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Planning Commission Work Session July 20, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Work Session

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Call to Order:  6:00 p.m.

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

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Introductions/Guests:  Jason McCarthy, Bette Gabe

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

Approval of minutes of June 29, 2023 work session:  Robert made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan:

A.  The members had all reviewed the recreation plan draft from Jason.  A few minor changes were noted that Jason will take care of.  We will begin the 30-day review with notice in the paper and on-line on August 2, 2023, and a public hearing on September 7, 2023, at the town hall at 6 p.m.

B.  We did not address the comments part of the Recreation Plan Survey.

C.  Nancy sent thank you emails to those interested in becoming part of a recreation committee.

II.  Ordinance Update:

A.  Seasonal versus year-round dwellings.  In order to consolidate definitions which are confusing, Jason suggested we remove the definitions for cabin rental, vacation rental and recreation structure.  The proposed definition reads:  Vacation Rental – A residential dwelling not owner-occupied, which is rented all, or in part, on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis for thirty (30) days or less, for transient occupancy and financial gain.

B.  Shipping Containers as Accessory Structures:  A new definition was made and accepted in the amendments a year ago, which reads:  Portable Storage/Shipping Container – Temporary container used for transportation and storage.  A setback of two hundred (200) feet right of way from road.  No right of way on private road, keep structure away twenty (20) feet.  This is to be applied in Farm Forest (FF) and Forest Resource (FR).  Jason has proposed a new definition to read:  Shipping or Cargo Container – A container with strength suitable to withstand shipment, storage, and handling.  Shipping containers range from large reusable steel boxes used for intermodal shipments, to the typical semi-trailer.  This will be reviewed.

C.  Outdoor Wood Boilers and Solar Energy Systems:  No change.

D.  Minimum Lot/Acreage Sizes including Farm & Forest:  More discussion on this.

E.  Tiny Homes, Geodesic Domes, Other New Designs:  As an alternative dwelling unit type, Arvon Township does not address this.  The proposed definitions read: 

Tiny Home – A manufactured or conventionally built structure, 480 square feet in size or less, which may be built on a steel undercarriage with the necessary wheel assembly to be transported to a permanent or semi-permanent site.  The steel undercarriage and/or wheels may be removed when placed on a permanent foundation.

Geodesic Dome – A hemispherical, thin-shell structure (lattice-shell), based on a geodesic polyhedron.  The triangular elements of the dome are structurally rigid and distribute the weight stress throughout the structure.

F.  Mining & Mineral Extraction:  This will be revisited.

G.  Blight.  The proposed new definition for blighted property reads:  Blighted Property – “Blighted Property” means a property that meets any of the following criteria:

1.  The property has been declared a public nuisance in accordance with local housing, building, plumbing, fire, or other related codes or ordinances.

2.  The property is a nuisance because of physical condition or use.

3.  The property is a fire hazard or is otherwise dangerous to the safety of persons or property.

4.  The property has had the utilities, plumbing, heating, or sewerage disconnected, destroyed, removed, or rendered ineffective for a period of one (1) year or more, so that the property is unfit for its intended use.

5.  The property has building code violations posing a severe and immediate health or safety threat and has not been substantially rehabilitated within one (1) year after the receipt of notice to rehabilitate from the appropriate code enforcement agency or final determination of any appeal, whichever is later.

H.  Short-term rentals (STR) and long-term rentals (LTR).  Ken shared some articles in local papers on this and how it is affecting those communities.  Problems include STR limiting the availability of renting a dwelling for the long term causing a housing problem, excessive noise, management of the property.  Some regulations could be an application process with fee, management with contact information, rules posted, or legal legislation.

III.  Next Planning Commission work session on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 6 p.m.   Next quarterly meeting will be on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Adjourn:  Nancy made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried. 

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning Commission Work Session, June 29, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Work Session

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

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

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  Jason McCarthy

Approval of Agenda:  Nancy included in the agenda information about a meeting with Michigamme Highlands/Lyme/DNR.  Robert made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Approval of minutes of June 8, 2023.  Robert made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

1.  The informational meeting with Michigamme Highlands/Lyme/DNR will take place on July 10 and 11.  This includes Baraga, Iron and Marquette counties for preserving streams, land, and forestry.  Nancy plans to attend and welcomes anyone to join her.

