Category: Planning Commission Quarterly Meetings & Public Hearings

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

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

AUGUST 18, 2022

Call to Order:  7:00 PM

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chairperson; Bob Janda, Township Board Representative; Joe Bollech, Trustee; Robert Lindert, Trustee, Ken Anderson, Zoning Administrator; Linnea Barron, Secretary.  Absent:  Jay Loman, personal reasons.

Public in attendance:  Alan Preston, Donna Preston, Jay Fish, Sue Bollech, Mary Erickson, Steve Apgar, Hunter Apgar, Will Lindert.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

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

Nancy gave a brief description of what these changes would include, such as definitions, corrections, and additions.  There were copies of the changes for the public to review.  She then turned the discussion over to Ken Anderson to highlight the more important changes.   Ken explained that we are always in a period of change and new definitions are useful for clarification.  He also explained the addition of a new solar energy section which we were lacking in our ordinance. 

Public Comment:  Alan Preston asked why the height restriction on roof-mounted solar system not to extend more than three (3) feet above the surface of the roof.  This is standard.

On the last page a correction was made to Section 1511, number 7, which should read:  Portable storage shipping containers are allowed as temporary accessory structures in FF/FR District.  A temporary zoning permit is required that is valid for ninety (90) days and may be extended at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator.

Robert Lindert made a motion to accept the changes to the ordinance with the correction made in Section 1511.  Roll call:  Bob Janda, yes; Nancy Strohschein, yes; Joe Bollech, yes; Linnea Barron, yes; Robert Lindert, yes.  Motion carried.

The proposed changes to the ordinance will be presented to the Township Board at their next meeting for approval.

Adjournment:  Robert made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Bob.  Meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Call to Order:  6:05 p.m.

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

Recognition of visitors:  None.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited.

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

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

Public Comments:  None.

Chairman Comments:  Nancy had a question on doing the annual report, and decision would be one year after she accepted the chair position.  She also has a question on how electronic we want to be.  We have hard copies of past documents and will continue to do so.  Electronic work can also be saved.

Old Business:

1.  Planning commission comments/concerns:  Master Plan
2. Bob Janda:  Report from Township Board Rep:  Just about the Master Plan
3. Jay Loman: Report of Zoning Board of Appeals Rep:  None.
4. Update on Master Plan
5.  Review of schedule:  The 63-day review period ends August 10.  Any requested changes will be reviewed and changed then.
6. Comments on the Master Plan:  Nancy received a letter from Marquette that they thought the plan was good and went along with theirs.
7. Set Public Hearing date:  August 16, 2022, at 6 p.m. at the Arvon Township Town Hall.  At the September Township Board meeting approval of the Master Plan will be presented to the Board and Jason will make any final changes/corrections.
8. Discussion to have Jason McCarthy be contracted to work on our Recreation Plan and Ordinance review and update.  No schedule set up.  This will be presented to the Township Board as the cost would be $10,000 for both.
9. Ken Anderson:  On solar, Ken mentioned a new system going up on Lakewood Lane.  On flood insurance Ken will have a final draft for review and discuss at our next meeting.  Ken also has concerns about who will take over as zoning administrator.  He has many handwritten notes over the 30 years that he has served as administrator that need to be typed up and saved.  He also thinks the roles of licensed building inspector and zoning administrator should be two separate roles/jobs.  His license for building inspector is good until September 2024.  Ken updated on what the health department approved for the residents on Sawmill Road.  Since there is a poor drainage area (swamp area), a vaulted privy with 300-gallon capacity and pumpable approved.  Still no permits requested for such.

New Business:

1.  Correspondence received:  Letter from Marquette County approving our Master Plan
2. Open seat on Planning Commission, we need to add one.

Next Quarterly Meeting:  Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

Adjourn:  Jay made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Robert.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

April 28, 2022

Call to Order:  5:20 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chairperson; Linnea Barron, Secretary; Joe Bollech, Trustee; Bob Janda, Trustee; Robert Lindert, Trustee; Jay Loman, Trustee.  Dorothy Nankervis has resigned.

Pledge of Allegiance:  The Pledge was recited.

Approval of Agenda:  Bob made a motion to accept the agenda, seconded by Joe.  All approved.

Approval of Minutes:  Corrections were made to the minutes from the April 13, 2022 work session consisting of:  On goal #4; Housing – remove the wording “and property maintenance codes” from the first objective.  The sentence should read:  Ensure enforcement of the Arvon Township building codes and Arvon Township Zoning Ordinance.  Nancy made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Old and New Business:  We are working on our last goal, Goal 6, which reads:  Protect our environment by requiring full disclosure of commercial or industrial development that will greatly impact our area.  It was decided to drop the word ‘greatly’ from the goal.  The objectives will be the same from our old plan. 

1.  The Township will require full disclosure of information including type of business, type of mining, size of the area, length of land use, plan for transportation and roads, plans for cleaning up after use.
2. The environmental impact study will be done by a company chosen by the Township.
3. The company will hold a public forum so the community can receive information and ask questions.
4. Economic development is encouraged if the plan is suitable for the area while protecting the environment.

At 6 p.m. Jason McCarthy reviewed the process for finalizing the Master Plan which includes a 62-day review period, a public hearing, notices to municipalities, and approval by the Township Board.  He also went over the Future Land Use Plan part of the Master Plan.  We talked about maps for township districts and where government property is located.  The possibility of changes in zoning with future development where the present ordinance allows.  We had a discussion on blight, tax rolls, approximate minimum size lot and map changes

Next Meeting Date:  May 19, 2022, 6 p.m. and the firehall.

