MINUTES OF THE CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
OCTOBER 8, 2025
Attendees
Barb Osterling Bonnie Tortello
John Tortello Lee Short
Kathy Heidlebaugh Patty Piacentino
Danielle Andreasen
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, and Alternates Flint Heidlebaugh and Michael Schenk. Vicki Wheatley, Zoning Inspector, Todd Bickley, Secretary, and Trustee Matt Montowski were also in attendance.
Chairman Baugh read through the meeting process. There were no questions.
New Business
Case #737763 – Bonnie Tortelli
Secretary Todd Bickley read the case facts. The applicant proposes to construct an addition of an enclosed stairway to access the garage second floor and is requesting a variance to increase the lot coverage from thirty-six percent (36%) to 36.7%. The property is located at 5743 E. Twinbeach Road and is also known as Lots 4 and 5 of White City Beach Subdivision of Catawba Island Township. The property is zoned “R-3” Residential District.
No Board member had a conflict.
Lee Short and Bonnie Tortelli were sworn in by Chairman Baugh. Lee Short provided the Board with a drawing that illustrated the project. An u-shape, older treated stairway will be removed, and the area will be enclosed and access to the garage’s second floor will be within the enclosed area. A gas meter and condenser will be relocated. Mr. Short showed the streetscape views. Mr. Short commented that he did not obtain the adjacent property signoffs; however, Mr. Dickinson to the east was okay with the proposal. Ms. Tortelli noted that the owners on both sides of her property are aware of the project.
Chairman Baugh questioned the relocation of the gas meter and the condenser. Mr. Short indicated both the gas meter, and the condenser will be relocated to the north of the building.
Rebecca Dubber questioned if the enclosed stairway will be the only access to the second floor. Mr. Short indicated that was correct. Ms. Dubber questioned what was upstairs and Ms. Tortelli commented that the upstairs was an open area.
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 items.
Rebecca Dubber made a motion to approve Case #737763 as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mike Schenk. Motion passed by a 4 – 0 vote. Chairman Baugh did not vote.
Approval of the September 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Rebecca Dubber noted a conflict on a second last line of the first paragraph on Page 11. Twenty-nine percent should be twenty-five percent. Brian Caldwell made a motion to approve the September 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes with the noted correction. The motion was seconded by Rebecca Dubber and the motion passed unanimously.
Other Business
No other business to conduct.
Adjournment
Rebecca Dubber made a motion to adjourn, and the motion was seconded by Doug Blackburn. Motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 6:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________ _______________________
Bryan Baugh, Chairman Todd Bickley, Secretary