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