May 20, 2026

  Dundee Township Planning Commission

Regular Meeting

May 20, 2026

A regular meeting of the Dundee Township Planning Commission was held Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Chairman Rogers called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Present were: Travis Horkey, Steve McAreavy, Lisa Ost, Ed Proctor Christi Rogers, and George Salenbien. Bill Plumb and Building Inspector Dennis Kolar excused absence. Roll Call was taken by Steve McAreavy

Travis Horkey moved to approve the agenda. Ed Proctor seconded. Motion carried.

Travis Horkey moved to amend the meeting minutes from April 15, 2026 to replace “Co-Chairman” with “Vice- Chairman” in reference to Ed Proctor’s position on the Planning Commission and replace “Co-Chair” with “Vice-Chair” in reference to Travis Horkey’s position on the Ad Hoc Committee. Lisa Ost seconded with changes.  Motion Carried. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Nancy VanDevelde raised concerns regarding township documents that may still be in possession of former commission members who had recently resigned and should be returned.  Ms. VanDevelde also noted the population forecasts for the Township are accurate in the current Master Plan as it refers to the township outside of the Village of Dundee

Micaela Bogi raised concerns from the Karst Aquifer Coalition regarding data centers and battery storage facilities located in and around Dundee Township.  Ms. Bogi read and provided list of concerns and recent examples of contamination issues involving the karst geology and aquifer

SCHEDULED BUSINESS:

  1. Report/review from Ad HOC Committee: Micaela Bogi, Chair, provided a recap of the public Ad Hoc Committee meeting held 5/14/26. Approximately 10 people attended.  Most comments regarded concerns over data center.  In regard to the Master Plan, focus was requested to be on term “slow and controlled growth”.  AHC Vice Chair provided brief follow-up of AHC Chair Bogi’s review. Next AHC meeting set for 6/3/2026.
  • Data Center Ordinance Review/update: Chair Rogers stated the moratorium on the data center ordinance had been extended to June of 2027 by the Township Board.  Travis Horkey stated he has been developing language for the data center ordinance utilizing his experience with previous wind and solar ordinances in the township
  • Master Plan Review Update: Discussion was primarily focused on whether to completely redo the Master Plan or to just “tweak” those areas that needed attention.  Further discussions focused on concerns the current plan was recently updated in 2025 and why items of concern were not addressed, notably around Industrial and Future Land Use.  George Salenbien would like clarification on what actually needs changed.  Chair Rogers to have meeting with current planner to ask these questions and recommend a plan for moving forward on the Master Plan at the next Commission meeting on June 17. Lisa Ost recommended Chair Rogers connect with the Village Manager to discuss working together for Township Master plan updates
  • Building Permits:  No report. 

NEW BUSINESS:

  1. Review Battery Storage Ordinance: Travis Horkey discussed utilizing current Riga Township Battery Storage Ordinance as a foundation.  He provided an edited version tailored to the Dundee township.  Lisa Ost noted this ordinance has urgency as the developer could utilize the State’s criteria and not the local township’s if a “workable” ordinance in not in place.  Further discussion around whether the ordinance as presented was “workable”.  It was agreed to have the presented ordinance reviewed by the Township attorneys for feedback.  An updated Ordinance proposal to be presented at the next Planning Commission meeting on June 17  to be reviewed and voted on whether to recommend to the Township Board

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Nancy VanDevelde addressed the Master Plan requirement had changed in 2024 or 2025 by the state and should be reviewed.  Also concerns about the readability or the Master Plan.

Micaela Bogi addressed concerns regarding the karst geology and provided copies of the Summerfield Townships Waste Disposal Ordinance that addresses this concern

John Chandler from the Karst Aquifer Coalition spoke on the history of the Coalition and their concerns with pollutants in the karst terrain.  Offered to provide help if needed

Kathy Coppens addressed concerns regarding water availability and contamination with proposed data center and battery storage facilities.

Rachel Ewing addressed concerns over the current planner and how the previous Master Plan was put together

Additional Board Comments:

George Salenbien expressed concerns about the Master Plan and the authority the plan really has.

Travis Horkey addressed updating the Master Plan how the history of reviewing the plan wasn’t an issue in the past.

Ed Proctor stated the plan is reviewed every 5 years by state law.  It doesn’t require it to be changed

Zoning meeting on May 15th was not voted on due to lack of quorum.  Discussion around how notifications were sent. Lisa Ost to verify.

Chair Christi Rogers noted the resignation of Bill Plumb.  Leaving an open spot that will be appointed by the Township Board.  Chair Rogers addressed the need to get any commission documents from previous members and Thanked the Ad Hoc Meeting and others for additional work and information provided

Lisa Ost motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 P.M. George Salenbien Seconded. Motion Carried

__________________________                                             _____________________________      Chair                  Christi Rogers                                                 Secretary               Steve McAreavy    

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 Date Approved