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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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
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Township Board Meeting Minutes, November 6, 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 November 6, 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 October 2, 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: Strohshein asked if the Sawmill Road property was sold and if it was, was it tagged. Fish let her know that the property has been sold and that is all he knows as of now.
-Strohshein let the board know that there is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Baraga County residents that live on the lake or river. FEMA flood insurance is available. Strohshein let the board know that the Planning Commission is done with the FEMA issue.
OLD BUSINESS: Nancy Strohshein let the board know that the Planning commission will be working with their consultant through the winter. She would like to get a Recreation Committee started also. There are several people that marked on the survey that the PC sent out that would be interested in volunteering to be on the Recreation Committee board.
-Marinich will post a notice in the paper for a Zoning Administrator position opening in Arvon Township starting the first of the year.
-Fish let the board know that Tinti finally returned his phone calls. Tinti let Fish know that he has read through everything. Last month the board passed that we retrieve the papers from Tinti and hire a new township attorney. After discussion, Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to have Fish drive to Tinti’s office and pick up all the papers concerning the land easement issue. Marinich said she will also like to go. Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to get all the papers from Tinti and to pay mileage. All in favor,motion passed.
-K&N Contractors resubmitted their bid with more details. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the bid of $47,850.00. All in favor, motion passed.
-Royal Lawn Care was the only bid for the Access site-$1,200.00 and the Skanee Park-$800.00. Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the bid. All in favor, motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS:
JAMES FEDIE:
MAIL CALL: Fish received a letter from Thomas and Debra Armstrong that have property on 6 Pack Alley Rd. They want Arvon Township to maintain that road claiming that the township has the machines necessary to maintain this road. The Township is not responsible for maintaining private roads.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$318,469.96; Ambulance/EMT Fund-$20,562.94; Fire Fund-$303,472.89; Liquor Fund-$922.25; Road Fund-$171,330.46.
Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson 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 December 4, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.
ADJOURN: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to adjourn at 7:00 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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Township Board Meeting Minutes October 2, 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 October 2, 2023.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the September 11, 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: Bette Gabe requests that the agenda have 2 public comments, one in the beginning and one at the end.
-Linnea Barron let the township board know that she is retiring from the Planning Commission as of October 1, 2023. The township board decided to leave the members as they are for now. There will be 5 members until spring when Donna Preston returns home from wintering there will be 6 members.
OLD BUSINESS: Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to approved Keith Erickson as the replace of Chris Wahmhoff’s position as township trustee. All in favor, motion passed. Erickson will sit on the board October 2, 2023 meeting.
-After discussion, the township board will look for a new township attorney. Fish will drive to Tinti’s office and pick up all the township papers. Fish asks for mileage. Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to approve looking for a new attorney and mileage reimbursement. All in favor, motion passed.
-K&N Contractors is the only one that bid on the township hall restoration. The bid was $47,850.00. Would take approximately a month to finish and they will start first thing in the spring. After going through the bid, the board decided that the there needs to be more details. Marinich will contact K&N for a more detailed bid. This will be tabled until next months meeting.
-Homestead Graphics quote for 2 Skanee cemetery signs- $50.00 each, one Welcome to Skanee sign- $450.00, one Welcome to Arvon Twp sign-$450.00 and 1 Aura sign-$200.00. Janda motioned, seconded by Eliasion to approve the signs. All in favor, motion passed.
-Strohshein let the board know that flood insurance is based out of Maryland and is expensive for people that have a mortgage. The planning commission will have this issue on their October 11th meeting. The planning commission is also requesting a Recreation Commission.
-Marinich and Eliason let the board know that $60,000.00 was taken out of the General Fund and put into a 15 month 4.9% CD. After discussion, Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to put another $300,000.00 into a 5 month CD. All in favor, motion passed. Mills was present at the meeting and asked if the board would be willing to put the Road Fund money into a CD since the money won’t be used until 2025. Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve putting the Road Fund money into a higher rate CD. All in favor, motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS: Jim Nankervis will be surveying the Skanee Cemetery. Marinich will contact him to see what he will need.
-Bill Menge let Fish know that the Marquette Twp. Supervisor told him that Marquette County cannot maintain the Mouth of the Huron. Menge is willing to talk to the Marquette Council about Arvon township taking it over.
-Marinich requests keeping the Skanee Township hall open for the winter due to a February 2024 election. There is an exercise group that would also like to see it stay open. Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve it open for winter. All in favor, motion passed.
-Plowing the access site and township park will be tabled until next months meeting.
JAMES FEDIE: Fedie let the board know he had training. Also the Skanee school will be proposing from 11% to 13% school millage in the up coming election.
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$319,780.37
Ambulance/EMT Fund-$20,768.06 Fire Fund-$304,818.13 Liquor Fund-$1,011.57, Road Fund-$171,330.46.
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 date will be November 6, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.
ADJOURN: Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn at 7:15 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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Planning Commission Work Session September 21, 2023

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chair; Linnea Barron, Secretary; Joe Bollech, Board of Review, Bob Janda, Township Board Rep; Robert Lindert, Vice Chair; Jay Loman, Board of Review Chair; Donna Preston; Ken Anderson, Zoning Administrator.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  Jason McCarthy

Approval of Agenda:  Robert made a motion to accept the agenda, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Approval of minutes of August 17, 2023, work session:  Bob made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.

