CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP
ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
FEBRUARY 26, 2025
Attendees
Dan Konschak Troy Wittman
Bob Walls Cody Gable
Dave Walken Terree Lakso
Mary Ann Debo Rick Rossoll
Members of the Commission in attendance were Chairperson Jordan Davenport, Paul Shaw, Kevin Howe, Matt Gottron and Alternate David Wonnell. Also in attendance were Alternate Bill Barnes, Matt Montowski, Trustee, and Todd Bickley, Zoning Inspector and Commission Secretary.
Chairperson Davenport called the meeting of the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. For the record, he identified the date as February 26, 2025.
Chairperson Davenport reviewed the agenda.
Agenda Item 1 – Applications
Agenda Item 2 – Approval of prior Meeting Minutes
Agenda Item 3 – Unfinished Business
Agenda Item 4 – New Business
Agenda Item – Applications
No new applications to consider.
Agenda Item 2 – Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
The January 22, 2025 Meeting Minutes stand approved as written and emailed.
Agenda Item 3 – Unfinished Business
Case #737635 Island Pines Residential Development PUD Application
Chairman Davenport noted that the application was reviewed last month by the Commission and that the Commission requested the following information: a landscape plan, homeowner’s restrictions, maintenance plan, and a project schedule. Mr. Konschak noted that a Landscape Plan was submitted with the buffering consisting of larger trees around the basin, and arborvitae’s/evergreens around the exterior of the development. Ms. Lasko indicated that she received the plans yesterday and that she did not have sufficient time to review them and meet with the association members. Ms. Lasko questioned which property the trees and shrubs will be located and Mr. Konschak indicated that it will be on Reserve B property. Ms. Lasko commented that it looked like the north and south sides of Reserve B drains to the detention pond and then goes into the existing swales, which were designed for the existing lots of Island Pines. Chairman Davenport limited discussion to the landscaping plan, drainage will be reviewed shortly. Chairman Davenport questioned if the submitted landscaping plan is sufficient for the existing homeowners. Ms. Lasko has not been able to provide the additional material for the homeowners to review.
Chairman Davenport requested a review of the drainage plan. Cody Gable explained the drainage plan and indicated the plan will address the current situation at the back of Lot 17 of the existing Island Pines Subdivision. Mr. Gable met with property owners and determined that the area should be regraded and the water drained to the detention pond. In addition, the property line would be regraded with a thirteen (13) foot landscape buffer and four (4) foot swale, which was shown on C-8 of the drawings. The focus would be along the property lines and address the drainage concerns of the existing lot owners. The existing outlet is at the back of the southeast corner of Lot 17. The existing swale will discharge into the Reserve B drainage system. According to Mr. Gable, the trees would be planted between the swale and the property line. A pipe will be installed upon which the neighboring homes sump pumps would be able to drain to, which would then be taken to the retention pond. Ms. Lasko noted the concern of draining into the existing swale, which is located between Lots 16 and 17. Mr. Gable noted that they are working with the property owner to address the swale and possibly eliminate his water issues. Mr. Walker commented that developers want to work with the neighbors to eliminate existing drainage issues.
Mr. Walken noted that they would like to have the trees/shrubs about 5-10 feet off the property line. Mr. Walken commented that the trees/shrubs will not eliminate the water issue.
Chairman Davenport noted that the drainage plan will need to be reviewed by the County Engineer when the subdivision plat is submitted to the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission.
Chairman Davenport questioned whether the proposed development will merge with the current Homeowner’s Association or whether a separation association will be created. Mr. Walken indicated that it would be up to the existing Homeowner’s Association. If not, by-laws can be easily set up for the proposed development. Ms. Lasko noted that a provisional approval was made, subject to meeting the stipulations. Mr. Bickley commented that the stipulations were established by the Homeowner’s Association, and is not a township requirement. The developers will need to work with the Association to meet the stated stipulations. Ms. Lasko noted that she would like one of the owners to put in writing that they will agree to the stipulations. The existing requirements and the proposed requirements were submitted to the commission. Mr. Whitman commented that their attorney has been working on the proposed by-laws and language to join the existing association. Mr. Walken indicated the intent was to merge with the existing HOA. Ms. Lasko noted that makes sense, but the HOA has concerns.
Mr. Whitman submitted to the Commission a tentative project schedule with moving parts. Mr. Whitman noted that a wetlands study will be undertaken which could affect the schedule. Once the ground is broken, it will probably be about a year for the improvements to be installed. Mr. Bickley noted that the project is to commence within two (2) years after approval.
Mr. Gable reviewed the Maintenance Plan and noted that the plan reflects the standard water management plan. A Homeowner’s Association will ultimately be responsible for maintenance. Ms. Lasko questioned the pond and Mr. Bickley requested an explanation as to the current pond versus what was considered the previous month. Mr. Gable noted that the current pond will no longer be a water basin, but a dry, detention basin. The swales will have 4:1 slope, which can be mowed. Mr. Bickley questioned what storm can the design handle. Mr. Gable indicated that it is design for a twenty-five (25) year storm, but it can handle a 100-year storm. The outflow area is small since it will take a long time for it to fill up. The basin is shallow, two (2) feet deep. Ms. Lasko commented that the association will have a special meeting and suggested the developer’s engineer attend the meeting. The association may hire an expert to review the proposed plans. Mr. Bickley noted that the plans will be reviewed by the County Engineer.
Chairman Davenport reviewed the Basis of Approval for a PUD. Chairman Davenport noted that the project will commence within two (2) years of approval, which the time schedule indicates. The proposed use, residential, will not be detrimental to the surrounding uses and will have a beneficial effect. The streets are suitable and adequate.
Ms. Lasko questioned a wetlands in the area. Mr. Konschak noted that he discussed the issue with an environmental engineer and if isolated, then review would go through the OEPA. If not isolated, then the review would be with the Army Corps of Engineers. A determination of whether there is a wetlands will be done during the spring. Mr. Walken noted that the developer just needs to verify whether a wetlands exists on the property.
The Commission determined the remaining items of the Basis of Approval have been properly addressed.
With no further discussion, Chairman Davenport closed the case from the floor.
Paul Shaw made a motion to recommend approval of the Island Pines Residential Development PUD Application, Case #737635, to the Catawba Island Trustees based on the additional information presented to the Zoning Commission, consisting of a revised drainage plan, Homeowner’s Association rules and regulations, a landscape plan, maintenance plan and a project schedule. The motion was seconded by Kevin Howe. On a roll call vote, each member voted in favor of the motion. Chairman Davenport did not vote. Motion passed 4 – 0.
Mr. Bickley indicated that the Township Trustee meeting will Tuesday morning, March 25th. The start time will need to be determined by the Trustees.
Agenda Item 3 Unfinished Business
No unfinished business to conduct.
Agenda Item 4 New Business
No new business to conduct.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Todd Bickley
Secretary