council and Planning Commission.
Approved: 03.21.24
CLICK HERE to view archived Meeting Minutes.