Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Planning Commission met on August 6, 2026, with Chairman Lance Roman presiding. The Commission approved June 2026 minutes, discussed ongoing Master Plan revisions, took a straw poll on a potential property purchase, and passed a motion directing the Township Board to address the continued absence of the Zoning Administrator.
Public Comments
Several residents spoke regarding noise from the River Club. Paul Sutherland, a neighbor of the River Club, suggested a noise ordinance or regulations be implemented. Chairman Roman responded that such regulation would need to come from the Township Board as a Police ordinance rather than through the Zoning Ordinance, and would only apply prospectively since current activity would be grandfathered. Brett Campbell, also a River Club neighbor, said music from the club carries far down the river. Roman noted that sound ordinances are difficult to enforce and that police do not enforce Township ordinances, suggesting the matter be raised with the Township Board. Ali Fitzgibbon added that beavers and blue herons are no longer seen on the river, possibly due to noise in the Business District.
In a later public comment period, it was noted that the Zoning Administrator has been unavailable to both the Commission and residents. Don Lewis suggested the Commission make a motion asking the Township Board to address and correct this issue.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Commission discussed whether to purchase the John Martin property next to the Town Hall. A straw poll was taken among members present, resulting in 3 No, 1 Yes, and 1 Maybe. No formal action was taken.
Other Business
The Commission reviewed progress on the Master Plan, noting the current draft has been sent to the Zoning Administrator; Dotterweich noted that Ordinance Chapter 6 still needs to be addressed. The Commission also reviewed a miscellaneous list submitted by Bob Hawley, questioning whether chicken-keeping regulations needed review, and agreed to table the issue until it requires addressing. The Zoning Board of Appeals reported nothing on its docket, and no Township Board or Zoning Administrator reports were given due to absences.
Action Items
- Following Don Lewis's suggestion, Dotterweich moved for the Township Board to address the ongoing absence of the Zoning Administrator; Ihme supported, and the motion carried.
- Ordinance Chapter 6 of the Master Plan still needs to be addressed by the Commission.
- The chicken-keeping regulation question from Bob Hawley's list remains tabled for future consideration.