CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP
ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
JANUARY 22, 2025
Attendees
Dan Konschak Troy Wittman
Bob Walls P.Todd Jagucki
William Lucas Terree Lakso
Mike Weickert Joyce Setze
Ken Setze Stephen Roberts
Members of the Commission in attendance were Chairperson Jordan Davenport, Paul Shaw, Dr. Gregory Hart, Kevin Howe and Alternate Bill Barnes. Also in attendance were Alternate David Wonnell, 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 January 22, 2025.
Chairperson Davenport reviewed the agenda.
Agenda Item 1 – Election of Officers – 2025
Agenda Item 2 – Applications
Agenda Item 3 – Approval of prior Meeting Minutes
Agenda Item 4 – Unfinished Business
Agenda Item 5 – New Business
Agenda Item 1 – Election of Officers – 2025
Chairperson Davenport requested nominations for 2025 Officers.
Paul Shaw made a motion to approve the following Slate of Officers for 2025:
Chairman Jordan Davenport
Vice- Chairman Paul Shaw
Secretary Todd Bickley
The motion was seconded by Dr. Gregory Hart. Motion passed.
Agenda Item 2 – Applications
Chairman Davenport identified that the Island Pines Residential Development PUD Application – Case #737635 has been submitted for commission’s review. Secretary Bickley indicated that the case # was correct. Chairperson Davenport explained that the applicant will present the application and then the Board will review the application per the PUD requirements. Once completed, comments and questions will be accepted from those in attendance.
No Board member had a conflict.
Secretary Bickley reviewed the past history of Island Pines and the 1993 Judgement Entry between the Catawba Realty Group, Inc. and the Catawba Island Township Trustees. A questioned was asked as to the difference between the “R-E” and “R-1” Districts. Secretary Bickley reviewed the differences between the two districts. Mike Weickert commented that Reserve B can be developed and Secretary Bickley indicated that was correct, subject to meeting the “R-E” requirements.
Chairman Davenport questioned if correspondence was received. Secretary Bickley indicated that he received the stipulations for Reserve B joining the existing HOA. The stipulations were forwarded to the zoning commission members.
Chairman Davenport recognized Troy Wittman, representing the applicant. Mr. Wittman commented that the goal is to create a development cohesive with the existing neighborhood. Mr. Wittman noted that annoyances will occur during development, but the intent is to minimize those annoyances and create a nice development.
Chairman Davenport began the review of the application per the “R-E” PUD regulations. The objectives of Item #1 were considered. Item 1a addressed density and Chairman Davenport noted ten (10) lots. Secretary Bickley commented that the total number of lots would be less than the maximum number permitted per the declaratory judgement. Chairman Davenport noted that there would be no commercial component within the PUD. Chairman Davenport indicated that a number of trees are to be removed and in the stipulation letter, a buffer area would be required adjacent to the existing Island Pine lots. Dan Konschak indicated that a plan has not yet been formalized but recommended trees such as arborvitae’s due to drainage concerns. Secretary Bickley noted twenty (20) foot easements on both the north and south sides of the development and Mr. Konschak confirmed the installation of swales and piping. Secretary Bickley indicated that a neighbor was concerned with trees along the boundary and possibly losing those trees. Mr. Konschak commented that they would like to work with the neighbors and save as many trees as possible. Mr. Konschak noted that the swale will not be centered in the easement, but closer to the property line and commented that it would be possible to go about five feet (5’) onto the adjoining property owners with the drainage improvements, subject to an agreement with those property owners. Secretary Bickley questioned the placement of the arborvitae trees with the infrastructure. Terree Lasko noted that the gentlemen’s main concern with tree removal was damage to his property.
Todd Jagucki noted wetlands registry and a portion of the property is highlighted with a wetland designation. Mr. Konschak commented that they were aware of the wetland area to the east of Reserve B and not on the property.
Chairman Davenport noted that the proposed lots are of similar size to the existing Island Pines lots.
Item #2, permitted uses was reviewed and the proposed use is single family dwellings. Chairman Davenport noted that there were no planned commercial uses.
Chairperson Davenport noted that the parcel contains 7.4 acres of land, which exceeds the five (5) acre minimum. The parcel is an integral tract of land which exceeds the minimum lot width of 200 feet. The proposed lots exceed the minimum size requirements.
