CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Jay Fish was absent from the meeting. Clerk Marinich called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township Fire Hall on February 2, 2026.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor/Absent, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee and Keith Erickson-Trustee/Absent.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve January 5, 2026. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Marinich requests adding “Planning Commission Update” under “Old Business” and “Budget workshop” and “Annual/Budget meeting” under “New Business.” With the three additions Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Tom Kurkowski informed the board that the Welcome to Arvon sign is damaged. When the snow melts down some it will be taken off and either repaired or replaced.
-Tom Kurkowski asked when the Township has their next audit. Eliason let him know that it is every two years and that this year the township has an audit. He asked if the audit could be put on the township website. Marinich has the 2024 audit that can be put on the website.
-Nancy Kurkowski asked each board member what the best way to contact them individually.
OLD BUSINESS: Nancy Strohschein gave the Annual Planning Commission report. The activities that were completed in 2025, activities in progress and planned.
-The Bay Ambulance Service Agreement for 2026 is up for renewal. The contract has no changes, $30,012.00 annually. Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the agreement. All in favor, motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS: The Township board will hold their Budget Workshop on February 25, 2026 at 4:30 at the Township Fire Hall.
The Township board Annual/Budget meeting has been changed from March 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. to March 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at the Township Fire Hall. Janda called the board members the morning after the meeting to let them know he will be out of town March 24, 2026.
JIM FEDIE:
MAIL CALL:
TREASURERS REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$293,196.84, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$39,236.17, Fire Fund-$455,962.82, Liquor Fund-$891.76, Road Fund-$330,394.65. Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda, to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting day will be March 2,2026 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Fire Hall.
ADJOURN: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn at 6:15 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk
Planning Commission Qtly Meeting DRAFT Minutes, January 22, 2026
DRAFT
Arvon Township Planning Commission Quarterly Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 6 PM
Call to Order:
Roll Call:
- Nancy Strohschein (Chair)
- Joe Bollech
- Bob Janda (Township Board Rep)
- Jay Loman (Zoning Board of Appeals Chair)
Donna Preston – Absent with notice
John Salisbury – Absent with notice
Recognition of visitors: None present
Pledge of Allegiance: Done
Comments on agenda: None
Approval of agenda: Motion: Jay Loman. Second: Bob Janda. All approved. Agenda approved as presented.
Approval of minutes from October 2025 meeting: Motion: Joe Bollech. Second: Bob Janda. All approved. Minutes approved as presented.
Public comments: None
Chairman Comments:
- Nancy Strohschein (Chair) will present the annual Planning Commission report to the Township Board at the February 2, 2026 meeting.
- Meeting Minutes: Nancy is acting as both chair and secretary, and needs additional time during the meeting to record minutes based on the Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) for Records Management and operational decisions by the Township.
- Draft minutes of Planning Commission meetings need to be available within a week of the meeting.
- Draft minutes are posted on the Arvon Township website for easy access by community members.
- Although the MCL does not require a specific format, draft meeting minutes will be typed, not hand written.
- Therefore, we will take additional time at the meeting for Nancy to type meeting minutes real-time, during the meeting.
- These minutes will be distributed to PC members for review within a week of the meeting.
- Draft minutes will be posted on the Arvon Township website by Nancy within a week of the meeting.
- Notes from recent Board Meetings, including Recreation Plan upload to State of Michigan
- December: Joe will be stepping down in June. We will serve as a 5 member PC.
- January: Lisa uploaded the Recreation Plan. We need Recreation Committee updates before we would update the plan. It’s good for 2 more years. We should consider updating the plan in 2026 with any accomplishments and recommendations, even if we do not upload a new version.
- Reminder to PC members and public that this is a meeting to conduct business as a board.
- PC Member terms:
- Joe Bollech – 1 Year, expires June 2026
- Bob Janda – per term on township board
- Jay Loman – 10/2024, 3 years, expires 10/2027
- Donna Preston – 10/03/2025, 3 years, expires /10/03/2028
- John Salsbury – October 2024, 3 years, expires October 2027
- Nancy Strohschein – August 2024, 3 years, expires August 2027
Old Business:
- Planning commission comments/concerns:
- There is concern about a family living in a camper on Park Road. Jay has been approached by several neighbors to see if there is an ordinance that should be enforced on this matter. Jay has brought it to Buddy’s attention. This may be a health department issue and not one for local zoning enforcement.
