Minutes: January 11th, 2012

CATAWBA ISLAND BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

January 11, 2012

The regular monthly meeting of the Catawba Island Board of Zoning Appeals was held on January 11, 2012 in the conference room of the Administration Building. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bryan Baugh at 7:30 p.m.

Other Board members in attendance included Tom Anslow, Sandy Erwin, and Jack Devore. Zoning Inspector, Walter Wehenkel, was also in attendance. There were no members of the public in attendance so Chairman Baugh dispensed with the reading of the meeting format.

Chairman Baugh congratulated Sandy Erwin on her appointment to the Board as the replacement for Dale VanLerberghe who opted not to be reappointed.

Chairman Baugh indicated this was the reorganizational meeting for the Board. Officers should be elected for the coming year. He asked for nominations for Chairman. Jack Devore nominated Bryan Baugh as Chairman. Tom Anslow seconded the nomination. Chairman Baugh asked for additional nominations. There were none. Tom Anslow moved that the nominations be closed and the nominee be elected. Jack Devore seconded the motion. A vote was taken will all members voting in the affirmative. Chairman Baugh thanks the membership for their confidence in him.

Chairman Baugh asked for nominees for Vice-Chairman. Tom Anslow nominated Jack Devore as Vice Chairman. Sandy Erwin seconded the nomination. Chairman Baugh asked for additional nominations. There were none. Jack Devore mentioned that Tom Anslow has more years of service on the Board then he does. Tom Anslow responded that time of service is only one criteria. Bryan Baugh asked Jack Devore if he was willing to serve as Vice Chairman. Jack Devore stated he was willing to serve. Sandy Erwin moved that the nominations be closed and the nominee be elected. Tom Anslow seconded the motion. The motion was voted on and Jack Devore was unanimously elected as Vice Chairman. Mr. Devore abstained from the vote.

Chairman Baugh asked for nominees for the position of Secretary. Jack Devore nominated Sandy Erwin. Tom Anslow seconded the nomination. Bryan Baugh asked for additional nominations. There were none. Jack Devore moved to close the nominations and elect Sandy Erwin as Secretary. Tom Anslow seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was taken and it passed unanimously with Sandy Erwin abstaining from the vote.

Chairman Baugh asked if everyone has received the minutes of the December 14, 2011 meeting and if they had the opportunity to review the minutes. The members indicated that they received and read the minutes. Jack Devore moved that they be approved as submitted. Sandy Erwin seconded the motion. The motion passed with Tom Anslow abstaining from the vote.

Chairman Baugh asked if any of the members would be attending the training session in Danbury Township. None of the members in attendance were planning to be there due to other commitments. Walter Wehenkel indicated Doug Blackburn was planning to attend from the Board. In addition, there are several zoning commission members attending. Mr. Wehenkel indicated he has a conflict and likely will not be in attendance.

Jack Devore wondered if Mark Mulligan would be willing to do a refresher class for the Board. He found the previous presentation a couple of years ago to be very helpful. Mr. Wehenkel indicated he would check into that possibility.

Bryan Baugh asked if there were any other areas for discussion. Jack Devore mentioned that the Township Trustees had some discussion at their January 10th meeting about the alternate position vacated by Sandy Erwin. The Trustees were looking at possibly appointing Shelly Stively. Ms. Stively works for the township and there was a concern that a possible conflict of interest might exist and they were going to do some additional research on that issue.

Jack Devore stated he is concerned over the growing number of boats being stored that are not licensed. He mentioned the old Gem Beach Roller Rink property as a good example. There are boats on the property that have not been moved in years. They might have been abandoned by the owner. They are likely the homes of animals and rodents. It is more like a junk yard than a boat storage facility.

He wondered if the zoning text should be amended to address this issue like it is addressed in residential areas. Walter Wehenkel explained the two processes to initiate a text amendment. The township can initiate one as can any property owner in the township. A general discussion followed. Mr. Devore indicated he would talk to the Trustees about the issue.

There being no other issues, Sandy Erwin moved to adjourn the meeting. Her motion was seconded by Jack Devore and passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.


_____________________________ _______________________________
Bryan Baugh, Chairman Sandra Erwin, Secretary