CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP
ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 19, 2025
Attendees
Scott Prephan DJ Lutz
Andrew Prephan Quintin Smith
John Memmer Jack Madison
Tim Kaminsky Ann T. Rumpf
Chris Cellier Howard D Catley
Cathy Denu Richard Yarborough
David Belden Ronald Uebbing
Jim Brahier Helen Uebbing
Jim Denu
Members of the Commission in attendance were Chairperson Jordan Davenport, Paul Shaw, Dr. Gregory Hart, Kevin Howe and Alternate David Wonnell. Also in attendance were Matt Montowski, Trustee, Diane Belden, Trustee, and Vicki Wheatley, Zoning Inspector.
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 November 19, 2025
Chairperson Davenport requested Vicki Wheatley take minutes as Zoning Commission Secretary Todd Bickley was not present.
Chairperson Davenport reviewed the agenda.
Alternate David Wonnell replaced Matt Gottron, who was absent.
Chairperson Davenport reviewed the process for filing a zoning application.
Agenda Item 1 – Approval of prior Meeting Minutes
Agenda Item 2 – Applications
Agenda Item 3 – Unfinished Business
Agenda Item 4 – New Business
Agenda Item 1 – Approval of Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2025 Meeting Minutes were emailed to the commission members, and they stand approved as emailed.
Agenda Item 2 – Applications
Case #737779 – H.T. Properties Inc – “A” to “C-4”
Chairman Davenport reviewed the case. The applicant is H.T. Properties Inc. The applicant proposes to rezone two parcels of land located in Part of Lot 2, Section 3 of Catawba Island Township. The area to be rezoned contains 20.71 acres of land and is part of Parcel ID #0131960528018003 and Parcel ID #0131960528018001. The property address is 1899 NE Catawba Road. The present zoning classification is “A” Residential Low Density District and the applicant is requesting a zoning change to the “C-4” Recreational Commercial District
Chairman Davenport called Scott Prephan, owner to the floor. Mr. Prephan explained he purchased the property about a year and a half ago. The plans for the property included condominiums which are currently in the process of being built. He also shared that 60 docks have been upgraded. Different renderings were created to show potential changes and building condominiums on the break wall was looked into although he shared they are not looking at that now and have no plans to do so. He shared the only amenity they had was a pool which was decades old. He added that the reason for the request to change zoning to C-4 is to add additional amenities and align the zoning with the already zoned C-4 zoning in the area, which he shared is suitable with the land use plan. Mr. Prephan shared a poster of a rendering of his plan which included a pool, pickleball court, small seasonal restaurant with a covered shelter, in addition new docks.
Chairman Davenport recognized John Memmer. Mr. Memmer questioned a design he brought in showing 15-17 condos, he has no problem with it if the zoning changes to C-4 but would like both parties to get along and agree to let the residents continue to use the channel.
Chairman Davenport recognized Mr. Prephan. Mr. Prephan came to the table where maps were visible and both Mr. Prephan and Mr. Memmer reviewed where the channel was and Mr. Prephan assured him that they were not going to do anything in that area as he does not own that property. Mr. Prephan shared that he will not encroach on anyone else’s property. During this time, Ronald Uebbing approached the table and reviewed the maps along with Mr. Prephan and Mr. Memmer.
Chairman Davenport explained the submerged land in question is A – agriculture and explained the different uses permitted between A and C-4. Chairman Davenport also questioned Mr. Prephan on whether there were condominiums someplace else on the property. Mr. Prephan explained on the map where the current condominiums are located. Chairman Davenport posed a hypothetical about the piece of land currently in the water and the feasibility of placing homes on it. Mr. Prephan explained that there would have to be a lot of work involved to do so and would involve other agencies to give approval and that was not his plan.
Chairman Davenport recognized Ronald Uebbing who shared his longevity on the property and how there is a dock that had vegetation and now it has been cleared. Mr. Uebbing gave his opinion on projections of potential condominium units and amenities and how the traffic will necessitate a traffic light.
Chairman Davenport recognized Jim Denu who feels that condos will be a problem, he believes what he says but there is not a guarantee that Mr. Prephan will not add additional condos and they will block the view, add 100 more people, and that’s not what Catawba is about. It will also increase traffic.
Chairman Davenport recognized Mr. Prephan shared that he only cleaned up the dock and added stone for a walking path. He said the projection of housing has been grossly exaggerated. He assured that there is not enough land mass nor enough density for the exaggerated number of condos that has been mentioned. The land mass could at most have no more than 15 single family homes.
Chairman Davenport recognized Cathy Denu, she feels the misinformation is coming from their website. Suggesting that Mr. Prephan review the site.
Chairman Davenport recognized Ronal Uebbing who complained about the removal of trees and vegetation from the dock that has been converted to a walking path.
Chairman Davenport brought the conversation back to the rezoning of the property.
Chairman Davenport recognized Howard Catley who asked if they were going to place docks off the break wall, Mr. Prephan stated they were not, there is not enough room.
Chairman Davenport recognized Chris Cellier who questioned the placement of condominiums from a rendering found on the website.
Discussion took place on the area by Mr. Prephan.
Chairman Davenport recognized Vicki Wheatley who shared that the possibility of how District A is in the middle of an area that is zoned C-4 and R-4 was that many years ago, the areas not zoned could have been given the default A designation. She also explained that Catawba Island Township does not have Agriculture, the A indicates residential low density, not agriculture.
Chairman Davenport recognized Ronald Uebbing who suggested looking at what the proposal is because he does not believe the amenities proposed are in the zone being requested for a change. Maybe just change the corner and physically look at the property.
Chairman Davenport recognized Vicki Wheatley who shared that the Township typically receives a letter from regional planning however it has not arrived. Vicki shared that she was at the meeting and the regional planning director Mark Messa made the recommendation to approve case #737779 – H.T. Properties Inc zoning change from A to C-4 as it aligns with the land use plan. The regional planning members then took a vote and the members agreed with the recommendation to change the proposed change of zoning from A to C-4.
Chairman Davenport recognized Chris Cellier who questioned what section of the land use plan is in accordance with this, can you explain this? Chairman Davenport stated, we are looking at the zoning resolution which is approved in the land use plan.
Chairman Davenport recognized Ann Rumpf who asked if they can give him the C-4 and have the condition that he is using it for the things he wants and not additional condos on the break wall so if a new owner comes in there is a condition on it. Chairman Davenport stated that we will get to that.
Chairman Davenport with no more questions or comments, closed the audience portion.
Chairman Davenport opened the questioning up to the Zoning Commission members along with Vicki Wheatley for the applicant.
Chairman Davenport recognized Kevin Howe who asked if the amenities would be members only or open to the public?
Chairman Davenport recognized Paul Shaw who asked if there could be a conditional use placed on the property?
Chairman Davenport recognized Vicki Wheatley and she stated that she would not recommend a conditional use based on the fact that C-4 is already defined in the zoning resolution.
Chairman Davenport recognized David Wonnell who felt a mistake is being corrected and if building was proposed there would be additional meetings required to get input from the community.
David Wonnell made a motion to approve the request for zoning amendment, and the motion was seconded by Dr. Greg Hart. Motion passed with all Board members voting in the affirmative. Chairman Davenport voted in the affirmative as well.
Matt Montowski stated that the Township hearing will be held December 9 at 10:30 A.M
Agenda Item 3 Unfinished Business
No unfinished business.
Agenda Item 4 New Business
Text Amendment discussions
Section 7.C.k. – Effect and Referendum
The current language in the Zoning Resolution has incorrect information about Effect and Referendum on page 135.
Effect and Referendum: Such amendment or supplement adopted by the Board of Township Trustees shall become effective thirty (30) days after the date of such adoption unless within thirty (30) days after the adoption of the amendment or supplement there is presented to the Board of Township Trustees a petition, signed by a number of qualified voters residing in the unincorporated area of the Township, or part thereof included in the zoning plan, equal to not less than eight (8) percent of the total vote cast for all candidates for governor in such area at the preceding general elections at which a governor was elected, requesting the Board of Township Trustees to submit the amendment or supplement to the electors of such area for approval or rejection at the next primary or general election. (5/13).
What is being proposed is the following, suggested by Mark Messa, Regional Planning Director.
Effect and Referendum: An amendment adopted by the Board shall become effective thirty (30) days after the date of such adoption unless within thirty (30) days after the adoption of the amendment or supplement there is presented to the Board of Township Trustees a petition, signed and in accordance with O.R.C. 519.12.
Swimming Pool Requirements
Shall Catawba Island Township permit a power safety cover or manual safety cover on a pool to be used as a barrier or continue to require a wall or fence as is currently listed in our zoning resolution for each district.
The recommendation is to not permit pool covers as a barrier.
Vicki Wheatley will work with Mark Messa for guidance on text amendment language.
Discussion took place about updating the zoning resolution and land use plan. Matt Montowski shared that the Auditors office is working on the GIS by updating Ottawa County and they are working with Mark Messa. When completed, Catawba Island Townships information will need to be updated.
Chairman Davenport shared that he thanked Bill Barnes for his service. Matt Montowski shared that the Township Trustees sent him a letter thanking him as well.
Adjournment
Chairman Davenport commented that the next scheduled meeting of the Catawba Island Zoning Commission is December 17, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
The meeting adjourned at 8:39 P.M
Respectfully submitted,
Vicki Wheatley
Zoning Inspector