Benzonia Township Meeting Reports

April 10th, 2024– AGENDA AND (Unapproved) MEETING NOTES for Benzonia Township Regular Meeting

Call to Order: 3:01 PM

Present:

Jason Barnard, Supervisor; Karen Burns, Treasurer; Diana Heller, Clerk; David Gardner, Trustee; Al Rose, Trustee

Others:

Steve Adams, Fire Chief; Rhonda Nye, County Commissioner; Mary Pitcher, Blight Officer, Jim Clark, project manager, David Egeler, Assistant Prosecutor, and 8 public guests.

Pledge of Allegiance: Lead by Supervisor Barnard

Agenda: Approved with one correction to remove “public hearing” from the top of the page.

Approval of Minutes for the regular meeting March 13th, 2024 and special meetings March 26th and March 7th. All minutes were approved

Treasurer’s Report:

The treasury “looks good.” All taxes collected and will be transferring the winter taxes soon. They are not yet reflected in the written report provided as a handout.

Clerk’s Report:

A motion to pay March General Fund bills of $27,294 was made and approved.

Supervisor’s Report:

The work on the new building is transitioning from pre-construction costs to final numbers from Spence Bros. The projected amount of $5,729,327 will include an allowance for some contingencies expected for “unknown costs’, and will require a “not to exceed” clause in the contract amendment. M/C to authorize supervisor Barnard to sign the amended Spence Bros. contract.

Bonds were sold for the new building with a 4% interest rate on 4/9/2024. They are held in an account at Central State Bank.

The Fire & EMT contract for Blaine Township seems to be going well. There were two calls in March. [Note: A two-year contract based on 1 mill of current fiscal year tax base. Joyfield township still contracts with Benzonia also for 1 mil annually.]

The township received $30,000 from the Michigan Fire Grant.

One quote for a revised website has been received and two more are expected.

Spring Clean up day is May 11th, 7-11 AM and will be in the local paper.

Fire Chief’s Report:

27 medical calls and 6 fire calls, bringing YTD to 106. (For comparison, totals in 2023 were 112 and 137 in 2022.] Chief will be attending a Great Lakes Homeland Security session.

County Board of Commissioners (BOC) report from Commissioner Rhonda Nye:

There was a presentation by Centra Wellness at the April 9th BOC meeting.

The 2024 Equalization Report was accepted with an increase in Taxable Value of 9.3%.

Randy Rice was appointed to the Headlee Advisory committee, tasked with moving forward with the education of a possible Headlee reset ballot question this year.

Network Northwest will help update the Master Plan which is done every 5 years.

All Board of Commissioners minutes are posted after approval at:benzieco.gov

Zoning Administrator’s Report: None

Zoning Board of Appeals: Next meeting; May 2 at 5 p.m.

Blight:

Mary Pitcher reported on the Eden Hill at Blue Water site: a citation was issued 30 days ago and the owner has paid the fine but has done no cleaning up. Owner will be asked if volunteers can mow. The Narrow Gauge and Platte Rd. sites are still being worked on.

Communications:

The Metro Act renewal for AT&T needs to be updated. A decision to allow a permit extension of five years with AT&T was unanimous.

Pending Business:

FOIA process is still being updated. Diane Heller shared forms used by many municipalities. Gardner and Heller will offer a new policy at the next meeting.

Public Comments:

Benzie County Assistant Prosecutor, Dave Egeler, announced his intention to run for Benzie County Probate Judge and shared several of his planned initiatives: reinstating a sobriety court; transitioning courts to paperless records.

Committee Reports:

The board membership of the standing committees has been revised.

The Cemetery will open before Memorial Day, likely by Mother’s Day, May 11th, as there are some requests for visits that day.

Public Comment:

Lisa Vogler stood to express support for David Egeler for Probate Judge. Gary Sauer offered support for trying to get Hoadley Rd fixed. Joe (?) questioned why the new Dollar General was planned for Honor rather than in Benzonia Township.

Adjournment at 3:35.

Respectfully Submitted by Lookout Sub, Chris Kitzman

ALL BENZONIA TOWNSHIP POSITIONS WILL BE UP FOR ELECTION THIS YEAR!!!! We need Dem-friendly folks to run for office. Interested? Email us at: [email protected] We have people that can help and support you through every step of the process!

We are always looking for Lookout SUBS when we are away. If interested, drop us a line at: [email protected]

March 13, 2024 — AGENDA AND (Unapproved) MEETING NOTES for Regular Township Board Meeting

Call to Order: 3:03 PM

Present:Jason Barnard, Supervisor; Karen Burns, Treasurer; Diana Heller, Clerk; David Gardner, Trustee.

Others: Steve Adams, Fire Chief; Ronda Nye, County Commissioner; Mary Pitcher, Blight Officer, John Axe on zoom call, Colleen Gerace, Pace North, Probate Court Judge John Mead, and public guests.

Pledge of Allegiance: Lead by Supervisor Barnard

Agenda: approved

Announcement:

Supervisor Barnard introduced their bond council, John Axe, as in attendance on a conference telephone call. Also that the board will be taking action on bond resolutions today.

Minutes of 2/14/24 & special budget meetings of 2/13/24 & 2/14/24 & March 7^th, 2024 approved

Treasurer’s Report:

Have settled accounting with the County, all taxes are completed until July. The bonds for the new Fire building should be providing funds by May 1^st, 2024. approved.

Clerk’s Report:

Read the Fire Department Invoices. The new fire truck invoices of $11,610.77. She spoke about the election invoices. Move to pay February bills, approved.

Diana Heller spoke about 4 budget resolutions up for approval.

1. For Scheduled Board meetings for the 2024/25 years. Approved.

2. Budget Board meetings for the 2024/25 years. Approved.

3.Meeting locations for board meetings for the 2024/25 years. Approved.

4.Treasury bonds & funds investing for the 2024/25 years. Approved.

Near the end of the meeting and after hearing from John Axe and Steven Burke(municipal funds advisor), 3 new resolutions needed for funding the new Fire/Town hall were voted on.

1. Unlimited tax of 3.5 mill. Approved

2. Limited Capital Improvement greater than 2 mill. Approved

3. Allows Supervisor Jason Barnard to sign the disclosure. Approved

Supervisor’s Report:

Introduced Colleen Gerace with Pace North. She provided some brochures and cards for the Pace North organization and described the services as an all-inclusive care for the elderly.

Benzonia fire department is picking up the Fire & EMT contract for Blaine Township. A two-year contract based on 1 mill of current fiscal year tax base. Joyfield township still contracts with Benzonia also for 1 mil annually.

The township received this year’s excise tax funding payout of $236,345.00, This is approximately $59,000 for each store. The County gets the same amount of excise dollars for 2024.

We are updating the Freedom of Information Act, (FOIA) policy. Still looking at updating the website, proposals will be introduced at the April meeting.

Spring Clean up day is May 11^th, 7-11 AM and will be in the local paper.

BSA company is helping Treasurer Burns to get computer programing changed, auditors & Policy to be included.

Some discussion about filling the 2^nd Trustee vacancy position this year. Two applicants spoke from the audience. An appointment will be made within 2 weeks. Reminder that the candidacy deadline for the Primary election is April 22, 2024.

The Board of Review heard petitions/appeals on March 11th, 2024 from

3-9 PM and again on March 12^th, 2024 9-3 PM. 41 petitions were heard or filed. There were multiple applications for Poverty exemptions which were considered using the new and approved guidelines along with an asset test of up to $12,000.

Fire Chief’s Report:

27 medical calls and 12 fire calls. CPR 2year renewals. On March 2^nd , a training course for electrical vehicles was completed. Benzie County dispatch is working to deliver coverage for Blaine Township. Hopefully this will be completed by April 1^st. Response plans for the ADT Building and Smelters have been developed (LEPC). Fema grant application has been submitted, we will hear about an approval between April 30^th and September 30^th.Will be attending a homeland security conference in Grand Rapids on May 7-9. Chief will be on vacation from 3/18 – 3/26. The new truck has the extended bed installed & reflective stickers on coming soon.

