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Planning Commission Work Session September 21, 2023

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chair; Linnea Barron, Secretary; Joe Bollech, Board of Review, Bob Janda, Township Board Rep; Robert Lindert, Vice Chair; Jay Loman, Board of Review Chair; Donna Preston; Ken Anderson, Zoning Administrator.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  Jason McCarthy

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

Approval of minutes of August 17, 2023, work session:  Bob made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.

Approval of minutes of September 7, 2023, Public Hearing:  Robert made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

I. Recreation Plan

  1. The Recreation Plan was unanimously adopted by the township board at the September 11, 2023, board meeting with two small changes.  1.  Change board member’s name Krystal Larson to Krystal Eliason in the acknowledgements.  2.  On page 6, change verbiage for trails from “…rugged terrain and miles of trails.” To “…rugged terrain and miles of ATV-riding opportunities on privately owned forest land.”
  2. Approval from board to have one copy printed in color as our official record kept at the Fire Hall office.
  3. Jason stated he needs for the resolution of the Recreation Plan a copy of the minutes from the board meeting approving the plan and he will add the appendix.

II. Ordinance Update

  1. Jason provided a copy of Article II-Definitions, including new and updated definitions.  Discussion with some changes as follows:  Page 8, use ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) instead of ECHO Housing.  Page 10, High Risk Erosion Area is new.  Page 11, Home Occupations, definition okay, but if changes to neighborhood may need permit.  Page 12, Mining Extraction.  Remove wording “but not including”.  Page 12 and 13, Mobile Home.  Robert suggested removal of skirting information in definitions and utilize it in the ordinance.  Page 13, Native Protection Strip.  Similar to buffer definition.  Remove Native Protection Strip and keep definition on buffer.  Also need definition for greenbelt.  Page 17, Recreational Vehicle (RV).  Remove the quote (It is not a “mobile home.”)   A seasonal home definition is needed.
  2. In the zoning map there is no R1A and R1B, so we are eliminating these districts.
  3. Jason gave us homework for the next work session.  We are to determine where the following definitions would be appropriate:  Duplex; Geodesic Dome; Recreational Structure; Shipping/Cargo Container; Tiny Home.

III.  Next meetings.

  1. Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 6 p.m. – Quarterly Planning Commission Meeting.  Work session planned for the same date right after the quarterly meeting.

Adjourn:  Robert made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.  Adjournment 7:22 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary and Nancy Strohschein, Chair

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Planning Commission Public Hearing on Recreation Plan September 7, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Public Hearing for Recreation Plan

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Call to Order:  6:00 PM

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chair; Linnea Barron, Secretary, Bob Janda, Township Board Representative Robert Lindert, Vice Chair; Jay Loman, Board of Review Chair.  Absent:  Joe Bollech with notice.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited.

Introductions/Guests:  Jason McCarthy, consultant; John and Kathy Salisbury; Jay Fish, Township Supervisor.

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

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan introduction by Jason.

            Jason highlighted from the recreation plan that the Arvon Township Recreation Plan (2024-2028) serves as a road map to the future regarding recreation planning and development within the community.  The plan’s primary focus is to ensure that quality recreational opportunities are available for users of all ages and abilities. Recreation provision in Arvon Township is a key component of community planning, as it serves as a benchmark for how residents and visitors view their quality of life.  The plan includes an introduction to what this plan is and why we need it, how to use the plan, and funding.  Contents include a community description, administrative structure, recreation inventory, description of the planning process, description of the public input process, goals and objectives and action plan.  Each area has its importance in developing a recreation plan as the information obtained assists in exploring what Arvon Township already possesses, what the community would like in recreation and how to accomplish it.  The recreation plan is necessary and includes all the components required to obtain grants for future projects. 