2.  Recreation Plan.  Jason stated he would have the final draft completed before our quarterly meeting on July 12.  We have not contacted anyone interested in being on the recreation committee and the board would have to approve first.

3.  Ordinance Update:  Jason provided us with topics of discussion that he had prepared. 

A.  Recreational Structures Vs. Single Family Dwelling Units.  Jason stressed the importance of definitions and supplied definitions for Dwelling Unit; Dwelling, Single-Family; Duplex; and Dwelling, Multi-family.  Discussion on the function changing from camps to now living full time and vice versa.  Jason and Ken will give a final okay on changes in language in the ordinance.

B.  Shipping Containers as Accessory Structures:  They can serve as storage units; however, the aesthetic issue exists.  Problem can be solved by screening, painting complimentary color, meet setbacks.  Jason provided a definition to consider and suggested these should be listed as a permitted or conditional use within specific zoning districts.

C.  Outdoor Furnace:  We have a definition for Outdoor Furnace which Jason feels is adequate, but the use should be listed as permitted or conditional use within specific zoning districts.

D.  Dark-Sky Outdoor Lighting Requirements (Commercial/Industrial Uses Only):  Concern here is the LED lighting which can be very bright.  Jason provided a definition that covers this. 

E.  Solar Energy Systems:  Our ordinance addresses this topic under Section 1502. Alternative Energy Sources.

F.  Short-Term Rentals (Vacation, AirBnB, Vrbo):  Inspection for water/well/septic should be considered, also neighbors’ approval, noise control, etc.  Jason recommended a revision to our current definition.

G.  Fences:  Under General Provisions in Article XV, Section 1506, we currently do not address placement of fences.  Jason provided a more detailed definition which would address this.

H.  Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):  This is covered in our ordinance under ECHO (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity).  We will update the current language to Accessory Dwelling Units.  Jason will provide us a better definition for this.

Next Meeting:

Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m. for quarterly planning commission meeting.

No work session set up yet.

Adjourn:  Donna made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning Commission Work Session June 8, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Work Session

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

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

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  Jason McCarthy and Bette Gabe

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

Approval of Minutes of May 18, 2023, Work session:  Robert made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Donna.  Motion Carried.

Approval of Minutes of May 3, 2023, Public Input Session:  Three changes were made to the minutes:  First paragraph, second sentence should read ‘The survey utilized paper surveys mailed to all homestead residents and to about 200 other property owners and on-line Survey Monkey….’ Also, in the first paragraph on item C, last sentence should read “The paper survey consisted of ten questions….”    Second paragraph in item C under questions 6/7 remove ‘listed’ replaced by ‘include’ and remove cemetery.  Robert made a motion to accept the minutes with the changes, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan.

            A.  The proposed 5-year Plan Projects were reviewed.   There was concern that the projects suggested could never be achieved in five years.  Jason explained that any of the projects can be completed during these five years and that some of the projects could be done at anytime as they were small items, such as refinish tables at the park.  Also, projects not completed in this 5-year plan can be rolled over into the next recreation plan.  Jason will pull out the items that would qualify for grant application.   These projects need to be related back to our goals and objectives in our recreation plan.

We requested Jason to add to the goals and objectives, #4 and #6 of our plan, to include wording “to hold community events” or something similar.  Jason will have the final draft to the recreation plan so we can begin the 30-day review period and set the public hearing date.  This will be reviewed at our quarterly meeting on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

            B.  We have not taken any further action on forming a recreation committee.  This also will be discussed at a future meeting.

II.  Ordinance Update.

Robert inquired if the Farm/Forest District could be ten (10) acres minimum, not one (1) acre.  The Forest Resource District is ten (10) acres.

High Erosion areas/Floodplain:  Section 1510 and Section 702 in our ordinance cover this.  However, Ken informed us that there are new laws in effect with high erosion areas and this needs to be updated soon.  He will provide us with more information at our next meeting. 

Fences:  Our ordinance needs updating on this.  We do not state where you can put them.

Definitions:  Jason will bring draft definitions for our next meeting.

Blight Ordinance:  We currently do not have one.  Jason talked about how this can be accomplished.  Providing resources to solve this issue can be helpful, such as where to drop off items classified as blight.  The process could include a letter of notification and violation in dollars, a clean-up period, and citation if not completed.  Any support (resources) to assist in this process should be addressed.