County Board of Commissioners (BOC) report from Commissioner Rhonda Nye:

The BOC met, and 2 millage issues will be going on the ballot. Small millage increases for the Jail & Senior resources. A 3^rd party study indicated that 2 more staff are needed in our county jail.

Doug Duran, from Benzie Senior Resources, reported that our population has grown by 2.5% but at the same period the Senior population has grown by 24.2%.

As a service to county employees the county has added the program “All-one-health” which includes 5 sessions per employee as a benefit.

An ad hoc committee has been formed with the assignment to move forward with the education of a possible Headlee reset ballot question this year. Three applicants have applied, Jim Dulzo, Randy Rice, and John Harnish for advisor positions.

I have written letters to many of our representatives; (Betsy Coffia, John Roth, Jon Bumstead, Curt Vanderwall and Jack Bergman) to request financial assistance for the Village of Beulah’s Sewer Project.

DeAnne Loll says: THANK YOU RHONDA!!

County Commissioner Ronda Nye announced her intention to run again.

Zoning Administrator’s Report:

9 permits to date. Jason says he has received an opinion report from the attorney regarding the Crystal Lake Watershed Ordinance he has shared it with the 3 townships for review. The township is working on resolving lawsuits filed by Sunkissed Hills LLC against the township and an agreement has been presented to judge Thompson who has yet to sign.

Zoning Board of Appeals:

Mary Pitcher is working with committees in all Townships and villages. There will be a special planning Commission meeting on May 2^nd, 2024 at 5pm at the Platte Township hall. A special land use application for 4 campsites in Platte Township. The CLWSA Representative said the swimmers itch program will be reinstated this year. Jim Hamp said we may not need a milfoil treatment this year.

Blight Office Mary Pitcher:

Eden Hill at Blue Water, a citation was issued 30 days ago. She indicated that this will be going to court. Judge John Mead excused himself from the audience at this point. Mary continued to explain that the owner has not responded nor taken any action to address the citation. She indicated that the Narrow Gauge property owner??, Tim, has talked directly to Circuit Court, it will cost more money, stay tuned.

Public Comments:

Alan Rose and Christi Walsch both gave some qualifications and announced their interest in becoming appointees to fill the one vacant seat as a Township Trustee.

Benzie County Probate Judge John Mead read his qualifications and announced his intent to run for reelection.

Mary Pitcher supports an improved website for the Township. It could be updated to include electronic applications and permits, it should allow staff updates also.

Jim Thompson asked if the existing Township hall has been sold? Not yet.

Steven Burke gives a brief description of the New Fire/Hall project bonds as a municipal advisor.

Adjournment: 4:20 PM

Respectfully Submitted by Lookout Sub, Jim Thompson 3/22/24

ALL BENZONIA TOWNSHIP POSITIONS WILL BE UP FOR ELECTION THIS YEAR!!!! We need Dem-friendly folks to run for office. Interested? Email us at: [email protected] We have people that can help and support you through every step of the process!

We are always looking for Lookout SUBS when we are away. If interested, drop us a line at: [email protected]

Jan. 10, 2024 — Benzonia township meeting

AGENDA AND (Unapproved) MEETING NOTES for the Regular Meeting

January 10, 2024 3:00 PM

Call to Order: @ 3:02 PM

Present: Jason Barnard, Supervisor; Karen Burns, Treasurer; Diana Heller, Clerk; David Gardner, new Trustee. Others: Steve Adams, Fire Chief; Rhonda Nye, County Commissioner; public guests

Pledge of Allegiance: Lead by Supervisor Barnard

Agenda: Approved

Minutes of: 12/13/23 approved

Treasurer’s Report:

Approval to pay bills except to withhold payment pending on Wade Trim bill/ area 31 sewer feasibility study.

Clerk’s Report:

Supervisor’s Report:

Welcomed David Gardner to the board of trustees. David will also be a Township representative on the Planning Commission, with a swearing in coming later.

Sitework bids received for the new township building: A.J. Excavating is the apparent low bidder. Spence Brothers will be Construction Manager on the new building.

Jason attended a County Road Commission meeting scheduling projects for 2024.

A training session for the Board of Review (BOR) is set for Jan. 18th, to be attended by Jason and the BOR members. An organizational meeting for the March Board of Review is scheduled for March 5th, 2024 to elect officers and prepare for the review sessions. The Board of Review will hear appeals on March 11, 2024, from 3-9 p.m. and again on March 12, 2024, from 9-3 p.m. and will process exemptions at those times.

Jason will attend a walk-through with the potential buyer of the existing Township building tomorrow. This potential buyer is the Benzie County Conservation District.

The board discussed the County’s need for Township action to approve bidding out the Lincoln Rd. project. Approved.

Fire Chief’s Report:

38 medical calls and 8 fire calls. Busy. The Bureau of Fire Services fund is $17,000. New software will be Emergency Networking instead of Emergency Reporting. We are switching for medical reports. Cost of $4,675 to purchase. Approved.

County Board of Commissioners (BOC) report from Commissioner Rhonda Nye:

There are upcoming changes: David Egeler is running for Probate Judge position and the County Treasurer is retiring. The appointment of a new Treasurer, by statute, will be made by the County Clerk, Judge, and Prosecutor..

The Conservation District gave an annual report.

Nancy A. Kida was given a plaque during a Jan. 9 “study session” meeting of the Benzie County Board of Commissioners, recognizing her for founding the Benzie County Recovery Court in the 85th District Court of Benzie County.

Rhonda commented on some organizational meetings and assignments of meetings at yesterday’s BOC meeting. Karen Cunningham is now a voting member of the airport authority.

Zoning Administrator’s Report: Jason says an opinion report is coming tomorrow from the attorney regarding the Crystal Lake Watershed Ordinance at Lake Township meeting. There will be a planning meeting on February 1st, 2024

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA): Mary introduced Betsie Taylor as a new member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Approved. Five hearings were held last year.

Sunkissed Hills has been appealed to ZBA.

Blight: Eden Hill at Blue Water Dr.: Mr. Smith will receive a citation. Narrow Gauge and Platte Rd. properties are being reviewed currently for violations.

Public Comment: Troy Hinds, Benzie County Road Commission manager, asked to clarify that an approval for the Road Commission going out for bids is required. Approved.

Jim Thompson asked what the “ACO” issued by the State to the Village of Beulah relative to the malfunctioning Sewer Plant means: It is an “Administrative Consent Order” requiring the Village of Beulah to bring the plant into compliance with State-required mandates. The ACO has been issued due to pollution and plant mismanagement over many years. This was under the prior Beulah Village Council, not the current (sitting) one.

Adjournment: 3:50 PM

Respectfully Submitted by Lookout Sub, Jim Thompson 1/11/24

ALL BENZONIA TOWNSHIP POSITIONS WILL BE UP FOR ELECTION NEXT YEAR!!!! We need Dem-friendly folks to run for office. Interested? Email us at: [email protected] We have people that can help and support you through every step of the process!

We are always looking for Lookout SUBS when we are away. If interested, drop us a line at: [email protected]

November 8, 2023 — Regular  Benzonia Township Board Meeting

The township board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm at the Benzonia Township Hall.

Call to Order: @ 3:02 PM

Present: Jason Barnard, Supervisor; Karen Burns, Treasurer; Diana Heller, Clerk; Sheila Priest, Trustee

Others: Steve Adams, Fire Chief; Ronda Nye, County Commissioner; public guests

Pledge of Allegiance: Lead by Supervisor Barnard

Minutes of October 11^th, 2023: Approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Approved.

Committee Reports:

Cemetery: soon to close.

Parks: closed except for the dog park.

Township roads:

There will be a local roads meeting; date is coming.

Zoning Administrator:

One proposed application is coming.

Blight: Mary Pitcher approved as Blight officer.

Clerk’s Report: Learning a new payroll app, paid bills for October, fire clothing, coats, helmets, gloves.

Supervisor’s Report: Thank you for a successful election. Road millage proposal approved, will be meeting in December to plan for roads. Memorial Park has been drained and water is off. We have lost Trustee Jim Sheets. There will be an appointment to serve until next year.

Fire Chief’s Report: 9 fire calls, 30 medical runs

County Board of Commissioners (BOC) report from Commissioner Rhonda Nye: County Land Bank has accepted bids to demolish two structures in the Village of Thompsonville. Bids were much less than estimates given last Spring which will allow for demolition of a third house owned by the Land Bank in Benzonia

.Interviews have been held to fill the Benzie/Manistee Public Defender position.

Commissioners approved an extension of the Smart911 program. Profiles can be established at: Smart911.com which provides first responders with information that can help them service residents more safely and effectively.

Townhall was held to discuss the possibility of a Headlee Reset. The county general operating fund millage was set 5.29 mils in 1982 and has rolled back to 3.34 mils. The use of the word ‘indefinite’ in the millage verbiage prevents a reset; many counties reset their general operating millage every five years with voter approval. Townships were provided with a resolution which can express their support of the county placing a Headlee Reset on the ballot in November 2024.

There was a Veteran’s Day event at Memorial Park in Benzonia on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, at 1:00 p.m.

Zoning Administrator’s Report: Mary Pitcher is doing a good job, very helpful. She will attend a planning meeting tomorrow night in Crystal Lake Township.

Public Comment: A two-page letter was read aloud by Clerk Heller. It was submitted by Anne Noah.

1.Township has yet to adopt a Crystal Lake Watershed Overlay District Ordinance

2. Prioritize a Joint Review of Zoning Ordinance

3. Responsibility for alleged infractions related to Ambo/Carroll properties.

4. Discovery of an alleged OMA Violation in conducting a closed session of a special meeting & the cancellation of a meeting without notice

5. The WBJPC is not being maintained.

6. The Township website needs updated WBJPC information.

7.  Some requests for Township & WBJPC documents go unanswered.

Tom Kucera: Expressed concern that updates to the ordinance have not yet been adopted. A commitment from the board to draft an ordinance within a frame of time. Anything to facilitate changes.

New Business: The resolution supporting a Benzie County reset election was approved.

Adjournment: @ 3:37 PM

Respectfully submitted by Lookout sub, Jim Thompson 10/13/23

ALL BENZONIA TOWNSHIP POSITIONS WILL BE UP FOR ELECTION NEXT YEAR!!!! We need Dem-friendly folks to run for office. Interested? Email us at: [email protected] We have people that can help and support you through every step of the process!

WE are always looking for Lookout SUBS when we are away. If interested, drop us a line at: [email protected]

 

October 11th, 2023 — Benzonia Township Regular Meeting Report

Benzonia Township board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm at the Benzonia Township Hall.

Call to order at 3:02 p.m.

Present: Jason Barnard, Supervisor; Karen Burns, Treasurer; Diana Heller, Clerk; Sheila Priest, Trustee Absent: Jim Sheets, Trustee

Others: Fire Chief Steve Adams; Commissioner Rhonda Nye; four guests

Pledge of Allegiance; Agenda approved; Minutes of Sept 13th, 2023 meeting approved.

Treasurer’s report:

Unanimously accepted. Notes: Tax collection has slowed down now that the deadline is passed.

Clerk’s report:

Bills were larger in the past month due to playground equipment arriving for Memorial Park. Federal funds have been in place for a while to pay for this. Comments were made about how nice the improvements are. Clerk’s report accepted. A copy of the complete report is available at the office.

