Presque Isle Township Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
held July 5, 2010

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairman David Lange.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Roll Call: In attendance were David Lange, Clif Taylor, William Schwartz, Attila Paltelky, and Chuck Winters. Absent were Karen Fournier and Molly Benson.

Audience: Also present were Supervisor Patrick Pokorski, Office Staff Erika Comerford, Zoning Administrator Linda Taylor, and Parks and Rec representative Nancy Kinney.

Agenda Approval: C. Taylor indicated that he would be adding a discussion of a survey to the CIP Range Light item. A. Paltelky asked to discuss commission by-laws. All members approved of the agenda with the above stated additions.

Approval of Minutes (June 7, 2010): A. Paltelky made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 7th meeting as printed. Second by C. Winters. All ayes; motion carried.

Comments from the Audience (5 minutes maximum per speaker): none

Township Parks and Recreation Committee update: N. Kinney presented the following report:

Accomplished
  • Range Light Pavilion status report; 1840 entry road recommendations-Taylor
  • General Fund Budget submitted and approved
  • $3911 approved by Board for maintenance, $245 for chipper rental approved
  • Campaign to secure Coast Guard approval of Fresnel Lens re-installation reactivated
  • Paranormal Group visited and filmed ghost activity at 1840 cottage
  • Road work: C. Peters - 1870 clean-up done except swath (to continue with volunteers)
  • Bat problems all but eliminated.
  • Wednesday night Summer Programs at 1870 Lighthouse are underway
  • Memorial for Mrs. Donajkowski approved and planned
  • Process established for filling vacancy on committee
  • Corps of Engineers visit report on township website.
  • Fireworks paid for by Park Enterprise Fund and donations sought to cover expense. Fireworks volunteers list established and process for security and fire protection in place
    Future Action
  • Ron Urban to complete stump removal and road project(s) #1 & 5 at the Old Lighthouse
  • Budget process for projects and activities being established. Finish policy for small maintenance expenses. D Rivard to help.
  • Board approved July priority maintenance projects to be accomplished
  • Establish a 2011 Fireworks Funding Plan
  • Hold interviews for committee vacancy-July 6, 2010 -submit choice for confirmation
  • Communication process for committee to be established
    Issues/problems
  • Concerns for fireworks shoot expenses. Ideas for process welcome

    Items were discussed. C. Taylor made a suggestion/recommendation, in regards to the bat issue, that the committee consider constructing bat houses in order to help keep the bats out of the cottage, but still encourage them to stay in the area as they are very useful in mosquito and other insect control. Ways of obtaining volunteers to construct them were discussed. It will also be discussed amongst Parks and Rec. members. C. Winters discussed communication between both committees. It was clarified that the reporting representative does not have to be the chair; any member would be acceptable. All members were happy with the written report and corresponding physical representation.

    CORRESPONDENCE: D. Lange read a letter of resignation from K. Fournier:

    July 2, 2010

    It is with bittersweet emotions that I announce my resignation from the Presque Isle Township Board. Sixteen years ago, I moved to this area and fell in love with the community. I have served as an EMT on the East Grand Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. for 15 years, and as a member of the Planning Commission for 14, six of those years as Chair. I remember the phone call I made to the Supervisor at that time asking how to get a bike path in the township as I had three young children. The answer was to join the Planning Commission and work on getting a grant to fund a bike path. I did just that, and now everyday I ride, walk, or drive along side the pathway I helped put in place. When I started on the Planning Commission, we met for twenty minutes a month with no agenda or path. Now, the Presque Isle Township Planning Commission is, by far, one of the most accomplished boards in the region. I then ran for Trustee, and later was appointed Clerk, and was then elected for another term. All of this has been one of the most important accomplishments of my life, but having a family has always been the first. I have realized, over the past several months, with becoming a grandmother, losing a parent, and planning a wedding, that I don't have the time or focus to devote what I need to them, thus, I have decided it is time to give my family all of my attention and devotion. I want to thank my family for their support during my years of service with the township. As an adult, I have always believed in giving back and serving; Presque Isle Township is how I chose to do so.

    My final thoughts are to thank you for letting me serve my community, to thank all of you that do that same, and to thank all of you who attend various meetings. Please take a long breath and remember, we all love where we live, we all want what we believe is the best, and if we all had the same opinion, we would never grow. You all need to appreciate your time in caring about your community, and I hope you all continue to care. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Presque Isle Township.

    Sincerely,

    Karen Fournier, Clerk
    Presque Isle Township

    There was discussion regarding her many years of service, and C. Taylor made a motion for the Township to acknowledge K. Fournier's many years of good service with a plaque and/or certificate of appreciation. C. Winters seconded the motion. Additional ideas were discussed. L. Taylor volunteered to collect donations and look into options. All ayes; motion carried.

    Report from the Zoning Administrator: L. Taylor stated that she is currently working on her first light complaint. She is referencing the new ordinance as her guide. The lights in question are not shielded.

    REPORT OF LIAISONS

    Township Board of Trustees: K. Fournier was absent. P. Pokorski reported that, at the most recent meeting, the 2010-11 budget was approved. They are working on budgeting processes for Parks and Rec, and once a policy is established, they hope to carry the concept through to all boards. D. Rivard is assisting in the process.

    Township Zoning Board of Appeals: D. Lange reported that the ZBA will be meeting tomorrow night. He is concerned about where the recommendation for the new alternate came from as it was never discussed at a ZBA meeting. The item will be addressed and discussed at the meeting. THERE WAS discussion about the importance of that board making sure each step is done correctly. was had. C. Taylor suggested having a joint meeting/training session, like the one that was had this past year, every year to aid in communication and education. There was also question as to whether or not the chair of a committee was allowed to be the liaison for other committees. P. Pokorski confirmed that the Supervisor is the only chair not allowed to be a liaison.

    CIP PROJECT UPDATES

    Range Light: C. Taylor reported that they have not moved forward on developing a site plan for the location of the toilet because they wish to have a survey completed first. Once the survey is completed, they will develop a site plan which encompasses the entire scope of the project, including the pavilion and any additional long term plans. C. Taylor made a motion to request approval for $1,000 to cover the cost of the survey so they can move forward with the development of a site plan for the Range Light CIP Project. It was confirmed that this is to be separate from the CIP Project Application that had previously been submitted and approved being that the survey is being done for the entire project, not just for the toilets. A. Paltelky seconded the motion. All ayes; motion carried. D. Lange and C. Taylor will assist in the survey in an effort to bring down the cost.

    Bike Path: M. Benson was not present to report any additional information regarding volunteers willing to lead the project. D. Lange had past information that she had spoke with Vince Call who had agreed to assist with the project, but neither he nor any of his group members were willing to head it. L. Taylor added that she has contacted seven (7) people, and none of them were interested in heading the project either. D. Lange will call M. Benson to see whether or not she was able to obtain any additional information. He will also contact McKenna to see if they have any ideas and/or suggestions.

    UNFINISHED BUSINESS

    Cemetery road site plan: A. Paltelky handed out a site plan for the cemetery drive. He stated that Steve Lang is in the process of getting the area surveyed. Once that has been completed, he will move forward on the proposal to the Township. C. Winters suggested including an indication of traffic flow on the final site plan. There was discussion regarding who owned which roads, and who had the right to determine traffic flow. An additional survey of Township Cemetery roads was also discussed. L. Taylor briefed on the land right options available to the Township. As far as she was aware, a revocable license was the only option available without a vote of all PIHA members.

    Vision Statement Draft: M. Benson was not present; no update was provided. When asked, N. Kinney responded that she had not spoken with M. Benson about any suggested revisions.

    NEW BUSINESS

    By-Laws: A. Paltelky asked about obtaining a copy of the Planning Commission by-laws. He had never received a copy. The numerous revisions were discussed, and no one had a copy of the final draft. C. Taylor will update the draft electronically, and send one to A. Paltelky. He will send one to the office, as well, to have on file.

    DISCUSSION ITEMS

    Comprehensive Plan Update: D. Lange reported that he and C. Taylor still need to discuss the item with the consultant. There may be cheaper ways of doing the survey, and they want to look into and consider all options to ensure a good response.

    Adjournment: With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for August 5th at 7:00 pm.

    Respectfully submitted;
    Erika M. Comerford, Presque Isle Township Office Staff