Other topics mentioned that need updating include housing, gravel mining, short term rentals, shipping containers.

III.  Next meeting- work session:  Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the town hall at 6 p.m.

Reminder that the quarterly meeting will be Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the town hall at 6 p.m.

Adjourn:  Bob made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Donna.  Motion carried.  Adjournment at 7:45 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning Commission Work Session May 18, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Work Session

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chairperson; Linnea Barron, Secretary; Joe Bollech, Board of Review; Bob Janda, Township Board Representative; Robert Lindert, Vice Chair; Jay Loman, Board of Review chair; Donna Preston, Trustee.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Introduction of Guests:  Karen Groesbeck, John and Kathy Salisbury

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

Approval of minutes of May 3, 2023 Public Input session:  Linnea has computer issues and unable to send minutes to board members in time for the meeting.  Minutes will be reviewed and approved at the next meeting on June 8, 2023.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan

            A.  This meeting focused on comments from the Public Input session and survey results in planning which projects will receive attention.  The comments on the survey were reviewed and included a few who wrote a few pages of ideas and concerns.  We had reviewed the survey results/comments and felt it necessary to address these comments. It was felt we had a good return on the survey, the questions were good for our information.  There were a few glitches in the mailing as some did not receive a survey.  In the future send surveys to only residents and maybe have surveys at the Finns or Trading Post.  All in all, we felt the cost/benefit of the survey was worth it.

A noted concern and request was for toilet facilities at the mouth of the Huron, Point Abbaye, Big Erick’s, and Mount Arvon.

We are excited that fifteen people expressed interest in being part of a recreation committee.  These people will all be contacted.

            B.  The committee came up with the following projects to consider in the 5-year timeframe of the recreation plan.

1.  Improvements at the township park to accommodate community events. 

These would include railing down to the pavilion from parking lot, fire pits/grills, improve picnic tables/benches, electric outlets, running water, access to swimming area, additional toilet facilities.  Phase 1

2.  Improvements at the park that support activities.

These include playground equipment, possible corn hole games, basketball court update (possible pickleball), addition of flower beds/community garden.

The boat launch area needs bumpers for boat docking, a longer dock for larger boats, lighting, addition of handicap accessible fishing, access to dock boats.  Phase 2

3.  On the property owned by the township next to Witz Marina, a swimming beach and kayak launch.  Parking area needed.

4.  Improve ORV trail access and the concern for dust control if motoring on gravel roads. 

5.  Hiking trails, biking trails, nature walks.   Benches and picnic tables on proposed trails.  Signage on these trails.  A nature trail at Town Hall park.

6.  Develop the area near the mouth of the Huron with parking area, camping, picnic tables, and Dark Sky Park. 

II.  Ordinance

Review the suggested areas of concern in the ordinance from the April 13th meeting.  The topics will be addressed at our June 8, 2023 work session.

III.  Next meeting:  Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the town hall.

Adjourn:  Joe made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Jay.  Motion carried.  Adjournment at 7:40 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning Commission Community Input Session May 3, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Public Input Session

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Call to Order:  6:00 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chairperson; Linnea Barron, Secretary; Joe Bollech, Board of Review Representative; Bob Janda, Township Board Representative; Robert Lindert, Vice Chairperson; Jay Loman, Board of Review Chair; Donna Preston, Trustee.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited.

Introductions/Guests:  There were thirty-three guests present including Jason McCarthy, Consultant from Northwood Planning & Zoning and the Planning Commission members.  The Planning Commission members introduced themselves, followed by introductions of all those present for this meeting. 

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

Approval of minutes of April 13, 2023, work session:  Joe made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Robert.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan.

    A.  Linnea presented a brief history of the recreation plan for Arvon Township.  Recreation plans are to be updated every five years, and the timeframe of our current recreation plan was from 2011 to 2016.  Our recreation plan is long overdue.

    B.  Jason McCarthy, consultant, addressed the Recreation Plan process and the importance of the survey and this community input session in identifying recreation wants/needs and ideas the public would benefit from.  This meeting is mandatory in the process of creating a recreation plan and the recreation plan is mandated by the state of Michigan for each township and necessary for grant applications.  Most grants are a state match (25% from township, 75% from state).   Applications for grants open on February 1, 2024.  The survey will assist in achieving the goals/objectives and the number of projects to pursue in the next five years.  The next step in this process is a meeting to utilize the comments from this community input session, scheduled for Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the town hall, to select projects to consider for the Action Plan.  A 30-day review period follows with copies of the draft plan placed for review at the Arvon Township Hall and on the township’s website.  A Public Hearing will be set up in June and Resolution of Adoption by the Township Board tentatively by August/September. 

     C.  Nancy presented the results of the Recreation Survey which ran from mid-March through April 2023.  The survey utilized paper surveys mailed to all homestead residents and about 200 other property owners and an on-line Survey Monkey with a total of 104 surveys completed (82 paper and 22 on-line surveys), a 16% return rate.  The mailed surveys went to every resident/property owner in Arvon Township.  The paper survey consisted of ten questions and Nancy presented each question and the results revealed and discussed. 

There were some surprises in the results as in question 3 requesting the age of whoever was filling out the survey, the result for age 50 and over, was 82.  Question 5 showed interest in improving the township park (beach, playground equipment, tennis/pickle ball courts, dock improvement and pavilion).  Questions 6/7 concerned maintenance and/or improvement of recreational facilities include the boat launch at the park, township hall, and the undeveloped waterfront parcels were of importance.  Question 8 identified activities the public participates in and beach/swimming, hiking trails, ATV/snowmobile trails, fishing/boating, kayak/paddle board topped the list.  Question 9 requested recreational opportunities to be developed included marked ORV, trails including hiking/cross-country skiing, beach/swimming, boat launch at park, undeveloped waterfronts, and many more.

Comments from guests:

            Clarification made of recreational facilities are those that the township owns that we can consider in this plan. 

            Jay Fish, Township Supervisor, stated that the township hall is a historical building and maintenance includes bids for new siding and windows.  The Township has Covid monies that will be used for a new fence at the ballfield with the work by ball team members.

            Another guest asked who are we doing this for, residents or visitors?  The discussion that followed was really for both.

            Joe Bollech commented about improving the swimming area at the park and possible lighting be added.

            Karen Groesbeck suggested the beauty of flowers in a formal garden, and how a past garden tour in Arvon Township was a success.  The discussion went on to a possible community garden (vegetable/flower).

            A big item on the survey was more marked ATV trails.  This requires validation process for motor and nonmotor recreation.   Lyle Olsen from Aura, a member of the Baraga County Trail Authority (BCTA), provided information that the easements for trail 14 from Lyme and the Conservancy are done with permanent easement by the DNR.  This trail requires licensing, and stickers to access certain trails.  Arvon Township is not yet connected to trail 14 with the concern that this would require Skanee Road to be part of that system, which was felt to be too dangerous.  The trail systems need enforcement and maintenance. 

            There were many suggestions for the township park.  A swimming beach, horseshoe pits (which are there, just need repair), fish cleaning station, railing down to the pavilion, cornhole game, kayak launch, longer boat launch/dock, handicapped fishing access, improved pavilion, basketball court, playground equipment.

            There is interest in the property by Witz Marina for swimming and a kayak launch.

Also on the survey was the question requesting community members to be on a recreation committee.  Jason explained that this committee would be appointed by the Township Board and should have a Planning Commission member on the committee.  This committee would review annual projects for grants and serve in advisory status.  On the survey we had fifteen individuals interested in serving in this capacity.

There were various discussions resuming with good input from the community when adjourned.

II.  Next meeting time is 6 p.m. at the town hall on Thursday, May 18, 2023, to review the input from this meeting and form an Action Plan for the Recreation Plan.

The meeting was adjourned by Nancy Strohschein at 7:40 p.m.  Coffee provided and Ivy Huttema baked cookies enjoyed by all.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning Commission Work Session April 13, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Minutes

Thursday, April 13, 2023

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

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

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  Jason McCarthy

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

Approval of minutes of March 23, 2023, work session:  Robert made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Jay.  Motion carried.

Notice:  Due to the frequent meetings the Planning Commission (PC) has undergone concerning the recreation plan and zoning ordinance, the April Quarterly meeting was cancelled.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan:  We discussed what next takes place in the recreation plan process.  The time and date for the community input session is set for Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Town Hall at 6 p.m.  Jason provided the notice for the newspaper and for various businesses in Skanee and L’Anse advertising this event.  The survey ends April 30, 2023, for paper and on-line.    The results of the survey and the input session will help address the top (5) five projects for our recreation plan with a meeting set up for Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 6 p.m.

II.  Zoning Ordinance:   Jason addressed some zoning ordinance areas that need attention.  These include:

a.  Seasonal Vs. Year-round Dwellings.  Issues to address are homestead or primary residence; electric/septic/well; permits and inspections; change in use; and health and safety.

b.  Shipping containers.

c.  Wood boilers. 

d.  Solar energy.  Residential Vs. Utility Grade Systems

e.  Short-term rentals (Vacation Rentals)– parking, quiet hours.

f.  Definitions Review.  Topics need to be defined.

g.  Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

h.  Single-Family, Two-Family & Single-Family Attached Dwelling Units

i.  Minimum Lots Sizes

j.  Tiny Homes, Geodesic Domes, other innovative dwelling types.

k.  Zoning Map Adjustments

l.  Land Divisions

m.  Dark Sky Lighting

n.  Mining review

o.  Signage

We will start discussing these ordinance issues on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Town Hall at 6 p.m.

III.  Next meeting:  May 18, 2023, at the Town Hall, at 6 p.m.

Adjourn:  Robert made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe.  Motion approved.  Time of adjournment:  7:27 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Township Board Meeting Minutes September 11, 2023

CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the ArvonTownship fire hall on September 11, 2023.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee , Chris Walmhoff-Trustee/absent.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the August 7, 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: Township Board trustee Chris Wahmhoff sent the board a letter of resignation effective immediately on September 10, 2023. He explained that his work demands more of his time.
OLD BUSINESS: There were no updates from the Planning Commission at this time.
-Land easement is to be tabled until next months meeting. The board is considering hiring a new township attorney. Tinti has not contacted Fish back in months. Table this issue until next months meeting.
-The board did not receive any bids on the restoration of the township hall. Marinich will put it in the L’Anse Sentinel for next week. Tabled until next months meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: Nancy Strohschein offered to look into the Fema Flood insurance issue. Table until next months meeting.
-Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the 2023 L-4029 tax rate request. All in favor, motion passed.
-The Recreation plan is at its final stage. The Planning Commission approved it for the Arvon Township board to approve. Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to adopt The Arvon Township Recreation Plan/ 2024-2028. The Resolution to adopt it was approved by all members of the board-Eliason, Marinich, Janda and Fish. 4 yeas and 0 neys.
-Due to Chris Wahmhoff resigning from the township board trustee position, the board will appoint a replacement at next months board meeting. This will be tabled until next months meeting.
-Zoning Administrator Ken Anderson will be retiring at the end of the year. An add will be put in the paper in November. Fish let the board know that Jason McCarthy is interested in the position.
JAMES FEDIE: Absent
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$337,599.26
Ambulance/EMT Fund-$24,519.56 Fire Fund-$310,779.74 Liquor Fund-$489.07, Road Fund-$171,330.46.
Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda 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 October 2, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.
ADJOURN: Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to adjourn at 7:15 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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    Township Board Meeting Minutes August 7, 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 August 7, 2023.
    ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee , Chris Walmhoff-Trustee/absent.
    MINUTES APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the July 10, 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: Lindert represented the Planning commission. He encourages the board to read the Township Recreation Plan update. The Planning Commission will be holding a hearing on September 7, 2023at 6:00 p.m. It will be held at the Skanee Township Hall. A notice was put in the paper. Marinich will put the resolution of adoption for the Recreation Plan on the September agenda.
    -Fish has tried to contact Tinti on the land division issue. Tinti has not respond. May have to consider a new township attorney. This will be tabled until next months meeting.
    -There were no bids for restoration on the township hall. Fish said he would put it on his facebook page and the township should have it put on their Facebook page also. An add could be put in the Houghton paper also. Table until next month
    -After discussion, Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve Homestead Graphics for the township signs. All in favor, motion passed.
    NEW BUSINESS: Kelly Erickson received a bid from Tikky’s Tree Service to remove a few trees and all the debris at the Skanee Township Park for $3,900.00. The trees and branches are dangerous. Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the tree removal at the park. All in favor, motion passed.
    JAMES FEDIE: Absent
    MAIL CALL:
    TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$337,586.93 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$24,565.69 Fire Fund-$310,968.38 Liquor Fund-$533.73, Road Fund-$166,299.06.
    Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
    BILL APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich 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 11, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.
    ADJOURN: Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn at 6:25 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
    Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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    Township Board Meeting Minutes July 10, 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 July 10, 2023.

