Year: 2019

DECEMBER 5, 2019 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER:   Supervisor James Soli called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township fire hall on December 5, 2019.          

ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: James Soli-Supervisor, Krystal Larson-Treasurer, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Keith Erickson-Trustee, Chris Walmhoff-Trustee, absent.

MINUTES APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the November 4, 2019 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

AGENDA APPROVAL:  Larson motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda.   All in favor, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT:    Bette Gabe let the board know that the Planning Commission had a work session in Baraga.  They will be holding another meeting in January.

OLD BUSINESS:    The Planning Commission requested a moratorium on the wind turbine issue for the winter.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve a 3-month moratorium.  All in favor, motion passed.

-With the November power outage, the township should have an on- demand generator at the fire halls.  The cost would roughly be $15,000 to $18,000 for a 20,000-watt generator.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to put out bids.  All in favor, motion passed.

-After discussion, it would be best to put the road millage proposal on the August 4, 2020 election because the snowbirds will be home.   Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the reading of the Road millage proposal and the date of August 4, 2020.  All in favor, motion passed.

Marinich motioned, seconded by Larson to also have the AMB/EMT millage renewal proposal on the August 4, 2020 election and approve the reading of the millage.  All in favor, motion passed.                              

NEW BUSINESS:

JAMES FEDIE:  Fedie let the board know that the Board of Review will be meeting on December 10^th.

MAIL CALL:   Marci Cella sent a packet to the board to read on property values decreasing in the L’Anse area due to turbine controversy.

-Soli questioned paying the Planning Commission board for the meeting held out of Arvon Township.  After discussion, Marinich motioned, seconded by Larson to approve their pay.  All in favor, motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Larson gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$224,200.31 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$25,457.40 Fire Fund-$133,108.76 Liquor Fund-$802.90, Road Fund-$18,340.83.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.      

BILL APPROVAL:  Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the bills.   All in favor, motion passed.

NEXT MEETING DATE:   The next meeting date will be January 6, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.

ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to adjourn at 6:40 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

NOVEMBER 4, 2019 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER:   Supervisor James Soli called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township fire hall on November 4, 2019.          

ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: James Soli-Supervisor, Krystal Larson-Treasurer, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Keith Erickson-Trustee, Chris Walmhoff-Trustee.

MINUTES APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the October 7, 2019 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

AGENDA APPROVAL:  Larson motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda.   All in favor, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT:    Bette Gabe requests a moratorium on wind turbines.  This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:  Jason McCarthy submitted a Project Contract & Services Scope to the township board.  He met with the Planning Commission to review goals and objectives for the townships Mater Plan update.  It will take between 8-10 months to complete.  He will complete the referenced tasks in an efficient and professional manner for a flat fee of $10,000.00, which will include his travel.  A deposit of 50% made at the time of the project agreement signing and balance paid within 30 days of completion of the Master Plan.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Larson to approve Jason McCarthy’s contract.   All in favor, motion passed.

-For years the township only had one “Public Comment on the agenda.  After discussion, the board feels that one is adequate.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to change it back to one “Public Comment” on the agenda.  All in favor, motion passed.

-Soli requests putting 1 millage up for vote for Arvon Township road improvement/maintenance.  There will be 3 elections in 2020, this proposal could be put on the ballot.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to put the proposal on the ballot in 2020.  All in favor, motion passed.   Marinich will have the wording to approve for next month’s meeting.

-The Ambulance/EMT millage is also expiring in 2020.  Marinich will have the wording to approve at next month’s meeting.

-The Township has to participate in the FEMA Flood Plain program in order for the township taxpayers to get flood insurance.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Larson to participate in the program.  All in favor, motion passed. 

-The cemetery is surveyed and ready to put topsoil down.  With winter fast approaching this will be tabled until spring.

-Baraga Telephone Company will be laying down cable and video line in the township.  The township can charge them 5% annually.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve charging them annually 5%.  All in favor, motion passed.

-Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to reappoint Linnea Barron for a 3 year term on the Planning Commission board.  All in favor, motion passed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

NEW BUSINESS: Larson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve $500.00 to join the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce.  All in favor, motion passed.

-Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve Curt Royal for the 2019-2020 winter plowing for the Skanee Park and the Access Site.  All in favor, motion passed.

-The Arvon School Christmas program is December 20^th.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to close the  Township hall after that for the winter.  All in favor, motion passed.

JAMES FEDIE:  Fedie let the board know that the winter tax bills will be out by December 3^rd.

MAIL CALL:   

 TREASURER’S REPORT: Larson gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$231,318.93 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$28,044.90 Fire Fund-$133,321.29 Liquor Fund-$847.56, Road Fund-$18,340.83.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.      

BILL APPROVAL:   Jason McCarthy wants to be paid $5,000.00 down before the next month’s meeting, Marinich will also pay Curt Royals bill of $1,450.00.   Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the bills with the two additions.   All in favor, motion passed.                                                                                                                                                                        NEXT MEETING DATE:   The next meeting date will be December 2, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.

ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to adjourn at 7:10 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

OCTOBER 7, 2019 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER:   Supervisor James Soli called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township fire hall on October 7, 2019.          

ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: James Soli-Supervisor, Krystal Larson-Treasurer, absent, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Keith Erickson-Trustee, Chris Walmhoff-Trustee, absent.

MINUTES APPROVAL: Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the September 3, 2019 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

AGENDA APPROVAL:   Soli requests “Baraga Telephone Co.” under “New Business.”  Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda.   All in favor, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT:   Kay Erickson let the board know that the townships updated website is now up and running.

-Bert Mason did not read in the last month’s minutes that he gave the Township board a copy of a presentation by the Friends of the Huron Mountains and a copy of land easement between RES and private landowners.  He would like this added in the minutes.     

-Bette Gabe asked if the Planning Commission can use the new Township attorney for legal advice.  If they have a question to ask the township attorney, to call Soli and he will contact him for them.   Soli explained that when the Planning Commission meets, Keith Erickson that sits on behalf of the Township Board should be the one speaking on behalf of the Planning Commission.   

OLD BUSINESS:  With two board members absent, Public comment, Dust control, Flood Plain Insurance and Cemetery will be tabled until next month’s meeting.                                                                                                              Doug Mills talked to the township about dust control, how expensive it is and that if the township would put a millage up for vote for a road millage, it could help with costs.

-Soli let the board know that Scott Swanson has the new part of the Skanee Cemetery surveyed and set up.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 NEW BUSINESS: With two board members absent, Baraga Chamber of Commerce and Baraga Telephone will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-Debbie Stouffer from the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce was present.  She is asking the Township to join.

JAMES FEDIE:  

MAIL CALL:   

TREASURER’S REPORT: Marinich gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$243,489.12 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$28,184.90 Fire Fund-$134,256.23 Liquor Fund-$936.88, Road Fund-$18,340.83.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.      

BILL APPROVAL:  Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve the bills.   All in favor, motion passed.                                                                                                                                                                        NEXT MEETING DATE:   The next meeting date will be November 4, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.

ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to adjourn at 7:10 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor James Soli called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M at the Arvon Township Fire Hall on September 3, 2019.

ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT:  James Soli-Supervisor, Krystal Larson-Treasurer, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Keith Erickson-Trustee, Chris Wahmhoff-Trustee.

MINUTES APPROVAL:  Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the August 5, 2019 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

AGENDA APPROVAL:  Larson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the agenda.  All in favor, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Bette Gabe asked why the second public comment was taken off the agenda. 

OLD BUSINESS:  Many that attended the meeting spoke in concern of protecting Arvon Township.  Friends of the Huron Mountains are very concerned about allowing wind turbines in Arvon Township.

-Soli let the public know that the Planning Commission cannot be over constricted or over costly.

-Steven Tinti was present at the meeting to answer any questions concerning this issue.

-Soli remand to the Planning Commission, to get a fair ordinance and to work with the board and the township lawyer.  Bette Gabe suggested having another meeting.

-Bette Gabe let the board know that Dr. Meadows has not responded to her about the Land Use Plan.  The plan needs a complete overhaul.  The Planning will act on this in the spring of 2020.  Take off the agenda until then.

-Soli request $15.00 every call the firefighters go out and an extra $10.00 over one hour.  Also to pay them $15.00 every meeting.  Taxes will be taken out and to be paid quarterly.   Marinich motioned, seconded by Larson to accept the wages.  All in favor, motion passed.

-Wahmhoff motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve Ordinance #0319 Prohibition of recreational marihuana establishments.  All board member approved.  All in favor, motion passed.  Adoption date September 3, 2019, effective date October 11, 2019.

-James Eaton presented the board with information about dust control.  This will be tabled until next month’s meeting. 

NEW BUSINESS: 

JAMES FEDIE:

MAIL CALL:

TREASURER’ REPORT: Larson gave the Treasurer’s report.  General Fund-$238,679.77 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$30,451.52 Fire Fund-$133,629.25 Liquor Fund-$414.38 Road Fund-18,340.83.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.

BILL APPROVAL:  Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the bills.  All in favor, motion passed.

NEXT MEETING DATE:  The next meeting date will be October 7, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. At the Fire hall.

ADJOURN:  Larson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to adjourn at 8:00 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

AUGUST 5, 2019 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER:  Supervisor James Soli called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m at the Arvon Township Fire Hall on August 5, 2019.

ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT:  James Soli-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Larson-Treasurer, Keith Erickson-Trustee and Chris Wahmhoff-Trustee.

MINUTES APPROVAL:  Larson motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the July 1, 2019 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

AGENDA APPROVAL:  Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the agenda.  All in favor, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT:  The Planning Commission presented the new zoning map that Homestead Graphics completed.  Bette received a Master Plan quote of $16,600.00 from a Jerald Wuoremmaa.  This will be put on next month’s meeting.

