Minutes: November 28th, 2018

CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP
ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 28, 2018
Attendees
Edward Spitler
Theresa Spitler
Quintin Smith
Rick Smetzer

Chairman Paul Shaw 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 28, 2018.
He introduced himself, as well as the other Commission members, that included, Jordan Davenport, Vice Chairman, Stephen Lonneman, Alternate Lewis Mindlin and Alternate Dr. Gregory Hart. Also introduced was Todd Bickley, Catawba Island Township Zoning Inspector and Board Secretary. Curtis Baxter and Ron Wiseman were absent.
Chairman Shaw welcomed those in attendance. He stated the Zoning Commission appreciated their interest. He advised those in attendance that debates/talking amongst themselves would not be permitted. He asked that those in attendance sign the register. He requested that any person wishing to speak be recognized by the chairperson and identify themselves by name and address for the record. He asked that all cell phones be turned off. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Chairman Shaw suggested the following agenda for the meeting.
1) Consider Application # 331818 from Quintin & Donna Smith to rezone .666 acre parcel of land at 3673 N. E. Catawba Road from the “A” Residential Low Density District to the “R-3” Residential District.
2) The reading and approval of meeting minutes from June 27, 2018.
3) Any old business.
4) Any new business.
Chairman Shaw asked if there were any additions or changes to the proposed agenda. There were none. Jordan Davenport made a motion to approve the proposed agenda for the meeting. Dr. Gregory Hart seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 1 – Quintin & Donna Smith Rezoning Request
Chairman Shaw requested a motion and a second to consider Application #331818 from Quintin & Donna Smith to rezone a 0.666 acre parcel of land at 3673 N. E. Catawba Rd. from the “A” Residential Low Density District to the “R-3” Residential District. Jordan Davenport made a motion to consider agenda item #1. The motion was seconded by Stephen Lonneman. Motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Shaw questioned if any board member had a personal or professional conflict concerning the rezoning case. No board member had a conflict. Chairman Shaw noted that there was no need to read the legal description and Todd Bickley indicated that the only correspondence received was a phone call from Theresa Spitler. Chairman Shaw read the letter from the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission, which recommended approval of the rezoning request.
Chairman Shaw opened the meeting to public discussion and reminded the attendees to state their name and address for the record.
Quintin Smith, 3575 NE Catawba Road, indicated that the previous owner indicated that they were interested in selling the lot. Mr. Smith purchased the lot with the intent of transferring approximately ten (10) to twenty (20) feet of land to add to the north lot. Rezoning the parcel to the “R-3” District would allow the lot, after transfer, to meet the minimum zoning requirements for lot size.
Jordan Davenport questioned whether any changes were being made to the right-of-way. Mr. Smith indicated that the road right-of-way would not be impacted by the proposed transfer. Mr. Smith showed the Board the proposed transfer of property.
Mr. Davenport noted that the adjoining property is zoned “R-3”. Mr. Davenport questioned the transfer process. Todd Bickley explained that a legal description would be prepared for the land to be transferred. The description would be reviewed by the County Engineer’s Office and the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission would stamp the description as a transfer between adjoining property owners. A deed would be prepared and filed in the Ottawa County Recorder’s Office.
Edward Spitler, 3617 NE Catawba Road, questioned if the property is serviced by a septic system. Mr. Smith indicated that the house is serviced by an aeration system. Mr. Spitler recommended that Mr. Smith make sure sufficient land is left to meet the Board of Health requirements.

Theresa Spitler, 3617 NE Catawba Road, questioned if the remaining parcel will meet the “R-3” zoning requirements. Mr. Smith indicated that the lot size requirements would be met and Mr. Bickley indicated that a ten (10) foot side yard setback would need to be maintained for the existing home.
Discussion from the floor was closed.
Jordan Davenport made a motion to recommend to the Trustees approval of application #331818. The motion was seconded by Dr. Gregory Hart. The voice vote to accept the motion was as follows: Jordan Davenport – yes; Stephen Lonneman – yes; Dr. Gregory Hart – yes; and Lewis Mindlin – yes. Motion passed.
Chairman Shaw indicated that the application will be considered by the Catawba Island Township Trustees at their December 11, 2018 meeting at 7:30 P.M.
Agenda Item 2 – Approval of June 27, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Jordan Davenport made a motion to approve the June 27, 2018 meeting minutes. The motion was seconded Stephen Lonneman. All members voted in favor of the motion.
Agenda Item 4 – Old Business
No old business.
Agenda Item 5 – New Business
Mr. Bickley reviewed the “R-4” accessory building requirements and noted that a size limitation is established for accessory buildings in a condominium/multiple family dwelling development, but a size limitation is not stated for a single family home lot. Mr. Bickley commented that this will need to be addressed by a text amendment.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Catawba Island Zoning Commission is 7:00 p.m., December 26, 2018.





Adjournment
Stephen Lonneman moved to adjourn the meeting. His motion was seconded by Lewis Mindlin. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Todd Bickley
Secretary