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"The Planning Commission recommended re-zoning the piece of property at their last meeting and the re-zoning has been approved by the Huron County Board of Commissioners," said Huron County Building, Zoning and Planning Department Director Russ Lundberg.

He explained in this instance there will be a two-step process, approval of the property use and the site plan.

"All of the set-backs cannot be met due to the unique characteristics of this building," said Lundberg. He added, "The zoning ordinance provides that a special use can be granted."

According to Lundberg, Huron Casting owner Leroy Wurst is looking to purchase additional property, which may solve the set-back issues.

"A few years ago we had a special (electrical) line brought in, it was nearly $2 million dollars to bring that line in," said Wurst. He explained, "We need this (addition) close to the line and close to the current foundry."

He explained since the plans are in the early stages, they have not yet approached the Village of Pigeon regarding water use and Huron Casting may end up putting in wells. The proposed addition will be in Winsor Township.

According to Wurst, the foundry is planning the addition on just over 19 acres on the east side of Sturm Road, south of the railroad tracks.

"There is also, according to the site plan a very large future addition," said Lundberg. He explained, "The use (permit) can be approved tonight and the site plan approved at a later date."

Lundberg also stated there are some restrictions to heights of building in Huron County, which may come into play with the addition. There is a possibility of future changes to ordinances pertaining to building heights.

"We'd very much like to see this approved, It's a solution that should make everyone happy." said Winsor Township Treasurer Nancy Heck. She added, "Personally, I think the more industry we can get in Huron County is great."

Lundberg stated his office did not receive any telephone calls or written comments regarding the plans and with the Planning Commission approving the plan it will now move on to the Huron County Zoning Board of Appeals for further processing.

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the setback issues and according to Lundberg the board may modify, approve or deny the application.

"Once approved, that's kind of like the green light for the contractor and engineer to move on," said Lundberg.

Wurst thanked the Planning Commission for the approval.

No other information regarding the expansion was available before press time.

Also during the meeting, representatives from Detroit Edison questioned the current zoning ordinance pertaining to tower heights within the county.

"Previously the county went through the process with wind energy turbines, completing it in December 2006. The ordinance reads the tower height is 164 feet and in parenthesis 80 meters," explained Lundberg.

"We have a conflict here," said Lundberg.

He is not sure how the error occurred and explained it may simply be a typographical error and can be remedied easily, however, the issue needs to be addressed.

Detroit Edison is looking at a possible wind energy project in Chandler Township. The county error does not have an effect on this current project because Chandler Township does its own ordinances.

However, according to Lundberg and Detroit Edison representative, Detroit Edison is planning a project in Rubicon Township, which is under county zoning.

"The current 164 feet standard came about due to the current anemometer towers placed in the Huron County area the last three to four years. By putting the 80 meters in parenthesis we raised a red flag to Detroit Edison," explained Lundberg.

An anemometer tower is an instrument for measuring and indicating the force or speed of the wind.

He said the county has to look at the ordinance to see if the 80 should have been a 50 or, an alternative is to look at the proposal and amend the ordinance to read up to a 200 feet height.

"I like the 200 feet, it puts you at the threshold for the State of Michigan," said Lundberg.

According to Detroit Edison Representative Matt Wagner, five to six years ago the industry standard probably was at 50 meters. However, he says 60 meters is now becoming the standard.

"Advantages to the 60 meter tower are for projecting the type of energy, you are closer to the turbine (height); keeps below the state and FFA requirements and does not come under the Tall Structures Act," explained Wagner.

"We have to decide what to do, with our paragraph. This type of tower does require a building permit," said Lundberg. He added, "My recommendation is oops we made a mistake, or amend the ordinance and limit the anemometer tower to under 200 feet."

The Huron County Planning Commission approved the change to 200 feet and will be conducting the process to correct/change the ordinance height to under 200 feet with a public hearing set for June 6 at the Huron County Building.

Alan McTaggart of Thumb Farm Service presented the commission a site plan request for approval for an expansion at the business.

"This is still another expansion, which is good," said Lundberg. He added, "It is a planning commission review and approval of a site plan permit."

"I have reviewed the site plan, the set-backs are adequate and it is zoned commercial and they will be furnishing construction plans," said Lundberg.

The Huron County Planning Commission gave their approval for the site plan permit based on the information provided.