Author: ArvonJewel

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Township Board Meeting Minutes, May 5, 2025

CALL TO ORDER:   Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township Fire Hall on May 5, 2025.

ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee and Keith Erickson-Trustee.

MINUTES APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the April 7, 2025 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

OLD BUSINESS: Strohshein let the board know that she talked to Jay Loman about the Elmblad property, that the issue is with the Zoning Board of Appeals.  She also let the board know that there will be a public meeting May 8th at 6:00p.m. about the Four Winds Property LLC that is on Liimatainen Rd. Point Abbaye. It may take action of a Special Meeting. 

-The Township website will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-The Township permit fees will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-Royal Lawn Care was the only bid for the Skanee Cemetery clean up.  The bid was $3,200.00.  Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve Royal Lawn Care.   All in favor, motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve Rukkila and Associates for the preparation of form F-65-Annual Local Unit Fiscal Year Report for March 31, 2025.  The estimated fee for the service will be $1,400-$2,100.  All in favor, motion passed.

-Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the Township’s annual insurance through Hannula Agency.  The premium of $25,947.00.  All in favor, motion passed.

-Marinich gave the final SLFRF report-Skanee Ballfield-$13,043.20, Twp hall CR2 AED machine-$2858.50-Pickleball court-$23,341.51-Election costs-$5,734.77. 

-Erickson and Janda questioned why K&N Contracting did not replace the rotten trim boards on the back door of the township hall and Marinich mentioned that the foundation was not painted last year either.   Township hall restoration will be tabled until K&N Contracting is contacted.  K&N Contracting was not able to finish the steeple of the town hall last year, he put in a bid this year for $12,900.00.  Neil Whitman called Marinich to let her know that the lift truck would cost $5,000.00 to rent for a week and that the proposal will need to be signed before he can rent the lift truck.  Marinich contacted the board, al members approved the bid over phone conversations.

 JAMES FEDIE:

MAIL CALL:   

TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$336,630.04, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$46,913.08 Fire Fund-$437,174.52 Liquor Fund-$743.70, Road Fund-$293,802.24.  Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.      

BILL APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the bills.  All in favor, motion passed.                                                                                                                                                                NEXT MEETING DATE:   The next meeting date will be June 2, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Firehall.

ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn at 6:25 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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2024 Arvon Township Annual/Budget Meeting Minutes, March27, 2024


CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Fish was absent at the meeting, Clerk Marinich called the March 27, 2024 Annual/Budget meeting to order that was held at the Skanee Fire Hall at 5:00 P.M.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor-Absent, Krystal Larson-Treasurer, Lisa
Marinich-Clerk, Robert Janda-Trustee, Keith Erickson-Trustee.
ROLL CALL: Taken at 5:00 p.m. MARCH 28, 2023 MINUTES APPROVAL: Keith Erickson motioned, seconded by Robert Janda to approve the minutes of the March 28, 2023 meeting. All in favor, motion passed.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: James Soli motioned, seconded by Kelly Erickson, to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
SUPERVISOR’S TOWNSHIP UPDATE: Supervisor absent.
TOWNSHIP HALL MAINTENANCE: K&N Contracting will be renovating the township hall exterior. The proposal is for $47,850.00. Power washing the building, replacing boards and cedar shingles if needed, window glazing, painting the building, high lift rental. Whitman let the board know that it should be complete before the end of summer.
DEPOSITORY: Kelly Erickson motioned, seconded by Nancy Soli to stay with Superior National Bank and Baraga Co. Credit Union as the Township depositories. All in favor, motion passed.
SALARY APPROVAL: The Supervisor’s yearly salary currently is $9,646.32 the Clerk and Treasurer’s yearly salary is $11,300.40 and the Trustee’s is $119.44 per meeting. With the approved 5% yearly elected official increase, the new yearly wage for the Supervisor will be $10,635.00, Clerk and Treasurer $12,429.96 yearly and the Trustees $125.41 per meeting. After discussion about the Trustee’s salary, Kelly Erickson motioned, seconded by James Soli to approve a flat $150.00 per meeting for the Trustee’s and to approve the Supervisor, Clerk and Treasurer’s salary. All in favor, motion passed.
DATES, TIMES, LOCATION OF REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS: The Regular monthly meetings are at 6:00 P.M. At the Skanee Fire Hall. James Soli motioned, seconded by Kelly Erickson to leave it the same. All in favor, motion passed.

MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATES: James Soli motioned, seconded by Nancy Soli to approve the Federal Government rate per mile for reimbursement. All in favor, motion passed.
TOWN HALL/FIRE HALL RENTAL FEES AND AGREEMENTS: Nancy Soli motioned, seconded by Kelly Erickson to leave the downstairs and upstairs of the Town Hall rental $150.00 each and leave the deposit fee for alcohol at $100.00. Rental of the Fire Hall remains $50.00 and a $100.00 deposit for alcohol. Fire hall rental will be free to all Fire Dept. members. All in favor, motion passed.
CEMETERY LOT FEES: Nancy Soli motioned, seconded by James Soli to keep the cemetery lot fees $500.00 for a full lot and a half lot $250.00 for only taxpayers of Arvon Township. All in favor, motion passed.
CEMETERY CLEAN UP: Nancy Soli motioned, seconded by Nancy Strohshein to bid out the Skanee cemetery clean up again this year. All in favor, motion passed. Marinich will put an ad in the paper for bids in next week’s paper.
BOARD OF REVIEW/ZONING BOARD/ELECTION BOARD SALARIES: Board of Review wage currently is $20.00/hr with paid lunch. Nancy Soli motioned, seconded by Strohshein to keep it the same. All in favor, motion passed. The Election Chairperson wage currently is $22.00/hr. and the election workers wage is $20.00/hr, with paid lunches of $10.00 each. Nancy Soli requests the election workers lunch raise to $15.00. Nancy Soli motioned, seconded by Nancy Strohshein to keep their wages the same and raise their lunch. All in favor, motion passed. The Zoning/Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals chairperson and secretary wage is currently $80.00 per meeting, and the Zoning Board members and Zoning Board of Appeals members are currently $65.00 per meeting.
Nancy Soli motioned, seconded by Nancy Strohshein to keep their wages the same. All in favor, motion passed. All training for the Board of Review, Zoning Boards and the Election Board are paid $25.00 for a half day (up to 4 hours) and $50.00 for a full day (over 4 hours) plus mileage. Nancy Soli motioned, seconded by Nancy Strohshein to keep it the same. All in favor, motion passed. The Zoning Administrator wage is $200.00 a month. Nancy Soli motioned, seconded by Nancy Strohshein to keep it the same. All in favor, motion passed.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS: After discussion, Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to raise the Assessor’s salary from $18,249.00 to $25,200.00 annually and the Janitor’s salary from $7,500.00 to $8,400.00 annually. All in favor, motion passed.
ANNUAL MEETING ADJOURNMENT: Nancy Soli motioned, seconded by James Soli to adjourn the Annual meeting at 5:30 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
BUDGET MEETING: Clerk Marinich called the 2023-2024/2024-2025 Budget meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. at the Township Fire Hall. After the board read through the revised budget, Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the revised budget of 2023-2024. All in favor, motion passed.

After the board read through the Budget of 2024-2025, Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the 2024-2025 Budget. All in favor, motion passed.
TOWNSHIP BILL APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve paying the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
ADJOURNMENT: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to adjourn the Budget meeting at 5:45 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich
Arvon Township Clerk

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Township Board Meeting Minutes, April 7, 2025

CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township Fire Hall on April 7, 2025.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee and Keith Erickson-Trustee/absent.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the March 3,2025 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Fedie requests “Policy 2025-005 Real Property” under “New Business.” With the addition to the agenda Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
OLD BUSINESS: Strohshein let the board know that there is someone interested in a resort on Point Abbaye. There are 77 acres. This individual will be attending the April Planning Commission to introduce himself and to discuss what his plans are for this resort.
-Strohshein would like to review the townships website with the board. This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.
-Sweeney let the board know that as of now Jay Elmblad has not applied for an appeal with the Zoning Board of Appeals concerning his Skanee Rd lake front property.
NEW BUSINESS: Marinich requests to pay Richard Schnieder an annual mileage reimbursement. Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to pay him $200.00 annually. All in favor, motion passed.
-Fish would like to attend the next Supervisor’s training. Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the training when it is available. All in favor, motion passed.
-Strohshein showed the board the Building Permit Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2019. The board will put it on the agenda for next month’s meeting to consider possible increases in the permits. This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.
-The last time the Real Property policy was updated was in 2019. Fedie has an updated Policy 2025-005 Real Property to be approved. Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve the policy update. Janda and Fish also approved the motion. All in favor, motion passed.
JAMES FEDIE:
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$328,834.35, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$45,094.01 Fire Fund-$438,330.77 Liquor Fund-$743.70, Road Fund-$290,770.11.
Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting date will be May 5,2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Firehall.
ADJOURN: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to adjourn at 6:47 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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Planning Commission Qtly Meeting Minutes, January 9, 2025

Arvon Township Planning Commission Quarterly Meeting Minutes

Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 6 PM

Call to Order:

Roll Call:

Present: Nancy Strohschein (Chair), Joe Bollech, Bob Janda (Township Board Rep), Jay Loman (Zoning Board of Appeals Chair), John Salsbury Absent with Notice: Donna Preston, Buddy Sweeney (Zoning Administrator)

Recognition of visitors:  None present

Pledge of Allegiance:  Done

Comments on agenda:  None

Approval of agenda:  Motion by Bob Janda, Second by John Salsbury.  Approved.

Approval of minutes from October 10, 2024 quarterly meeting:  Motion by Joe Bollech, Second by Jay Loman.  Approved.

Public comments:  None

Chairman Comments:

  1. Robert Lindert is not going to serve another term.  Will need someone to serve as secretary.  No one volunteered to fill this role.  Nancy Strohschein will continue as Chair and Secretary for now.
  2. Notes from Monday 1/6 Board Meeting – Nancy reviewed highlights of the monthly board meeting.
  3. Annual report to board – Nancy provided a copy of the report given to the board and reviewed it with the PC.
  4. How to get John Salsbury up to speed.  John prefers to learn by experience rather than taking classes.  Nancy needs to retrieve Robert Lindert’s MTA book for John.
  5. An article in the January 2025 Township Focus publication from MTA was reviewed.  “Planning Your Planning Commission” discussed the type of skills and aptitudes that are helpful in PC members.
  6. PC Member terms:
    1. Joe Bollech – 1 Year, expires June 2025
    1. Bob Janda – per term on township board
    1. Robert Lindert – 01/03/2022, 3 years, expires 01/03/2025
    1. Jay Loman – 10/2024, 3 years, expires 10/2027
    1. Donna Preston – 10/03/2022, 3 years, expires /10/03/2025
    1. John Salsbury – October 2024, 3 years, expires October 2027
    1. Nancy Strohschein – August, 2024, 3 years, expires August 2027

Old Business:

  1. Planning commission comments/concerns – None other than what is on the agenda
  2. Buddy Sweeney:  Report from Zoning Administrator.  Buddy was not present at the meeting.  He plans to update the PC monthly on the following items.
    1. Number of zoning approvals in progress
    1. Number of building permits in progress
    1. Recent possible zoning problems
  • Concern with ZO regarding use of campers on properties.  See below in New Business.
  • Bob Janda:  Report from Township Board Rep.  Nothing to report.
  • Jay Loman:  Report from Zoning Board of Appeals – The issue of the Emblad sauna building too close to the shore is still unsettled.  Jay and Buddy need to complete the process via email and/or written document.  Per Jay, Jason and Jay Emblad do not wish to file an official ZBA request.  Next step is for Jay to send documentation to Buddy.

New Business:

  1. Plans for 2025 Quarterly Meetings:
    1. Review Master Plan: Target to review at the April 2025 meeting.
    1. Review Recreation Plan:  Target to review at the July 2025 meeting.
    1. Track any changes needed in Zoning Ordinance:  Ongoing.  See page 3 of these minutes on the issue of campers for occasional use.  This change will be made in the next update of the ZO.
  2. PC Education from the MTA Planning and Zoning Guide.  Buddy to present Part 6:  In Buddy’s absence, Nancy did her best to review Part 6 and led a discussion with the PC.

Topics for Next Meeting:

  1. PC Education – TBD.  Not sure if we will continue reviewing the MTA green book or not. 

Upcoming meetings:

  • April 10, 2025

Adjourn:  7:25 PM

Email about changing wording for campers: 

From Buddy 1/10/2025

That should work.

On Fri, Jan 10, 2025, 1:14 PM <wnstrohschein@comcast.net> wrote:

Buddy,

Regarding the campers item.  We discussed this at the meeting last night.  We believe we need to make a change in the section on temporary uses.  Page 98 of the new ZO.  We believe the definition of Recreational Vehicle is appropriate and applies to campers. 

On page 98, see the image below, we think we should remove the yellow highlighted text and replace it with “..provided the unit is not a permanent residence.  The unit should be located within the buildable area of the lot and respect setback standards for the area.”

We do not plan to make this change now.  We will track and compile needed changes and determine when to make the changes in the future.

Please let me know if this change will clarify the intent and make the it enforceable. 

Thanks!

Nancy and the PC

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Township Board Meeting Minutes, March 3, 2025

CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township Fire Hall on March 3, 2025.

ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee and Keith Erickson-Trustee.

MINUTES APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the February 3, 2025 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
OLD BUSINESS: Strohshein was absent at the meeting so the Zoning Ordinance will be tabled until next month’s meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: Arvon Township was approached by the Aura Town Hall board asking for financial help with some upgrades to the Aura Hall kitchen. Fish and Marinich contacted MTA and were advised that township tax money cannot be used.
-The Aura Fire Hall asked for money to help with a small addition on their firehall. Fish and Marinich talked with MTA about helping out monetarily with the addition, being that Aura Fire Department does help in cases of fires in Arvon Township. MTA advised that we cannot use taxpayer’s money outside of Arvon Township unless we have a contract with Aura Fire Department. The Aura Fire Department is in L’Anse Township.
JAMES FEDIE:
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$297,630.90, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$33,655.87 Fire Fund-$392,849.29 Liquor Fund-$788.36, Road Fund-$259,198.70. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting date will be April 7,2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Firehall.
-At the end of the meeting, Jason Elmblad approached the board with an issue of his building being too close to the lake. The board heard his argument and decided to turn it over to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance consideration.
ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn at 6:15 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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Township Board Meeting Minutes, February 3, 2025

CALL TO ORDER:   Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township Fire Hall on February 3, 2025.

ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee and Keith Erickson-Trustee.

MINUTES APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve January 6,2025 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

AGENDA APPROVAL: James Soli would like to add “Fire Truck” under “New Business”.  Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda with the addition under “New Business”.   All in favor, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Strohshein let the board know that the documents are done on the township’s website.  She would like to have Zoning Ordinance put on the March Regular meeting agenda. 

