Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Planning Commission met on September 4, 2025, with Chairman Lance Roman presiding. The Commission approved the June 2025 minutes and focused most of its discussion on reviewing Chapters 5 and 6 of the Master Plan, along with zoning ordinance items. Bob Hawley and Bob Berlacher were absent, and no members of the public attended either public comment period.
Public Comments
No public was present at either public comment period during the meeting. However, during the Zoning Administrator's report, Mike Sheldon, owner of The River, was present to express concern regarding written complaints received about music at his establishment. Zoning Administrator Cypher stated he had investigated and measured sound levels, finding nothing over 23 decibels so far, and noted that Glen Arbor does not have a sound ordinance. Cypher indicated he will prepare a formal report on his findings.
Infrastructure Projects
No infrastructure projects such as marina, water, sewer, or cell tower matters were discussed in this meeting.
Other Business
Chairman Roman reported the Commission reviewed and discussed Master Plan Chapters 5 and 6. Roman suggested adding a chart, which Dotterweich provided, to Chapter 5.2; most of the remaining text in that section was noted as largely unchanged. Chapter 5 had previously been amended to allow single-family homes in the business district. For Chapter 6 (Agricultural District), Cypher stated the chapter is largely obsolete since there are no farms within its perimeter, though he recommended retaining the three-acre lot minimum. The Commission discussed this but took no action. Chapters 7 and Appendix A will be reviewed at the October meeting.
The Commission also reviewed ZO v5.2 items, including Accessory Buildings and Shipping Container Use, noting these could be combined and tabulated; no action was taken. A punch list review of ordinance items covering Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and FROGS was conducted with no action taken. Solar and Wind topics were listed as time-allowing but not detailed further.
Zoning Board of Appeals reported no upcoming meetings. The Township Board Report was not given, as Hawley was absent. Correspondence included information on a Planning training session in Frankenmuth.
Action Items
- Cypher to prepare a formal report on sound level findings related to complaints about music at The River.
- Roman to incorporate agreed changes and the new chart into Chapter 5.2 of the Master Plan.
- Chapters 7 and Appendix A of the Master Plan to be discussed and reviewed at the October meeting.