January 8, 2020 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm EST
Meeting is at Skanee Firehall
Township Meeting Minutes December 2019
DECEMBER 5, 2019 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor James Soli called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township fire hall on December 5, 2019.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: James Soli-Supervisor, Krystal Larson-Treasurer, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Keith Erickson-Trustee, Chris Walmhoff-Trustee, absent.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the November 4, 2019 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Larson motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Bette Gabe let the board know that the Planning Commission had a work session in Baraga. They will be holding another meeting in January.
OLD BUSINESS: The Planning Commission requested a moratorium on the wind turbine issue for the winter. Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve a 3-month moratorium. All in favor, motion passed.
-With the November power outage, the township should have an on- demand generator at the fire halls. The cost would roughly be $15,000 to $18,000 for a 20,000-watt generator. Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to put out bids. All in favor, motion passed.
-After discussion, it would be best to put the road millage proposal on the August 4, 2020 election because the snowbirds will be home. Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the reading of the Road millage proposal and the date of August 4, 2020. All in favor, motion passed.
Marinich motioned, seconded by Larson to also have the AMB/EMT millage renewal proposal on the August 4, 2020 election and approve the reading of the millage. All in favor, motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS:
JAMES FEDIE: Fedie let the board know that the Board of Review will be meeting on December 10th.
MAIL CALL: Marci Cella sent a packet to the board to read on property values decreasing in the L’Anse area due to turbine controversy.
-Soli questioned paying the Planning Commission board for the meeting held out of Arvon Township. After discussion, Marinich motioned, seconded by Larson to approve their pay. All in favor, motion passed.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Larson gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$224,200.31 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$25,457.40 Fire Fund-$133,108.76 Liquor Fund-$802.90, Road Fund-$18,340.83. Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting date will be January 6, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.
ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to adjourn at 6:40 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk
Township Board Meeting
December 5, 2019 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm EST
Changed from Dec 2
test agenda
November 2019 Firehall Agenda
- Fish Fry
- Wheelbarrow Race
- Parade
Skanee Fun Day
Fireman’s Auxillary Mtg
Arvon Township Planning Special Mtg November 2019
ARVON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
LAKESIDE INN, BARAGA, MI NOVEMBER 6, 2019
CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL AND RECOGNITION OF VISITORS: Bette Gabe, Chairman; Dorothy Nankervis, Trustee; Mary Deline, Trustee; Joe Bollech, Trustee, Jay Loman, Trustee. Absent: Keith Erickson and Linnea Barron due to prior commitments. Visitors: Attorney Joshua Nolan on-screen via teleconference (in real-time); Burt Mason, moderator for teleconference; and eighteen persons in the audience (list of attendees filed with minutes).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The pledge of allegiance was recited.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion made by Dorothy Nankervis to accept the agenda, seconded by Mary Deline.
OLD BUSINESS: Chairperson, Bette Gabe, gave a short presentation on the status of the proposed utility WECS amendments developed by the planning commission board up to this point. She explained that the board is seeking additional legal counsel based on a short presentation from township attorney Steven Tinti on October 7, 2019. His recommendation was to have zoning amendments that are defendable in a court of law.
NEW BUSINESS: A teleconference was set up with attorney Joshua Nolan to share legal information concerning WECS amendments. The main request of the planning commission board was to gain information to develop ordinances that will stand up in a court of law. He stressed the need to show a rational reason between zoning and the health, safety and welfare of the citizens. Attorney Joshua Nolan felt some proposed amendments were not defensible and some were. He critiqued all five proposed changes as well as giving his legal opinion on other sections of the industrial WECS section of the Zoning Ordinance.
Much information was shared with the board to take back and use to amend the Wind Energy Systems (WECS) Zoning Ordinances of Arvon Township. The information will align with the advice from attorney Steven Tinti and give the board members a rationale for zoning ordinances. With this information in place all proposed amendments, as well as other sections should be defendable in a court of law.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Several members shared information regarding setbacks, zoning information from other townships and their opinions.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion made by Dorothy Nankervis, seconded by Joe Bollech, adjournment at 7:12 p.m.
Submitted by Mary Deline for absent Secretary Linnea Barron
Township Meeting Minutes November 2019
NOVEMBER 4, 2019 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor James Soli called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township fire hall on November 4, 2019.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: James Soli-Supervisor, Krystal Larson-Treasurer, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Keith Erickson-Trustee, Chris Walmhoff-Trustee.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the October 7, 2019 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Larson motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Bette Gabe requests a moratorium on wind turbines. This will be tabled until next month’s meeting.