OLD BUSINESS:   Fish met with McBroom, Markkanen and Bonak over the tax situation in Baraga County.  They agree that Baraga County has the worst tax table in the State of Michigan, 87% of Baraga County’s property is untaxable.                                                                                                                                                                               -The remainder of the ARPA funds total $5,644.52.  Marinich would like to clarify that when the board approved the December 2024 minutes it was not clear how the remainder of the ARPA funds were spent.  $3,000.00 was used to pay for the township’s cemetery clean up spring of 2024 and the remainder of $2,644.00 was used to pay for the 2024 elections.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the remainder of the ARPA funds expenditures.  All in favor, motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:   On behalf of the Arvon Fire Department, James Soli let the board know that the fire department has a 1983 800 gallon pumper truck that is not user friendly.  With the larger homes that are being built in the township, the Fire Dept would like to purchase a 1000 gallon user friendly pumper truck.  The cost of a newer used pumper would cost approximately $150,000.00.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the purchase of a pumper truck.  All in favor, motion passed.               

-The Bay Ambulance Service Agreement for the year 2025 needs approval.  On the August 2024 election, the Ambulance/EMT millage renewal increase was voted in.  It went from .30 to .60 mills for four years.  The previous agreement was $15,006.00.  With the election millage increase the agreement increased to $30,012.00.  Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Service Agreement.  All in favor, motion passed.

-The Budget Workshop date will be set for February 24, 2025 at 4:30 P.M. at the Fire Hall.

-The Annual/Budget meeting date is set for March 24, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. at the Fire Hall.

-Jim Fedie would like to see the Board of Review pay increased.  From $20.00 an hour to half day $75.00 up to four hours and full day over four hours $150.00.  Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve the Board of Review increase.  All in favor, motion passed.                                                                                                                                                                                    -Marinich and Fedie also talked about raising the Township training pay to increase from $25.00 to $75.00 half day and over four hours to increase from $50.00 to $150.00.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the training increase.  All in favor, motion passed.

 JAMES FEDIE:

MAIL CALL:   

TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$308,128.86, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$33,655.87 Fire Fund-$386,699.58 Liquor Fund-$877.68, Road Fund-$251.815.80.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.      

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

NEXT MEETING DATE:   The next meeting date will be March 3, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Firehall.

ADJOURN: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to adjourn at 6:50 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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Planning Commission Qtly Meeting Minutes, October 10, 2024

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call – Present Nancy Strohschein (Chair), Joe Bollech, Bob Janda (Township Board Rep)
Robert Lindert (Vice Chair & Secretary), Jay Loman (Zoning Board of Appeals Chair)
Donna Preston, John Salsbury- Absent with Notice, Buddy Sweeney (Zoning Administrator)
Pledge of Allegiance: Recited
Introductions/Guests:
Approval of Agenda: Bob motioned, Donna seconded
Approval of minutes of July 11, 2024 Quarterly Meeting: Jay motioned, Bob seconded.
Chairman Comments:

  1. Welcome John Salsbury as newest PC member.
  2. Notes from Monday 10/7 Board Meeting
    a. Nancy gave an in-depth update from the meeting. Board meeting minutes are
    available on website or in office.
  3. PC Member terms:
    a. Joe Bollech – 1 Year, expires June 2025
    b. Bob Jana – per term on township board
    c. Robert Lindert – 01/03/2022, 3 years, expires 01/03/2025
    d. Jay Loman – Through August 2027
    e. Donna Preston – 10/03/2022, 3 years, expires 10/03/2025
    f. Nancy Strohschein – August 2024, 3 years, expires August 2027
    g. John Salsbury – October 2024, 3 years, expires October 2027
    Old Business:
  4. Planning Commission comments/concerns
    a. Donna wasn’t present at most of our meetings. She would like to be on record
    saying we did a great job.
  5. Bob Janda: Report from Township Board
    a. Reviewed meeting where Zoning Ordinance was adopted.
    b. Made clarifications on blight – we do NOT have a blight ordinance.
  6. Buddy Zoning Update – None
    2
  7. Jay Loman: Report from Zoning Board of Appeals
    a. Jay summarized Elmblad dispute. Nothing we can do because setbacks are
    through EGLE regarding Lake Superior.
  8. Recreation
    a. Lisa has not uploaded the recreation plan to the website yet. Needs more
    information from us.
  9. Updated ZO:
    a. Approve minutes from August 22 2024 public hearing
    i. Jay motioned, Bob seconded.
    New Business:
  10. Posting PC Minutes on website and placing in office files
    a. Robert to print out all minutes he has and leave in Fire Hall for Lisa.
    b. Nancy to fill in with her minutes when Robert was out.
  11. PC Education from the MTA Planning and Zoning Guide
    a. Buddy to present, but he is absent. Pushed to next quarterly meeting.
  12. Set 2025 Quarterly Meeting dates
    a. 2
    nd Thursday in January, April, July, and October.
    Topics for Next Meeting:
  13. PC Education – Part 6 by Buddy
    Upcoming Meetings:
  • Quarterly Meeting January 9
    th 2025 @ 6:00pm
    Adjourn: Robert motioned, Donna seconded. 6:48pm
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Public Hearing on Zoning Ordinance, August 22, 2024


Call to Order: 6:00 PM
Pledge of Allegiance: Done
Roll Call
Nancy Strohschein (Chair) – Absent with notice, Joe Bollech – Present
Bob Janda (Board Rep) – Present, Robert Lindert (Vice Chair & Secretary) – Absent with notice, Jay Loman (Board of Appeals Chair) – Present, Acting Chair
Donna Preston – Present, Acting Secretary
Introductions:

  • Jason McCarthy, Consultant, Northwoods Planning and Zoning
  • Buddy Sweeney, Zoning Administrator
    Arvon Residents Present:
  • Sue Bollech
  • Jason Emblad
  • Jay Emblad
  • Angie Emblad
  • John Salsbury
  • Kathy Salsbury
    Approval of Agenda: Motion by Donna, Second by Bob. Approved
    Agenda:
    I. Public Comment on Agenda Items – Public comments will be taken after the
    presentation by Jason McCarthy
    II. Chairman Comments – Acting Chair Jay Loman had no comments
    III. Presentation of revised Zoning Ordinance by Jason McCarthy, Northwoods Planning &
    Zoning
    A. Jason stated the tasks for the Zoning Ordinance update were to update the
    zoning, preserve rural character, address new housing alternatives such as tiny homes,
    geodesic domes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
    B. There were no changes to maps, except for district names. Live hyperlinks were
    added to provide additional information on line. Language was modernized.
    C. Changes made to each article were discussed by Jason. The most important
    changes were read to the public.
    2
  • Article 2: Definitions for ADU, blight, dark sky lighting, duplex, EMC, fence,
    geodesic dome, greenbelt, High Risk Erosion Areas (HREA), mining, mineral
    extraction, nuisance, recreational structure, Recreational Vehicle (RV),
    shipping containers, Short Term Rental (STR), signs, tiny home, utility building
  • Article 3: Changed to 6 districts. Added STR and tiny homes to be allowed.
    Included 40-foot setback for non-inhabitable structures such as sheds and
    saunas.
  • Articles 4 through 9: No significant changes
  • Article 10: Jason presented changes to Tables 1 & 2
  • Article 12: Added fire safety zone of 10 feet. Defined parking spaces for
    ADU, fence location on property line, outdoor lighting, noise. A new section
    for signs was added. HREA updated to reflect the law. Temporary uses
    better defined. Section 1217 addressed ADUs, cargo containers and shortterm rentals. The changes made to STRs were done to ensure safety to
    everyone who lives or stays in the Township.
  • Article 13: No changes made
  • Article 15: Clerical changes from Board of Appeals to Zoning Board of
    Appeals (ZBA)
  • Articles 15 through 18: No substantial changes. Updated language and
    terminology. Added hyperlinks.
    IV. Public Comment:
    A. John and Kathy Salsbury expressed concern about blight on their street. Jason
    acknowledged their concern and stated that control of blight is not done in the Zoning
    Ordinance, but must be enacted by the Township Board.
    B. Jason Emblad stated the website needs to be clarified about setback
    requirements for utility buildings. The setback from water’s edge is not clear in the
    current Zoning Ordinance. His comments were acknowledged. The updated ZO is
    clearer in this area, since the setback info has been included in the articles instead of
    only in the definition.
    C. Jason Emblad appreciated the section on signs.
    D. Jason Emblad asked about the county road easement which states that no
    building may be done within the 33-foot easement from the center of the road plus 30
    feet from the property line, which means no building can be done within 63 feet of the
    road center line. He asked how long this has been in place. Jay and Buddy answered
    that this has been in place “for a while” and is not new with this Ordinance change or
    the one adopted in 2022.
    E. Jason Emblad asked if STRs are allowed near the fire hall. Jay stated that there
    are STRs on the lake front, but not in the Business District.
    F. Jason Emblad asked how the process for a variance is done. Jason covered the
    steps that involve calling a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
    G. The public hearing portion of the meeting concluded at 7:10 PM
    3
    V. Planning Commission discussion
    Motion to proceed to adopt the revised Zoning Ordinance as presented, with minor
    typographical error corrections made by Jay, second by Bob. Roll call vote:
  • Jay Loman: yes
  • Donna Preston: yes
  • Bob Janda: Yes
  • Joe Bollech: Yes
    VI. Define Next Steps:
    A. Inform board that the updated Zoning Ordinance will be presented for their
    adoption at the October, 2024 meeting. The board needs to place a notice in the
    paper to advertise that the revised ZO will be discussed and potentially adopted
    at the October meeting.
    B. Jason will submit to Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region
    office (WUPPDR) for review and comment. They have 30 days to comment.
    C. Jason will complete the document, including table of content and appendices
    and send to Nancy Strohschein for placement on the Arvon Township website.
    D. No other Planning Commission meetings are necessary at this time.
    VII. Adjourn: Motion to adjourn made by Jay, seconded by Donna. Motion approved.
    VIII. Adjourned at 7:15 PM
Posted on

