When Lisa Stager was the Zoning Administrator, she did not sign Doug Longenecker's current Application for Special Use because in her opinion, it did not comply with the Hayes Township Zoning Ordinance.
Prior to her resignation, she wrote an official letter as the Zoning Administrator to that effect with copies furnished to Hayes Township Supervisor John Scherrer and the Applicant, Doug Longenecker.
This letter, dated November 23, 2010 states:
To Whom It May Concern:
After careful review of Mr. Longenecker's proposed Special Land Use to create and operate a Motocross track and camping resort, I have concluded that in accordance with Hayes Township's Zoning Ordinance Article IV Section 400 such a commercial land use would not be compatible with the intent set forth therein of the A-R District in which the property is located. Also, Mr. Longenecker's plan for Motocross racing and commercial riding events would not be compliant with the Hayes Township anti-noise and Public Nuisance Ordinance, Section 2B(16) by virtue of the number of motorcycles and other ORV traffic as well as the use of an amplified audio speaker system during events are likely to produce an uncomfortable and unpleasant degree of sound in which adjacent property owners would be exposed to on a regular basis for many hours at a time. Based upon procedures for review set forth in section 1604(2) of the Hayes Township Zoning Ordinance I have determined that the proposed use does not comply with the Zoning Ordinance and other pertinent codes and ordinances of Hayes Township.
A site plan review for consideration of a campground or resort without the aforementioned commercial motocross and ORV activities will be conducted in accordance to the provisions of Article IV Section 402 of the Hayes Township Zoning Ordinance if Mr. Longenecker wishes.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Stager's Signature
Lisa Stager
Zoning Administrator,
Hayes Township
In her official capacity as the Hayes Township Zoning Administrator, Lisa Stager, the Zoning expert hired to do the job of Zoning Administrator, a woman with 7 years' experience as a Zoning Administrator in Hamilton Township, opined that Mr. Longenecker's Application for Special Use did not comply with the Hayes Township Zoning Ordinance. One would think that would carry some weight.
But it would appear that Hayes Township and it's government, both elected and appointed, are hell-bent to continue in their folly.
Showing posts with label Hayes Township Zoning Administrator. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hayes Township Zoning Administrator. Show all posts
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
It Did Not Take Long
I have delayed writing this post about Lisa Stager's resignation, but I cannot put it off any longer.
At first I refrained from commenting other than to state the fact that Lisa resigned. I did not want to speculate on why or to put words in anyone's mouth about her resignation. I have since drawn my own conclusions from published quotes and demonstrated actions.
On 28 December 2010, an article was published in the Clare Sentinel, Zoning Boss Slot Opens in Hayes Township, by Rosemary Horvath.
John Scherrer is quoted as saying that Lisa was "too conscientious and no longer wanted to be frustrated about Michigan Moto Mania."
I wonder if that was a Freudian slip? Perhaps Hayes Township wanted a Zoning Administrator who was less conscientious than Lisa, as her predecessor was? Being "too conscientious" makes it more difficult for people to get around. That can be a problem when a conscientious official holds up the yardstick of the Zoning Ordinance against a desired outcome and finds it falls short of compliance.
I have no doubt that Lisa no longer wanted to be frustrated by Michigan Moto Mania.
When a spoiled child can't take "no" for an answer, it is an ordeal both for the parents and those around the child, especially when the child throws a tantrum. I'm sure it is no less teduous and frustrating when a would be business owner has had a non-compliant Special Use overturned and then wants to continue to cajole and pester and parse and browbeat; and well, you get the idea. It gets old fast, especially when no amount of the aforementioned behavior will make that square peg fit into a round hole. And especially when certain members of certain township boards are bound and determined to make it fit; with a sledgehammer, if needs be.
A person can only take so much.
Lisa found herself caught in the middle, and in all probability would have had to babysit the business owner to ensure continued compliance with the Hayes Township Ordinance. Past performance being an indicator, I'd say that's probably the case, inasmuch as the Mostetler Road neighbors have to date seen nothing that would indicate future compliance or the local authorities' inclination to enforce compliance. I'm sure that she did not relish the thought of being the Lone Ranger with out the backing of the Hayes Township officials in the matter. Nobody had her back.