OLD BUSINESS: Jason McCarthy submitted a Project Contract & Services Scope to the township board. He met with the Planning Commission to review goals and objectives for the townships Mater Plan update. It will take between 8-10 months to complete. He will complete the referenced tasks in an efficient and professional manner for a flat fee of $10,000.00, which will include his travel. A deposit of 50% made at the time of the project agreement signing and balance paid within 30 days of completion of the Master Plan. Marinich motioned, seconded by Larson to approve Jason McCarthy’s contract. All in favor, motion passed.
-For years the township only had one “Public Comment on the agenda. After discussion, the board feels that one is adequate. Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to change it back to one “Public Comment” on the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
-Soli requests putting 1 millage up for vote for Arvon Township road improvement/maintenance. There will be 3 elections in 2020, this proposal could be put on the ballot. Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to put the proposal on the ballot in 2020. All in favor, motion passed. Marinich will have the wording to approve for next month’s meeting.
-The Ambulance/EMT millage is also expiring in 2020. Marinich will have the wording to approve at next month’s meeting.
-The Township has to participate in the FEMA Flood Plain program in order for the township taxpayers to get flood insurance. Marinich motioned, seconded by Larson to participate in the program. All in favor, motion passed.
-The cemetery is surveyed and ready to put topsoil down. With winter fast approaching this will be tabled until spring.
-Baraga Telephone Company will be laying down cable and video line in the township. The township can charge them 5% annually. Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve charging them annually 5%. All in favor, motion passed.
-Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to reappoint Linnea Barron for a 3 year term on the Planning Commission board. All in favor, motion passed.
NEW BUSINESS: Larson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve $500.00 to join the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce. All in favor, motion passed.
-Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve Curt Royal for the 2019-2020 winter plowing for the Skanee Park and the Access Site. All in favor, motion passed.
-The Arvon School Christmas program is December 20th. Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to close the Township hall after that for the winter. All in favor, motion passed.
JAMES FEDIE: Fedie let the board know that the winter tax bills will be out by December 3rd.
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Larson gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$231,318.93 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$28,044.90 Fire Fund-$133,321.29 Liquor Fund-$847.56, Road Fund-$18,340.83. Erickson motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Jason McCarthy wants to be paid $5,000.00 down before the next month’s meeting, Marinich will also pay Curt Royals bill of $1,450.00. Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to approve the bills with the two additions. All in favor, motion passed. NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting date will be December 2, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.
ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Larson to adjourn at 7:10 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk
Arvon Township Qtrly Zoning Mtg October 9, 2019
ARVON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION QUARTERLY MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2019
CALL TO ORDER: 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL AND RECOGNITION OF VISITORS: Bette Gabe, Chairman; Dorothy Nankervis, Trustee; Mary Deline, Trustee; Joe Bollech, Trustee; Keith Erickson, Township Board Representative; Linnea Barron, Secretary. Absent: Jay Loman, Trustee; and Ken Anderson, Zoning Administrator. Visitors: Irene Fisher, Wayne Abba, Karena Schmidt.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Bette suggested that we begin our meetings with the pledge of allegiance at each meeting, beginning tonight. We all agreed and the pledge done.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mary made a motion to accept the agenda, seconded by Dorothy. All approved, motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Keith made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Mary. All approved, motion carried.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Wayne Abba mentioned that L’Anse Township is having their public hearing on their master plan around December 5th. He also informed us that the HILPA (Huron Island Lighthouse Preservation Association) elected new officials with Burt Mason, president; Joe Bollech, vice president and treasurer; Nancy Bernard, secretary; Jeffery Loma and Wayne Abba trustees. This group will work parallel to the Friends of the Huron Mountains group. They plan projects in the spring which include repair of the lighthouse.
Irene Fisher felt that we were doing a good job. She brought up dust control which was discussed at the Township Board meeting and its financing, millage increase, township contribution, etc.
Karena Schmidt is from the Department of Natural Resources and we welcomed her to our meeting.
Wayne mentioned that L’Anse is trying to get a blight ordinance that would be administered by one person responsible for all of Baraga County including all the townships.
OTHER MATTERS TO BE REVIEWED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION: None.
OLD BUSINESS
- Damaged buildings, timeline for removal and clean-up: We discussed to have a 12 month limit for this. Joe Bollech will check with Hannila Insurance Company on what kind of time frame the insurance company would have.
