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Township Board Meeting Minutes, March 3, 2025

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 3, 2025.

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

MINUTES APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the February 3, 2025 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
OLD BUSINESS: Strohshein was absent at the meeting so the Zoning Ordinance will be tabled until next month’s meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: Arvon Township was approached by the Aura Town Hall board asking for financial help with some upgrades to the Aura Hall kitchen. Fish and Marinich contacted MTA and were advised that township tax money cannot be used.
-The Aura Fire Hall asked for money to help with a small addition on their firehall. Fish and Marinich talked with MTA about helping out monetarily with the addition, being that Aura Fire Department does help in cases of fires in Arvon Township. MTA advised that we cannot use taxpayer’s money outside of Arvon Township unless we have a contract with Aura Fire Department. The Aura Fire Department is in L’Anse Township.
JAMES FEDIE:
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$297,630.90, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$33,655.87 Fire Fund-$392,849.29 Liquor Fund-$788.36, Road Fund-$259,198.70. Erickson 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 7,2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Firehall.
-At the end of the meeting, Jason Elmblad approached the board with an issue of his building being too close to the lake. The board heard his argument and decided to turn it over to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance consideration.
ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn at 6:15 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

Planning Commission Public Hearing

May 8 @ 6:00 pm

The Arvon Township Planning Commission will meet to consider a property owner’s request to erect a geodesic dome on each of 2 lots on Liimatainen Rd on Point Abbaye and operate them as short-term rentals.

The public is encouraged to attend and ask questions at this meeting.

Arvon Township Fire Hall

Town Road
Skanee, MI United States
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Township Board Meeting Minutes, February 3, 2025

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 3, 2025.

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

MINUTES APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Janda to approve January 6,2025 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

AGENDA APPROVAL: James Soli would like to add “Fire Truck” under “New Business”.  Janda motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda with the addition under “New Business”.   All in favor, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Strohshein let the board know that the documents are done on the township’s website.  She would like to have Zoning Ordinance put on the March Regular meeting agenda. 

OLD BUSINESS:   Fish met with McBroom, Markkanen and Bonak over the tax situation in Baraga County.  They agree that Baraga County has the worst tax table in the State of Michigan, 87% of Baraga County’s property is untaxable.                                                                                                                                                                               -The remainder of the ARPA funds total $5,644.52.  Marinich would like to clarify that when the board approved the December 2024 minutes it was not clear how the remainder of the ARPA funds were spent.  $3,000.00 was used to pay for the township’s cemetery clean up spring of 2024 and the remainder of $2,644.00 was used to pay for the 2024 elections.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the remainder of the ARPA funds expenditures.  All in favor, motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:   On behalf of the Arvon Fire Department, James Soli let the board know that the fire department has a 1983 800 gallon pumper truck that is not user friendly.  With the larger homes that are being built in the township, the Fire Dept would like to purchase a 1000 gallon user friendly pumper truck.  The cost of a newer used pumper would cost approximately $150,000.00.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the purchase of a pumper truck.  All in favor, motion passed.               

-The Bay Ambulance Service Agreement for the year 2025 needs approval.  On the August 2024 election, the Ambulance/EMT millage renewal increase was voted in.  It went from .30 to .60 mills for four years.  The previous agreement was $15,006.00.  With the election millage increase the agreement increased to $30,012.00.  Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Service Agreement.  All in favor, motion passed.

-The Budget Workshop date will be set for February 24, 2025 at 4:30 P.M. at the Fire Hall.

-The Annual/Budget meeting date is set for March 24, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. at the Fire Hall.

-Jim Fedie would like to see the Board of Review pay increased.  From $20.00 an hour to half day $75.00 up to four hours and full day over four hours $150.00.  Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve the Board of Review increase.  All in favor, motion passed.                                                                                                                                                                                    -Marinich and Fedie also talked about raising the Township training pay to increase from $25.00 to $75.00 half day and over four hours to increase from $50.00 to $150.00.  Erickson motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the training increase.  All in favor, motion passed.

 JAMES FEDIE:

MAIL CALL:   

TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$308,128.86, Ambulance/EMT Fund-$33,655.87 Fire Fund-$386,699.58 Liquor Fund-$877.68, Road Fund-$251.815.80.  Erickson 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 March 3, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. at the Township Firehall.

ADJOURN: Eliason motioned, seconded by Erickson to adjourn at 6:50 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed.

Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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Planning Commission Qtly Meeting Minutes, October 10, 2024

Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call – Present Nancy Strohschein (Chair), Joe Bollech, Bob Janda (Township Board Rep)
Robert Lindert (Vice Chair & Secretary), Jay Loman (Zoning Board of Appeals Chair)
Donna Preston, John Salsbury- Absent with Notice, Buddy Sweeney (Zoning Administrator)
Pledge of Allegiance: Recited
Introductions/Guests:
Approval of Agenda: Bob motioned, Donna seconded
Approval of minutes of July 11, 2024 Quarterly Meeting: Jay motioned, Bob seconded.
Chairman Comments:

  1. Welcome John Salsbury as newest PC member.
  2. Notes from Monday 10/7 Board Meeting
    a. Nancy gave an in-depth update from the meeting. Board meeting minutes are
    available on website or in office.
  3. PC Member terms:
    a. Joe Bollech – 1 Year, expires June 2025
    b. Bob Jana – per term on township board
    c. Robert Lindert – 01/03/2022, 3 years, expires 01/03/2025
    d. Jay Loman – Through August 2027
    e. Donna Preston – 10/03/2022, 3 years, expires 10/03/2025
    f. Nancy Strohschein – August 2024, 3 years, expires August 2027
    g. John Salsbury – October 2024, 3 years, expires October 2027
    Old Business:
  4. Planning Commission comments/concerns
    a. Donna wasn’t present at most of our meetings. She would like to be on record
    saying we did a great job.
  5. Bob Janda: Report from Township Board
    a. Reviewed meeting where Zoning Ordinance was adopted.
    b. Made clarifications on blight – we do NOT have a blight ordinance.
  6. Buddy Zoning Update – None
    2
  7. Jay Loman: Report from Zoning Board of Appeals
    a. Jay summarized Elmblad dispute. Nothing we can do because setbacks are
    through EGLE regarding Lake Superior.
  8. Recreation
    a. Lisa has not uploaded the recreation plan to the website yet. Needs more
    information from us.
  9. Updated ZO:
    a. Approve minutes from August 22 2024 public hearing
    i. Jay motioned, Bob seconded.
    New Business:
  10. Posting PC Minutes on website and placing in office files
    a. Robert to print out all minutes he has and leave in Fire Hall for Lisa.
    b. Nancy to fill in with her minutes when Robert was out.
  11. PC Education from the MTA Planning and Zoning Guide
    a. Buddy to present, but he is absent. Pushed to next quarterly meeting.
  12. Set 2025 Quarterly Meeting dates
    a. 2
    nd Thursday in January, April, July, and October.
    Topics for Next Meeting:
  13. PC Education – Part 6 by Buddy
    Upcoming Meetings:
  • Quarterly Meeting January 9
    th 2025 @ 6:00pm
    Adjourn: Robert motioned, Donna seconded. 6:48pm
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Public Hearing on Zoning Ordinance, August 22, 2024


Call to Order: 6:00 PM
Pledge of Allegiance: Done
Roll Call
Nancy Strohschein (Chair) – Absent with notice, Joe Bollech – Present
Bob Janda (Board Rep) – Present, Robert Lindert (Vice Chair & Secretary) – Absent with notice, Jay Loman (Board of Appeals Chair) – Present, Acting Chair
Donna Preston – Present, Acting Secretary
Introductions:

  • Jason McCarthy, Consultant, Northwoods Planning and Zoning
  • Buddy Sweeney, Zoning Administrator
    Arvon Residents Present:
  • Sue Bollech
  • Jason Emblad
  • Jay Emblad
  • Angie Emblad
  • John Salsbury
  • Kathy Salsbury
    Approval of Agenda: Motion by Donna, Second by Bob. Approved
    Agenda:
    I. Public Comment on Agenda Items – Public comments will be taken after the
    presentation by Jason McCarthy
    II. Chairman Comments – Acting Chair Jay Loman had no comments
    III. Presentation of revised Zoning Ordinance by Jason McCarthy, Northwoods Planning &
    Zoning
    A. Jason stated the tasks for the Zoning Ordinance update were to update the
    zoning, preserve rural character, address new housing alternatives such as tiny homes,
    geodesic domes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
    B. There were no changes to maps, except for district names. Live hyperlinks were
    added to provide additional information on line. Language was modernized.
    C. Changes made to each article were discussed by Jason. The most important
    changes were read to the public.
    2
  • Article 2: Definitions for ADU, blight, dark sky lighting, duplex, EMC, fence,
    geodesic dome, greenbelt, High Risk Erosion Areas (HREA), mining, mineral
    extraction, nuisance, recreational structure, Recreational Vehicle (RV),
    shipping containers, Short Term Rental (STR), signs, tiny home, utility building
  • Article 3: Changed to 6 districts. Added STR and tiny homes to be allowed.
    Included 40-foot setback for non-inhabitable structures such as sheds and
    saunas.
  • Articles 4 through 9: No significant changes
  • Article 10: Jason presented changes to Tables 1 & 2
  • Article 12: Added fire safety zone of 10 feet. Defined parking spaces for
    ADU, fence location on property line, outdoor lighting, noise. A new section
    for signs was added. HREA updated to reflect the law. Temporary uses
    better defined. Section 1217 addressed ADUs, cargo containers and shortterm rentals. The changes made to STRs were done to ensure safety to
    everyone who lives or stays in the Township.
  • Article 13: No changes made
  • Article 15: Clerical changes from Board of Appeals to Zoning Board of
    Appeals (ZBA)
  • Articles 15 through 18: No substantial changes. Updated language and
    terminology. Added hyperlinks.
    IV. Public Comment:
    A. John and Kathy Salsbury expressed concern about blight on their street. Jason
    acknowledged their concern and stated that control of blight is not done in the Zoning
    Ordinance, but must be enacted by the Township Board.
    B. Jason Emblad stated the website needs to be clarified about setback
    requirements for utility buildings. The setback from water’s edge is not clear in the
    current Zoning Ordinance. His comments were acknowledged. The updated ZO is
    clearer in this area, since the setback info has been included in the articles instead of
    only in the definition.
    C. Jason Emblad appreciated the section on signs.
    D. Jason Emblad asked about the county road easement which states that no
    building may be done within the 33-foot easement from the center of the road plus 30
    feet from the property line, which means no building can be done within 63 feet of the
    road center line. He asked how long this has been in place. Jay and Buddy answered
    that this has been in place “for a while” and is not new with this Ordinance change or
    the one adopted in 2022.
    E. Jason Emblad asked if STRs are allowed near the fire hall. Jay stated that there
    are STRs on the lake front, but not in the Business District.
    F. Jason Emblad asked how the process for a variance is done. Jason covered the
    steps that involve calling a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
    G. The public hearing portion of the meeting concluded at 7:10 PM
    3
    V. Planning Commission discussion
    Motion to proceed to adopt the revised Zoning Ordinance as presented, with minor
    typographical error corrections made by Jay, second by Bob. Roll call vote:
  • Jay Loman: yes
  • Donna Preston: yes
  • Bob Janda: Yes
  • Joe Bollech: Yes
    VI. Define Next Steps:
    A. Inform board that the updated Zoning Ordinance will be presented for their
    adoption at the October, 2024 meeting. The board needs to place a notice in the
    paper to advertise that the revised ZO will be discussed and potentially adopted
    at the October meeting.
    B. Jason will submit to Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region
    office (WUPPDR) for review and comment. They have 30 days to comment.
    C. Jason will complete the document, including table of content and appendices
    and send to Nancy Strohschein for placement on the Arvon Township website.
    D. No other Planning Commission meetings are necessary at this time.
    VII. Adjourn: Motion to adjourn made by Jay, seconded by Donna. Motion approved.
    VIII. Adjourned at 7:15 PM
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Planning Commission Work Session July 17, 2024

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Nancy Strohschein (Chair), Joe Bollech, Bob Janda (Board Rep)
Robert Lindert (Vice Chair & Secretary), Jay Loman (Board of Appeals Chair)
Donna Preston, Buddy Sweeney (Zoning Admin)
Pledge of Allegiance: Recited
Introductions/Guests: Jay Fish, Supervisor
Approval of Agenda: Robert motioned, Donna seconded.
Approval of minutes of June 26, 2024 Work Session meeting: bob motioned, Jay seconded.
Agenda:
I. Chairman comments – PC membership change.
A. PC agrees staying at 7 would be ideal since Donna leaves for the winter, and
other members may be busy at times.
II. Recreation Committee/Plan
A. Nancy asked Lisa to upload Rec Plan at the July board meeting
B. Jay Loman – Any conversation with Scott Lloyd? — Tabled
C. Jason McCarthy – Info sent to Lisa Marinich? — Tabled
III. Ordinance Update
A. Review of final draft from Jason.

  • Move all of Article 1202 section 2 letter D into Article 2 (definitions). We feel
    it’s best to have all the definitions in one spot.
  • Found various other things that needed correction. Made the corrections and
    sent these to Jason.
  • We agreed that we want Jason to mention in the public input session about
    the change of zoning districts. Also mention the changes to the various
    tables. Highlight tables names for tables that had content changed.
  • Running through the entire ZO took the majority of our meeting.
    B. Schedule next steps
    C. Final steps for ZO update
  • Receive final compiled document – Jason to provide after PC review of entire
    document before next meeting. Jason will update the table of contents and
    make sure all hyperlinks work.
    2
  • Publication on website – We need to provide at least 30 days access to the
    updated version before the public hearing.
  • Notice in paper (verbiage from Jason) – target 45 days’ notice and include a
    summary of major changes in paper. Possibly publish in early July.
  • Summary of changes – Jason will provide this for the public hearing.
  • Print copies for public input session
  • Schedule public hearing – Probably in August
  • Jason to attend hearing and present to the public.
  • Resolutions from Jason
    IV. Next meetings
    A. August 20th or August 22nd at 6:00pm, Public Input Session
    B. Township Board Meeting: Monday, August 5 at 6 PM
    C. 2024 quarterly meetings
  • Thursday, October 10
    V. Adjourn
    A. Robert motioned, Donna seconded.
    B. 7:12pm

From July 2023
Topic
1 Definitions (Included in each topic)
2 Seasonal vs Year-Round Dwellings
3 Shipping Containers as Accessory Structures
4 Outdoor Wood Boilers
5 Solar Energy Systems (SES) Residential vs Utility Grade Systems
6 Short-Term Rentals (Vacation, AirBnB, Vrbo)
7 Single & Multiple Family, & Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
8 Minimum Lot/Acreage Sizes (including Farm & Forest)
9 Alternative Designs (Tiny Homes, Domes, Yurts)
10 Zoning Map Adjustments
11 Erosion Control
12 Lighting to Support Dark Skies
13 Signs
14 Gravel Mining
15 Other Mining
16 Fences
17 Blight
18 Sanitary Code for RR Zone
19 Enforcement of Ordinance

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Planning Commission Qtly Meeting Minutes, July 11, 2024

Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 6 PM
Call to Order: 6:00 PM
Roll Call:
Present: Nancy Strohschein (Chair), Joe Bollech, Bob Janda (Township Board Rep)
Jay Loman (Zoning Board of Appeals Chair), Donna Preston-Absent with Notice:
Robert Lindert (Vice Chair & Secretary), Buddy Sweeney (Zoning Administrator)
Recognition of visitors: Kathy Salisbury – Bayview Drive
Approval of agenda: Motion by Jay Loman, Second by Bob Janda. Approved.
Approval of minutes from April 10, 2024 quarterly meeting: Motion by Bob, Second by Joe.
Approved.
Public comments:
Kathy Salsbury stated her concern about property on Bayview Drive that is abandoned,
overrun and should be considered blight. She has researched the state law regarding blighted property.
Chairman Comments:

  1. Fire Hall is again available for meetings.
  2. PC Member terms:
    a. Joe Bollech – 06/04/2016, 4 years, expires 06/04/24. Joe does not wish to renew his
    term.
    b. Robert Lindert – 01/03/2022, 3 years, expires 01/03/2025
    c. Jay Loman – ?
    d. Donna Preston – 10/03/2022, 3 years, expires /10/03/2025
    e. Nancy Strohschein – 07/15/2021, 3 years, expires 07/15/2024
    Old Business:
  3. Planning commission comments/concerns: None
  4. Buddy Sweeney: Report from Zoning Administrator: Buddy not present
  5. Bob Janda: Report from Township Board Rep: Nothing to report
  6. Jay Loman: Report from Zoning Board of Appeals: No appeals
  7. Recreation Plan:
    o Nancy asked Lisa to make sure the Rec Plan gets uploaded to the State DNR site.
    o Jay Loman continues to look for an update from Scott Lloyd
    o Possible money for Covid funds for sidewalk, shed, benches and defibrillator at the park
    and Town Hall
    2
    New Business:
  8. PC Education from the MTA Planning and Zoning Guide.
    a. Jay: Part 5, pages 145 – 176: Complete
  9. Zoning Ord:
    a. Receive final draft from Jason: Nancy will send Jason our notes from the last review
    b. Confirm maps
    c. Post of website
    d. Publish in newspaper
    e. Public hearing
    f. Presentation to board
    g. Board adoption
    Topics for Next Meeting:
  10. PC Education – Part 6 by Buddy
    Quarterly Meetings in 2024 are published in the Sentinel
  • Thursday, October 10
    Upcoming meetings:
  • Wednesday, July 17: Planning Commission ZO Work Session
  • Monday, August 5: Township Board Meeting
    Adjourn: Adjourned at 7:05 PM
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Planning Commission Work Session, June 26, 2024

Work Session Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 26 2024 at 6:00 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Nancy Strohschein (Chair)
Joe Bollech (Board of Review)
Bob Janda (Board Rep)
Robert Lindert (Vice Chair & Secretary)
Jay Loman (Board of Review Chair) – Absent w/ notice
Donna Preston
Buddy Sweeney (Zoning Admin)
Pledge of Allegiance: Recited
Introductions/Guests: Jason McCarthy attended via phone call.
Approval of Agenda: Donna motioned, Robert seconded with the change of moving the
ordinance discussion to the front of the list.
Approval of minutes of May 15, 2024: Donna motioned, Bob seconded
Agenda:
I. Ordinance Update
A. Specific comments from Buddy for discussion.
B. Review of entire revised ZO by planning commission members. Consolidate
updates on one paper copy. – Spent the entire hour running through section by section
and correcting any errors we encountered.
C. Final steps for ZO update

  • Receive final compiled document – Jason to provide after PC review of entire
    document before next meeting. Jason will update the table of contents and
    make sure all hyperlinks work.
  • Publication on website – We need to provide at least 30 days access to the
    updated version before the public hearing.
  • Notice in paper (verbiage from Jason) – Target 45 days’ notice and include a
    summary of major changes in paper. Possibly publish in early July.
  • Summary of changes – Jason will provide this for the public hearing.
  • Print copies for public input session.
  • Schedule public hearing – Probably in August
  • Jason to attend hearing and present to the public.
  • Resolutions from Jason.
    II. Chairman Comments
    A. Comments from June 3rd board meeting – Nancy did not attend. Nothing worth
    noting.
    III. Recreation Committee/Plan
    A. Jay Loman – Any conversation with Scott Lloyd?
  • Jay was absent. Tabled this.
    2
    B. Jason McCarthy – Info sent to Lisa Marinich?
  • Jason left by this time. Tabled this as well.
    IV. Next meetings
    A. Planning Commission Work Session: July 17th, @ 6:00pm
    B. Township Board Meeting: Monday, July 1st, @ 6:00pm
    C. Planning Commission Quarterly Meetings
  • Thursday, July 11
  • Thursday, October 10
    Adjourn: Robert motioned, Joe seconded. 7:05pm
);