Marquette County Planning & Zoning elects chair, hears department reports and moves meeting time

The Marquette County Planning & Zoning Committee opened its May 7 meeting by confirming the agenda and then elected Gary Sorensen as chair after John Larkin nominated him; the vote was unanimous. The committee approved the April 2 minutes and handled several administrative items, including confirmation of Place Foundry as the comprehensive planning consultant.

Staff provided routine departmental reports. Register of Deeds Nicole Ziebell described office duties and reporting practices. Land Information Director Megan Stalker summarized responsibilities tied to the Board of Review, real property listing and GIS duties and described the county’s comprehensive plan update phases for 2026. Zoning Administrator Jean Potter reviewed how the zoning office operates, explained ordinance and statute language relevant to planning and zoning, and said complex forfeiture violations are being handled with Corporation Counsel. Potter said a final list of about 100 systems that did not complete septic maintenance in 2025 will be turned over to Corporation Counsel for citations to obtain compliance.

Zoning Technician Zach Hughes reported six septic installs and two onsite visits in April, and that 18 new sanitary permits were reviewed. Hughes said the office processed 2,206 septic maintenance notices for the three-year required maintenance cycle and coordinated the annual septic maintenance mailer. He also noted outreach such as a presentation for Youth Government Day. Committee members asked clarifying questions about assessments for decks and sheds at campgrounds; Megan Stalker explained how personal property is classified for assessment purposes.

On other business, the committee voted to move its regular monthly meeting time to 1:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month (motion by John Bennett; second by Eli Schmudlach; carried 5-0). Chair Sorensen adjourned the meeting at 10:21 a.m.