Arvon Township Planning Special Mtg November 2019

Skanee Townhall

ARVON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING

LAKESIDE INN, BARAGA, MI NOVEMBER 6, 2019

CALL TO ORDER:  6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL AND RECOGNITION OF VISITORS:  Bette Gabe, Chairman; Dorothy Nankervis, Trustee; Mary Deline, Trustee; Joe Bollech, Trustee, Jay Loman, Trustee.  Absent:  Keith Erickson and Linnea Barron due to prior commitments.  Visitors:  Attorney Joshua Nolan on-screen via teleconference (in real-time); Burt Mason, moderator for teleconference; and eighteen persons in the audience (list of attendees filed with minutes).

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:  The pledge of allegiance was recited.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  Motion made by Dorothy Nankervis to accept the agenda, seconded by Mary Deline.

OLD BUSINESS:  Chairperson, Bette Gabe, gave a short presentation on the status of the proposed utility WECS amendments developed by the planning commission board up to this point.  She explained that the board is seeking additional legal counsel based on a short presentation from township attorney Steven Tinti on October 7, 2019.  His recommendation was to have zoning amendments that are defendable in a court of law.

NEW BUSINESS:  A teleconference was set up with attorney Joshua Nolan to share legal information concerning WECS amendments.  The main request of the planning commission board was to gain information to develop ordinances that will stand up in a court of law.  He stressed the need to show a rational reason between zoning and the health, safety and welfare of the citizens.  Attorney Joshua Nolan felt some proposed amendments were not defensible and some were.  He critiqued all five proposed changes as well as giving his legal opinion on other sections of the industrial WECS section of the Zoning Ordinance.

Much information was shared with the board to take back and use to amend the Wind Energy Systems (WECS) Zoning Ordinances of Arvon Township.  The information will align with the advice from attorney Steven Tinti and give the board members a rationale for zoning ordinances.  With this information in place all proposed amendments, as well as other sections should be defendable in a court of law.

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Several members shared information regarding setbacks, zoning information from other townships and their opinions.

ADJOURNMENT:  Motion made by Dorothy Nankervis, seconded by Joe Bollech, adjournment at 7:12 p.m.

Submitted by Mary Deline for absent Secretary Linnea Barron

Township Meeting Minutes November 2019

Skanee Townhall

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 20th.  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 3rd.

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

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