Chairman Davenport considered the common open space requirement. Secretary Bickley commented that open space for Island Pines Subdivision included the area around the homes and that concept could be extended into the subdivision for Reserve B. In addition, an area at the east end of the development is being set aside as common open space, which will include the retention pond with a walkway around the pond.
Chairman Davenport questioned house plans which were included with the application. Mr. Wittman noted that the proposed homes are either one or two-story designs with side load garages. The exteriors would be similar to the homes in Island Pines. The building height will not exceed thirty-five feet (35’). The footprint dimensions were reviewed (55’ x 84’) and the size was approximately 4,600 square feet. The lot size is sufficient for the proposed home. Ms. Lasko noted that the HOA has architectural requirements. Mr. Jagucki questioned basements and Mr. Wittman indicated that the installation of basements has not been determined.
Chairman Davenport questioned whether accessory buildings are allowed. Ms. Lasko indicated that accessory buildings are allowed, subject to review by the HOA.
Chairman Davenport commented that off-street parking will be met and the traffic circulation appears to be appropriate. Mr. Bickley noted that the stipulation letter addresses maintaining the existing road.
Chairman Davenport questioned signs and Mr. Wittman indicated that the development will not have new signs.
Mr. Wittman indicated that there would be no fences. Ms. Lasko noted that the HOA has allowed several fences.
Chairman Davenport reviewed the data that is required with a PUD application. Chairman Davenport questioned the pond maintenance. Ms. Lasko noted that the pond maintenance is an issue that would need to be worked out with the HOA. A drainage plan has been submitted with the application, which will be reviewed by the Ottawa County Engineer when the subdivision is submitted to the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission.
Mr. Jagucki expressed concern with drainage. Mr. Jagucki is Lot 17 and the water from the existing subdivision runs toward his lot and then goes between his lot and Lot 18 to the rear corner. There is also a swale east of Lot 17 which addresses the rear of the lots. Mr. Jagucki reviewed the elevations of his lot and the proposed pond. Mr. Jagucki commented that his biggest question is how is the water kept out of his basement. Mr. Jagucki expressed additional concern with the possible pond overflow. Chairman Davenport noted that the development should not make it any worse for the existing Island Pines homeowners. Mr. Konschak stated that the pond was originally considered a wet basin, which could be used for fishing. Mr. Konschak noted that the pond could be a dry basin with the water outlet to the east. Mr. Jagucki noted that hiking trails have been installed and water sits in that area.
Chairman Davenport questioned the proposed site schedule development. Mr. Wittman commented that a schedule has not yet been created.
Secretary Bickley questioned whether the existing HOA would accept Reserve B, regardless of whether the stipulations are met. Ms. Lasko noted that acceptance would be conditioned on meeting the stipulations. Ms. Lasko commented that additional information is required. Secretary Bickley suggested that a copy of the Island Pines HOA by-laws be submitted and a list of regulations/covenants also be submitted for Reserve B if they do not join the existing Island Pines HOA. Mr. Weickert noted that HOA consensus was that Reserve B would join the existing HOA.
Chairman Davenport noted that additional information will be required for the buffer plan.
Chairman Davenport reviewed the items that required additional information: landscape plan, including trees and the buffer area between the two phases, HOA requirements/covenants, maintenance plan for the common area, and the proposed project schedule.
Ms. Lasko noted that the development will have a huge impact on the current owners.
Mr. Weickert questioned the number of lots, which was identified as ten (10) lots. Mr. Weickert questioned the number of home models. Mr. Wittman noted that two (2) models are being considered. Mr. Wittman was unsure whether the developer will build the homes or whether the property owner would be able to hire a contractor to build the home.
Paul Shaw made a motion to continue review of the application at the February 26, 2025 Zoning Commission meeting, subject to receiving the additional information as stated by Chairman Davenport. The motion was seconded by Dr. Gregory Hart and it passed.
Chairman Davenport announced that the review of the Island Pines Residential Development PUD will be continued at the February 26, 2025 Zoning Commission Meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Agenda Item 3 – Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
The November 20 Meeting Minutes stand approved as written.
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