Approval of minutes of September 7, 2023, Public Hearing:  Robert made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

I. Recreation Plan

  1. The Recreation Plan was unanimously adopted by the township board at the September 11, 2023, board meeting with two small changes.  1.  Change board member’s name Krystal Larson to Krystal Eliason in the acknowledgements.  2.  On page 6, change verbiage for trails from “…rugged terrain and miles of trails.” To “…rugged terrain and miles of ATV-riding opportunities on privately owned forest land.”
  2. Approval from board to have one copy printed in color as our official record kept at the Fire Hall office.
  3. Jason stated he needs for the resolution of the Recreation Plan a copy of the minutes from the board meeting approving the plan and he will add the appendix.

II. Ordinance Update

  1. Jason provided a copy of Article II-Definitions, including new and updated definitions.  Discussion with some changes as follows:  Page 8, use ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) instead of ECHO Housing.  Page 10, High Risk Erosion Area is new.  Page 11, Home Occupations, definition okay, but if changes to neighborhood may need permit.  Page 12, Mining Extraction.  Remove wording “but not including”.  Page 12 and 13, Mobile Home.  Robert suggested removal of skirting information in definitions and utilize it in the ordinance.  Page 13, Native Protection Strip.  Similar to buffer definition.  Remove Native Protection Strip and keep definition on buffer.  Also need definition for greenbelt.  Page 17, Recreational Vehicle (RV).  Remove the quote (It is not a “mobile home.”)   A seasonal home definition is needed.
  2. In the zoning map there is no R1A and R1B, so we are eliminating these districts.
  3. Jason gave us homework for the next work session.  We are to determine where the following definitions would be appropriate:  Duplex; Geodesic Dome; Recreational Structure; Shipping/Cargo Container; Tiny Home.

III.  Next meetings.

  1. Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 6 p.m. – Quarterly Planning Commission Meeting.  Work session planned for the same date right after the quarterly meeting.

Adjourn:  Robert made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.  Adjournment 7:22 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary and Nancy Strohschein, Chair

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Planning Commission Public Hearing on Recreation Plan September 7, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Public Hearing for Recreation Plan

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Call to Order:  6:00 PM

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chair; Linnea Barron, Secretary, Bob Janda, Township Board Representative Robert Lindert, Vice Chair; Jay Loman, Board of Review Chair.  Absent:  Joe Bollech with notice.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited.

Introductions/Guests:  Jason McCarthy, consultant; John and Kathy Salisbury; Jay Fish, Township Supervisor.

Approval of Agenda:  Jay made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Donna.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan introduction by Jason.

            Jason highlighted from the recreation plan that the Arvon Township Recreation Plan (2024-2028) serves as a road map to the future regarding recreation planning and development within the community.  The plan’s primary focus is to ensure that quality recreational opportunities are available for users of all ages and abilities. Recreation provision in Arvon Township is a key component of community planning, as it serves as a benchmark for how residents and visitors view their quality of life.  The plan includes an introduction to what this plan is and why we need it, how to use the plan, and funding.  Contents include a community description, administrative structure, recreation inventory, description of the planning process, description of the public input process, goals and objectives and action plan.  Each area has its importance in developing a recreation plan as the information obtained assists in exploring what Arvon Township already possesses, what the community would like in recreation and how to accomplish it.  The recreation plan is necessary and includes all the components required to obtain grants for future projects. 

            Jason stated how the process began with reviewing the old recreation plan (2012-2016), updating information, improving maps, reviewing all the recreational opportunities already in place, setting up a community survey, a community input session, followed by goals and objectives and an action plan.  Paper surveys were sent to around 500 residents/landowners, plus an on-line monkey survey was available.  There were about 107 responses, about a quarter of the population, which Jason stated was very good.  The survey results were compiled and presented at a public input session on May 3, 2023.  From the input session, the goals and objectives were developed, and an action plan set up for the next five years.  The first two years in the action plan focus on the Arvon Township Park, but Jason added that any of the projects can be moved around to a different date depending on need.  Jason stressed how this recreation plan is resident generated. 

            Funding for projects can be through grants, local in-kind participation, community funding, or the possibility of millage funding.  The timeline for most grants is the application needs to be submitted by February 1 and the deadline is April 1.  If a grant is obtained it would be for the following year.  Most grants do a matching fund of 75% to 25%.  Important components in a recreation plan are to prioritize improvements and to use it as a road map for recreation opportunities.

            The survey also included a question if anyone was interested in volunteering to be on a recreation committee for Arvon Township.  There was a surprising response of fifteen people interested.  This will be followed up on in the future.