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

    MINUTES APPROVAL: Wahmhoff motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the June 5, 2023 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

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

    PUBLIC COMMENT:  Linnea Barron let the board know that her term on the Planning Commission expires in October and at that time she will retire from the position. 

    -Rosie VanWagner thanked the board for the tree removal on Park Rd.

    OLD BUSINESS:  Fish has called Tinti several times with no response.  May have to look into another township attorney to hire.   Land division will be tabled until next months’ meeting.

    -Marinich will put an ad in the paper for bids on the restoration of the town hall.  Windows that need to be changed and the cedar shake siding/drip edge.  Table until next months’ meeting.

    -Marinich received quotes from Homestead Graphics for signs in Arvon township.  The some of the public thought that there should be more than one quote.  Marinich will get more for next months’ meeting.

    -Doug Mills was present at the meeting.  The township let him know that there is approximately $116,000.00 in the road fund.  We asked him what kind of projects could be done in Arvon Township.  Mills replied that starting in 2025, there is a grant that has 2 phases-Jentoft Rd. to Town Rd. in Arvon township and then from Town Rd to McComb’s Corner in Arvon township.  There will be a 20% match for this project, Mills is looking for additional funding sources.  The money in the Road fund could be used towards the match.  Mills will keep the township updated. 

    -Strohshein gave the Planning Commision update. They have been working with Jason McCarthy from Northwoods Planning & Zoning for several months to update the Recreation Plan, per State of Michigan regulations.  We are at the point where the Final Draft is available for public review.  The board will be having a public meeting in September.

    NEW BUSINESS:  Marinich let the board know that she submitted an application for a Fire Dept Grant.  The grant could be up to $10,000.00.  Disbursement of funds could be as soon as August 10, 2023 for the local governments awarded.

    -After discussion, Fish will contact Jim Nankervis to see if he is willing to survey the new section of the cemetery. 

    -Fish would like to purchase a bigger lawn mower for the cemetery.  The one we have now is too small for the new section of the cemetery.  Wahmhoff motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve Fish the purchase of a riding lawn mower for the cemetery.  Not to exceed $5,000.00.  All in favor, motion passed.

    -Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve Rukkila Negro Associates to complete the yearly F-65 form.  All in favor, motion passed.                                                                                                                                                                                                        JAMES FEDIE:   Jim let the board know that the Board of Review will be meeting July 18, 2023.

    MAIL CALL:    

    TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$350,316.56 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$28,317.19 Fire Fund-$318,022.50 Liquor Fund-$578.39, Road Fund-$166,299.06.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.      

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

    NEXT MEETING DATE:   The next meeting date will be August 7, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.

    ADJOURN:  Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to adjourn at 6:50 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed. Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

    Posted on

    Zoning Ordinance Update – Summer 2023

    The Planning Commission is working with our consultant from Northwoods Planning and Zoning to update our Zoning Ordinance. We have identified 19 topics to be reviewed in this project.

    • Definitions involved in any topic updated
    • Seasonal vs Year-Round Dwellings
    • Shipping Containers as Accessory Structures
    • Outdoor Wood Boilers
    • Solar Energy System (SES) Residential vs Utility Grade Systems
    • Short-Term Rentals (vacation, AirBnB, VRBO)
    • Single & Multiple Family, & Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
    • Minimum Lot/Acreage Sizes (Including Farm & Forest Zone)
    • Alternative Designs (Tiny Homes, Domes, Yurts)
    • Zoning Map Adjustments
    • Erosion Control
    • Lighting to Support Dark Skies
    • Signs
    • Gravel Mining
    • Other Mining
    • Fences
    • Blight
    • Sanitary Code for RR Zone
    • Enforcement of Ordinance

    We expect to work on these topics during summer 2023. All work sessions are open to the public. A public hearing will be scheduled for late summer to hear public comment on the updates.

    If you have questions on this process, please attend one of the work sessions, which are posted on the calendar of this website, or a contact member of the Planning Commission.

    Nancy Strohschein, Arvon Township Planning Commission Chairperson

    wnstrohschein@comcast.net

    248.892.1295

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