CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP

ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES

JULY 23, 2025

Attendees

Jim Stouffer                                        John Imke                                          Nancy White

Dortothy Baker                                  Vicki Wheatley                                   Eric Schramm

Bill Moore                                           Linda Fox                                            Shelly Recker

Mary J. Porovynski                          Terry Sheridan                                   Steven May

Robin DeGraff                                   L. J. Overmyer                                   Todd Lawrence

Tony Corona                                      John Gangway                                   Chirs Garn

Kyle Recker                                        Dan Barlow                                        D. Bergeman

Jack Madison                                    Richard Smetzer                               Nancy Oreskovich

Jim Brahier                                       Stephanie Yarborough                     Chris Cellier

Marcia Thornhill                             John Thornhill

Members of the Commission in attendance were Chairperson Jordan Davenport, Paul Shaw, Dr. Gregory Hart, Matt Gottron and Alternate David Wonnell.  Also in attendance were Matt Montowski, Trustee, and Todd Bickley, 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 July 23, 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

Chairman Davenport recognized Trustee Montowski who introduced Vicki Wheatley, who will become the Catawba Island Zoning Inspector starting August 1.

Agenda Item 1 – Applications

Case # 737720 Robin DeGraff – “A” to “R-1”

Chairman Davenport questioned if the Case # was correct and Secretary Bickley indicated that it was correct. Chairman Davenport questioned if a legal description was filed and Secretary Bickley noted that a legal description is on file.

Chairman Davenport questioned if any of the Board members had a conflict. No Board members had a conflict.

Chairman Davenport read the recommendation letter from the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission which was for approval of the rezoning application.

Chairman Davenport recognized Robin DeGraff. Ms. DeGraff commented that she was proud to have owned the land for twenty-five (25) years with horses. She lost her husband several years ago and has made the choice to move the horses into a smaller facility as she is now downsizing. Ms. DeGraff indicated that the property has been for sale over a year as a farm/orchard. Ms. DeGraff noted that she is requesting a rezoning to the “R-1” District to help with a possible sale as the “R-1” District offers more opportunities.

Chairman Davenport requested comments/questions from the audience.

Chairman Davenport recognized Nancy Oreskovich. Ms. Oreskovich asked if the applicant has an accepted offer. Ms. DeGraff commented that one (1) offer is contingent.

Chairman Davenport recognized Dorothy Baker, who questioned if the rezoning request was the only way to sell it or whether Ms. DeGraff would be willing to accept less money and keep it in the “A” District. Ms. DeGraff noted that she would like to sell the property at its current value.

Chairman Davenport recognized William Baker who questioned whether part of the property is considered a wetland. Ms. DeGraff noted that part of the wooded area is wetlands. Chairman Davenport commented that the appropriate state and federal agencies would need to review any development in and/or adjacent to wetlands.

Mr. Bickley reviewed the rezoning process. Mr. Baker commented on whether the application could be modified. Mr. Bickley noted that regardless of the zoning district, review by the state and federal agencies would be required if in a wetland.

Dorothy Baker questioned the difference between the zoning districts. Chairman Davenport reviewed the uses listed in the “A” and “R-1” Districts. Mr. Bickley reviewed the minimum lot size requirements: “A” – one (1) acre lot area and 150 feet lot width; “R-1” – 15,000 square feet and 80 feet lot width.

Chairman Davenport recognized Steve May who commented that the land use plan recommends the area for low density residential uses. Mr. Bickley indicated that was correct and noted that low density residential is defined as one (1) unit per acre. The medium density residential recommendation is defined as 2 – 3 units per acre.

Chairman Davenport recognized Jack Madison who expressed concern with setting a precedent. Mr. Bickley agreed with Mr. Madison but noted that each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Chairman Davenport recognized Jim Stouffer who commented on his project, which went through the PUD process. Mr. Stouffer noted that he has no problem with progress; however, he had a distinct issue with a recent ten-inch (10”) rainstorm where the water, an estimated 7-8 million gallons, went from a campground then through this property and ended on his property. Mr. Stouffer indicated that detention areas work well and noted the existing wetland and a wetland delineation study. The applicant does have a right to fair value; however, Mr. Stouffer noted that he will need to protect his property. Chairman Davenport commented that a residential development would need to be reviewed by the county agencies, including the County Engineer’s Office, which would regulate drainage issues.

Chairman Davenport closed discussion from the floor.

The Board reviewed its options and Mr. Bickley indicated that if the wooded area would remain in the “A” District, the Board would need to establish a distance for the zoning map. Ms. DeGraff commented on the density of the residential units along the golf course. Mr. Bickley explained that the development is a PUD and the density is met because of the area of the golf course.

Paul Shaw made a motion to approve Case #737720 as submitted. The motion was seconded by David Wonnell. The motion to approve Case 737720 was approved by a 4 – 0 vote with all Board members voting in the affirmative. Chairman Davenport did not vote.

It was noted that the Trustees’ hearing will be scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Agenda Item 2 – Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes

The May 28, 2025 Meeting Minutes stand approved as written.

Agenda Item 3 Unfinished Business

Secretary Bickley reviewed the proposed text amendments which addressed electronic signs, multiple family modification, and notice requirements to reflect the Ohio Revised Code.

Matt Gottron made a motion to initiate the proposed text amendments, and the motion was seconded by Paul Shaw. Motion passed with all Board members voting in the affirmative. Chairman Davenport did not vote.

Agenda Item 4 New Business

No new business to conduct.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Todd Bickley

Secretary