Planning Commission Work Session July 17, 2024

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Nancy Strohschein (Chair), Joe Bollech, Bob Janda (Board Rep)
Robert Lindert (Vice Chair & Secretary), Jay Loman (Board of Appeals Chair)
Donna Preston, Buddy Sweeney (Zoning Admin)
Pledge of Allegiance: Recited
Introductions/Guests: Jay Fish, Supervisor
Approval of Agenda: Robert motioned, Donna seconded.
Approval of minutes of June 26, 2024 Work Session meeting: bob motioned, Jay seconded.
Agenda:
I. Chairman comments – PC membership change.
A. PC agrees staying at 7 would be ideal since Donna leaves for the winter, and
other members may be busy at times.
II. Recreation Committee/Plan
A. Nancy asked Lisa to upload Rec Plan at the July board meeting
B. Jay Loman – Any conversation with Scott Lloyd? — Tabled
C. Jason McCarthy – Info sent to Lisa Marinich? — Tabled
III. Ordinance Update
A. Review of final draft from Jason.

  • Move all of Article 1202 section 2 letter D into Article 2 (definitions). We feel
    it’s best to have all the definitions in one spot.
  • Found various other things that needed correction. Made the corrections and
    sent these to Jason.
  • We agreed that we want Jason to mention in the public input session about
    the change of zoning districts. Also mention the changes to the various
    tables. Highlight tables names for tables that had content changed.
  • Running through the entire ZO took the majority of our meeting.
    B. Schedule next steps
    C. Final steps for ZO update
  • Receive final compiled document – Jason to provide after PC review of entire
    document before next meeting. Jason will update the table of contents and
    make sure all hyperlinks work.
    2
  • Publication on website – We need to provide at least 30 days access to the
    updated version before the public hearing.
  • Notice in paper (verbiage from Jason) – target 45 days’ notice and include a
    summary of major changes in paper. Possibly publish in early July.
  • Summary of changes – Jason will provide this for the public hearing.
  • Print copies for public input session
  • Schedule public hearing – Probably in August
  • Jason to attend hearing and present to the public.
  • Resolutions from Jason
    IV. Next meetings
    A. August 20th or August 22nd at 6:00pm, Public Input Session
    B. Township Board Meeting: Monday, August 5 at 6 PM
    C. 2024 quarterly meetings
  • Thursday, October 10
    V. Adjourn
    A. Robert motioned, Donna seconded.
    B. 7:12pm

From July 2023
Topic
1 Definitions (Included in each topic)
2 Seasonal vs Year-Round Dwellings
3 Shipping Containers as Accessory Structures
4 Outdoor Wood Boilers
5 Solar Energy Systems (SES) Residential vs Utility Grade Systems
6 Short-Term Rentals (Vacation, AirBnB, Vrbo)
7 Single & Multiple Family, & Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
8 Minimum Lot/Acreage Sizes (including Farm & Forest)
9 Alternative Designs (Tiny Homes, Domes, Yurts)
10 Zoning Map Adjustments
11 Erosion Control
12 Lighting to Support Dark Skies
13 Signs
14 Gravel Mining
15 Other Mining
16 Fences
17 Blight
18 Sanitary Code for RR Zone
19 Enforcement of Ordinance

Posted on

Planning Commission Qtly Meeting Minutes, July 11, 2024

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 6 PM
Call to Order: 6:00 PM
Roll Call:
Present: Nancy Strohschein (Chair), Joe Bollech, Bob Janda (Township Board Rep)
Jay Loman (Zoning Board of Appeals Chair), Donna Preston-Absent with Notice:
Robert Lindert (Vice Chair & Secretary), Buddy Sweeney (Zoning Administrator)
Recognition of visitors: Kathy Salisbury – Bayview Drive
Approval of agenda: Motion by Jay Loman, Second by Bob Janda. Approved.
Approval of minutes from April 10, 2024 quarterly meeting: Motion by Bob, Second by Joe.
Approved.
Public comments:
Kathy Salsbury stated her concern about property on Bayview Drive that is abandoned,
overrun and should be considered blight. She has researched the state law regarding blighted property.
Chairman Comments:

  1. Fire Hall is again available for meetings.
  2. PC Member terms:
    a. Joe Bollech – 06/04/2016, 4 years, expires 06/04/24. Joe does not wish to renew his
    term.
    b. Robert Lindert – 01/03/2022, 3 years, expires 01/03/2025
    c. Jay Loman – ?
    d. Donna Preston – 10/03/2022, 3 years, expires /10/03/2025
    e. Nancy Strohschein – 07/15/2021, 3 years, expires 07/15/2024
    Old Business:
  3. Planning commission comments/concerns: None
  4. Buddy Sweeney: Report from Zoning Administrator: Buddy not present
  5. Bob Janda: Report from Township Board Rep: Nothing to report
  6. Jay Loman: Report from Zoning Board of Appeals: No appeals
  7. Recreation Plan:
    o Nancy asked Lisa to make sure the Rec Plan gets uploaded to the State DNR site.
    o Jay Loman continues to look for an update from Scott Lloyd
    o Possible money for Covid funds for sidewalk, shed, benches and defibrillator at the park
    and Town Hall
    2
    New Business:
  8. PC Education from the MTA Planning and Zoning Guide.
    a. Jay: Part 5, pages 145 – 176: Complete
  9. Zoning Ord:
    a. Receive final draft from Jason: Nancy will send Jason our notes from the last review
    b. Confirm maps
    c. Post of website
    d. Publish in newspaper
    e. Public hearing
    f. Presentation to board
    g. Board adoption
    Topics for Next Meeting:
  10. PC Education – Part 6 by Buddy
    Quarterly Meetings in 2024 are published in the Sentinel
  • Thursday, October 10
    Upcoming meetings:
  • Wednesday, July 17: Planning Commission ZO Work Session
  • Monday, August 5: Township Board Meeting
    Adjourn: Adjourned at 7:05 PM
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