-Bert Mason asked the board if they received the paper’s he gave at last month’s meeting to read over. It pertained to wind turbine information.  None of the members received anything.  He said he left an envelope on the township boards table. 

OLD BUSINESS: Bette is waiting on 2 gentlemen from Michigan Tech to let her know about working on the Land Use Plan.  This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-Fire fighters will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to accept that the Zoning Administrator have the authority over small houses.  All in favor, motion passed.                                                                                   Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve that the Zoning Administrator is appointed by the township supervisor, not the Planning Commission.  All in favor, motion passed.

-MTA sent Marinich a sample ordinance to prohibit recreational marijuana establishments.  Marinich will type an Arvon Township ordinance to be motioned on at next month’s meeting.  This will be tabled until next month.

NEW BUSINESS: Before a person can apply for flood plain insurance the Township has to participate in the program.  The first 30 days insured you’re restricted for the coverage, after that up to $250,000.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to participate the flood plain insurance program. Soli will get the application sent to FEMA.  This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

FEDIE:  Jim is doing fieldwork right now.

MAIL CALL:

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Larson gave the Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$234,554.05, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$30,260.89, Fire Fund-$133,328.68, Liquor Fund-$459.04, Road Fund-$18,340.83.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.

BILL APPROVAL:  Larson motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the bills.  All in favor, motion passed.

NEXT MEETING DATE:  Due to the Labor Day holiday the next meeting date will be held on September 3, 2019 at the Arvon Township Fire Hall.

ADJOURN:  Larson motioned, seconded by Marinich to adjourn at 6:30 p.m.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

JULY 1, 2019 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER:  Supervisor James Soli called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Arvon Township Fire Hall on July 1, 2019.

ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT:  James Soli-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Larson-Treasurer, Keith Erickson-Trustee and Chris Wahmhoff-Trustee.

MINUTES APPROVAL:  Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the June 3, 2019 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

AGENDA APPROVAL:  Soli requests “Bid for cemetery” under “Old Business.”  Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the agenda with the one addition.  All in favor, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

OLD BUSINESS: Bette Gabe hasn’t received a response from either Brad Newman or Sarah from Mekena about updating the Township’s Master Plan.  She did hear from a Mary VanTilburg about possibly helping out with it.  This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-The provisions of the ordinance shall be administered by the Zoning Administer who shall be appointed by the township board not the Planning Commission.  Marinich approved it seconded by Erickson.  All in favor, motion passed.

-Soli found out that Covington, L’Anse and Baraga all pay their Firefighters a certain amount to attend a fire, but also have to take taxes out and send out W2’s at the end of the year.  This will be tabled until next month’s meeting. 

-The Planning Commission has a revised zoning map update including better color clarity and road name corrections.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the map revision as an adopted amendment to the Arvon zoning ordinance.  All in favor, motion passed.  The Planning Commission also has a zoning text correction in all districts and wherever else references are made in the zoning text regarding small non-inhabitable structures such as utility buildings, the zoning administrator has permitting and approval authority not the Planning Commission.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the adoption of this amendment.  All in favor, motion passed.  Marinich will put the notice in the paper by the due date.

-Soli did not hear back from the township’s new attorney about the zoning additions and corrections.  This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:  The State is requiring township’s to either opt in or opt out of the Recreational Marijuana establishment. Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to Opt out of the Recreational Marijuana Establishment.  All in favor, motion passed.

Residents on Portice Road are concerned about all the dust from traffic.  Soli let them know that the township can’t afford putting chloride down on all the gravel roads in Arvon Township.  He let them know that years ago the township had a road maintenance millage and the dust control was an issue even then.

-The Kallio Fund donated $1,200.00 this year towards the Skanee Cemetery clean up. The board thanks them for such a big donation. 

-Scott Swanson bid $2,600.00 to provide surveying services for the Skanee cemetery expansion to the north of the existing cemetery plats.  Services would include working on design of new lot and block area.  Setting iron pins at block corners and a map will be provided in PDF form as well as hard copy.  Iron pins will be provided by the township.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Larson to approve Swanson with the job.  All in favor, motion passed.

FEDIE:  He is working on the rest of the field work for the Township.

MAIL CALL: Received the invoice from the Portage Health Foundation.  The township approved $1,000.00 to donate to UPSET.  Marinich will make the check out for next month’s meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Larson gave the Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$239,160.03, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$30,260.89, Fire Fund-$133,669.94, Liquor Fund-$503.70, Road Fund-$18,340.83.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.

BILL APPROVAL:  Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the bills.  All in favor, motion passed.

NEXT MEETING DATE:  The next meeting date will be held on August 5, 2019 at the Arvon Township Fire Hall.

ADJOURN:  Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to adjourn at 6:50 p.m.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk