Township Board Meeting Minutes, June3, 2024


CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township town hall on June 3, 2024.
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 the May 6,2024 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Bette Gabe would like to thank Bob and Kathy Janda for all the work they did to improve the Vets monument. Donna Preston let the board know that the new township signs are beautiful.
OLD BUSINESS: Preston let the board know that the Planning Commission will be meeting this week to finalize the ordinance for next month’s meeting.
-Tom Olson painted the lines at the basketball court for pickle ball. Mary Deline gave the township a packet of costs for a pickle ball court at the park and possibly purchasing a shed for the equipment. JCS in Baraga puts up fencing for pickle ball courts. Also maybe 2 benches for the court.
NEW BUSINESS: Kelly Erickson requests a new weed eater for the township grounds, approximately $500.00.
Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve it. All in favor, motion passed.
-The township has their audit this year. Rukkila has done it for many years. Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve Rukkila. All in favor, motion passed.
-After proof-reading the townships millage renewals, Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the wording for the Fire Dept millage, Ambulance/EMT millage and the Road millage. All in favor, motion passed.
-Tikky’s tree service was the only bid for the removal of 12 trees at the township hall. The bid was $9,500.00 for taking down and removing the trees. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve Tikky’s bid. All in favor, motion passed.
-UPSET is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that is committed to the safety and well-being of the citizens in the UP. They are seeking funding to assist with operating expenses which greatly enhance investigative efforts in our community. UPSET does not receive operating expenses from the State and is funded by local municipalities,
grants and private donors. The township contributed to UPSET back in 2020 and 2021 each year $1,000.00.
Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve a contribution of $1,000.00 to UPSET. Erickson, Janda, Eliason and Marinich approved, Fish opposed. Motion is passed.
JAMES FEDIE:
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$321,510.34, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$27,387.72Fire Fund-$341,448.74 Liquor Fund-$643.47, Road Fund-$215,687.13. 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 date will be July 1,2024 at 6:00 P.M. at the township firehall.
ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn at 6:40 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Cler

Township Board Meeting Minutes, May 6, 2024


CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township town hall on May 6, 2024.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee and Keith Erickson-Trustee.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the April 1,2024 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Supervisor Fish requests three additions to the agenda-Old Business, “Tree Removal” and under New Business “Nature Conservancy” and “Mining Company”. With the three additions Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Tom Kurkowski requests that the township attorney Tinti put in writing the conclusion to the property easement issue and have it added to the deed so this does not happen again.
OLD BUSINESS: Strohshein let the board know that the Planning Commission should have the ordinance update completed at the May meeting. There will be public input this summer. She also received all the paperwork from Nancy Soli that has to do with the township land down by the Witz Marina. A suggestion was made to get it surveyed.
-The family that was interested in donating the Ravine River Cemetery to the Township does not want to pursue the issue anymore.
-After discussion, the trees behind the Skanee Township Hall are not safe and need to be removed. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the tree removal. Marinich will put an ad in the paper for bids with a deadline of May 31st
.
NEW BUSINESS: The Ambulance millage expires this year. Bay Ambulance is requesting an increase from .30 to .60 mills to be put on the Arvon Township ballot on August 6, 2024. After discussion, Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the increase millage proposal. All in favor, motion passed.
-The Road millage expires this year which is 1 mill. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Road millage proposal to be put on the August 6, 2024 ballot. All in favor, motion passed.
-The Fire Millage expires this year which is 1.5 mills. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Fire Hall Millage proposal to be put on the August 6, 2024 ballot. All in favor, motion passed.
-Fish met with the Nature Conservancy that purchased All Woods land. They let him know that most roads will remain open, some of the secondary roads will be closed. Leased land may put up No Trespassing signs.

