The most notable item on the agenda was a land use map amendment concerning two parcels of land, measuring 15.4 acres and 29.45 acres, near a lakeshore. The proposal aimed to rezone these parcels from agricultural forestry to rural residential 10, intending to create three lots along the shoreline. Each lot was planned to be over 10 acres, with a minimum of 300 feet of shoreline, thus exempting them from the platting process under existing regulations. The primary concern raised during the board’s discussion was the narrowness of the road leading to the properties, which measured only 33 feet wide compared to the required 66 feet. This would necessitate condemnation for any further development, limiting potential future construction. A commissioner noted the applicant’s conservative approach, which sought fewer houses than could have been pursued under different zoning criteria. The motion to approve this amendment passed unanimously.

Another discussion involved a variance request from Stephen and Janet Rudy for their property on Portage Lake. The request included several setback adjustments for a proposed new dwelling and septic system. Despite the variances requested—a road right-of-way setback of 28 feet instead of the required 35 feet, a dwelling setback of 17 feet to the proposed septic drain field instead of 20 feet, and a property line setback of 7 feet instead of 10 feet—the township had recommended approval. The board members praised the applicants for their compliance efforts, particularly concerning the lake setback, which they deemed critical. The variance request was approved after a roll call vote.

The meeting also addressed a variance application related to lot width for a preliminary plat named Sorenson Lake Estates. Gregory Larson, the applicant, sought variances for two lots on a recreational development lake, with one lot requiring a width of 72 feet and another at 119 feet, both below the mandated 150 feet. The board noted that similar variances had been granted in the past, acknowledging a precedent in the area. They agreed to hold a public hearing to further discuss the implications of these variances on local development. Ultimately, the board voted in favor of the variance requests, recognizing the applicant’s adjustments to accommodate wetland considerations and the lack of concerns from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

In a related discussion, the board examined an application to separate two dwellings into distinct lots. The wetlands had been delineated, and septic site suitability assessments completed, with the DNR expressing no concerns. The board considered the potential precedent this might set, but ultimately decided to approve the application, emphasizing that the existing landscape would remain unchanged and that only property lines would be clarified.

Finally, the board reviewed and approved updates to their rules of business. This included changes to administrative titles and clarifications about the adoption of motions, alongside the addition of provisions related to inter-municipal permits. These updates were designed to streamline operations and ensure clarity in future proceedings.