            Jason stated how the process began with reviewing the old recreation plan (2012-2016), updating information, improving maps, reviewing all the recreational opportunities already in place, setting up a community survey, a community input session, followed by goals and objectives and an action plan.  Paper surveys were sent to around 500 residents/landowners, plus an on-line monkey survey was available.  There were about 107 responses, about a quarter of the population, which Jason stated was very good.  The survey results were compiled and presented at a public input session on May 3, 2023.  From the input session, the goals and objectives were developed, and an action plan set up for the next five years.  The first two years in the action plan focus on the Arvon Township Park, but Jason added that any of the projects can be moved around to a different date depending on need.  Jason stressed how this recreation plan is resident generated. 

            Funding for projects can be through grants, local in-kind participation, community funding, or the possibility of millage funding.  The timeline for most grants is the application needs to be submitted by February 1 and the deadline is April 1.  If a grant is obtained it would be for the following year.  Most grants do a matching fund of 75% to 25%.  Important components in a recreation plan are to prioritize improvements and to use it as a road map for recreation opportunities.

            The survey also included a question if anyone was interested in volunteering to be on a recreation committee for Arvon Township.  There was a surprising response of fifteen people interested.  This will be followed up on in the future.

            In closing, Jason mentioned that he has applied to be the Zoning Administrator for our township and could help with grant applications.

II.  Process of Updating the Recreation Plan

            Nancy felt Jason covered the process well and had a few questions.  If donations are obtained from some source, does that count as 25% of the township’s part?  Jason said yes it does. 

            Another question Nancy had was reference to reviewing the plan annually.  Jason clarified that it is helpful each year to see what has been done, grant application, what project is being worked on, etc.  This could be done at budget planning time or at the first quarterly meeting of the year.

III.  Public Comment on the plan.

            Jay Fish commented he liked the simplicity of the plan, it does not change the footprint of Arvon Township.  Projects are scaled to the rural community.  Jay made an additional comment that Lyme pulled their signs indicating permission on their properties.  This has to do with the paperwork is incomplete and affects surrounding property owners, so the signs are down for now.

            Cathy Salisbury asked if the approved plan will be accessible to all residents.  Jason stated the cost of printing is high, but there are a few copies available.  The best way to access the recreation plan is on the Arvon Township’s website, which is www.arvontownship.org. 

            Bob asked Jason how much he would charge for working on grant applications.  Jason may become our zoning administrator and the administrative cost in grant application comes out of the grant program, usually 15%.

            Donna asked if the Township Board needs to approve a recreation committee at this upcoming meeting.  Jason felt it was not necessary at this time, perhaps at budget time.

IV.  Consideration of any changes. 

            None.

V.  Approval by Planning Commission – Roll Call Vote.

            Nancy Strohschein – yes

            Bob Janda – yes

            Robert Lindert – yes

            Jay Loman – yes

            Donna Preston – yes

            Linnea Barron – yes

VI.  Next steps:  Presentation to Arvon Township Board on September 11

VII.  Next meetings

            A.  Monday, September 11, 2023, 6 PM:  Township Board meeting where the board will        consider adoption of the Recreation Plan.

            B.  September 21, 2023:  Planning Commission Work session, Zoning Ordinance update

            C.  Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 6 PM:  Quarterly Planning Commission Meeting

Adjourn:  Robert made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Donna.  Motion carried.  Adjournment at 6:45 PM

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning Commission Work Session August 17, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Work Session

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Call to Order:  6 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chairperson; Linnea Barron, Secretary; Bob Janda, Township Board Representative; Robert Lindert, Vice Chairperson; Jay Loman, Board of Review Chairperson; Donna Preston; Ken Anderson, Zoning Administrator.  Absent:  Joe Bollech due to illness.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  Jason McCarthy, consultant.

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

Approval of minutes of July 20, 2023, work session:  Donna made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan

A.  Final draft reviewed with a few minor changes that Jason will take care of.  No comments from the public on the review period of the draft going on.  One printed copy was utilized.

B.  Public hearing will be on September 7, 2023.   In this open meeting, Jason McCarthy will introduce what a recreation plan is and why we need it and why it requires updating every five (5) years.  Nancy will provide the background for this recreation plan.  The Planning Commission will hear public comments and changes can be amended to the plan.  There will be a roll-call vote to adopt by the Planning Commission.  The adopted plan will be presented to the Arvon Township Board on September 11, 2023, for resolution of concurrence.

II.  Ordinance Update

A.  Definition for signs.  Jason suggested that signs be of professional design.  Jason proposed a new definition for signs which reads:  Any object, device, display, structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, person, situation, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images, in accordance with the adopted Arvon Township standards found in Section 1509 of this ordinance.

B.  Definition for fences.  Jason proposed a new definition that reads:  An artificial structure forming a physical barrier between two areas and constructed of chain-link, vinyl, masonry, lumber, or any other manufactured material in accordance with the adopted Arvon Township standards found in Section 1506 of this ordinance.

C.  Erosion control.  Jason supplied a new definition from the state website for High-Risk Erosion Area (HREA), which reads:  Shorelines of the Great Lakes where the land is receding at a rate of one foot or more per year for a minimum of 15 years.  Recession rates change over time as water levels fluctuate and costal conditions change.  Approximately 250 miles of shoreline are designated as high-risk erosion areas along the shorelines of Lakes Michigan, Superior and Huron.  The below Arvon Township map shows the locations for each of the areas.  Note:  A permit is required for any regulated land use on a parcel in a HREA.  HREAs are regulated by the Administrative Rules of Part 323, Shorelands Protection and Management of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended.  Jason added that the permit is from the state.

D.  Schedule for Ordinance completion:  Jason suggested that this should be done by the end of the year with review process and public hearing.  Month by month:  New uses installed by end of September.  General regulations in October.  November would be review process and public hearing in December. 

III.  Next meetings:  Recreation Plan Public hearing on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 6 p.m.  Monday, September 11, 2023, 6 p.m., Township Board meeting to adopt recreation plan.  September 21, 2023, 6 p.m. work session.  Next quarterly meeting on October 11, 2023, 6 p.m.

Adjourn:  Robert made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Donna.  Motion carried.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning Commission Work Session July 20, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Work Session

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Call to Order:  6:00 p.m.

Roll Call:  Nancy Strohschein, Chairperson; Linnea Barron, Secretary; Joe Bollech, Board of Review; Bob Janda, Township Board Representative; Robert Lindert, Vice Chairperson; Jay Loman, Board of Review Chair; Donna Preston, Ken Anderson, Zoning Administrator.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Introductions/Guests:  Jason McCarthy, Bette Gabe

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

Approval of minutes of June 29, 2023 work session:  Robert made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan:

A.  The members had all reviewed the recreation plan draft from Jason.  A few minor changes were noted that Jason will take care of.  We will begin the 30-day review with notice in the paper and on-line on August 2, 2023, and a public hearing on September 7, 2023, at the town hall at 6 p.m.

B.  We did not address the comments part of the Recreation Plan Survey.

C.  Nancy sent thank you emails to those interested in becoming part of a recreation committee.

II.  Ordinance Update:

A.  Seasonal versus year-round dwellings.  In order to consolidate definitions which are confusing, Jason suggested we remove the definitions for cabin rental, vacation rental and recreation structure.  The proposed definition reads:  Vacation Rental – A residential dwelling not owner-occupied, which is rented all, or in part, on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis for thirty (30) days or less, for transient occupancy and financial gain.

B.  Shipping Containers as Accessory Structures:  A new definition was made and accepted in the amendments a year ago, which reads:  Portable Storage/Shipping Container – Temporary container used for transportation and storage.  A setback of two hundred (200) feet right of way from road.  No right of way on private road, keep structure away twenty (20) feet.  This is to be applied in Farm Forest (FF) and Forest Resource (FR).  Jason has proposed a new definition to read:  Shipping or Cargo Container – A container with strength suitable to withstand shipment, storage, and handling.  Shipping containers range from large reusable steel boxes used for intermodal shipments, to the typical semi-trailer.  This will be reviewed.

C.  Outdoor Wood Boilers and Solar Energy Systems:  No change.

D.  Minimum Lot/Acreage Sizes including Farm & Forest:  More discussion on this.

E.  Tiny Homes, Geodesic Domes, Other New Designs:  As an alternative dwelling unit type, Arvon Township does not address this.  The proposed definitions read: 

Tiny Home – A manufactured or conventionally built structure, 480 square feet in size or less, which may be built on a steel undercarriage with the necessary wheel assembly to be transported to a permanent or semi-permanent site.  The steel undercarriage and/or wheels may be removed when placed on a permanent foundation.

Geodesic Dome – A hemispherical, thin-shell structure (lattice-shell), based on a geodesic polyhedron.  The triangular elements of the dome are structurally rigid and distribute the weight stress throughout the structure.

F.  Mining & Mineral Extraction:  This will be revisited.

G.  Blight.  The proposed new definition for blighted property reads:  Blighted Property – “Blighted Property” means a property that meets any of the following criteria:

1.  The property has been declared a public nuisance in accordance with local housing, building, plumbing, fire, or other related codes or ordinances.

2.  The property is a nuisance because of physical condition or use.

3.  The property is a fire hazard or is otherwise dangerous to the safety of persons or property.

4.  The property has had the utilities, plumbing, heating, or sewerage disconnected, destroyed, removed, or rendered ineffective for a period of one (1) year or more, so that the property is unfit for its intended use.

5.  The property has building code violations posing a severe and immediate health or safety threat and has not been substantially rehabilitated within one (1) year after the receipt of notice to rehabilitate from the appropriate code enforcement agency or final determination of any appeal, whichever is later.

H.  Short-term rentals (STR) and long-term rentals (LTR).  Ken shared some articles in local papers on this and how it is affecting those communities.  Problems include STR limiting the availability of renting a dwelling for the long term causing a housing problem, excessive noise, management of the property.  Some regulations could be an application process with fee, management with contact information, rules posted, or legal legislation.

III.  Next Planning Commission work session on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at 6 p.m.   Next quarterly meeting will be on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 6 p.m.

Adjourn:  Nancy made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried. 

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning Commission Work Session, June 29, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Work Session

Thursday, June 29, 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 Chairperson; Jay Loman, Board of Review; Donna Preston; Ken Anderson, Zoning Administrator.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  Jason McCarthy

Approval of Agenda:  Nancy included in the agenda information about a meeting with Michigamme Highlands/Lyme/DNR.  Robert made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Approval of minutes of June 8, 2023.  Robert made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

1.  The informational meeting with Michigamme Highlands/Lyme/DNR will take place on July 10 and 11.  This includes Baraga, Iron and Marquette counties for preserving streams, land, and forestry.  Nancy plans to attend and welcomes anyone to join her.

2.  Recreation Plan.  Jason stated he would have the final draft completed before our quarterly meeting on July 12.  We have not contacted anyone interested in being on the recreation committee and the board would have to approve first.

3.  Ordinance Update:  Jason provided us with topics of discussion that he had prepared. 

A.  Recreational Structures Vs. Single Family Dwelling Units.  Jason stressed the importance of definitions and supplied definitions for Dwelling Unit; Dwelling, Single-Family; Duplex; and Dwelling, Multi-family.  Discussion on the function changing from camps to now living full time and vice versa.  Jason and Ken will give a final okay on changes in language in the ordinance.

B.  Shipping Containers as Accessory Structures:  They can serve as storage units; however, the aesthetic issue exists.  Problem can be solved by screening, painting complimentary color, meet setbacks.  Jason provided a definition to consider and suggested these should be listed as a permitted or conditional use within specific zoning districts.

C.  Outdoor Furnace:  We have a definition for Outdoor Furnace which Jason feels is adequate, but the use should be listed as permitted or conditional use within specific zoning districts.

D.  Dark-Sky Outdoor Lighting Requirements (Commercial/Industrial Uses Only):  Concern here is the LED lighting which can be very bright.  Jason provided a definition that covers this. 

E.  Solar Energy Systems:  Our ordinance addresses this topic under Section 1502. Alternative Energy Sources.

F.  Short-Term Rentals (Vacation, AirBnB, Vrbo):  Inspection for water/well/septic should be considered, also neighbors’ approval, noise control, etc.  Jason recommended a revision to our current definition.

G.  Fences:  Under General Provisions in Article XV, Section 1506, we currently do not address placement of fences.  Jason provided a more detailed definition which would address this.

H.  Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):  This is covered in our ordinance under ECHO (Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity).  We will update the current language to Accessory Dwelling Units.  Jason will provide us a better definition for this.

Next Meeting:

Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m. for quarterly planning commission meeting.

No work session set up yet.

Adjourn:  Donna made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning Commission Work Session June 8, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Work Session

Thursday, June 8, 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 Chairperson; Donna Preston, Trustee.  Ken Anderson, Zoning Administrator.  Absent:  Jay Loman, unknown reason.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  Jason McCarthy and Bette Gabe

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

Approval of Minutes of May 18, 2023, Work session:  Robert made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Donna.  Motion Carried.

Approval of Minutes of May 3, 2023, Public Input Session:  Three changes were made to the minutes:  First paragraph, second sentence should read ‘The survey utilized paper surveys mailed to all homestead residents and to about 200 other property owners and on-line Survey Monkey….’ Also, in the first paragraph on item C, last sentence should read “The paper survey consisted of ten questions….”    Second paragraph in item C under questions 6/7 remove ‘listed’ replaced by ‘include’ and remove cemetery.  Robert made a motion to accept the minutes with the changes, seconded by Bob.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan.

            A.  The proposed 5-year Plan Projects were reviewed.   There was concern that the projects suggested could never be achieved in five years.  Jason explained that any of the projects can be completed during these five years and that some of the projects could be done at anytime as they were small items, such as refinish tables at the park.  Also, projects not completed in this 5-year plan can be rolled over into the next recreation plan.  Jason will pull out the items that would qualify for grant application.   These projects need to be related back to our goals and objectives in our recreation plan.

We requested Jason to add to the goals and objectives, #4 and #6 of our plan, to include wording “to hold community events” or something similar.  Jason will have the final draft to the recreation plan so we can begin the 30-day review period and set the public hearing date.  This will be reviewed at our quarterly meeting on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

            B.  We have not taken any further action on forming a recreation committee.  This also will be discussed at a future meeting.

II.  Ordinance Update.

Robert inquired if the Farm/Forest District could be ten (10) acres minimum, not one (1) acre.  The Forest Resource District is ten (10) acres.

High Erosion areas/Floodplain:  Section 1510 and Section 702 in our ordinance cover this.  However, Ken informed us that there are new laws in effect with high erosion areas and this needs to be updated soon.  He will provide us with more information at our next meeting. 

Fences:  Our ordinance needs updating on this.  We do not state where you can put them.

Definitions:  Jason will bring draft definitions for our next meeting.

Blight Ordinance:  We currently do not have one.  Jason talked about how this can be accomplished.  Providing resources to solve this issue can be helpful, such as where to drop off items classified as blight.  The process could include a letter of notification and violation in dollars, a clean-up period, and citation if not completed.  Any support (resources) to assist in this process should be addressed.

Other topics mentioned that need updating include housing, gravel mining, short term rentals, shipping containers.

III.  Next meeting- work session:  Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the town hall at 6 p.m.

Reminder that the quarterly meeting will be Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the town hall at 6 p.m.

Adjourn:  Bob made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Donna.  Motion carried.  Adjournment at 7:45 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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