MINUTES OF THE CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
JULY 9, 2025
Attendees
Lee Short
John A. Feick
Lee Short
Ray Zielinski
Dale Ocheske
Chairman Baugh called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Board members in attendance included: Doug Blackburn, Brian Caldwell, Rebecca Dubber, Bill Baker, and Alternate Flint Heidlebaugh. Todd Bickley, Zoning Inspector/Secretary and Trustee Matt Montowski were also in attendance.
Chairman Baugh read through the meeting process. There were no questions.
New Business
Case #737717 Raymond Zielinski & Dale Ocheske
Secretary Bickley read a letter from Ray Zielinski and Dale Ocheske withdrawing the application since the garage bay meets the side yard requirement of ten feet (10’) thus eliminating the need for a variance. Mr. Zielinski and Mr. Ocheske found the corner pin and determined that the house was constructed further to the east than originally proposed, which increased the side yard distance.
Secretary Bickley noted that the application will need to be amended to reflect the corrected changes. The processing fee of $50 will also need to be paid for the zoning certificate.
Case #737717 Doug & Cathy Mocny
Todd Bickley read the case facts. The applicants are proposing a roof extension over an existing patio and are requesting an area variance to reduce the side yard setback from six feet (6’) to 5.25 feet, reduce the rear yard setback from twenty-five feet (25’) to 24.25 feet, and exceed the lot coverage requirement of thirty-six percent (36%) to forty-two percent (42%). The property is located at 3045 Arthur Drive, also known as Lot 31 of Lemmerman Meadows Subdivision. The property is zoned “R-3” Residential District.
No Board member had a conflict.
Lee Short and Cathy Mocny were sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Short provided a drawing for the Board’s review illustrating the proposed project. Mr. Short noted that it is an open patio, and the patio cannot be used when the sun hits it. The project will cover the patio with a roof, which will be lined up with the existing roof structure. The posts will be bricked at the bottom, which necessitates the setback variances. Mr. Short noted that the curved edge of the patio will not be covered. Mr. Short also noted that the maximum lot coverage will be slightly exceeded.
Mr. Caldwell questioned if the roof is a permanent structure and Mr. Short indicated that the roof is permanent.
Chairman Baugh questioned if the patio will be screened. Mr. Short commented that at this time the patio will not be screened and that it would be difficult to screen with how the roof extension is being constructed.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor.
The Board reviewed the Finding of Fact. The Board agreed with the applicant by a 5 – 0 vote on all seven (7) items.
Doug Blackburn made a motion to approve Case #737717 as submitted. The motion was seconded by Rebecca Dubber. Motion passed by a 4 – 0 vote. Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Case #737722 Ray Brooks
Todd Bickley read the case facts. The applicant proposes an addition and connection of a new garage to the existing house and is requesting an area variance to reduce the rear yard setback from twenty-five feet (25’) to twenty-one feet (21’). The property is located at 3578 Eagle Beach Subdivision and is also known as the west 12’ of Lot 23, and Lots 24 and 25 of Eagle Beach Subdivision. The property is zoned “R-3” Residential District.
John Feick was sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Mr. Feick commented that the 1933 house has character but the fifties garage has no character. The variance is for the half bath addition, not for the garage connection.
Chairman Baugh noted that the half bath addition lines up with the current house. Mr. Feick commented that the garage will be taken down and rebuilt.
Chairman Baugh closed discussion from the floor.
The Board reviewed the Finding of Fact. The Board agreed with the applicant by a 5 – 0 vote on all seven (7) items.
Rebecca Dubber made a motion to approve Case #737722 as submitted. The motion was seconded by Brian Caldwell. The motion passed with all Board member voting in the affirmative. Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Old Business
Secretary Bickey provided the Board with a drawing illustrating four (4) house lots proposed by Catawba Moorings where the boat storage buildings were originally proposed.
Other Business
Secretary Bickley informed the Board that he has resigned his position as Zoning Inspector. The Board thanked Mr. Bickley for his years of service.
Minutes – June 11, 2025
Rebecca Dubber made a motion to approve the June 11, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes. The motion was seconded by Brian Caldwell. Motion passed. Doug Blackburn abstained.
Adjournment
Brian Caldwell made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Bill Baker and the motion passed. The meeting ended at 6:33 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________ _______________________________
Bryan Baugh, Chairman Todd Bickley, Secretary