Author: ArvonJewel

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Township Board Meeting Minutes March 2023

MARCH 6, 2023 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER:   Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township fire hall on March 6, 2023.

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

MINUTES APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the February 6, 2023 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

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

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Gabe asked about the cemetery lots in the new area.  Marinich has to sit down with Swanson to understand how to read the new lots.  Marinich will contact Gabe when they are ready to be purchased.

OLD BUSINESS:   Land division will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the increase agreement from Bay Ambulance.  From $10,800.0 to $15,006.00.  All in favor, motion passed.

-No one applied for the Building/Assessing position or the electrical inspector.  Chris Wahmhoff offered to take the courses needed to become the Building/Assessing inspector.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to pay for the courses Wahmhoff will need and to approve him as our new Building/Assessing inspector.  All in favor, motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:  Mrs. Waara, Mrs. VanBuren and three students from the Arvon Township School attended the meeting.  The three girls presented the board with a project that includes cleaning up local beaches and setting up book boxes in the community.  The box is from Little Free Library.org.  The libraries are fully funded through a grant, won’t cost the township anything and the school will be in charge of the boxes.  One location they would like to put one is at the Skanee Park.  Janda motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the book box to be placed at the Skanee Park.  All in favor, motion passed.

-Road clean-up will be tabled until next month’s meeting. 

-Strohshein asked about putting Ken Anderson’s records on an electronic storage system.  Marinich contacted MTA, they’re reply was if the records are in order and well kept, nothing has to be changed. 

JAMES FEDIE:   

MAIL CALL:    

TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$352,290.27 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$29,416.62 Fire Fund-$330,454.89 Liquor Fund-$712.37, Road Fund-$151,267.87.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  All in favor, motion passed.      

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

NEXT MEETING DATE:   The next meeting date will be April 3, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.

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

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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Planning Commission Work Session January 24, 2023

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Call to Order:  6:00 p.m.

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

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  None.

Approval of Agenda:  Addition made to the agenda under recreation plan; list of resources.   Joe made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Approval of minutes of January 12, 2023 work session:  Joe made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Robert.  Motion carried.

Agenda: 

A.  Recreation Plan:  We reviewed the sections of the recreation plan provided by Jason again.  In answer to Jason’s question of providing examples of community volunteerism in Arvon Township recreation planning:  Ballfield clean-up done by volunteers; Farmer’s Market; the Christmas party for children put on by the fire department auxiliary; Aura Jamboree; community garage sales; pie social/quilt show by historical society; Memorial Day luncheon provided by the historical society; craft show; 4th of July parade, ice fishing tournament.  Another question from Jason was about the township interacting with the school or other public agencies regarding recreation programs or activities:   Arvon Township school Christmas program at the town hall; Veteran’s Day program at the school.

In preparing our recreation plan survey we utilized the one from Autrain to guide us.  We ended up with twelve questions that will be on-line as well as paper copy, as follows.

1.  Do you or your family use recreational facilities offered in Arvon Township?  Yes or No

2.  Does Arvon Township have enough recreational facilities to accommodate our residents and visitors?   Yes or No and written comment section.

3.  Are Arvon Township’s recreational facilities that you have used adequately maintained?  Yes or No.

4.  What activities do you and your family members participate in Arvon Township for recreation?  (Please include all seasons.)  Written comments.

5.  Are there additional recreational opportunities you would like to see developed in Arvon Township?  Please be creative.

6.  How many hours per week do you spend in recreation?

7.  What time of year do you or your family recreate in Arvon Township?  Year-round, spring, summer, fall, winter.

8.  What is your age?  18 & under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50+

9.  What is your gender:  Male, female.

10.  Which one of these Arvon Township recreation areas do you believe need additional improvements:  Need to supply list of our resources.

11.  Are you interested in joining a recreation committee for Arvon Township?

12.  Do you live in Arvon Township?  (on-line only)

For the return of paper copies of the survey a drop box will be provided at the post office, town hall (fire hall), Huron Bay Trading Post and the Finns.  A deadline date will be set for dropping off the surveys and the on-line survey.

Linnea will compile a list of Arvon Township’s resources for recreation purposes.

B.  Zoning Ordinance.

Nancy reported that all of Ken’s files are now with Lisa Marinich, Township Clerk.  They include all current and old files.  Ken indicated he would like to continue with land division.  Ken also suggested to Jay Fish, Township Supervisor, that the township needs to have a person in the office at least a couple hours a day or week.  Nancy will continue to be in contact with Ken via email regarding the ordinance and the fee schedule.

The following definitions were discussed for inclusion in our ordinance:  concrete dome structures, geodesic domes, yurts, root cellars, greenhouses, barndominiums.  Also multiple cabins on 5-acre parcel for rent and vaulted privy instead of mound septic system needs to be addressed.  The vaulted privy would be a health department issue. 

Adjourn:  Robert made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.  Adjournment was at 8 p.m.

Next meeting date for work session:  Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the fire hall.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning & Zoning Qtrly Meeting January 11, 2023

January 11, 2023

Call to order:  6 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chair; Linnea Barron, Secretary; Joe Bollech, Trustee; Bob Janda, Township Board Representative; Robert Lindert, Trustee; Jay Loman, Board of Appeals Representative.  Absent:  Donna Preston, absent with notice; Ken Andersen.

Recognition of visitors:  None.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Comments on agenda:  Nancy walked us through what was on the agenda and if we  had anything to add.

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

Approval of minutes from October 19, 2022 quarterly meeting:  In the minutes the names of Jay Fish and Linda Keohane needed to be added as receiving letters from FEMA or DEQ.  Joe made a motion to accept the minutes with the addition of the names, seconded by Jay.  Motion carried.

Public comments:  None.

Chairman Comments:  Location and Format of Planning Commission Documents.

Nancy explained her concern of where Planning Commission documents are stored, i.e., paper, electronic, etc.  She researched MTA for some answers and was able to get on the community forum site where she asked this question and received various replies with the same concerns.  Consequently, she will be meeting via Zoom with some of these people to address this issue.

Old Business:

1.  Planning commission comments/concerns:  Joe had a concern with the recent house fire in the community regarding the cleanup of the debris left over from the fire.  There are a couple cases in this community where the cleanup of fire debris took a couple of years to get cleaned up.  Insurance sometimes dictates the cleanup.  The question was if there should be something in our zoning ordinance on this.

2.  Bob Janda:  Report form Township Board Rep:  Bob thanked this board for their work.

3.  Jay Loman:  Report from Zoning Board of Appeals Rep:  None.

4.  Ken Andersen:  No report.

5.  Flood Insurance:  We have all reviewed the information provided from FEMA and the DEQ concerning the areas designated as a floodplain.  Nancy brought up a map for us to look at showing the area off of Collins Road.  We have a copy of Eagle Harbor Township and how they address this in their ordinance.  We made a decision to put this on hold until we can review this further.

6.  Recreation Plan:  We have a meeting tomorrow night with Jason McCarthy who is assisting us with our plan.  We have been approved by the board to have a mailing of a survey to all residents of Arvon Township.  We feel this is the best way to reach everyone.  This will be discussed further tomorrow night.

7.  Zoning Ordinance update:  We all have an electronic copy of Arvon Township’s ordinance.  We have discussed adding definitions to our ordinance.  Nancy will put the completed ordinance on the website.

8.  Fee Schedule update:  We reviewed the present fee schedule concerning building permits, that has not changed since 2015.  We felt this should be addressed by the building inspector as it was quite confusing.  Jay mentioned that he would investigate other townships on how they handle fee schedules. 

New Business:

1.  Review of By-Laws and select officers:  Nancy brought up a few issues with our by-laws that we are not doing.  We reviewed that appointed positions are done yearly.  We also need a vice chairperson.  Robert made a motion for Nancy to be chairperson, Linnea as secretary, seconded by Bob.  Nancy made a motion to have Robert be our vice chairperson, seconded by Linnea.  All approved.  Nancy gave us all an assignment to read the by-laws before the next quarterly meeting in April for any changes we may want to consider.

2.  Quarterly meetings:  We set up the following planning commission meeting schedule:

January 11, 2023, April 12, 2023, July 12, 2023, and October 11, 2023.

3.  Training for members:  Nancy mentioned that she and Robert received training when they joined the planning commission.  She wondered if there was any other training available for us.  This will be followed up with a possible check with MTA, and sometimes our township board receives this information.

4.  Budget for 2023:  The Township Board sets our budget from the information we give them.  Training costs, ordinance publication, master plan hard copies, recreation plan hard copies, and grant monies.

Next Quarterly Meeting:  April 12, 2023, 6 p.m. at the firehall.

Adjourn:  Bob made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Robert.  All approved.  Adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

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Township Board Meeting Minutes February 2023

FEBRUARY 6, 2023 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER:   Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township fire hall on February 6, 2023.

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

MINUTES APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the January 9, 2023 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

AGENDA APPROVAL: Marinich requests “Ballfield fencing” and “Planning Commission By Laws and training” under “New Business.”  Wahmhoff motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the agenda with the two additions.   All in favor, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

OLD BUSINESS: Next time Tinti gets to L’Anse, he will go the Register of Deeds and look into the land easements.  This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-No one applied for the Building/Assessing position or the electrical inspector.  Put in the paper again.

-Jay Fish is the only one to apply for the Sexton position.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve Fish as the new township Sexton.  All in favor, motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:  The Township board work session will be held on February 21, 2023 at 4:00p.m.

-The Township Board will hold the Annual/Budget meeting on 3/28/23 at 5:00p.m.

-Bay Ambulance has raised the annual contract agreement from $10,800.00 to $15,006.00.  The audience questioned the large increase.  Marinich will contact Bay Ambulance to see if they will attend the next month’s meeting to explain.  This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-Strohschein would like to send out flyer and online surveys to the taxpayers and residents of Arvon Township. The planning commission would like to see what kind of input they could get for the township Rec plan.    Wahmhoff motioned,& seconded by Janda to approve up to $700.00.  All in favor, motion passed.

-The planning commission is requesting the purchase of a television for meetings. This will be tabled until the next meeting. 

-The Skanee Ball field in need of new fencing.  The ball teams would help discard of the old one and help with installing of a new metal one.  Marinich will put an ad in the paper. Table until next month’s meeting.                                                                                 

JAMES FEDIE:   

MAIL CALL:    

TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$343,286.66 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$22,538.94 Fire Fund-$301,635.53 Liquor Fund-$757.03, Road Fund-$127,142.67.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff 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 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 December 8, 2022

December 8, 2022

Call to Order:  6:00 PM

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

Pledge of Allegiance recited.

Guests:  Jay Fish

Approval of Agenda:  Bob made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Robert, all approved.

Approval of minutes from November 9, 2022 work session:  A mistake was noticed by Jay that his name was listed as Joe, so that correction was made.  Nancy made a motion, seconded by Bob to accept the minutes with the correction of Jay’s name.  All approved.

Agenda: 

1.  Recreation Plan:  Jason informed us that the deadline to apply for grants is February 1st.  We will not be able to complete our recreation plan before that date.  Even without grants, there were many ideas we could do without grant monies:  Replace fence at the ballfield, improve dugouts, and a hiking trail at the ballpark were suggested.  Jay felt that help from other players could accomplish this.  Also the Covid money could be used to fund these projects.

We discussed possibly having a recreation committee, separate from the planning commission, to keep up with the needs of the community.  This committee would be completely voluntary and work with the planning commission.

As work on the recreation plan progresses, ways to get input from the community include a survey (paper and on-line); newspaper article; posters at the school, post office, Trading Post, and the Finns; Facebook, Arvon township website were mentioned.

2.  Review of rec plans from other townships.  Our assignment for this meeting was to go on-line and look at other townships’ recreation plans.  Nancy prepared a chart for us to use with suggested townships with categories including:  length; recreation committee; DNR grants; other grants, past project updates, public input, comments.  We had info from Mueller, Eagle Harbor, Chassell, Baraga, Bergland.  We listed what we liked about each including priorities, assets (park/public spaces), survey (paper and electronic).  We felt this was helpful.

3.  Zoning Ordinance:  Word document from Jason sent out to all members.  Definitions from Jason that came from Autrain were sent to Kenny to review.  Our ordinance is always changing as new issues to deal with are presented.  With that in mind, it was suggested that we have a yearly public hearing to present these changes for inclusion in our ordinance.  The first part of June was suggested for this hearing.  This will be discussed further.

4.  Robert talked about the Dark Skies status and regulating the lighting used by businesses, discourage use of LED signs for example.

Adjourn:  Bob made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Jay.  All approved.  Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM.

Next Meeting:  January 12, 2023, 6 PM at the firehall.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Township Board Meeting Minutes January 2023

JANUARY 9, 2023 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon
Township fire hall on January 9, 2023.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Robert Janda-Trustee , Chris Walmhoff-Trustee/absent.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the December 5, 2022 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Fish requests “Board of Review re-appoint” and “Annual Planning Commission report” under “New Business.” Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the agenda with the two additions. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
OLD BUSINESS: Next time Tinti gets to L’Anse, he will go the the Register of Deeds and look into the land
easements. This will be tabled until next months meeting.
-Swanson will contact Marinich and Fish to explain the new Skanee cemetery mapping. This will be put back on the agenda when this is done.
NEW BUSINESS: After the recent house fires in Arvon township, the fire department is requesting more
hoses, knozzles,pants, tools, batteries, lighting and a sawzall. This would cost approximately $9,200.00.
Marinich motioned, second by Eliason to approve the purchases. All in favor, motion passed.
-The plannning commission would like to send out mailing surveys to all the residents in Arvon township.
They will find out more at their next meeting.
-Jerry Hollon has retired as the Sexton for Arvon township. Marinich will put an ad in the paper for the
position.
-Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve a ¼ page in the 2023 Baraga County platbook. The
cost is $480.00. All in favor, motion passed.
-Fedie let the board know that all the Board of Review members need to be reappointed and sworn in.
Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve Robert Baxter, Joe Bollech and Jay Fish for
reappointment on the Board of Review. All in favor, motion passed. Marinich will swear them in before
their next meeting date.
-Nancy Strohshein presented the board with the Planning Commission’s annual report.
JAMES FEDIE: Fedie let the board know that the CPI is going to go up 5%, assessed value will also go up a
little more.
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$335,740.33
Ambulance/EMT Fund-$19,958.06 Fire Fund-$276,407.44 Liquor Fund-$562.66, Road Fund-$118,535.16.
Janda 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 February 6, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.
ADJOURN: Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to adjourn at 6:45 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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Township Board Meeting Minutes December 2022

Skanee Townhall

DECEMBER 5, 2022 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon
Township fire hall on December 5, 2022.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Robert Janda-Trustee , Chris Walmhoff-Trustee.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Walmhoff motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the November 7, 2022 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion
passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Strohshein let the board know that the Planning Commission will be holding a meeting
December 8, 2022. Sue Bollech asked about the Fire/EMT radios. Marinich let her know they are not
updated yet.
-Kelly Erickson asked if the twp hall will be winterized this year. Kay Erickson would like to see it open until
their family leaves after the holiday. They would like to play games upstairs. Wahmhoff motioned, seconded by Janda to winterize the hall after the holiday. All in favor, motion passed.
OLD BUSINESS: Fish talked to Tinti about the land division issue. Tinti let him know that when he goes to
Houghton, he will look it up. Table until next months meeting.
-Glen Anderson from U.P. Health Dept asked for a copy of the minutes where the township board denied
approval of a remote cabin/vaulted privey to the Sawmill property owners. WUPHD will now take action on this issue.
-Fish let the board know that a few guys went to the cemetery, found the markers and staked it off.
-LeClaire was not present at the meeting. This will be taken off the agenda until further notice.
NEW BUSINESS:
JAMES FEDIE: Fedie let the board know that the tax bills are out and that there will be no Board of Review
meeting in December.
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$346,063.11
Ambulance/EMT Fund-$19,958.06 Fire Fund-$277,829.77 Liquor Fund-$846.35, Road Fund-$120,035.16.
Marinich motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Marinich will add $21.17 to Kay Erickson for website support. With the addition, 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 9, 2023 at 6:00
P.M. at the Fire hall.
ADJOURN: Eliasion motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to adjourn at 6:25 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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Planning Commission Work Session November 9, 2022

November 9, 2022

Call to order:  6 PM

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chairperson; Linnea Barron, Secretary; Joe Bollech, Trustee; Bob Janda, Township Board Representative; Robert Lindert, Trustee; Joe Loman, Trustee.  Absent:  Donna Preston, out of town.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited.

Guests:  Bette Gabe

Purpose of Meeting:  Updating of Recreation Plan and begin work on the Zoning Ordinance.

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

Agenda: 

1. Meetings:  Michigan law does not allow remote member attendance.

2.  Recreation Plan:  The previous Recreation Plan (2012-2016) was reviewed page by page.  Noted was the public participation for this plan, our existing recreation opportunities (snowmobiling, ATV access, fishing).  Goals and objectives included the improvements to the Waterfront Park with grant monies including boat launch and piers.  The need for ADA accessible projects was discussed.  Bette brought up the trail fees (sticker/trail permit), DNR stickers, etc., required for use of trails.  Future action programs include what Covid monies are available.  The assignment for members is to review other township recreation plans for our next meeting, yet to be announced in December.  We tentatively set a date for a public participation meeting on Thursday, January 12, 2023, maybe at the Finns with pizza, 6 PM.  The purpose is to move the recreation plan along to possibly be completed by April 1, 2023, for grant application deadlines. 

3.  Zoning Ordinance:  One area of importance in the Ordinance is definitions.  We received from Jason McCarthy examples of definitions we may need to adopt.  These will be reviewed by members for the next meeting.

Adjournment:  Jay made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.

Next Meeting:  Nancy will contact us on the best date in December.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Township Board Meeting Minutes November 2022

Skanee Townhall

NOVEMBER 7, 2022 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER:  Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M at the Arvon Township Fire hall on November 7, 2022.

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

MINUTES APPROVAL:  Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the October 3, 2022 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

AGENDA APPROVAL:  Fish requests “Ken Anderson” and “Chip LeClaire” under “New Business.”  Keith Erickson requests “Military markers” under “New Business”.  Janda motioned seconded by Eliason to approve the agenda with the three additions.  All in favor, motion passed

PUBLIC COMMENT:   Nancy Strohshein asked the board about purchasing a Zoom account for the Planning Commission board.  The new member that was appointed last month, winters down south and won’t be able to attend the winter meetings.  The board did not think that is acceptable anymore for board members to zoom.  Strohshein will look into it for next month’s meeting.

-James Soli let the board know that the EMT/Fire Dept. radios have not been updated yet.

OLD BUSINESS: Land division will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-Fish was contacted by Glen Anderson of the Western U.P. Health Department.  Anderson let Fish know that the Sawmill property owners are applying for a remote cabin/vaulted privy (300 gallon tank) and a hand pump for their water source.  Prior talking to Anderson, Fish was contacted by township residents, letting him know that if the Sawmill property owners get away with this kind of system, they will sue the township, expressing how they had to follow the state requirements of a raised mound system with all its costs, then so should everyone.  All the citizens that were present at the meeting also said that the remote cabin/vaulted privy and hand pump should be denied, even a 1000 gallon tank.  One explained how wet and swampy that particular parcel of land is on Sawmill Rd.  Fish explained that the board is not trying to be unwelcoming, we are just following the laws and rules.  Fish asked for approval from the board to allow the Sawmill Rd property owners to apply for a remote cabin/vaulted privy and a hand pump water source.  Motion denied by all board members.  All in favor, motioned passed. 

-Fish, Janda and Wahmhoff are going to plan a day to go to the Skanee Cemetery and find all the pegs that Swanson put in.  Also, the township should hire out an Imaging company to find exactly where the sailors are buried.  This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

-Building contractors let Fish know that the State Electrical inspector is not responding to their calls.  Fish talked to Phil Rowe about the job.  Rowe is interested in it but will have to follow up on some extra training for the State.  Marinich will put an ad in the paper for an Electrical Inspector position for Arvon Township.

NEW BUSINESS: Keith Erickson is requesting more military markers.  Also new letters and glass for the monument in front of the township hall. The fire hall flagpole also needs to be replaced.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve Erickson’s requests and flagpole.  All in favor, motion passed.  Marinich will purchase all requests.

