PRESQUE ISLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
July 6th, 2010
DRAFT MINUTES

Chairman Jerry Broad called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Roll Call: Present were Chair Jerry Broad, Vice Chair David Lange, Cynthia Paavola, Secretary Nancy Kirchner, and alternate Bill Lewis.

Audience: Office Staff Erika Comerford and Barbara Sharpe

Agenda: J. Broad added the item of "swear in new members" to the agenda, D.Lange asked for a discussion on how B. Sharpe became nominated for the ZBA, and B. Lewis asked for a further discussion on the Lake Esau issue as presented in the April minutes. The agenda was approved with the above stated additions.

Swearing in of New Members: Chairman J. Broad swore in William Lewis as a permanent member of the ZBA to replace D. Osgood, and Barbara J. Sharpe as an alternate member to replace B. Lewis for the remainder of their terms.

Minutes: There were no additions or corrections to be made to the minutes of the April 6, 2010 meeting. C. Paavola made a motion to approve the minutes as printed. Seconded by N. Kirchner. All ayes; motion carried.

Hearings: none

OLD BUSINESS: None

OTHER BUSINESS

ZBA Meeting dates for 2010: The regularly scheduled meetings for the balance of the 2010 term are to be:

October 5, 2010, and January 4, 2011

Use Variance: J. Broad informed of a potential issue. There is a couple who is contemplating the purchase of a 6 acre plot in the Long Lake area. They have horses, and had telephoned J. Broad to see if the ZBA might grant a variance to allow their request (to have horses on the property). They were previously informed by zoning administrator, Linda Taylor that the property is zoned R-2 which does not allow livestock. They were requesting a use variance, and it was explained that the ZBA cannot grant use variances for R-2 zoning districts. It was suggested to the couple that their only recourse was to request a spot zoning change for that particular piece of property.

Recommendation of Alternate/Vacancy Policy: D. Lange briefed the ZBA on the procedures currently used for filling vacancies on other township boards, and asked why the vacancy for this board was not advertised, interviewed, or discussed. J. Broad responded that the ZBA has no say in the makeup of the board, and that the Township Board decides those whom they would like to appoint to the ZBA. He added that, as long as he's been a part of the ZBA, that's how it has always been done. C. Paavola confirmed his response. It was also confirmed that we, as a board, made a recommendation to the Township Board, and they approved it. At this time, the chair also informed B. Sharpe that the alternate member is encouraged to attend all meetings in an effort to stay current on all matters coming before the ZBA. Members also discussed the possibility of another joint training session between the ZBA and the Planning Commission, similar to the one that was held earlier this year. All members agreed that it was something they would like to continue doing as they found the previous meeting to be very helpful and educational. D. Lange stated that he will look into getting another joint training session arranged for the fall.

Lake Esau issue: B. Lewis was concerned about the issue concerning a property owner who filled in wetlands/shoreline on Lake Esau as mentioned in the previous meeting's minutes. He wanted to be sure that it was being addressed. E. Comerford informed him of a copy of a notice of violation that was mailed to Township Hall from the MDNRE/DEQ which indicated that the matter is being addressed by the proper authorities. The letter also confirmed that the property owner's statement indicating that others around the Lake had done the same thing was not valid.

Planning Commission Report: D. Lange reported that Karen Fournier has resigned from all of her Township positions. As she was the Township liaison for the Planning Commission, they are down one member. He also informed us of recent changes to the zoning map caused by the rezoning of parcels along Evergreen Hwy. They were rezoned from EC and R-1 to R-2. CIP and Master Plan projects were discussed including those currently underway or planned at the Lighthouses, Cemetery, and Range Light.

Training: J. Broad informed the board of upcoming training sessions titled "Planning and Zoning Updates" from MTA. The closest location was in Gaylord on July 14th. Due to conflict of schedules, no one will be able to attend.

Adjournment: There being no other business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 pm. The next regular ZBA meeting is scheduled for October 5th, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

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