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Planning Commission Community Input Session May 3, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Public Input Session

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Call to Order:  6:00 p.m.

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

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited.

Introductions/Guests:  There were thirty-three guests present including Jason McCarthy, Consultant from Northwood Planning & Zoning and the Planning Commission members.  The Planning Commission members introduced themselves, followed by introductions of all those present for this meeting. 

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

Approval of minutes of April 13, 2023, work session:  Joe made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Robert.  Motion carried.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan.

    A.  Linnea presented a brief history of the recreation plan for Arvon Township.  Recreation plans are to be updated every five years, and the timeframe of our current recreation plan was from 2011 to 2016.  Our recreation plan is long overdue.

    B.  Jason McCarthy, consultant, addressed the Recreation Plan process and the importance of the survey and this community input session in identifying recreation wants/needs and ideas the public would benefit from.  This meeting is mandatory in the process of creating a recreation plan and the recreation plan is mandated by the state of Michigan for each township and necessary for grant applications.  Most grants are a state match (25% from township, 75% from state).   Applications for grants open on February 1, 2024.  The survey will assist in achieving the goals/objectives and the number of projects to pursue in the next five years.  The next step in this process is a meeting to utilize the comments from this community input session, scheduled for Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 6 p.m. at the town hall, to select projects to consider for the Action Plan.  A 30-day review period follows with copies of the draft plan placed for review at the Arvon Township Hall and on the township’s website.  A Public Hearing will be set up in June and Resolution of Adoption by the Township Board tentatively by August/September. 

     C.  Nancy presented the results of the Recreation Survey which ran from mid-March through April 2023.  The survey utilized paper surveys mailed to all homestead residents and about 200 other property owners and an on-line Survey Monkey with a total of 104 surveys completed (82 paper and 22 on-line surveys), a 16% return rate.  The mailed surveys went to every resident/property owner in Arvon Township.  The paper survey consisted of ten questions and Nancy presented each question and the results revealed and discussed. 

There were some surprises in the results as in question 3 requesting the age of whoever was filling out the survey, the result for age 50 and over, was 82.  Question 5 showed interest in improving the township park (beach, playground equipment, tennis/pickle ball courts, dock improvement and pavilion).  Questions 6/7 concerned maintenance and/or improvement of recreational facilities include the boat launch at the park, township hall, and the undeveloped waterfront parcels were of importance.  Question 8 identified activities the public participates in and beach/swimming, hiking trails, ATV/snowmobile trails, fishing/boating, kayak/paddle board topped the list.  Question 9 requested recreational opportunities to be developed included marked ORV, trails including hiking/cross-country skiing, beach/swimming, boat launch at park, undeveloped waterfronts, and many more.

Comments from guests:

            Clarification made of recreational facilities are those that the township owns that we can consider in this plan. 

            Jay Fish, Township Supervisor, stated that the township hall is a historical building and maintenance includes bids for new siding and windows.  The Township has Covid monies that will be used for a new fence at the ballfield with the work by ball team members.

            Another guest asked who are we doing this for, residents or visitors?  The discussion that followed was really for both.

            Joe Bollech commented about improving the swimming area at the park and possible lighting be added.

            Karen Groesbeck suggested the beauty of flowers in a formal garden, and how a past garden tour in Arvon Township was a success.  The discussion went on to a possible community garden (vegetable/flower).

            A big item on the survey was more marked ATV trails.  This requires validation process for motor and nonmotor recreation.   Lyle Olsen from Aura, a member of the Baraga County Trail Authority (BCTA), provided information that the easements for trail 14 from Lyme and the Conservancy are done with permanent easement by the DNR.  This trail requires licensing, and stickers to access certain trails.  Arvon Township is not yet connected to trail 14 with the concern that this would require Skanee Road to be part of that system, which was felt to be too dangerous.  The trail systems need enforcement and maintenance. 

            There were many suggestions for the township park.  A swimming beach, horseshoe pits (which are there, just need repair), fish cleaning station, railing down to the pavilion, cornhole game, kayak launch, longer boat launch/dock, handicapped fishing access, improved pavilion, basketball court, playground equipment.

            There is interest in the property by Witz Marina for swimming and a kayak launch.

Also on the survey was the question requesting community members to be on a recreation committee.  Jason explained that this committee would be appointed by the Township Board and should have a Planning Commission member on the committee.  This committee would review annual projects for grants and serve in advisory status.  On the survey we had fifteen individuals interested in serving in this capacity.

There were various discussions resuming with good input from the community when adjourned.

II.  Next meeting time is 6 p.m. at the town hall on Thursday, May 18, 2023, to review the input from this meeting and form an Action Plan for the Recreation Plan.

The meeting was adjourned by Nancy Strohschein at 7:40 p.m.  Coffee provided and Ivy Huttema baked cookies enjoyed by all.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Planning Commission Work Session April 13, 2023

Arvon Township Planning Commission Minutes

Thursday, April 13, 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 Chair.  Absent:  Donna Preston, with notice.

Pledge of Allegiance:  Recited

Guests:  Jason McCarthy

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

Approval of minutes of March 23, 2023, work session:  Robert made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Jay.  Motion carried.

Notice:  Due to the frequent meetings the Planning Commission (PC) has undergone concerning the recreation plan and zoning ordinance, the April Quarterly meeting was cancelled.

Agenda:

I.  Recreation Plan:  We discussed what next takes place in the recreation plan process.  The time and date for the community input session is set for Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Town Hall at 6 p.m.  Jason provided the notice for the newspaper and for various businesses in Skanee and L’Anse advertising this event.  The survey ends April 30, 2023, for paper and on-line.    The results of the survey and the input session will help address the top (5) five projects for our recreation plan with a meeting set up for Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 6 p.m.

II.  Zoning Ordinance:   Jason addressed some zoning ordinance areas that need attention.  These include:

a.  Seasonal Vs. Year-round Dwellings.  Issues to address are homestead or primary residence; electric/septic/well; permits and inspections; change in use; and health and safety.

b.  Shipping containers.

c.  Wood boilers. 

d.  Solar energy.  Residential Vs. Utility Grade Systems

e.  Short-term rentals (Vacation Rentals)– parking, quiet hours.

f.  Definitions Review.  Topics need to be defined.

g.  Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

h.  Single-Family, Two-Family & Single-Family Attached Dwelling Units

i.  Minimum Lots Sizes

j.  Tiny Homes, Geodesic Domes, other innovative dwelling types.

k.  Zoning Map Adjustments

l.  Land Divisions

m.  Dark Sky Lighting

n.  Mining review

o.  Signage

We will start discussing these ordinance issues on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the Town Hall at 6 p.m.

III.  Next meeting:  May 18, 2023, at the Town Hall, at 6 p.m.

Adjourn:  Robert made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Joe.  Motion approved.  Time of adjournment:  7:27 p.m.

Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary

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Township Board Meeting Minutes September 11, 2023

CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Jay Fish called the Regular Board meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. at the ArvonTownship fire hall on September 11, 2023.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee , Chris Walmhoff-Trustee/absent.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the August 7, 2023 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
AGENDA APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Township Board trustee Chris Wahmhoff sent the board a letter of resignation effective immediately on September 10, 2023. He explained that his work demands more of his time.
OLD BUSINESS: There were no updates from the Planning Commission at this time.
-Land easement is to be tabled until next months meeting. The board is considering hiring a new township attorney. Tinti has not contacted Fish back in months. Table this issue until next months meeting.
-The board did not receive any bids on the restoration of the township hall. Marinich will put it in the L’Anse Sentinel for next week. Tabled until next months meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: Nancy Strohschein offered to look into the Fema Flood insurance issue. Table until next months meeting.
-Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the 2023 L-4029 tax rate request. All in favor, motion passed.
-The Recreation plan is at its final stage. The Planning Commission approved it for the Arvon Township board to approve. Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to adopt The Arvon Township Recreation Plan/ 2024-2028. The Resolution to adopt it was approved by all members of the board-Eliason, Marinich, Janda and Fish. 4 yeas and 0 neys.
-Due to Chris Wahmhoff resigning from the township board trustee position, the board will appoint a replacement at next months board meeting. This will be tabled until next months meeting.
-Zoning Administrator Ken Anderson will be retiring at the end of the year. An add will be put in the paper in November. Fish let the board know that Jason McCarthy is interested in the position.
JAMES FEDIE: Absent
MAIL CALL:
TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$337,599.26
Ambulance/EMT Fund-$24,519.56 Fire Fund-$310,779.74 Liquor Fund-$489.07, Road Fund-$171,330.46.
Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
BILL APPROVAL: Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
NEXT MEETING DATE: The next meeting date will be October 2, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.
ADJOURN: Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to adjourn at 7:15 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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    Township Board Meeting Minutes August 7, 2023

    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 August 7, 2023.
    ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS PRESENT: Jay Fish-Supervisor, Lisa Marinich-Clerk, Krystal Eliason-Treasurer, Robert Janda-Trustee , Chris Walmhoff-Trustee/absent.
    MINUTES APPROVAL: Janda motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the July 10, 2023 minutes. All in favor, motion passed.
    AGENDA APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the agenda. All in favor, motion passed.
    PUBLIC COMMENT:
    OLD BUSINESS: Lindert represented the Planning commission. He encourages the board to read the Township Recreation Plan update. The Planning Commission will be holding a hearing on September 7, 2023at 6:00 p.m. It will be held at the Skanee Township Hall. A notice was put in the paper. Marinich will put the resolution of adoption for the Recreation Plan on the September agenda.
    -Fish has tried to contact Tinti on the land division issue. Tinti has not respond. May have to consider a new township attorney. This will be tabled until next months meeting.
    -There were no bids for restoration on the township hall. Fish said he would put it on his facebook page and the township should have it put on their Facebook page also. An add could be put in the Houghton paper also. Table until next month
    -After discussion, Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve Homestead Graphics for the township signs. All in favor, motion passed.
    NEW BUSINESS: Kelly Erickson received a bid from Tikky’s Tree Service to remove a few trees and all the debris at the Skanee Township Park for $3,900.00. The trees and branches are dangerous. Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to approve the tree removal at the park. All in favor, motion passed.
    JAMES FEDIE: Absent
    MAIL CALL:
    TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report. General Fund-$337,586.93 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$24,565.69 Fire Fund-$310,968.38 Liquor Fund-$533.73, Road Fund-$166,299.06.
    Marinich motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, motion passed.
    BILL APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve the bills. All in favor, motion passed.
    NEXT MEETING DATE: Due to the Labor Day holiday, the next meeting date will be September 11, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.
    ADJOURN: Marinich motioned, seconded by Eliason to adjourn at 6:25 P.M. All in favor, motion passed.
    Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

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    Township Board Meeting Minutes July 10, 2023

    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 July 10, 2023.

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

    MINUTES APPROVAL: Wahmhoff motioned, seconded by Janda to approve the June 5, 2023 minutes.  All in favor, motion passed.

    AGENDA APPROVAL: Eliason motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff to approve the agenda.   All in favor, motion passed.

    PUBLIC COMMENT:  Linnea Barron let the board know that her term on the Planning Commission expires in October and at that time she will retire from the position. 

    -Rosie VanWagner thanked the board for the tree removal on Park Rd.

    OLD BUSINESS:  Fish has called Tinti several times with no response.  May have to look into another township attorney to hire.   Land division will be tabled until next months’ meeting.

    -Marinich will put an ad in the paper for bids on the restoration of the town hall.  Windows that need to be changed and the cedar shake siding/drip edge.  Table until next months’ meeting.

    -Marinich received quotes from Homestead Graphics for signs in Arvon township.  The some of the public thought that there should be more than one quote.  Marinich will get more for next months’ meeting.

    -Doug Mills was present at the meeting.  The township let him know that there is approximately $116,000.00 in the road fund.  We asked him what kind of projects could be done in Arvon Township.  Mills replied that starting in 2025, there is a grant that has 2 phases-Jentoft Rd. to Town Rd. in Arvon township and then from Town Rd to McComb’s Corner in Arvon township.  There will be a 20% match for this project, Mills is looking for additional funding sources.  The money in the Road fund could be used towards the match.  Mills will keep the township updated. 

    -Strohshein gave the Planning Commision update. They have been working with Jason McCarthy from Northwoods Planning & Zoning for several months to update the Recreation Plan, per State of Michigan regulations.  We are at the point where the Final Draft is available for public review.  The board will be having a public meeting in September.

    NEW BUSINESS:  Marinich let the board know that she submitted an application for a Fire Dept Grant.  The grant could be up to $10,000.00.  Disbursement of funds could be as soon as August 10, 2023 for the local governments awarded.

    -After discussion, Fish will contact Jim Nankervis to see if he is willing to survey the new section of the cemetery. 

    -Fish would like to purchase a bigger lawn mower for the cemetery.  The one we have now is too small for the new section of the cemetery.  Wahmhoff motioned, seconded by Marinich to approve Fish the purchase of a riding lawn mower for the cemetery.  Not to exceed $5,000.00.  All in favor, motion passed.

    -Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to approve Rukkila Negro Associates to complete the yearly F-65 form.  All in favor, motion passed.                                                                                                                                                                                                        JAMES FEDIE:   Jim let the board know that the Board of Review will be meeting July 18, 2023.

    MAIL CALL:    

    TREASURER’S REPORT: Eliason gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report.  General Fund-$350,316.56 Ambulance/EMT Fund-$28,317.19 Fire Fund-$318,022.50 Liquor Fund-$578.39, Road Fund-$166,299.06.  Marinich motioned, seconded by Wahmhoff 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 August 7, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at the Fire hall.

    ADJOURN:  Eliason motioned, seconded by Janda to adjourn at 6:50 P.M.  All in favor, motion passed. Lisa M. Marinich/Arvon Township Clerk

    Recreation Plan Public Hearing

    September 7, 2023 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm EDT

    The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the updated Arvon Township Recreation Plan on Thursday, September 7. Interested community members are encouraged to attend to ask questions and suggest changes. If there are no siginifcant changes to the plan from this public meeting, the plan will be adopted by the Planning Commission and moved forward to the Township Board for approval.

    You can find a copy of the Final Draft of the Recreation Plan here.

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