Minutes: July 26th, 2017

CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP
ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
JULY 26, 2017
Attendees
Lois (LoLo) McBurnie
Lisa Murphy
Jim Dubbert
Dawn Dubbert
Jeff Williams
Mary Williams
Jane Hermes
Rick Smetzer

Chairman Paul Shaw called the meeting of the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. For the record, he identified the date was July 26, 2017.
He introduced himself, as well as the other Commission members, that included, Jordan Davenport, Vice Chairman, Stephen Lonneman, Ron Wiseman, Alternate Lewis Mindlin and Alternate Dr. Gregory Hart. Also introduced was Todd Bickley, Catawba Island Township Zoning Inspector and Board Secretary.
Mr. Shaw welcomed those in attendance. He stated the Zoning Commission appreciated their interest. He advised those in attendance that debates/talking amongst themselves would not be permitted. He asked that those in attendance sign the register. He requested that any person wishing to speak be recognized by the chairperson and identify themselves by name and address for the record. He asked that all cell phones be turned off. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mr. Shaw suggested the following agenda for the meeting.
1) Review of Zoning Resolution definitions for Dwelling, One-Family and Dwelling, Multiple-Family.
2) The reading and approval of meeting minutes from the May 24, 2017 meeting.
3) Any old business.
4) Any new business.
Mr. Shaw asked if there were any additions or changes to the proposed agenda. There were none. Jordan Davenport made a motion to approve the proposed agenda for the meeting. Steve Lonneman seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 1 – Review of Definitions
Chairman Shaw noted that the first item of business was the review of the one-family and multiple-family definitions. Todd Bickley reviewed the current definition of one-family dwelling, which must be occupied by the same occupants for a continual period of not less than thirty (30) days, while a multiple-family dwelling does not have a similar requirement. In addition, overnight rentals are prohibited in the dwelling definition. Concerning the Mon Ami Planned Unit Development, Mr. Bickley noted that a two-family dwelling would not have the thirty (30) day requirement. Weekly rentals would be possible. The trustees requested the zoning commission review and propose changes to the definitions.
Mr. Bickley handed out definitions from Danbury Township and Put-In-Bay Township. Danbury Township prohibits overnight rental and occupancy of dwelling units for periods of less than thirty (30) days for one-family, two-family and mulit-family dwellings. Put-In-Bay Township limits a permanent one-family dwelling to a minimum of ninety-one (91) days and regulates as a conditional use temporary one-family dwellings. Discussion followed. Mr. Davenport recommended that residential dwellings, whether one-family or multiple-family dwelling should be at least thirty (30) days. Mr. Lonneman commented that allowing and regulating seven (7) day rentals may be something the township should consider.
Mr. Bickley explained the process for adopting a text amendment.
Rick Smetzer questioned his property being zoned “R-4” and having multiple structures. Mr. Bickley noted that multiple-family dwelling has two (2) or more units in a building versus multiple dwellings on a property.
Jordan Davenport made a motion to amend dwelling, multiple-family dwelling and dwelling units requiring that the same occupants must occupy the dwelling for a continual period of not less than thirty (30) days. The motion was seconded by Paul Shaw. Jordan Davenport and Ron Wiseman voted in favor of the motion and Steve Lonneman and Dr. Greg Hart voted against the motion. Chairman Shaw voted in favor of the motion and the motion passed by a 3 – 2 vote.
Agenda Item 2 – Steve Lonneman made a motion to approve the May 24, 2017 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded by Dr. Greg Hart. Motion passed.

Old Business
No old business to conduct.
New Business
James Dubbert of 5035 E. Porter reported that cars have been parking on the adjacent property. As a result, it is difficult to back out onto West Catawba Road and the cars drive through the yard and trash is left behind. He noted that he has tolerated the situation for a few years.
Dawn Dubbert of 5035 E. Porter noted that the area is a residential neighborhood and she indicated that she does not want to live next to a parking lot with caution tape. It looks like a crime scene.
Lisa Murphy noted that she also lives in the neighborhood and everybody on Porter parks cars. The subdivision does not have restrictions against parking cars. Once again she noted that everyone does it and that everybody should be brought into compliance.
Jeff Williams of 3934 NW Catawba Road noted that he has lived at his current residence since 1969 and that the parking has become a genuine annoyance. He noted that he had recently come back from a vacation driving a good distance and he nearly got hit approximately 100 yards from his home. He noted that the parking is a mess and that the area is residential.
Lois McBurnie of 3993 NW Catawba Road indicated that she and her husband had moved into the home about seven (7) years ago. Her husband recently passed away and she is taking care of her ninety (90) year old father who is in hospice. Two (2) years ago, Mrs. Dubbert had indicated that someone had cut through her yard. On July 4th of this year, she had one (1) vehicle parked in her yard and on Sunday, she was full. Ms. McBurnie indicated that she has been using her yard has a parking area for the last six (6) years and that it is used as a parking area for about 5 – 10 days a season. She is not attracting people. She questions why it is now a problem and why she is being singled out. Ms. McBurnie offered to donate monies collected to the township fire department.
Mrs. Dubbert commented that Ms. McBurnie’s yard is used as a parking area on almost every weekend.
Mary Williams of 3934 NW Catawba Road questioned if the parking will be stopped. Mr. Bickley noted that a letter has been sent to Ms. McBurnie noting a zoning violation and indicating that continuing the use would be subject to a penalty of up to $500 for each separate occurrence. If she were to park vehicles this weekend, the police could be called; however, the police cannot enforce the zoning requirements.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Catawba Island Zoning Commission is 7:00 p.m., August 23, 2017.
Adjournment
Jordan Davenport moved to adjourn the meeting. His motion was seconded by Ron Wiseman. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Todd Bickley
Secretary