            In closing, Jason mentioned that he has applied to be the Zoning Administrator for our township and could help with grant applications.

II.  Process of Updating the Recreation Plan

            Nancy felt Jason covered the process well and had a few questions.  If donations are obtained from some source, does that count as 25% of the township’s part?  Jason said yes it does. 

            Another question Nancy had was reference to reviewing the plan annually.  Jason clarified that it is helpful each year to see what has been done, grant application, what project is being worked on, etc.  This could be done at budget planning time or at the first quarterly meeting of the year.

III.  Public Comment on the plan.

            Jay Fish commented he liked the simplicity of the plan, it does not change the footprint of Arvon Township.  Projects are scaled to the rural community.  Jay made an additional comment that Lyme pulled their signs indicating permission on their properties.  This has to do with the paperwork is incomplete and affects surrounding property owners, so the signs are down for now.

            Cathy Salisbury asked if the approved plan will be accessible to all residents.  Jason stated the cost of printing is high, but there are a few copies available.  The best way to access the recreation plan is on the Arvon Township’s website, which is www.arvontownship.org. 

            Bob asked Jason how much he would charge for working on grant applications.  Jason may become our zoning administrator and the administrative cost in grant application comes out of the grant program, usually 15%.

            Donna asked if the Township Board needs to approve a recreation committee at this upcoming meeting.  Jason felt it was not necessary at this time, perhaps at budget time.

IV.  Consideration of any changes. 

            None.

V.  Approval by Planning Commission – Roll Call Vote.

            Nancy Strohschein – yes

            Bob Janda – yes

            Robert Lindert – yes

            Jay Loman – yes

            Donna Preston – yes

            Linnea Barron – yes

VI.  Next steps:  Presentation to Arvon Township Board on September 11

VII.  Next meetings

            A.  Monday, September 11, 2023, 6 PM:  Township Board meeting where the board will        consider adoption of the Recreation Plan.

            B.  September 21, 2023:  Planning Commission Work session, Zoning Ordinance update

            C.  Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 6 PM:  Quarterly Planning Commission Meeting

Adjourn:  Robert made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Donna.  Motion carried.  Adjournment at 6:45 PM

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning Commission Work Session August 17, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Work Session

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chairperson; Linnea Barron, Secretary; Bob Janda, Township Board Representative; Robert Lindert, Vice Chairperson; Jay Loman, Board of Review Chairperson; Donna Preston; Ken Anderson, Zoning Administrator.  Absent:  Joe Bollech due to illness.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  Jason McCarthy, consultant.

Approval of Agenda:  Jay made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Approval of minutes of July 20, 2023, work session:  Donna made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan

A.  Final draft reviewed with a few minor changes that Jason will take care of.  No comments from the public on the review period of the draft going on.  One printed copy was utilized.

B.  Public hearing will be on September 7, 2023.   In this open meeting, Jason McCarthy will introduce what a recreation plan is and why we need it and why it requires updating every five (5) years.  Nancy will provide the background for this recreation plan.  The Planning Commission will hear public comments and changes can be amended to the plan.  There will be a roll-call vote to adopt by the Planning Commission.  The adopted plan will be presented to the Arvon Township Board on September 11, 2023, for resolution of concurrence.

II.  Ordinance Update

A.  Definition for signs.  Jason suggested that signs be of professional design.  Jason proposed a new definition for signs which reads:  Any object, device, display, structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, person, situation, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images, in accordance with the adopted Arvon Township standards found in Section 1509 of this ordinance.

B.  Definition for fences.  Jason proposed a new definition that reads:  An artificial structure forming a physical barrier between two areas and constructed of chain-link, vinyl, masonry, lumber, or any other manufactured material in accordance with the adopted Arvon Township standards found in Section 1506 of this ordinance.

C.  Erosion control.  Jason supplied a new definition from the state website for High-Risk Erosion Area (HREA), which reads:  Shorelines of the Great Lakes where the land is receding at a rate of one foot or more per year for a minimum of 15 years.  Recession rates change over time as water levels fluctuate and costal conditions change.  Approximately 250 miles of shoreline are designated as high-risk erosion areas along the shorelines of Lakes Michigan, Superior and Huron.  The below Arvon Township map shows the locations for each of the areas.  Note:  A permit is required for any regulated land use on a parcel in a HREA.  HREAs are regulated by the Administrative Rules of Part 323, Shorelands Protection and Management of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended.  Jason added that the permit is from the state.

D.  Schedule for Ordinance completion:  Jason suggested that this should be done by the end of the year with review process and public hearing.  Month by month:  New uses installed by end of September.  General regulations in October.  November would be review process and public hearing in December. 

III.  Next meetings:  Recreation Plan Public hearing on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 6 p.m.  Monday, September 11, 2023, 6 p.m., Township Board meeting to adopt recreation plan.  September 21, 2023, 6 p.m. work session.  Next quarterly meeting on October 11, 2023, 6 p.m.

Adjourn:  Robert made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Donna.  Motion carried.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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