Protecting their investments

BY ANYA TIKKA
DINGMAN TOWNSHIP — Lake Adventure Community Association’s manager Ray Fitzgerald came to make his case to Dingman supervisors for using plastic to winterize the residences, something that is currently against the rules.
The topic came up when the supervisors opened a public hearing about changing code. The hearing amended ordinances to zoning, revising provisions for signage, recreational vehicles, communications towers, and permit applications, including the proper use of decks, screened porches, platforms, sheds, and gazebos in seasonal use structures such as many in the Lake Adventure community.
New regulations state, “Porches enclosed with windows constructed of glass, plastic, or any other solid material as opposed to screens are hereby prohibited. Walls may be partially constructed of solid material provided that the solid wall material does not exceed 36 inches above floor level. Such screened porches may not be wired for electricity or lighting nor contain any heating devices.”
Protection against the elementsFitzgerald made a case that the residents wanted to protect their residences during the winter months when they are not present, and needed a way to get around the plastic regulations. He said especially around holiday times, families come up and likely would open up porches temporarily.
Fitzgerald and the supervisors had a lively conversation about what constitutes a window or covering, depending on whether you can see through it – in which case it’s a window, and if not, it’s a cover, according to the supervisors. Tarp was one material the supervisors didn’t want to see, but preferred clear material.
Procedure for winterizing is comingMost of Lake Adventure’s residents are seasonal, and while the supervisors did change the code, they were also open to Fitzgerald’s problems, although Mincer said he didn’t want the township’s ordinances violated, “People are taking advantage.”
Snap-on plastic covers that you could simply take off when returning to use a porch after the winter were suggested as an example.
“We should work out something over the weeks,” said code enforcement officer Chris Wood. He said there is no need to make a decision that night, but it could be a back and forth over several weeks. Supervisors suggested preparing a procedure for Lake Adventure for winterizing units.
“If you come up with something that's acceptable for us… basically it would be an outside facility you would unsnap and enter the facility,” Mincer said,
A time frame to comeSupervisor Dennis Brink suggested a definite time frame.
“Have a specific date when they're on and off. And if Chris (Wood) goes by, and they’re still up, they are subject to a fine," said Brink. "The residents will know when to put it up or down - a timeline is beneficial for all of us.”
Brink also suggested the Lake Association come with a list of options, giving their own preference, and then the township can make their choice.
Township solicitor John Klemeyer acknowledged the purpose of taking the screens on and off was “to protect your investment,” a sentiment all supervisors echoed. The supervisors asked Fitzgerald to bring photos, and stressed the rules would have to be clear and followed, otherwise fines would be levied.
Recreational vehiclesThe new ordinance also increases the allowed size for recreational vehicles to 400 square feet and 12 feet in width, using multiplying the greatest exterior length of the unit by the greatest exterior width (excluding hitches and bay windows).