CATAWBA ISLAND TOWNSHIP
ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
APRIL 24, 2019
Attendees
Kathryn Orovets
Tony Corona
Rick Smetzer
Joanne Hawk
Allen Stryker
Chairman Jordan 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 April 24, 2019.
He introduced himself, as well as the other Commission members, that included, Paul Shaw, Vice Chairman, Ron Wiseman, Stephen Lonneman, and Lewis Mindlin. Also introduced were Todd Bickley, Catawba Island Township Zoning Inspector and Board Secretary and Trustee Matt Montowski.
Chairman Davenport 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 Davenport suggested the following agenda for the meeting.
1) Case #331853
2) Approval of meeting minutes from January 23, 2019.
3) Any old business.
4) Any new business.
Chairman Davenport asked if there were any additions or changes to the proposed agenda. There were none. Ron Wiseman made a motion to approve the proposed agenda for the meeting. Lewis Mindlin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 1
Case #331853 Paul & Kathryn Orovets Rezoning Request, “A” to “R-1”
Chairman Davenport read Case #331853 – John & Kathryn Orovets are requesting the rezoning of 10.296 acres in Section 3, Lot 3, also known as Tax Parcel #0131455519584000, on Catawba Island Township at 2320 NW Catawba Road, rezoning this parcel from the “A” Residential Low Density District to the “R-1” Residential District.
Chairman Davenport noted that the file contains a legal description and Mr. Bickley indicated that he had not received any correspondence. Chairman Davenport read the recommendation letter from the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission, which was for approval of the rezoning request.
Kathryn Orovets addressed the Board. She noted that she has been living at the property for the last forty (40) years and prior to that, the property was originally a peach farm. The last forty (40) years the property has been left in its natural state. Kathryn indicated that she will retain the land around the house and that approximately the back six (6) acres will be sold off for possible residential development. She noted something similar to the Woodlands. Kathryn also indicated that she has no intentions of selling her house.
Ron Wiseman questioned ingress/egress. Kathryn commented that access would come off of N.W. Catawba Road. Mr. Bickley noted that the Ottawa County Engineers Office would review and approve the proposed right-of-way and that the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission would require the right-of-way to be a minimum of sixty (60) feet. Mr. Bickley also noted that the lot size requirement of the “R-1” District is a minimum lot width of 100 feet and a minimum lot area of 15,000 square feet. Kathryn questioned the number of lots per acre. Mr. Bickley indicated approximately three (3) house lots per acre.
There were no questions or comments from the audience. Chairman Davenport closed the meeting to the floor.
Paul Shaw made a motion to recommend to the Trustees, approval of Case #331853, rezoning the property located at 2320 N. W. Catawba Road from the “A” Residential Low Density District to the “R-1” Residential District. The motion was seconded by Steve Lonneman. The vote on the motion by the Board members was as follows: Paul Shaw, yes; Steve Lonneman, yes; Lewis Mindlin, yes, Ron Wiseman, yes.
Chairman Davenport indicated that Case #331853, from John & Kathryn Orovets, requesting the rezoning of 10.296 acres in Section 3, Lot 3, also known as Tax Parcel #0131455519584000, on Catawba Island Township at 2320 N.W. Catawba Road, rezoning this parcel from the “A” Residential Low Density District to the “R-1” Residential District will be recommended for approval to the Catawba Island Township Trustees for their consideration. The Trustees Meeting date is May 14, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Agenda Item 2 – Approval of January 23, 2019 Meeting Minutes
The January 23, 2019 Meeting Minutes were mailed to the Board members. No corrections were made and the minutes stand approved as written.
Agenda Item 4 – Unfinished Business
Chairman Davenport questioned the status of the text amendments. Mr. Bickley noted that he has prepared text amendments, but has not considered them recently since the office business has picked up.
Lewis Mindlin questioned an Architectural Review Board. Lewis commented that he felt an Architectural Review Board was a good idea and that the Trustees should create the Board. Trustee Montowski noted that in Powell, Ohio an Architectural Review Board was created for the Historic District only and that the majority of the remaining areas are regulated privately via Planned Unit Developments. Discussion followed.
Allen Stryker noted that something needs to be done and that the Dollar General Store is a good reason for an Architectural Review Board. Mr. Mindlin commented that commercial land along S.R. 53 is available for development and a similar situation could occur. Mr. Mindlin questioned the down side and Trustee Montowski noted the cost.
It was suggested that instead of an Architectural Review Board, amendments to the sign regulations be considered, such as limiting the sign’s height. The Board agreed to review the sign regulations at the May 22nd meeting.
Agenda Item 5 – New Business
No new business was conducted.
Next Meeting
The next scheduled meeting of the Catawba Island Zoning Commission is 7:00 p.m., May 22, 2019.
Adjournment
With no other business to conduct, Chairman Davenport adjourned the meeting at 7:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Todd Bickley
Secretary