- Status of proposed utility WECS amendments: We feel we are at an impasse on this as we do not propose to make any changes in the amendments we presented to the Board. Bette presented a copy from Eagle Harbor who have set a height limit of 300 feet for the utility wind turbines. Bette even spoke with a representative from there and they are not concerned with being sued over this. We discussed proposing a moratorium to the Township Board on accepting any applications/permits being for utility wind turbines until the amendments are agreed upon. Mary made a motion to request the Township Board to set a moratorium on accepting any applications/permits from any utility wind energy conversion system until the issue with our amendments is resolved. Dorothy seconded the amendment, all agreed, and motion carried.
OPEN DISCUSSION FOR ISSUES NOT ON THE AGENDA:
- Correspondence received: Bette received a picture of a wind turbine that Marcy Cella sent her that read; Thank you for not folding…signed Marcy and future generations.
- Planning commission members concerns, if any: Bette is concerned what happens to our proposed amendments now that we are at an impasse with the Township Board. She will check with the MTA website for help on this, or other websites.
- Members of the audience concerns: A mutual concern for being at a standstill on our amendments.
REPORT OF TOWNSHIP BOARD REPRESENTATIVE, Keith Erickson: None.
REPORT OF ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS REPRESENTATIVE, Jay Loman: None as he was absent.
REPORT OF PLANNING CONSULTANT: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Zoning text correction: It was brought to our attention that we need to clarify on the amendments that the distance of one mile between wind energy systems be changed to state that each wind turbine be one mile apart from one another as wind energy systems could mean multiple turbines. Keith made a motion that on our amendment on the spacing of utility wind energy systems be changed to read; utility wind energy turbines shall be spaced a minimum of one (1) mile apart from one another. Mary seconded the motion, all agreed, and motion carried. Another correction was brought up by Linnea and it concerns page 80 in our ordinance: Nonconforming Use of Land and/or Structures, letter a; Nonconforming use of land shall be enlarged or increased nor extended to occupy a greater area of land than was occupied at the effective date. It should read; Nonconforming use of land shall not be enlarged or increased nor extended to occupy a greater area of land than was occupied at the effective date. The word ‘not’ was omitted and needs to be in there. Keith made a motion to accept this change, seconded by Joe, all agreed and motion carried.
- Any other new business: None.
- Setting public hearing dates, if needed: None.
DISCRETIONARY PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
NEXT QUARTERLY MEETING DATE – January 8, 2020, 6 p.m., at Fire Hall
ADJOURNMENT: Dorothy made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mary, all agreed, adjournment at 7:20 p.m.
Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary
Township Meeting Minutes October 2019
OCTOBER 7, 2019 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor James Soli called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the Arvon Township fire hall on October 7, 2019.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: James Soli-Supervisor, Krystal Larson-Treasurer, absent, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Keith Erickson-Trustee, Chris Walmhoff-Trustee, absent.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the September 3, 2019 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Soli requests “Baraga Telephone Co.” under “New Business.” Marinich motioned, seconded by Erickson to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Kay Erickson let the board know that the townships updated website is now up and running.
-Bert Mason did not read in the last month’s minutes that he gave the Township board a copy of a presentation by the Friends of the Huron Mountains and a copy of land easement between RES and private landowners. He would like this added in the minutes.
-Bette Gabe asked if the Planning Commission can use the new Township attorney for legal advice. If they have a question to ask the township attorney, to call Soli and he will contact him for them. Soli explained that when the Planning Commission meets, Keith Erickson that sits on behalf of the Township Board should be the one speaking on behalf of the Planning Commission.
OLD BUSINESS: With two board members absent, Public comment, Dust control, Flood Plain Insurance and Cemetery will be tabled until next month’s meeting. Doug Mills talked to the township about dust control, how expensive it is and that if the township would put a millage up for vote for a road millage, it could help with costs.
-Soli let the board know that Scott Swanson has the new part of the Skanee Cemetery surveyed and set up. NEW BUSINESS: With two board members absent, Baraga Chamber of Commerce and Baraga Telephone will be tabled until next month’s meeting.
-Debbie Stouffer from the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce was present. She is asking the Township to join.
JAMES FEDIE:
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Marinich gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$243,489.12 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$28,184.90 Fire Fund-$134,256.23 Liquor Fund-$936.88, Road Fund-$18,340.83. Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed. NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting date will be November 4, 2019 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.
ADJOURN: Erickson motioned, seconded by Marinich to adjourn at 7:10 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk