Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Planning Commission met on January 8, 2026, with Chairman Lance Roman presiding. Members present were Bob Ihme, David Burton, Andy Dotterweich, and Roman; Bob Berlacher, Bob Hawley, and Bill Thompson were absent, as was Zoning Administrator Cypher. The Commission approved the October minutes, retained its current slate of 2026 officers, approved the 2026 meeting schedule, and discussed several ordinance topics, tabling most pending further review.
Public Comments
No comments were offered by the audience during the initial public comment period. Later in the meeting, during a second public comment period, audience members questioned Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and described the proposed ordinance changes as confusing. Chairman Roman responded that he would work to make the language more understandable.
Other Business
- Election of 2026 Officers: No nominations were recorded. Dotterweich moved to keep the present slate of officers; Burton supported. The motion passed unanimously.
- GAPC Bylaws: Reviewed, no action taken.
- Conflict of Interest Statements: Members signed statements and delivered them to Clerk Laureto.
- 2026 Meeting Schedule: Burton moved, Dotterweich supported, to approve the schedule. Motion passed unanimously.
- Master Plan Review: Postponed pending the Zoning Administrator's return.
- Ordinance Items: Dotterweich shared information from an October planning conference he attended. The Commission discussed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and "FROGS" but took no action, tabling the topic until the February meeting. On solar and wind ordinances, Burton agreed to contact other municipalities about their approaches and report back to the Commission.
- Zoning Administrator's Report: Cypher was absent. A site plan review submitted by Bob Ihme for a contracting office was discussed; Dotterweich felt 7 parking spaces should be required. The item was tabled until a meeting with Cypher, and a special meeting could be called to address it.
- Zoning Board of Appeals: Dotterweich reported no action forthcoming.
- Township Board Report: Hawley was absent; no report was given.
- Correspondence: None received.
Action Items
- Burton to contact other municipalities regarding solar and wind ordinances and report back to the Commission.
- ADU and FROGS ordinance discussion tabled until the February meeting.
- Site plan review for Bob Ihme's contracting office tabled pending a meeting with Zoning Administrator Cypher; a special meeting may be called.
- Master Plan review postponed until the Zoning Administrator returns.
- Chairman Roman to revise ordinance language on ADUs to address audience confusion.