  • Fish talked to a mining company called Talin. They would like to set up a presentation in the near future.
    JAMES FEDIE:
    MAIL CALL:
    TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$348,324.23,
    Ambulance/EMT Fund-$27,387.72Fire Fund-$366,997.67Liquor Fund-$640.30, Road Fund-$215,811.87.
    Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
    BILL APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
    NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting date will be June 3,2024 at 6:00 P.M. at the township firehall.
    ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn at 7:10 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
    Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

Township Board Meeting Minutes, April 1, 2024

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 1, 2024.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee and Keith Erickson-Trustee.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the March 4,2024 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Jordan Hoover would like to do a presentation at the township hall on how the hunting issues that are in the U.P. Fish will get dates from him when he would like to come.
-The Township meetings will be held at the Town hall until the light fixtures are replaced.
-Strohshein would like to see the Township board meeting dates put on the website from now on. Kay Erickson said it could be done.
-Marinich let the board know that the rebar is in and at the Skanee Cemetery vault. Jim Nankervis and friends
can now measure the lots out and mark them properly.
OLD BUSINESS: Strohshein let the board know that the Planning Commission will be holding their quarterly meeting April 10th and another meeting after that to work on the Zoning Ordinance. She let the board know that a Blight Ordinance is not in our ordinance and that she has heard from the public that there should not be one, that this has been discussed in the past and turned down. They will be finishing up with the ordinance changes soon.
-Strohshein has had calls about the Ravine Cemetery. The ones that own it would like the township to take it over and maintain it. She would like the owners to come to next month’s meeting on this issue. This will be added to the agenda for next month.
-Strohshein would like to see the APFRF funds be used for Park purposes. She is not aware of any meetings from the volunteer Recreation group.
-Attorney Tinti spoke on the results of his historical and public records review as to whether an easement existed to benefit the Township of Arvon real estate described as Government Lot 1, Section 15, Township 52 North, Range 31 West. The review indicated that while an easement exists across Sections 16 and 21, Township 52 North, Range 31 West to benefit Government Lot 1, no easement of record provides access through Section 15, Township 52 North, Range 31 West to benefit Government Lot 1. The common law
easement theories of implied grant, implied that the Township of Arvon does not have an easement through Section 15 to benefit Government Lot 1. A considerable amount of questions from the Township Board and the public then ensued. At the of the presentation, Attorney Tinti recommended to the Township Board that no further legal actions were prudent.
NEW BUSINESS:
JAMES FEDIE:
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$358,705.39,
Ambulance/EMT Fund-$27,387.72, Fire Fund-$366,966.84 Liquor Fund-$726.45, Road Fund-$215,811.87.
Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting date will be May 6,2024 at 6:00 P.M. at the township hall due to light fixtures being replaced at the firehall.
ADJOURN: Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to adjourn at 7:10 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

2023 Arvon Township Annual/Budget Meeting Minutes March 28, 2023

CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Jay Fish called the March 28, 2023 Annual/Budget meeting to order that was held at the Skanee Fire Hall at 5:00 P.M.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Krystal Larson-Treasurer, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Robert Janda-Trustee, Chris Wahmhoff-Trustee absent.
ROLL CALL: Taken at 5:00 p.m.
MARCH 30, 2022 MINUTES APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the minutes of the March 30, 2022 meeting. All in favor, motion passed.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason, to approve the Agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
SUPERVISOR’S TOWNSHIP UPDATE:
TOWNSHIP HALL MAINTENANCE: No hall maintenance was done this fiscal year.
DEPOSITORY: Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda 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 $9,187.00 the Clerk and Treasurer’s yearly salary is $10,762.00 and the Trustee’s is $105.00 per meeting. With the approved 5% yearly elected official increase, the new yearly wage for the Supervisor will be $9,646.32, Clerk and Treasurer $11,300.40 yearly and the Trustees $119.44 per meeting. 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. Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to leave it the same. All in favor, motion passed.
MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATES: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Federal Government rate per mile for reimbursement. All in favor, motion passed.
TOWN HALL/FIRE HALL RENTAL FEES AND AGREEMENTS: Janda motioned, seconded by
Eliason 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. The Fire hall rental will be free to all Fire Dept. members. All in favor, motion passed.
CEMETERY LOT FEES: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to keep the cemetery lot fees $500.00 for a full lot and a half lot $250.00 for the taxpayers of Arvon Township. All in favor, motion passed.
CEMETERY CLEAN UP: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to bid out the Skanee cemetery cleanup again this year. All in favor, motion passed. Marinich will put an ad in the paper for bids in next weeks paper.
BOARD OF REVIEW/ZONING BOARD/ELECTION BOARD SALARIES: Board of Review wage currently is $20.00/hr with paid lunch. Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda 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. Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to keep their wages the same. 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 are currently $65.00 per meeting. Janda motioned, seconded by Janda to keep their
wages the same. All in favor, motion passed. Any training for the Board of Review, Zoning Boards or the Election Board will be paid $25.00 for a half day (up to 4 hours) and $50.00 for a full day (over 4 hours) plus mileage. Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to keep the Zoning Administrator at $200.00 a month. All in favor, motion passed.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:
ANNUAL MEETING ADJOURNMENT: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn the Annual meeting at 5:20 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.

Township Board Meeting Minutes, March 4, 2024

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 5, 2024.

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 the February 5, 2024 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:  Fish talked to the township attorney.  Tinti will be attending next month’s meeting to present to the board what he has found out on the land easement issue on the Aura side of Arvon Township. This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-The new Township Zoning Administrator Buddy Sweeney let the board know that he is waiting until Ken Anderson gets home from wintering south.  He would like to talk to Ken about the township assessing. 

-Strohshien let the board know that the Planning Commission is working through zoning updates, short term rentals, considering some sort of blight ordinance and updating definitions.  They missed the deadline for grants this year but can apply for grants next year.  She would like to know who is on the Board of Appeals.

-After discussion, Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason, to approve a volunteer Recreation group with no written by laws.  Scott Lloyd, Kathy Salsbury, Mary DeLine and Pat DeLine. All in favor, motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:  Bob Witz offered to put a metal dumpster in Arvon Township for free metal disposal.  This will be tabled until Marinich talks to Witz about the details and responsibilities.  

 JAMES FEDIE:  Fedie let the board know that Baxter retired from the Board of Review.  His term ends in January 2025.  Gilbert Martinez is interested in the remainder of Baxter’s term; Martinez is certified until 2025.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda, to approve Martinez to sit on the Board of Review.  All in favor, motion passed.

MAIL CALL:   

TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$318,320.16, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$22,539.24 Fire Fund-$327,807.46 Liquor Fund-$771.11, Road Fund-$187,131.99.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda, to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.      

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

NEXT MEETING DATE:   The next meeting date will be April 1, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.

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

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

Township Board Meeting Minutes, February 5, 2024

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 January 8, 2024.

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

MINUTES APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the January 5, 2024 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Mary DeLine let the board know that the Pickleball players love having the township hall open this winter.

OLD BUSINESS:  Strohshein let the board know that the Planning Commission is ready to have Marinich upload the Rec Plan to Michigan Dept of Resources. 

-Strohshein let the board know that the Planning Commission held an open house/meeting on January 31, 2024.  They wanted to know who might be interested in being on a possible Rec Committee. 

-Strohshein also would like to see the Board of Appeals board members get straightened out. To find out who is left on the board, if they are still interested in being on the board.

-Tom and Nancy Kurkowski were present at the meeting concerned about the township easement issue.  They thought that this was a dead issue years ago.  This will be tabled until next months meeting.  Jay will contact the township attorney. 

-Buddy Sweeney was the only applicant for the Zoning Administrator position.  After discussion, Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve Sweeney as the townships new Zoning Administrator.  All in favor, motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:  Fish attended an Energy webinar.  After discussion, this will be tabled until there is more information on this topic.

-Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to hold the Arvon Township Budget Workshop at 4:30 p.m. on March 29, 2024 at the Skanee Fire Hall.  All in favor, motion passed.

-Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to hold the Arvon Township Annual/Budget meeting on March 27, 2024 at 4:30 p.m at the Skanee Fire Hall.  All in favor, motion passed.

-The Bay Ambulance Service Agreement is up for renewal with the Township. The amount remains the same as last year, $15,006.00.  Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agreement.  All in favor, motion passed.

-Bay Ambulance is reaching out to all the Baraga County townships to increase their millage for the Amb/Emt.  This will be tabled until the board has more information on the issue.

JAMES FEDIE:    

MAIL CALL:   

TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$312,232.69, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$16,811.44 Fire Fund-$299,682.88 Liquor Fund-$815.77, Road Fund-$168,030.46.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.      

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

NEXT MEETING DATE:   The next meeting date will be March 4, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.

ADJOURN:  Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn at 7:05 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

Township Board Meeting Minutes January 8, 2024

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 4, 2023.

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

MINUTES APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the December 4, 2023 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

OLD BUSINESS:  Strohshein let the board know that the Planning Commission will be holding a public meeting on January 31, 2024 in seek of a volunteer Recreation Committee.

-Fish let the board know that he went to Ken Anderson’s to pick up the remainder of information that Ken had on the land easement issue.  Fish met with the township attorney, Tinti, to find out the hours he has into this issue and to fire him.  Tinti told him he only had 2.5 hours because the paper work Fish brought to him the first time was a dead end.  Both of them looked at the information that  Anderson released and found out all the information Tinti will need was here including the map.  Tinti will have an answer for the township within six weeks.  Table until next months meeting.

-Buddy Sweeney and Jason McCarthy applied for the Zoning Administrator position.  After discussion, Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to set up interviews with the two gentlemen.  Table until next months meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:  Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve Jenny Janda/Chairperson and Debbie Sheldon, Sharon Ollila and Randee Collins/inspectors for the upcoming February 27, 2024 election.  All in favor, motion passed.

-Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve Jenny Janda/Chairperson and Debbie Sheldon, Sharon Ollila and Randee Collins/inspectors for the upcoming February 27, 2024 election.  All in favor, motion passed.     

JAMES FEDIE:    

MAIL CALL:   

TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$323,218.02 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$16,811.44 Fire Fund-$302,165.78 Liquor Fund-$860.43, Road Fund-$168,030.46.  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 date will be February 5, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.

ADJOURN:  Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to adjourn at 6:55 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

Township Board Meeting Minutes, December 4, 2023


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 4, 2023.
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 November 6, 2023 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
OLD BUSINESS: Strohschein let the board know that when the Recreation Plan is complete, it will have to be uploaded to the MiGrants DNR site. Merrie Carlock from the State let Strohschein know that Lisa Marinich is the only authorized official to use the MiGrants account. Marinich let Strohschein know that when it is ready to be uploaded she will do it if approved by the board.
-Strohschein requests that the board approve formation of a Recreation Committee in December. No more than five volunteers on the committee. She would like to have an organizational meeting in January, open to all who are interested, and specifically inviting the people who expressed interest on the survey. Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliasion to approve a five person volunteer Rec Plan Committee. All in favor, motion passed.
-Fish is meeting with Tinti on December 5, 2023 to retrieve the townships papers on the land division issue.
NEW BUSINESS: For the State to take permanent electrical authority for the Township of Arvon, the Township will need to rescind its ordinance which gives it electrical code responsibility. If the Township doesn’t have an ordinance to rescind, it will need to create an ordinance rescinding its authority and state it is transferring electrical code authority to the State of Michigan. Marinich will put this on next months agenda.
-Marinich let the board know that she applied for a MiFire Equipment Grant back in April. The state emailed a letter the end of November that the township was granted 10,000.00. Marinich will proceed with all the documents the state requires.
-Marinich let the board know that the Election Proposal 22-2 has made many changes in the up coming elections. The election will be open for voting nine days prior to the day of elections, there will be more hours for the clerk. This will be tabled until next months meeting.
-Fish talked to Tikky’s Tree service about removing the tree that fell down at the Skanee Cemetery. Tikky’s is closed for business in the winter months. This will be taking care of in the spring.
-Years prior, the township billed the Skanee School half for plowing the Access Site. The school uses it daily
for student transferring. The bill the year is $1,200.00. After discussion the board decided to bill the school half $600.00.
JAMES FEDIE:
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$322,366.77
Ambulance/EMT Fund-$20,562.94 Fire Fund-$302,275.60 Liquor Fund-$877.59, Road Fund-$170,030.46.
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: Due to the New Year holiday, the next meeting date will be January 8, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire Hall.
ADJOURN: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to adjourn at 6:40 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

Forming a Recreation Committee

The Arvon Township Board is looking for 5 volunteers to advise the Board on recreation opportunities in the township. We will hold an informational Open House on January 31 at 6 PM in the Skanee Fire Hall. At this meeting, the recently completed Recreation Plan will be reviewed and the duties of the Recreation Committee will be presented.

If you would like to be part of the Recreation Committee, please plan to attend the meeting. You can contact any member of the Planning Commission or Nancy Strohschein, Chair, if you have questions.

You can find the Planning Commission member contact information here.

Planning Commission Work Session November 9, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Work Session
Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 6:00 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Nancy Strohschein (Chair), Joe Bollech (Board of Review), Bob Janda (Board Rep), Robert Lindert (Vice Chair & Secretary), Jay Loman (Board of Review Chair), Donna Preston – Absent with notice, Ken Anderson (Zoning Administrator) –
Absent with notice
Pledge of Allegiance: Recited
Introductions/Guests: Jason McCarthy expected to attend in person
Approval of Agenda: Motion: Jay, Second: Bob
Approval of minutes of October 19, 2023 Work Session: Motion: Bob, Second: Joe
Agenda:
I. Recreation Plan
A. Status from Jason – Need completed plan to publish and print.

  • Jason will need to set up an account with the State DNR so we can upload the
    plan then apply for grants. Nancy will be the point person for this account.
    Jason still needs to add all the appendices, which he does have, then it will
    be complete. Nancy asked him to have it to her by 11/27/23 so it can be
    posted on the website and printed.
    B. Comments not part of Rec Plan – No action taken yet
  • Same
    C. Comment from resident via Donna Preston about kayak park location
  • Donna sent us all an email with a suggestion from a resident to put the kayak
    park at the township park, instead of at the undeveloped strip of land near
    Wtiz’ Marina. Although that makes sense for access, the beach at the
    proposed new site is much better. This project is a 2025 project. We will
    want the Recreation Committee to look into this.
    D. Recreation Committee – Update from request to board on November 6, 2023
  • Nancy provided the document that was used for discussion at the board
    meeting, which listed the names of the volunteers. The board did not take
    action on this request. Jason clarified that he recommends 5 people on the
    Rec Cte, not 7. There may be a public act that requires a Rec Cte. He will
    look into this. He suggests the committee meets 4 times a year and has
    diversity of age and skills.
    II. Ordinance Update – Led by Jason
    A. New definitions – Incorporation into districts
  • Discussed mobile homes; we want to allow them because it adds tax value to
    the township.
  • General residential will be the only district to allow duplexes and multi-family
    units.
  • Short term rentals will be permitted everywhere except General Residential
    where it will be permitted with special conditions. In all districts it will
    require a permit.
  • Shipping containers are an accessory use, not principal use.
  • Discussed sauna buildings being put under same conditions as outdoor wood
    boilers.
  • Discussed principal use versus accessory uses.
    B. Other topics per Jason’s guidance
    III. Next meetings
    A. December 7th 2023: Planning Commission work session
    B. 2024 quarterly meetings will be moved to Thursdays. The incorrect dates were
    listed for April and October in the previous agenda. Below are the correct dates.
  • January 11
  • April 11
  • July 11
  • October 10
    Adjourn – Motioned by Jay, seconded by Robert. Adjourned @ 7:15pm
);