Meeting Minutes

Zoning Board of Appeals

January 16, 2014

Present:           Dave Cybulla, Doris Felton, Linda Fox, Jim Gurr, Barb Lockrey, Bonnie Robbins

Absent:            Gary Hutchens

Call to Order

1. Gurr called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Roll Call

The members of the ZBA acknowledged their presence by stating their name.

Call for Conflict

There is no conflict of interest by any Board member.

Approval of Agenda

1. Gurr requested one addition to the agenda: board appointments under Old Business. B. Lockrey moved to approve agenda with the noted addition. D. Felton seconded; all were in favor and the motion passed.

Approval of Minutes

Due to an oversight, there was no approval of the minutes for December 11, 2013.

Zoning Administrator Staff Report

Matter to Be Addressed

This is a follow up meeting regarding a sign placement for Northaire Resorts owned by Mr. Dale Snook.  Mr. Molby contacted the Road Commission regarding the matter and it was established the sign is inside the county right of way and needs to be relocated.  It was agreed that it could be placed over the septic field with no adverse effects.  Mr. Snook stated he will request a meeting with Mr. Peterson of the Road Commission, Mr. Molby and himself to determine the proper placement of the sign as there is some confusion on whether the setback should be 30 feet or 35 feet from the center line.

Public Comments

No public comment.

Board Deliberation

The Zoning Ordinance states there should be a rear setback of 35’.  As there is a discrepancy in this and the Road Commission’s expectations of a 30 – 33’ setback the Board agreed a variance should be given to Mr. Snook. The Board reviewed Section 16.06 of the Zoning Ordinance and determined the findings of fact were all true.  B. Lockrey made a motion to grant a variance of 2 – 5 feet depending upon what the Road Commission determines is needed.  B. Robbins seconded, all were in favor and the motion passed.

It was further discussed that the Zoning Ordinance should have specific language that relates to sign placement in the Township.  Additionally, repaying Mr. Snook for the variance request fee he paid was discussed. It was felt he should have been referred to the Road Commission first rather than to the ZBA.  D. Felton made a motion to make a request of the Planning Commission to refund his fees.  B. Lockrey seconded, all were in favor and the motion passed.

Old Business

Zoning Ordinance Copies for Board Members

1. Robbins reported copies of the Zoning Ordinance should be available for all members at the April meeting.

Board Appointments

The Township has determined Zoning Board terms will be for three years. The Board members will be asked to make this commitment at the April 2014 annual meeting. It is hoped a chair will also be appointed at that time.

New Business

There was no new business discussed.

Adjournment

B. Lockrey moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:00 p.m. L. Fox seconded; all were in favor.

Respectfully Submitted By,

Linda Fox, Secretary