Category: Planning Commission Quarterly Meetings & Public Hearings

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

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

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

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

Approval of minutes from March 9, 2023 work session:  Joe made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Agenda:  This work session was dedicated to printing out the recreation plan survey (500 copies), cross-referencing the addresses on the resident list with the homestead list as there were duplicates, applying the addresses to the envelopes and stamping them.   This process took three hours, and we were happy to have Sue Bollech to assist us.  Nancy will take these to the post office.  Joe is making a collection box for participants to drop off their survey at the township hall.

Next meeting:  Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the firehall.

Adjourn:  Joe made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.  Adjournment at 9 p.m.

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Call to Order:  6:30 p.m.

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

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  Jason McCarthy, by phone.

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

Approval of minutes from February 16, 2023 meeting:  The topic of noise ordinance was added to the agenda and discussed.  Therefore, Joe made a motion to approve the minutes with the addition of noise ordinance in the agenda, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Agenda: 

1.  Recreation Plan.

A.  Jason McCarthy joined us via phone for this meeting to go over the recreation plan.  Changes were made to the sections Introduction, Community Description and Administrative Structure as requested.

 In section, Arvon Township Recreation Inventory, it was felt a map indicating the township waterfront parcels and other points of our recreation inventory would be helpful.  Jason agreed and has already planned for this.  We also requested that the Huron River information should go under the title Additional Area Recreational Facilities.  Also, under this title we changed the description of the first sentence of Silver River Boat Launch Site to read; Silver River Boat Launch is near the corner of Skanee and Townline Roads.  Jason will work on the description for Aura Town Hall & Ball Field.  The Town Hall is the site of the Aura Jamboree, a well-attended event in the summer.  Under Big Erik’s Bridge & Campground the addition of noting outhouses and a popular place for steelhead fishing was suggested.  A sentence was removed from the Old Ravine River Cemetery and correction of typos. 

The section, Description of the Planning Process, was explained by Jason.  He went into detail on how the “system” planning method works. 

Section, Description of the Public Input Process: The Community Survey, paper and on-line, will start mid-March and end on April 30.  We have a tentative date for the Early Public Input of Thursday, May 4, 2023.

B.  Goals and Objectives:  Jason proposed seven goals and objectives.  Jason stated that they are general but detailed.  The Michigan State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) was utilized in these goals and objectives and adapted for Arvon Township’s needs.  He pointed out that each goal had a word emphasizing the purpose of the goal.   Nancy questioned the repetition of trail networks on goal 2 as this subject has been covered by the township with decision against trail networks due to a good portion would travel on Skanee Road and be too dangerous, or on side roads causing extreme dust conditions for residents.  The township is not against trail networks if alternative routes could be established.  Jason commented that purchase of easements from landowners for trails is a possibility.  On goals 6 and 7, Nancy stated that the objectives did not seem to project the goal.  Jason will reword these two.

C.  Survey.

Jason suggested some changes to the survey, remove the question on gender and how often one recreates.  We agreed to remove #4 on gender, but decided to keep question on how often one recreates.  We would like a header for the survey.  Jason will add a statement at the end of the survey stating people can photocopy the paper survey if multiple people want to participate.

We have a budget of $700 for the survey.  Jim Fedie has supplied the addresses for the paper survey.  There are duplicates and businesses that we need to eliminate to get the number down to 500.  Nancy had a question if too many addresses, can we pick and choose who to send to.  Jason will investigate that with MTA attorney.

Jason explained how the Survey Monkey works.  We plan to print, label and stuff envelopes at the next meeting.

D.  Review schedule. 

Survey dates of mid-March to April 30.  In-person input session set for Thursday, May 4, 2023.  Results of survey and input session will be used in the Goals and Objectives and Action Plan.  Tentative date for public hearing is June or July with final adoption in August or September.

E.  Next work session set for Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. with Jason in attendance.

2.  Zoning Ordinance

A.  Chris Wahmhoff, Trustee on Township Board, has agreed to be the Zoning Administrator (ZA) after receiving the education necessary for the job.  We need to check with MTA if he can serve as ZA and on the Board.

B.  Nancy read an article from MTA on enforcing ordinances.   The article changed violating an ordinance from a misdemeanor to a municipal civil infraction with procedures to follow including sending a letter to violator, possible appearance in court with a judge to determine outcome.  Jason was aware of this recommendation and strongly suggests that we adopt this approach in the updated ordinance.  We will have to make sure the duties of the ZA are clearly defined in the updated ordinance.

Next meeting date will be Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the firehall.  We will be printing surveys, addressing and stuffing envelopes.  Jason will be at this meeting and go through the next steps in the survey results, Goals and Objectives, and Action plan.

Adjourn:  Robert made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe.  All approved and motion carried.  Adjournment at 7:55 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

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

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  None.

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

Approval of minutes of January 24, 2023 meeting:  Robert made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.

Agenda: 

1.  Recreation Plan:  We reviewed the first three sections, Introduction, Community Description, and Administrative Structure, in the proposed plan with the changes that Jason made.  We still feel the map on page 2, Figure 2, could be larger or just different from map, Figure 1. 

The new sections we reviewed were:  Recreation Inventory; Description of the Planning Process; and Description of the Public Input Process.  In the Recreation Inventory, we removed Roland Lake from the inventory as we do not own it and placed this site under possible new category, Other Natural Resources.  Also in this section under the Arvon Township Waterfront Parcels we would list only the 34 acres of undeveloped Lake Superior frontage property, the 38-acre parcel near Vicks Point and the 100-foot strip of property at Witz Marina as properties that we own.  The Witz Marina, trails and rustic camping at Pointe Abbaye and the area managed by the Keweenaw Land Trust at Lightfoot Bay would be listed under Other Natural Resources.  In the Description of the Public Input Process, we changed the order so that the Community Survey would be the first step for us followed by the Early Public Input, next would be the 30-day Review Period and closing with the Public Hearing & Resolution of Adoption.

We also noted some minor typos that need to be corrected.

Other Recreation Resources include:  Roland Lake, Point Abbaye, Witz Marina, Silver River access, Big Erick’s campground, Lightfoot Bay Nature Reserve, Aura Town Hall and Ballfield, Skanee cemetery and Ravine River cemetery, Arvon Township historical museum.  Natural features include:  Waterfalls (Silver River Falls, Quartzite Falls, Letherby Falls), the slate quarry, mouth of the Huron River and Mount Arvon.

The survey, paper and on-line version, was reviewed in detail.  On #4 to save some room on the survey we combined some recreations.  We eliminated question #10 as unnecessary.  We set the date, May 8, 2023, as the person input session.  Tentative date of May 16, 2023 set for work session.  Tentative date for public hearing in June with final board approval at July 10, 2023 township board meeting.  Completed recreation plan set for August.

2.  Zoning Ordinance.

The need for a noise ordinance was brought up with a recent incident that occurred.  This would involve airB&B’s, short-term rentals, etc. 

Adjourn:  Nancy made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.  Work session ended at 7;50 p.m.

Next meeting:  Thursday, March 2, 2023, tentative.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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; 4^th 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

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.

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 1^st.  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

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