-Ken Anderson has been dealing with health issues and is stepping down from the Arvon Township Building inspector/Zoning administrator.  Anderson recommends Nathan Davis to replace him.  When Anderson is feeling better, he is willing to help the new replacement.  He also recommended keeping Schneider on as the alternate.  Davis will have to take the state level training.  Marinich will put an ad in the paper for a Building inspector/Zoning Administrator position for Arvon Township.

-Chip LeClaire was at the meeting asking the board what procedures he would have to go through to open a five site campground on his land towards the Mouth of the Huron.  This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.

FEDIE:

MAIL CALL: 

TREASURERS REPORT:  Eliason gave the Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$348,893.11 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$22,658.06, Fire Fund-$279,340.24, Liquor Fund-$755.22, Road Fund-$120,035.16. 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 December 5, 2022.

ADJOURN:   Eliason motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to adjourn at 7:20 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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Planning & Zoning Qtrly Meeting October 19, 2022

OCTOBER 19, 2022

Call to Order:  6:00 PM

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

Recognition of visitors:  Bette Gabe

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Comments on agenda:  Nancy introduced and welcomed our new member, Donna Preston.  Now our board is at the recommended seven (7) members.  Nancy announced that the Township Board did approve contracting with Jason McCarthy of Northwoods Zoning and Planning from Marquette to assist us with our Recreation Plan (Land Use Plan) and update our Ordinance.  We discussed and agreed to start with the Recreation Plan first and then work on the Ordinance.  This work will begin next month with probably twice monthly meetings with the goal of finishing in March 2023 to take advantage of applying for grants by April.

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

Approval of minutes from quarterly meeting, July 13, 2022:  Jay made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Public Comments:  Bette stated that we were doing a good job, and there is a lot of work ahead.

Chairman Comments:  Our new member, Donna, will be leaving for part of the winter when we will be working on the Recreation Plan.  However, we will use Zoom with our meetings so Donna can participate.  The use of Zoom may be necessary if there is inclement weather.

Old Business:

  1.  Planning commission comments/concerns:  None.
  2. Bob Janda:  Report from Township Board Rep:  None.
  3. Jay Loman:  Report of Zoning Board of Appeals Rep:  None.
  4. Update on Master Plan:  The final copy is on the website and we will request printed copies for all our board members and the Township Board members.
  5. Flood Insurance:  Nancy had forwarded copies of letters to former township supervisor James Soli, John Preston, and present supervisor Jay Fish from FEMA, and Linda Keohane received a letter from the DEQ, regarding the purchase of flood insurance.  According to this communication we have been approved for purchasing of this flood insurance, but further investigation indicated that this was not available in Baraga County.  Ken had previously supplied information from Eagle Harbor that is in their ordinance about flood plains, floodways, and even how to build structures in these areas.  First we need a map of the flood plain area in our area; second, wait on news release with CCO (public meeting); third, check with Jason if he has information on flood insurance, and fourth, ask Jay Fish if he has received any more documents.
  6. Dark Skies Initiative:  Robert will have more information later, but felt we could already start with small changes regarding the lighting in the township, i.e., school, streetlights, avoid large LED signs, etc.

New Business:

  1.  Jason McCarthy will be assisting us with our Recreation Plan and updating the township Ordinance.  Jason sent copies via email of our current rec plan, which is seriously outdated.  We will start work on this on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 6 p.m.  We are to review the old rec plan page for page.  Maps need to be updated.  We will push to finish and have this approved by March 2023.  Not sure of deadline for grant requests, could be April 1.  We will work remotely with Donna and possibly Jason.
  2. Zoning Ordinance:  Linnea will provide a “clean” copy of the Ordinance to Nancy and Jason by November 1, 2022.  This will have all the approved updated material.  She will use a thumb drive as this is a large document.  In our discussion it was felt that definitions are an important portion of this document.  We will see what definitions Jason feels are necessary as well.  The work on this will begin when the rec plan is completed.
  3. Review fee schedule.  Ken was unable to attend but our feel schedule has not been updated in a long time.  Ken had a sample from Ovid Township that he sent.  We will table this for another meeting along with the short term rentals.

Next Quarterly Meeting:  January 11, 2023, at the fire hall at 6:00 PM

Adjourn:  Jay made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.  Adjournment at 7:13 PM

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