Ferndale BZA adopts revised bylaws, harmonizes meeting frequency with Michigan law and names Fiore vice chair

At its March 17 meeting, the Ferndale Board of Zoning Appeals adopted updated bylaws with a targeted revision to Section 4.a to align the board's meeting-frequency language with Michigan statutory requirements.

Chair (speaker labeled Chair) reviewed the draft bylaws and noted two substantive points: the bylaws clarify that the chair may make motions, and the draft initially required at least four regular monthly meetings, language several members said did not reflect practice or statutory minimums. A board member recommended changing Section 4.a to require the minimum number of meetings mandated by Michigan law rather than four monthly meetings; staff said they would confirm statutory requirements with legal counsel before forwarding the bylaws to city council.

The chair moved to adopt the bylaws with the proposed revision to harmonize Section 4.a with Michigan law; the motion was supported and the board approved the bylaws as revised.

The board then conducted its election of officers. Chair said he was willing to continue serving but opened nominations. A member nominated Williamson for chair and another nominated Fiore for vice chair; Fiore accepted the nomination. The board approved the slate, keeping the current chair in place and confirming Fiore as vice chair for the coming year.

The chair asked staff to confirm the membership status of Placzynski/Blasinski and asked the city clerk to review applications to recruit one or two alternates to the board. The meeting adjourned at 07:51 PM.