Adjournment:  The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m., with motion made by Joe and seconded by Jay, all approved.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

Arvon Township Planning Commission Work Session

Monday, March 28, 2022

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chairman; Jay Loman, Trustee, Robert Lindert, Trustee; Joe Bollech, Trustee; Bob Janda, Township Board Representative; Linnea Barron, Secretary.  Absent:  Dorothy Nankervis, will be resigning.

Pledge of Allegiance:  The pledge of allegiance was recited.

Agenda:  Approval of minutes from last work session differed until next meeting.  Review goals and objectives.  Time frame for finishing the Master Plan.

Goal #1:  Natural Resources and Character.  Arvon Township will encourage development that seeks to preserve, protect and perpetuate the Township’s natural resources.  The township will take proactive measure to protect and preserve its rural character.    Objectives:  1.  Something on blight without stating blight, such as to show pride in enhancing the visual appearance of properties.  2.  Research steps to become a dark skies international community.  3.  Objective from Marquette township (objective 1.9) about care of sensitive environmental areas.  4.  The strategy will identify those uses which are most appropriate for Arvon Township based on renewable resources such as forestry and tourism, continue to encourage businesses that have demonstrated responsibility towards the environment.  5.  Improve signage at entrance to Arvon Township and to various points of interest, i.e., cemetaries, township park, waterfalls.

Goal #2:  Transportation.  The township will continue to work with Baraga County and within the township to enhance the travel patterns and accessibility of all users throughout the township.  Objectives:  1.  County roadways will continue to be maintained and future uses will be considered when decisions involving long term maintenance are concerned.  2.  The township will continue to work with Baraga County Road Commission to decide the best course of action for the local road system.  3.  Provide additional support for motorized and non-motorized access and trail connectivity in area, where and when feasible. (from objective 2.15 from Marquette township.  4.  Active investigation into better dust control methods.

Goal #3:  Recreation.  Recreational opportunities for residents and visitors will be enhanced by improving the variety and amount of recreational resources without negatively impacting the natural environment.  Objectives:  1.  Improve access to natural features where applicable, better roads.  2.  Investigate dark skies designation.  3.  Build large dock for handicap accessibility for fishing at the township park, and better lighting on dock.  4.  Utilize the property Arvon Township owns next to Witz Marina for a kayak launch and possibly handicap accessible.  5.  Possible grants for playground equipment at the township park, fencing around ballpark.  6.  Provide the public information on where campgrounds exist, bike trail information, ORV trails, vacation rentals, dining information, fuel and groceries; perhaps a brochure.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting will be after our quarterly meeting, for an hour.  That will be April 13, 2022, 6 p.m. at the firehall.

Adjourn:  Robert made a motion to adjourn, Bob seconded the motion.  The motion carried and adjourned at 8 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

March 17, 2022

Call to Order:  6:00 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chairman; Bob Janda, Township Board Representative; Jay Loman, Trustee, Joe Bollech, Trustee; Robert Lindert, Trustee; Linnea Barron, Secretary.  Absent:  Dorothy Nankervis, will be resigning from the board.

Pledge:  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Agenda:  Nancy had sent out an agenda earlier, which we used.  Jay made a motion to accept the agenda, seconded by Joe.

Minutes:  The minutes from the January 17, 2022 work session were reviewed.  Motion made by Bob to accept the minutes, seconded by Nancy.  The minutes from February 24, 2022 work session was reviewed.  Motion made by Jay to accept the minutes, seconded by Robert, motion carried for both minutes.

Old Business/New Business:  At the March 17, 2022 meeting, Nancy agreed to become the new chairman but we did not officially make a motion and approve this.  So Linnea made a motion for Nancy to become the new chairperson, seconded by Jay, motion carried and Nancy was approved.

The work session concentrated on the goals and objectives of the present Master Plan.  Our old master plan had eleven (11) goals.  We went through each one separately and came up with six (6) goals by combining goals or eliminating goals.  The goals we felt represented Arvon Township include:  Natural Resources and Character; Transportation; Recreation; Housing; Public Service, Government and Infrastructure; and Economic Development.  We compared the goals from Marquette County where applicable. 

At our next meeting, we will tackle the objectives.  We reviewed the old objectives and some will be kept and/or combined with others.  We will review the objectives from Marquette County and add new objectives reflecting the comments/suggestions from the public hearing from July 2021.

Next Meeting:  Monday, March 28, 2022, 6:00 p.m. at the fire hall.

Adjournment:  Jay made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Bob.  Meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

February 24, 2022

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Joe Bollech, Jay Loman, Bob Janda, Robert Lindert, Linnea Barron.  Absent:  Dorothy Nankervis.

Pledge of Allegiance:  We recited the pledge.

Approval of Agenda:  Bob made a motion, seconded by Nancy.

Old and New Business:  We reviewed the work on Section 6 from Jason and made some more improvements on it. 

Section 7 included Public Participation with subtitles of Introduction and Public Input.  What was missing was the addition of the summary from the public hearing in July 2021, sent to Jason but not included.  Copies were distributed of that public hearing with all the suggestions from the public and reviewed.  Robert brought up the topic of Dark Sky and would find information on it to share.  This was discussed to be added to the list of suggestions. 

Section 8 included Goals and Objectives.  After reviewing the old goals and objectives in our last master plan it was decided we needed a whole session just on this.  A work session in March will be set up for this topic.

Adjournment:  Bob made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Robert.  Motion carried.  Adjourned at 7 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary