ARVON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION QUARTERLY MEETING
JULY 10, 2019
CALL TO ORDER: 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL AND RECOGNITION OF VISITORS: Bette Gabe, Chairperson; Jay Loman, Trustee; Dorothy Nankervis, Trustee; Keith Erickson, Township Board Representative; Joe Bollech, Trustee. Absent: Mary Deline, Trustee, out of town.
Visitors included: Jeff Loman, Wayne Abba, Pat Stein, Linda Kinnunen, Katherine Andrews.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Addition to agenda under Old Business add Township Website. Keith made a motion, seconded by Dorothy.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Jay requested a correction in the Public Hearing minutes to indicate that he was in attendance and to correct the name to Bob Kissel in attendance. Approval of minutes by Jay, seconded by Dorothy with the changes.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Katherine Andrews made comment on a comment during the public hearing about nature conservancy being unique. She stated it is not unique. There are several nature conservancies in the state. We explained that statement was made by a public member and we recorded it as stated.
Jeff Loman stated how important it was that the wind energy systems be addressed by Arvon Township and changed in our ordinance. On SAVE, the attorney Mr. Tinti said if zoning ordinance prevented wind turbines on forest resource land that township would get sued. Not true, L’Anse didn’t get sued. If attorney continues to advise that we would be sued, ask him to provide a case example.
Wayne Abba stated that restrictrictions are not exclusive and our attorney does not have an understanding of wind energy. If a threat should arise, ask what is it based on. The big push for wind energy is that tax credits for this will end in 2020.
Katherine commented that L’Anse’s attorney would get back to them right away with an answer. Technology makes it possible to do business without having face to face contact.
Another topic that came up at a township board meeting was the issue of dust abatement on our unpaved roads. Wayne stated that too often the first response is that it is too expensive and the county will not do anything. Wayne stated when a problem arises to acknowledge the problem and try for a solution. He suggested: 1. There is a problem. 2. Present solutions (all of them no matter how expensive). 3. Find which solution may have possibilities, then look into the cost and find ways to resolve it. Maybe cost share for residents who are directly affected.
OTHER MATTERS TO BE REVIEWED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION: None
OLD BUSINESS:
- New zoning map and 2 corrections adopted as amendments to zoning: This was effective on July 17, 2019.
- Statue of remaining amendments: Unknown.
- Updating Master Plan: Bette has been having difficulty finding someone who wants to help us with our master plan. She has made calls but without anyone returning her calls. Jeff Loman suggested she try Michigan Tech MSU Extension. Contact person Dr. Guy Meadows. Bette will try to get in touch with him.
OPEN DISCUSSION FOR ISSUES NOT ON THE AGENDA
- Correspondence received: None.
- Planning commission members concerns, if any: None.
- Members of the audience concerns: Wayne and Jeff both addressed how having blight addressed in our ordinance could make Arvon Township more attractive to visitors and perhaps future residents. Wayne also asked if we have all the attractions in Arvon Township on the website including the marina, Silver River Falls, and the various falls in the area.
- Township Website: Paul Warner will be meeting with Kay Erickson on updating or changing the software used for the site.
REPORT OF TOWNSHIP BOARD REPRESENTATIVE, Keith Erickson: None.
REPORT OF ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS REPRESENTATIVE, Jay Loman: None.
REPORT OF PLANNING CONSULTANT: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Damaged buildings, timeline for removal and clean-up: Ken brought up that when buildings are damaged, like in a fire, we have no timeline for cleanup. Eagle Harbor has a 12 month limit for cleanup. Discussion included what responsibility is for insurance companies, etc. We decided to check into other townships and what they have and resume this topic at our next meeting.
- Temporary buildings and travel trailers: On page 73 of the Ordinance, a correction needs to be made. Section 1407, Other Uses of Mobile Homes and Trailers, H, #4. It reads; other temporary uses of mobile homes, travel trailers, or motor homes for a period not to exceed 24 months upon review and approval by the Planning Commission provided it is determined that the use is consistent with the intent of the Zoning Ordinance and would not be detrimental to any surrounding uses or properties. The correction would be the Zoning Administrator, not the Planning Commission would do this. Dorothy made a motion to make this correction, Keith seconded it, all approved, motion carried.
- Ken also requested that the Principal Uses section of FR and FF concerning temporary mobile homes, #2 on page 50, be added to RR and SR. This reads: Temporary mobile home or travel trailer maintained in sound running condition with a current vehicle license, provided occupancy is limited to not more than thirty (30) days in any calendar year. Discussion included the problem of enforcement and decision to not honor this request was made unless the enforcement issue is resolved.
- Any other new business: None.
- Setting public hearing dates, if needed: None.
DISCRETIONARY PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
NEXT QUARTERLY MEETING DATE: Oct 9, 2019, 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:40 p.m. Keith made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Dorothy.
Submitted by Linnea Barron, Secretary