Who needs that headache? I'm sure Lisa didn't.
Back in a previous post, when I wondered if Lisa could withstand the pressure to bow to an agenda that was more than likely to be put on her by those who paid her paycheck, she responded, and I made her response an entire post.
Her words speak for themselves: "Of course you may have guessed by now that this statement is contrary to the views I have expressed about my profession. Especially since zoning enforcement is the actual job description for the Zoning Administrator. At the end of the day, what I "want to do" is to just simply complete a day of working at this job in such a manner as to not lose sleep over it. (Period.) If that ever ceases to be the case, nobody will fire me because I would quit! No job is worth compromising one's integrity for the sake of anyone's agenda."
I just didn't think it would happen so fast.
At first I refrained from commenting other than to state the fact that Lisa resigned. I did not want to speculate on why or to put words in anyone's mouth about her resignation. I have since drawn my own conclusions from published quotes and demonstrated actions.
On 28 December 2010, an article was published in the Clare Sentinel, Zoning Boss Slot Opens in Hayes Township, by Rosemary Horvath.
John Scherrer is quoted as saying that Lisa was "too conscientious and no longer wanted to be frustrated about Michigan Moto Mania."
I wonder if that was a Freudian slip? Perhaps Hayes Township wanted a Zoning Administrator who was less conscientious than Lisa, as her predecessor was? Being "too conscientious" makes it more difficult for people to get around. That can be a problem when a conscientious official holds up the yardstick of the Zoning Ordinance against a desired outcome and finds it falls short of compliance.
I have no doubt that Lisa no longer wanted to be frustrated by Michigan Moto Mania.
When a spoiled child can't take "no" for an answer, it is an ordeal both for the parents and those around the child, especially when the child throws a tantrum. I'm sure it is no less teduous and frustrating when a would be business owner has had a non-compliant Special Use overturned and then wants to continue to cajole and pester and parse and browbeat; and well, you get the idea. It gets old fast, especially when no amount of the aforementioned behavior will make that square peg fit into a round hole. And especially when certain members of certain township boards are bound and determined to make it fit; with a sledgehammer, if needs be.
A person can only take so much.
Lisa found herself caught in the middle, and in all probability would have had to babysit the business owner to ensure continued compliance with the Hayes Township Ordinance. Past performance being an indicator, I'd say that's probably the case, inasmuch as the Mostetler Road neighbors have to date seen nothing that would indicate future compliance or the local authorities' inclination to enforce compliance. I'm sure that she did not relish the thought of being the Lone Ranger with out the backing of the Hayes Township officials in the matter. Nobody had her back.
Who needs that headache? I'm sure Lisa didn't.
Back in a previous post, when I wondered if Lisa could withstand the pressure to bow to an agenda that was more than likely to be put on her by those who paid her paycheck, she responded, and I made her response an entire post.
Her words speak for themselves: "Of course you may have guessed by now that this statement is contrary to the views I have expressed about my profession. Especially since zoning enforcement is the actual job description for the Zoning Administrator. At the end of the day, what I "want to do" is to just simply complete a day of working at this job in such a manner as to not lose sleep over it. (Period.) If that ever ceases to be the case, nobody will fire me because I would quit! No job is worth compromising one's integrity for the sake of anyone's agenda."
I just didn't think it would happen so fast.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Another Resignation at Hayes Township
Lisa Stager has resigned as the Zoning Administrator for Hayes Township.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A Response From Lisa Stager, the New Hayes Township Zoning Administrator
I had the opportunity to meet Lisa Stager today while I was at the Hayes Township Business office. She has been reading the Hayes Township Watchdog Blog and she had a response to something I recently posted.
Here is her response:
Anyone having information regarding an apparent or alleged zoning violation should notify the Zoning Administrator to investigate as to compliance (or non-compliance) with the Zoning Ordinance and/or provisions contained therein. I will investigate an alleged violation (building without a zoning permit). Although setting posts does not constitute "building" in this case or any. Yes, under the definition of "structure" a pole set into the ground could technically qualify, this is where discretion must be applied however, and the property owner's intent determined. I will contact the property owner as to your allegation and if a pole building is the intention of the set poles, then the property owner/builder will need a zoning permit as required under Section 1606 as well as requirements for accessory buildings under Section 1402.
Please keep in mind that if the building is associated with an approved special land use I will closely examine any special provisions, stipulations and/or conditions consistent with the special land use permit (site plan) in regard to such a building being incidental to the special land use. As you may be aware, at this point I am not yet familiar with the specifics of this case, and since those "specifics" are more than likely subject to change by order of either the ZBA or the Circuit Court Judge, I would prefer to wait until the case is determined and the "specifics" are clearly defined and written. And yes, the zoning compliance permit fee is doubled if work that requires such a permit has been done prior to application and approval by the Administrator.
I have extensive experience in zoning enforcement and have revoked more than one zoning permit for either non-compliance or misrepresentation of information submitted. As to your concerns "which makes me wonder if our new Zoning Administrator will be able to stand up to the people who have the power to fire her in order to do what is right," posted by Klasko Sunday, November 7, 2010, I can and will take care of what is my business to take care of. And because you do not know me, and in light of recent events, [understandably] you do have reason to question the integrity and the degree of professionalism on behalf of your local officials, I do not promise I won't make a minor mistake or two, but I will always stand up for what I believe and will not apologize for doing my job to the best of my ability.
"'Powers that Be' at the Township are not interested in enforcing the Zoning Ordinance when it conflicts with what they want to do," posted by Klasko Sunday, November 7, 2010
Of course you may have guessed by now that this statement is contrary to the views I have expressed about my profession. Especially since zoning enforcement is the actual job description for the Zoning Administrator. At the end of the day, what I "want to do" is to just simply complete a day of working at this job in such a manner as to not lose sleep over it. (Period.) If that ever ceases to be the case, nobody will fire me because I would quit! No job is worth compromising one's integrity for the sake of anyone's agenda.
Sincerely,
Lisa Stager
(The new) Hayes Township Zoning Administrator
Here is her response:
Anyone having information regarding an apparent or alleged zoning violation should notify the Zoning Administrator to investigate as to compliance (or non-compliance) with the Zoning Ordinance and/or provisions contained therein. I will investigate an alleged violation (building without a zoning permit). Although setting posts does not constitute "building" in this case or any. Yes, under the definition of "structure" a pole set into the ground could technically qualify, this is where discretion must be applied however, and the property owner's intent determined. I will contact the property owner as to your allegation and if a pole building is the intention of the set poles, then the property owner/builder will need a zoning permit as required under Section 1606 as well as requirements for accessory buildings under Section 1402.
Please keep in mind that if the building is associated with an approved special land use I will closely examine any special provisions, stipulations and/or conditions consistent with the special land use permit (site plan) in regard to such a building being incidental to the special land use. As you may be aware, at this point I am not yet familiar with the specifics of this case, and since those "specifics" are more than likely subject to change by order of either the ZBA or the Circuit Court Judge, I would prefer to wait until the case is determined and the "specifics" are clearly defined and written. And yes, the zoning compliance permit fee is doubled if work that requires such a permit has been done prior to application and approval by the Administrator.
I have extensive experience in zoning enforcement and have revoked more than one zoning permit for either non-compliance or misrepresentation of information submitted. As to your concerns "which makes me wonder if our new Zoning Administrator will be able to stand up to the people who have the power to fire her in order to do what is right," posted by Klasko Sunday, November 7, 2010, I can and will take care of what is my business to take care of. And because you do not know me, and in light of recent events, [understandably] you do have reason to question the integrity and the degree of professionalism on behalf of your local officials, I do not promise I won't make a minor mistake or two, but I will always stand up for what I believe and will not apologize for doing my job to the best of my ability.
"'Powers that Be' at the Township are not interested in enforcing the Zoning Ordinance when it conflicts with what they want to do," posted by Klasko Sunday, November 7, 2010
Of course you may have guessed by now that this statement is contrary to the views I have expressed about my profession. Especially since zoning enforcement is the actual job description for the Zoning Administrator. At the end of the day, what I "want to do" is to just simply complete a day of working at this job in such a manner as to not lose sleep over it. (Period.) If that ever ceases to be the case, nobody will fire me because I would quit! No job is worth compromising one's integrity for the sake of anyone's agenda.
Sincerely,
Lisa Stager
(The new) Hayes Township Zoning Administrator
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