ZONING RESOLUTION AMENDMENT
William Rofkar called the public hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. in the conference room on July 8, 2008 to hear a request for a zoning amendment regarding the addition of “floating homes” to the zoning resolution and the revision of the definition of “dwelling.” Present: William Rofkar, Robert Schroeder, Gary Mortus, Pat Cerny, Stan McCumber, Jim Herl, Jack DeVore, John Rader, Mr. & Mrs. Ray Baker, Dave Gill and Matt Montowski. The request originated with the Township Trustees. The Ottawa Regional Planning commission voted to recommend approval and the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission voted to recommend the verbiage to the Township Trustees. Stan McCumber, chairman of the Zoning Commission gave an overview of the floating dwelling highlights. Ray Baker stated he is glad there will be guidelines established followed by questions, especially the definitions in regard to floating homes. The biggest issue was the minimum area of 2000 square feet per dwelling unit and another 2000 square feet of dry land above 574. Robert Schroeder stated he will not support anything for the residents of Catawba that does not pay property taxes. Stan McCumber stated the Zoning Commission would like to see an organized community. John Rader feels there is not enough land here for the extra 2000 square feet per dwelling unit. The Trustees stated they have a safety issue with the floating homes. There was also discussion of the barges, OH numbers, etc.
Jim Herl stated he owns commercial property which is a marina and he stated if it floats he handles it. He is concerned about the definitions and how they will apply to all districts. He does not think they should apply to the marinas. He feels they should only be regulated in the residential districts. William Rofkar stated there is a definite distinction between boats and floating homes. Dave Gill stated motorized makes a difference. Ray Baker stated boats have fuel and the floating homes do not. Gary Mortus stated the township has to plan down the road for the floating homes so someone does not assume something five or ten years down the road. The new definitions should only be applied to floating homes so it does not get taken out of context. Gary Mortus made a motion to continue this hearing regarding the addition of floating homes and the revision of the definition of dwelling to our zoning resolution to August 5th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. seconded by Robert Schroeder. Motion carries unanimously. Gary Mortus made a motion to adjourn the zoning hearing seconded by Robert Schroeder. Motion carried unanimously. 8:45 p.m.