- There was discussion about how to efficiently make our Zoning Ordinance updates. We may need a work session in May to finalize the changes. We will have to go through all the steps of public hearing, posting the draft changes and posting notice in the newspaper. The group agreed that doing an update every 2 years is a good goal, unless there are things of an emergency nature that need to be addressed. It will be necessary for all PC members to do individual study before the meeting.
- Bob Janda: Report from Township Board Rep. No comments.
- Jay Loman: Report from Zoning Board of Appeals. Jay reports that he has not set a meeting date for the Marcotte’s request to expand the Finn’s toward Skanee Road. Jay spoke to Doug Mills (Baraga County Road Commission) on concerns he might have in the expansion getting close to the road. Doug did not express any concerns. Jay wants secretarial support on the ZBA so the process can run more smoothly.
- Buddy Sweeney: Report from Zoning Administrator. It was recommended by Jay Loman and other members to keep a running list of the projects the Zoning Administrator is working on. Not just adding the new ones since our last meeting. This will be good info for the public if it is included in the minutes.
- Since the last report
- A25-018 Craig Vickstrom 14166 Bay View Dr. 24X34 Garage
- A25-019 John Carroll 19494 Beesley Rd 26 X26 Garage
- New year
- A26-001 Woodland Retreats Inc. 12313 Ravenswood court, 38 X48 Garage / Apartment
- Since the last report
- Tracking Zoning Ordinance APPROVED Changes (PC has discussed and agrees)
- Change 1: Use of campers on property for occasional use. There was discussion on how to define “occasional use” to make sure people are not living in a camper year-round. Possibly use “occasional recreational use” to clarify.
- Change 2: Minimum acreage for Forest Resource. Should be 10, not 40
- Change 3: Amend section 404 with definition of “high water mark”. High water mark is where grass starts to grow. Not where the water is at the shore. May have more beach in different years.
- Change 4: Page 38 “Section 602” typo
- Change 5: Edit water setback regulations, in conjunction with high water mark.
- Change 6: Revise section on fences, to include comments from Buddy Sweeny on height and placement.
- Change 7: Remove section on Short Term Rentals, as requested by the Township Board after review by township attorney.
- Change 8: Revise/Strengthen section on civil infractions after consultation with township attorney
New Business:
- Are there any additional items to consider revising in the Zoning Ordinance? None recommended.
- Determine schedule to update the Zoning Ordinance with the approved changes.
- Nancy will find info on the approved changes and provide it to all PC members for review.
- All PC members will be prepared to discuss 1-8 and decide how changes should be done at the April 2026 quarterly meeting.
- Make draft changes in a copy of the Zoning Ordinance as a draft.
- Decide if a work session is needed in May.
- Define and publish an overall schedule for milestones and notifications of changes.
Topics for Next Meeting:
- Focus on Zoning Ordinance changes
- Each member to review relevant sections, especially for fences, high water mark and water setbacks.
Upcoming meetings:
- April 23, 2026
Adjourn:
6:49PM
Planning Commission Qtly Meeting Minutes, October 9, 2025
Arvon Township Planning Commission Quarterly Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 6 PM
Call to Order:
Roll Call: All present
Nancy Strohschein (Chair)
Joe Bollech
Bob Janda (Township Board Rep)
Jay Loman (Zoning Board of Appeals
Chair)
Donna Preston
John Salisbury
Recognition of visitors:
Kathy Salisbusy, Whitey Soli, Al Preston, Pat Janik, Diane McQueen, Nancy Kurkowski
Pledge of Allegiance: Done
Comments on agenda: None
Approval of agenda: Motion to approve by Bob Janda. Second by John Salisbury. All in favor.
Approved as presented.
Approval of minutes from July meeting: Motion to approve by Donna Preseton. Second by Jay Loman.
All in favor. Approved as presented
Public comments: Pat Janik asked if the Planning Commission would have any role in the discussion
about an easement across township property that abuts the property of Kurt Becker on Vicks Road.
Nancy Strohschein answered that there does not seem to be any role that the PC would have in that
discussion as there are no provisions in the Zoning Ordinance for establishing easements. There are
requirements for building and development within specified distances from easements and rights-of
ways, but nothing about establishing an easement.
Chairman Comments:
- Notes from Monday 10/6/2025 Board Meeting
a. Nancy continues to work with the board to update our building and zoning fees.
b. Nancy obtained permission to communicate with attorney Tinti on removing Short Term
Rentals from our Zoning Ordinance and updating the language to support Civil
Infractions for non-compliance. - Master Plan update – Not needed now. PC members agree that we do NOT need to update our
Master Plan in 2025. - Recreation Plan update – Not needed now. PC members agree that we do NOT need to update
our Recreation Plan in 2025 since there is no update from the Recreation Committee. - Reminder to Planning Commission (PC) members and public that this is a meeting to conduct
business as a board. - PC Member terms: All terms were recognized. Joe Bollech would like to officially step down in
June, 2026. Until then, we will consider Joe a member and ask him to attend whenever we
may need a quorum, especially during the winter when members may be absent. Donna plans
to renew her appointment.
a. Joe Bollech – 1 Year, expires June 2026
b. Bob Janda – per term on township board
c. Jay Loman – 10/2024, 3 years, expires 10/2027
d. Donna Preston – 10/03/2025, 3 years, expires /10/03/2028
e. John Salsbury – October 2024, 3 years, expires October 2027
f.
Nancy Strohschein – August 2024, 3 years, expires August 2027
1
Old Business: - Planning commission comments/concerns
o Donna Preston asked if we have any updates on the geodesic dome project on
Liimatainen Rd. John Salisbury reported that there has been no substantial progress.
No construction of road or septic field has been done. - Bob Janda: Report from Township Board Rep. Nothing to report.
- Jay Loman: Report from Zoning Board of Appeals – Jay reported that The Finns want to do a
20 x 30 extension on the front of the building. This would encroach on Skanee Rd setback.
Buddy Sweeney (Zoning Administrator) denied the request. The ZBA was contacted to consider
the request. Jay is making sure the ZBA follows all the regulations for meetings and decisions. - Buddy Sweeney: Report from Zoning Administrator
o Report of recent applications per email. See page 4 of this document - Accomplished in 2025 Quarterly Meetings:
o Reviewed Master Plan – April 2025
o Reviewed Recreation Plan – July 2025
o Reviewed Zoning Ordinance changes – Ongoing - Tracking Zoning Ordinance APPROVED Changes (PC has discussed and agrees)
o Change 1: Use of campers on property for occasional use
o Change 2: Minimum acreage for Forest Resource. Should be 10, not 40
o Change 3: Amend section 404 with definition of “high water mark”. This still needs to
be defined. Each PC member should review the information previously provided and be
able to discuss at the January meeting.
o Change 4: Page 38 “Section 602” typo
New Business: - Discuss article in MTA magazine about civil infraction. Nancy reviewed the article with the
PC and referred to section 1401 in our Zoning Ordinance. Nancy will have attorney Tinti
look at our language and make sure it is written properly. - Discuss Part 7 of Green Book, Planning and Zoning Issues, pages 201 through 249. A quick
review of this section was done as part of the PC’s continuing education. The topics were
the Land Division Act, Preserving Farmland, Rural Character and Open Space, Mineral and
Resource Extraction, Waterfront Overlay Zoning and Current Planning and Zoning Issues.
An outcome of this review is for Nancy to contact Jim Fedie and get a copy of our Land
Division procedure or guideline. - Review possible ZO changes.
a. Definition of “high water mark” and change in section 404. Yes, we should do this.
b. Consider changing water setbacks. Jay suggests we use the definition used by
Chassell.
c. Consider how to clarify section on fences. Height, permission from neighbors,
property line. – There was discussion on this point and it was decided that each PC
member needs to read our ordinance and come prepared to make changes at the
April 2026 meeting.
d. Remove STR section per direction from board. PC agrees to remove this per the
request from the Arvon Township Board.
e. Strengthen civil infraction language in enforcement section after consultation with
township attorney.
2 - Determine schedule to update the Zoning Ordinance with the approved changes. The
decision was made to make the changes at the April 2026 meeting. The January meeting
will be less well-attended due to PC member time away in the winter. Each PC member is
to look into each change independently and come prepared to discuss changes. - Set quarterly meetings for 2026. Quarterly meetings will be held on the 4th Thursday of
January, April, July and October in 2026. Meetings will be at 6 PM at the Fire Hall. - Do we need to set a special meeting for zoning ordinance (ZO) changes? It was decided
that we will NOT schedule a separate meeting for ZO changes at this time. We will use the
April 2026 meeting to make the changes.
Topics for Next Meeting: - PC Education? No additional education assignments from the green book were made. Instead,
each member will look into ZO statements on fences and consider what changes we need to
make, if any. This is based on Buddy Sweeney (Zoning Administrator) comments. - Spend time looking over the current ZO in sections where we need to consider changes.
Upcoming meetings:
- January 22, 2026 at 6 PM at the Fire Hall
Adjourn:
Meeting was adjourned at 7:19 PM
3
Information from Zoning Administrator
July 7, 2025:
A25-001 Lee Luft Off St.Cyr rd.
22X30 cabin
A25-002 Mark Buzenski Lakewood Dr. 32 X84 Home
A25-003 Sue Hoban Pt. Abbaye Rd. 16 X 14 cabin
A25-004 Ted Bocek Liimatainen Rd. 20 X 20 cabin
A25-005 Lee Prost Witz rd. 34X 49 garage ( ZBA Ruling)
A25-006 Dave Goodreau Bayview Dr. 16 X24 Sauna/ storage
A25-007 Brian Rule Pine Beach Dr.
14 X50 cabin ( EGLE Flood Plain ruling)
October 6, 2025:
A25-008 Kurt Allert 13934 Bay View dr. 28 X 36 home.
A25-009 Rodrigo Oyarzun 11643 Liimatainen rd.
A25-010 Bucky Marcotte 20025 Skanee Rd 20X32 band shell
A25-011 Frank Cangemi 24375 Huron Rd. 16X21 addition
A25-012 Mike Mainville 23384 skanee rd 8X8 shed.
A25-013 Ray Went 20714 Point Abbaye rd 10 X 20 Bunkhouse.
A25-014 Tony Filarski 19099 Ravenswood Ct. 12 X 28 cabin
A25-015 Bruce Pesola 14172 Bay View dr. 30 x 50 garage
A25-016 John Crissman 19060 Collins rd. 14 X 32 addition
A25-017 Mike Parnicky 22837 Skanee rd 16 X 24 Cabin
4
Water Setbacks
Portage Twp:
Chassell Twp:
5
Eagle Harbor Township:
Powell Township:
6
Township Board Meeting Minutes, January 5, 2026
CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Jay Fish was absent from the meeting. Clerk Marinich called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township Fire Hall on January 5, 2026.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor/Absent, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee and Keith Erickson-Trustee.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve December 1, 2025. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Janik asked about the FOIA request that was sent to the board in October. Marinich gave the 18 years of minutes they requested and questioned the other requests. Janik gave Marinich a copy of the request.
Bette Gabe let the board know that she likes the detailed minutes and asked when the Annual/Budget meeting will be held. The board will contact Fish about dates.
-Strohshein let the board know that January 22, 2026 the Planning Commission will be holding their quarterly meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: The Aura Hall Committee is seeking a $5,000.00 grant from Finlandia to have new siding put on a section of the Aura Community Hall. They are asking for a letter of support from the Township board. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve a letter of support. All in favor, motion passed.
-Fish reached out to MTA about the easement issue the township has with Vick’s Road. MTA suggested hiring another attorney for a second opinion, a firm that would have a fresh look at the issue. They emailed a list of attorneys in the UP. The Vick’s Road residents questioned why there is a need for another attorney. After discussion, this will be tabled until next month’s meeting.
JIM FEDIE: Fedie let the board know that the The Nature Conservancy removed 1200 acres and put it into CFR. CPI up 2.7% for 2026. Janda asked about PILT, Fedie replied maybe for the Arvon school only.
MAIL CALL:
TREASURERS REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$279,229.17, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$27,147.23, Fire Fund-$427,852.74, Liquor Fund-$936.42, Road Fund-$310,242.27. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda, to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
NEXT MEETING DATE:The next meeting day will be February 2,2026 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Fire Hall.
ADJOURN: Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to adjourn at 6:15 P.M. All in favor, motion passed
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk
Township Board Meeting Minutes, December 1, 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 December 1, 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 November 3, 2025. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Bette Gabe let the board know that 4 residents that live on Park Road attended a Baraga Road Commission meeting. Five commissioners interacted with them and answered questions they had. They told them to form a committee for Park Road. Also let them know that there is funding out there, grants, and possibly tribal money. The Township board let them know that the township could possibly match a grant.
-One of the Vick’s Road residents questioned why there was not a timer set for 3 minutes for public comment.
-Ron Carmody let the board members and Vick’s road residents know that he and his wife purchased a lot on Vick’s road.
-Pat from the Keweenaw Land Trust was present at the meeting. She was told that the KLT has been mentioned at board meetings, she wants to be informed if their property is going to be discussed at future meetings.
-Strohshein asked if the Planning Commission Update can be left on the agenda. She also let the board know that the Planning Commission will be meeting the 4th Thursday of each quarter for 2026. She also let the board know that Joe Bollech wants to step down from the Planning Commission. His term expires June 2026.
-Mary Deline questioned why there is such an issue on Vick’s Road. After the public shared their opinions, Fish let the audience know that there were several conversations going on between Arvon township residents. Fish let the public know that there is too many conversations going on at one time and they were not addressed to the board. He also let the public know that there will be no more showing up to board members places of business or their residents unless a time and date is set prior.
OLD BUSINESS: Northern Edge Land Management was the only plowing bid the township received. $65.00 per service for the Access Site and $85.00 per service for the Skanee Township Park. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the bid. All in favor, motion passed.
-MTA suggests the township not to base building fees with neighboring townships and to approve the updated fees at the next Township Annual meeting. This will be tabled until the March 2026 annual meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
JIM FEDIE:
MAIL CALL: The Township board was handed letters from the Vick’s Road residents that were present. Fish let them know that they will be turned over to the Township attorney, that they will be opened at that time.
TREASURERS REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$288,957.90, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$27,147.23, Fire Fund-$428,586.26, Liquor Fund-$981.08, Road Fund-$310,242.27. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda, to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
NEXT MEETING DATE:The next meeting day will be January 5,2026 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Fire Hall.
ADJOURN: Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to adjourn at 6:40 P.M. All in favor, motion passed
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk
Township Board Meeting Minutes, November, 3, 2025
NOVEMBER 3,2025 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
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 November 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: Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve October 6, 2025. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: At the meeting, the Carmody Family presented the Board with a proposal, building a road through the Township property, considered a work in progress, so it wasn’t handed out to the public at this time. Vick’s Road residents voiced their concerns about their privacy on Vick’s Road.
-Residents on Park Road asked if there was any way their road could be repaired. The board advised them to go to a County Road Commission meeting.
OLD BUSINESS: Supervisor Fish was asked to help with a group of retired foresters wanting to clean up the CFR issue in Arvon Township and the rest of the U.P. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve Fish to pursue the issue. All in favor, motion passed.
-Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve bids for winter plowing the access site and the Skanee Township Park. Marinich will put an ad in the paper. All in favor, motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS:
JIM FEDIE: Fedie was absent at the meeting, but he did let the board know he is out doing township field work.
TREASURERS REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$282,558.18, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$34,650.23, Fire Fund-$427,972.08, Liquor Fund-$1,042.90, Road Fund-$309,042.61. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda, to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting day will be December 1,2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Fire Hall.
ADJOURN: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to adjourn at 6:30 P.M. All in favor, motion passed
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk
Planning Commission Qtly Meeting Minutes, July 10, 2025
Arvon Township Planning Commission Quarterly Meeting Minutes
Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 6 PM
Call to Order:
Roll Call: All present
Nancy Strohschein (Chair)
Joe Bollech
Bob Janda (Township Board Rep)
Jay Loman (Zoning Board of Appeals Chair)
Donna Preston
John Salisbury
Recognition of visitors: Jay Fish, Kathy Salisbury, Whitey Soli
Pledge of Allegiance: Done
Comments on agenda: None
Approval of agenda: Motion: Bob, Second: Jay. Agenda approved.
Approval of minutes from Special meeting on May 8, 2025: Motion: Bob, Second: Jay. Minutes approved.
Public comments: Whitey Soli expressed his concern that our Zoning Ordinance has many unnecessary things in it that are not related to health, welfare and safety.
Chairman Comments:
- Nancy reviewed the notes from the Monday 7/7 Board Meeting.
- PC Member terms:
- Joe Bollech – 1 Year, expires June 2025. Willing to serve another year but prefers a replacement. Joe will get with Lisa Marinch, Township Clerk, to renew his term.
- Bob Janda – per term on township board
- Jay Loman – 10/2024, 3 years, expires 10/2027
- Donna Preston – 10/03/2022, 3 years, expires /10/03/2025. Donna is willing to serve an additional term.
- John Salsbury – October 2024, 3 years, expires October 2027
- Nancy Strohschein – August 2024, 3 years, expires August 2027
Old Business:
- Planning commission comments/concerns: None stated.
- Bob Janda: Report from Township Board Rep: Nothing to report.
- Jay Loman: Report from Zoning Board of Appeals – Jay reported that Lee Probst modified his build plans after the ZBA upheld the denied zoning application.
- Buddy Sweeney: Report from Zoning Administrator. A report of recent applications was presented via email. They are listed on page 3 of this document. Suggested changes to our Ordinance will be discussed in New Business.
- Review of accomplishments with 2025 Quarterly Meetings:
- Review Master Plan – April 2025. No changes are significant to need an update to the plan.
- Review Recreation Plan – July 2025. We should update the plan with accomplishments in 2024 and 2025. This information needs to come from the Recreation Committee.
- Tracking Zoning Ordinance APPROVED Changes (PC has discussed and agrees)
- Change 1: Use of campers on property for occasional use
- Change 2: Minimum acreage for Forest Resource. Should be 10, not 40
New Business:
- Review possible ZO changes. See information attached to this document.
- Add “from high water mark” in section 404? YES, this should be changed in the ZO as Change 3. We need a definition of “high water mark”. It was suggested to use “ordinary high water mark” for clarification. This needs more study at the October meeting.
- Consider changing water setbacks – Move to October agenda
- Page 38 “Section 602” typo – Approved to fix this typo. Make Change 4.
- Page 85/86. Should we have height min and max for residential? – Revisit this at the October meeting. More discussion is needed.
- Review process for Special Meeting and approval of Liimatainen Rd dome resort. Nancy reviewed the process we used to complete this request. We agreed that it went smoothly, everyone who wished to speak was heard, and the outcome was fair. We did follow the correct process as far as notification, documentation and communication. Nancy discussed the option to set a performance bond for the applicant, as this was suggested by our Township attorney.
- Review of Recreation Plan for updates. The plan is very good as it is and no major changes are needed.
- Change 1: Donna suggested that we remove the proposed plan for a kayak launch at the property on Witz Rd since it is a non-viable project. Everyone agreed.
- Change 2: The Recreation Committee needs to write up what was done in 2024 and 2025 so it can be included in the plan. Jay Fish is going to talk with Scott Lloyd about this and will get back to us.
- Plan PC education for October meeting. It was decided that each member will read Part 7 of the green book in preparation for the October meeting. This includes pages 201 through 249.
Topics for Next Meeting:
- PC Education discussion on Part 7
- Review Zoning Ordinance
- Set 2026 meeting dates
Upcoming meetings:
- October 9, 2025
Adjourn: 7:15 PM
Information from Zoning Administrator July 7, 2025:
Zoning Report
A25-001 Lee Luft Off St.Cyr rd. 22X30 cabin
A25-002 Mark Buzenski Lakewood Dr. 32 X84 Home
A25-003 Sue Hoban Pt. Abbaye Rd. 16 X 14 cabin
A25-004 Ted Bocek Liimatainen Rd. 20 X 20 cabin
A25-005 Lee Prost Witz rd. 34X 49 garage ( ZBA Ruling)
A25-006 Dave Goodreau Bayview Dr. 16 X24 Sauna/ storage
A25-007 Brian Rule Pine Beach Dr. 14 X50 cabin ( EGLE Flood Plain ruling)
Water Setbacks
Portage Twp:
Chassell Twp:
Eagle Harbor Township:
Powell Township:
Township Board Meeting Minutes, October 6, 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 October 6, 2025.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason- Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee and Keith Erickson-Trustee.
MINUTES APPROVAL: In the September 8, 2025 minutes, excepted was corrected to ACCEPTED and OTHERS ALSO COMMENTED ON THE VICK’S ROAD has been added. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the minutes with the one correction and the one addition. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Several people made comments about different issues within the township. The board took it under advisement.
PLANNIING COMMISSION UPDATE: Strohschein asked the board if she could work with the township attorney on Planning Commission questions. Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to approve working with Tinti. All in favor, motion passed. She also asked about the Rec Plan, whether the board is going to put it on MIGrants website to use for future grants for the township. Strohschein also commented that she and Kay Erickson are working on the township website.
-The township board and Nancy Strohschein will work on updating the building permit fees for next month’s meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
JIM FEDIE:
TREASURERS REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$284,994.27,
Ambulance/EMT Fund-$33,983.73, Fire Fund-$422,240.37, Liquor Fund-$1,087.56, Road Fund-$302,721.02. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting day will be November 3, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Fire Hall.
ADJOURN: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to adjourn at 6:30 P.M. All in favor, motion passed
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk
Township Board Meeting Minutes, September 8, 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 September 8, 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 August 4,2025 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Vick’s Road residents voiced their concerns during “Public Comment” and presented the Township Board with letters explaining their concerns. OTHERS ALSO COMMENTED ON THE VICK’S ROAD.
The Township Board excepted ACCEPTED their letters and now township property, they will be put in a township file. No action was taken.
OLD BUSINESS: Strohschein let the board know that the Planning Commission will be holding their quarterly meeting on October 9, 2025, also Donna Preston’s term is up in October. Preston let the board know that she is interested in another three year term. Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to approve Preston for a three year term as member of the Planning Commission. All in favor, motion passed. Marinich will swear in Preston on September 11, 2025. Strohschein asked the board about either keeping the short term rentals in the ordinance or just to remove it. The board motioned to take it out of the ordinance. Strohschein also let the board know that House Bill 4076 is in negotiation, State revenue sharing will be going down for the township.
NEW BUSINESS: The Township purchased 2 new 34’ aluminum docks for the Skanee Park boat ramp. Purchased from Feighner Company out of Gwinn for $11,253.12.
JAMES FEDIE:
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$284,994.27,
Ambulance/EMT Fund-$33,983.73, Fire Fund-$422,240.37, Liquor Fund-$1,087.56, Road Fund-$302,721.02.
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 day will be October 6,2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Firehall.
ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn at 6:45 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk
Township Board Meeting Minutes, August 4, 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 August 4, 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 July 7,2025 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Strohshein would like “Planning Commission Update” under “Old Business.” With the addition, Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Donna Preston expressed how her family liked the new pickleball court. Asked if the township could put a basketball there.
OLD BUSINESS: Vick’s Road residents request to be on the agenda to discuss the Vick’s Road easement issue.
Supervisor Fish advised them that the Arvon Township board is out and does not want any part of this easement issue. Vick’s Road residents want the Board to change the July 7,2025 minutes, they don’t believe that “easement through Arvon Township’s property on Vick’s Road in Aura” is accurate. After discussion, the Township board is leaving the minutes as is until they contact the township attorney. They also asked if there is documentation proving that the Township Board gave Pete Carmody easement through the Township property years ago. One of Vick’s Road residents let the board know that they talked to the Arvon Township Attorney Tinti and he told them to put up a gate. On several occasions during the meeting, Supervisor Fish advised them that the Arvon Township
Board is out and that this issue is between the Carmody family and the Vick’s Road residents.
-Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the State Disaster Cost Participation Agreement. This is funds that the Baraga County Road Commission will receive towards the May flooding. All in favor, motion passed.
-Nancy Strohshein asked the Township board to look into updating building fees. The board will get more information from other townships to compare fees for the October meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: Marinich would like approval for the Election inspectors for the August 5,2025 election. Jenny Janda-election chairperson, Gail Hollon and Shirley Soli election inspectors. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the workers. All in favor, motion passed.
JAMES FEDIE: Fedie let the board know that the Board of Review met on July 22, 2025.
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$313,529.61, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$40,942.37 Fire Fund-$420,900.19 Liquor Fund-$609.72, Road Fund-$295,756.33. Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Janda 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 September 8,2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Firehall.
ADJOURN: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to adjourn at 6:35 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk