Kate Preston

The meeting included the election of officers, resulting in Shannon Jordan being nominated as Chairperson, Roberta Dow as Vice Chairperson, and Kyle Harris as Recording Secretary. The Board discussed and agreed upon necessary amendments to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Rules of Procedure, including updating the place and time of meetings and renumbering several sections. A quarterly meeting schedule for 2026 was established, setting meetings for the third Tuesday of January, April, July, and October. Attorney Wendling provided training covering the ZBA's role, core functions, ethical standards, and meeting procedures. The Board also deliberated on and officially interpreted Section 4.18.G.6 of the Zoning Ordinance, concluding that the prohibition against "internally lighted signs" encompasses modern electronic visual displays such as LED/LCD/Pixel-based monitors. The Board recommended the Planning Commission review this section for a potential text amendment for clarity.

The Commission reviewed the Zoning Administrator's reports, including 2025 year-end numbers, and addressed questions regarding Short-Term Rental renewals. The Township Board Representative reported on recent contract signings and building improvements. A key action involved appointing a Planning Commission Representative to the vacant Zoning Board of Appeals position. Discussions on Old Business included the Site Plan Review Process and the Adult Rehabilitation Facility Review language. Two Short-Term Rental Applications were approved: one for 19955 Woodland Trail with a one-year probation, and another for 19102 Birch View Trail with a two-year probation and specific rental limits. New Business included the election of officers (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary) for the upcoming term and the approval of meeting dates for 2026. A public hearing was held regarding the expansion of the Little Learners Day Care, which was subsequently approved. The Commission also recommended a one-year moratorium on data centers due to a lack of definition in the current Zoning Ordinance. Finally, a Short-Term Rental Application for 18823 Lakewood Circle was approved pending septic installation completion.

The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. at the Almira Townhall in the Village of Lake Ann. Due to a lack of a quorum, the meeting was adjourned shortly thereafter at 6:04 p.m.

The meeting focused on a Road Safety Study at the Cedar Run/Reynolds intersection and the Cedar Run/Lake Ann Road intersection. The board also discussed a request for a bonus for Part-Time Maintenance, deciding against awarding bonuses.

The meeting included discussions and reviews of Zoning Administrator reports, focusing on potential language additions to the Short-Term Rental application and split zoning parcels. The Township Board discussed the Fire Works Ordinance, the Maintenance Position, and ZA requests. There was also a discussion on minimum dwelling footprint requirements, building setbacks amendment, Lake Ann Camp expansion proposal, and well drilling business zoning. Additionally, there were intergovernmental updates from Lake Ann Village Council.