Supervisor’s report:

Barry Hahn and Jason Barnard disassembled the old playground equipment, and new equipment was installed last week.

There was a public hearing by DNR regarding the Township’s “no wake” request for Betsie River boat traffic. Public comment still accepted until Oct. 28th by 5 p.m. via email to: [email protected].

Barnard drafted a letter to DNR regarding a grant application for work on invasive species; this year there is no match required in the application.

The fire department’s Trunk or Treat activity is planned for Oct. 31st; 5-8 p.m. Roads closed as usual for this event. It is published on Facebook.

Fire Chief report:

12 fire calls, 36 medical calls in September. 2023 YTD = 436 calls through Oct. (2022 YTD = 409; 2021 = 383).

Steve Adams received permission from the Village of Benzonia to close roads as before for the Trunk or Treat event. Free hot dogs, drinks and chips served, with swag such as fire helmets, coloring books, and fire prevention educational materials will be distributed during the event.

Fire grant received for fire gear that has been ordered since February. Partial order was received 2 weeks ago, for interior fire gear; secondary vehicle extraction gear just rec’d this week. Still waiting on miscellany such as flashlights and helmet shields. Budget for this was about $80-85,000.

2023 hose testing has been done; 6,000 feet of hose passed except for 1 piece. That’s “good.”

MFR agency license via state inspections completed; Township is relicensed to the end of Sept. 2024.

County Board of Commissioners (BOC) report from Commissioner Rhonda Nye:

She attended the Village of Beulah meeting where agenda items included sewer costs, progress on a free-speech related policy by village attorney Karrie Zeits that can regulate where and when a group can participate in an event, but not the content. Centra Wellness has hired Sarah Garthe for children’s services. NMC’s president Nick Nissley is exploring adding Benzie County to the college’s district to allow residents to pay in-person tuition costs of $120/credit hour, rather than the current $261 fee. This will require approval of a millage to approve the added tax of 2.0574 mills. NMC will be offering a series of presentations to “check the pulse of the community” on this issue. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will receive $750,000 to use for renovation but not for new buildings. There’s a fresh offer from the Aquatics Center for the Crystal Lake school building. The Aquatic Center is evolving to focus on space for a community indoor walking area, meeting rooms, as well as for swimming, per Diane Tracy. BOC accepted a separate offer for the bus garage and playground area by the people who bought the old high school.

The BOC set a discussion on the Headlee reset for Oct. 30th at 5:30. It is open to the public and will be available on Zoom.

Other notes: there are 1700 people below poverty level in Benzie County.

Betsie Valley Trail received a state SPARK grant of $400,000 to pave the trail from Beulah to Case Rd, the 1st phase of a 12-mile project.

Commissioner Nye’s full written report can be found in the October 10th, 2023, BOC meeting packet here :

evize.com/benzienew/Oct%2010%202023%20BOC%20Packet.p

Zoning Administrator Jason Barnard reported:

57 permits to date; the next West Benzie Joint Planning Commission (WBJPC) meeting is Nov 2nd; a slope map has been drafted with assistance from Tom Kucera (Crystal Lake Township zoning administrator) and will be online.

There’s been a discussion with Lake Township to convene a committee to plan for consistency in Crystal Lake Watershed Overpay revisions, so that all townships around the lake have the same regulations. The WBJPC is looking into other attorney options due to Mr. Figura’s move to a new firm, but in the meantime is still working with him, as he is close to finishing his look at the watershed overlay updates.

Committee Reports:

No Cemetery, Parks, Building and Grounds, Township Roads, Community Activities, Finance, Policy, or Blight reports. Fire Department reported as above. ZBA discussed set-back variant requests; both were granted with conditions.

Public Comment:

3 constituents commented on the Crystal Lake Watershed Overlay revisions, asking the Township to speed up the approval process. It was noted that Crystal Lake Township has already passed it. Lake Township efforts to coordinate the revisions across all lakeshore townships should not keep Benzonia Township from approving it as approval would not preclude any future amendments.

Communications:

A letter from Gilmore Township was read, inviting Benzonia Township too comment on Gilmore‘s revision of its master plan.

New business:

A license application request by Ed Poupour (owner of the new coffee/pastry shop next to the Township Hall) was unanimously approved on a motion by Barnard, second by Burns.

Troy Hines, new manager at the Benzie County Road Commission, introduced himself and mentioned an information package outlining the road commission’s last 5 years and what is being looked at the next 5 years.

The meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Lookout sub, Chris Kitzman

Note: The Lookout reporter will be Jim Thompson for the winter months.

ALL BENZONIA TOWNSHIP POSITIONS WILL BE UP FOR ELECTION NEXT YEAR!!!! We need Dem-friendly folks to run for office. Interested? Email us at: [email protected] We have people that can help and support you through every step of the process!

WE are always looking for Lookout SUBS when we are away. If interested, drop us a line at: [email protected]

August 9, 2023 — BENZONIA TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting

AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES

The township board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm at the Benzonia Township Hall.

Present:

Supervisor Barnard, Clerk Heller, Treasurer Burns, Trustee Priest, Trustee Sheets

Treasurer’s report: The Township is now earning 5.4% on funds held in Michigan CLASS, bank is paying .06% [Michigan CLASS is a local government investment pool emphasizing safety, liquidity, and yield. CLASS stands for Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System.]

Clerk’s report: AJ’s [for walking trail] audit bill, architect bill [for new building], Fire Dept.-July audit, repairs & maintenance.

Supervisor’s report: Application submitted for transfer of cannabis permit from GLNR to OUI-D Operations [Iron Mountain, MI] [this is the store that is south of the village on the east side of US31 that has been closed for some time.] Roll call vote taken to approve the transfer, passed.

New building design is getting close, will be bonding the project soon.; Lincoln Road straightening work widening & ditches to be done by Keith Bonney yet this summer. County Road Commission will remove the tree. Some utility work to be done. Cedar street work will be deferred until next year.

Accessors report: Board of review was held in July. Three tax tribunals have been filed. Property activity: to date there have been 216 transfers of ownership, 109 property transfer affidavits filed, 74 PRE filings, 13 legal description cleanups, 10 approved land divisions, 75 building permit follow ups.

Fire Chief: 58 calls in July, year to date total 320 up from 316 in 2022; medical response license renewal in is process, due Sept. 30; new department applicant is Hunter Rose who has prior training.

Commissioner Nye: Maples is still required to keep 2 beds set aside for Covid patients; 2 Maples fundraising events coming up in August; Benzie Senior Resources will be eliminating the lawn chore service next year to focus on independent living needs; the county draft budget has been posted online and in Clerks office; 2 Frankfort Area Community Land Trust homes are nearly complete and buyers have been selected; there was a board discussion about the Headlee Amendment and consensus that the county needs to move forward with an informational campaign; Benzie is one of only 2 or 3 counties in the state that does not have the ability to reset Headlee; Beulah Village has approved putting a Headlee override on their November ballot to pay for their mandatory sewer system upgrades. Villages but not townships can vote for Headlee overrides.

Zoning: 43 Permits to date and 5 pending. Planning commission received stamped engineered drawings for Sunkissed Hills development and are under independent review.

Mary Pitcher is on board and will be doing ordinance work by the end of the month.

Pending Business: Working on quotes for website updates; No updates on the new phone system yet; Area 31 Sewer study-work is ongoing and a report from Wade/Trim should be received soon.

Parks: Working on dog park improvements-enlargement; new playground equipment should be here soon.

New Business: Motion to add Hunter Rose to the fire department crew-passed.

Respectfully submitted by Kathleen Hibbard

ALL BENZONIA TOWNSHIP POSITIONS WILL BE UP FOR ELECTION NEXT YEAR!!!! We need Dem-friendly folks to run for office. Interested? Email us at: [email protected] We have people that can help and support you through every step of the process!

WE are always looking for Lookout SUBS when we are away. If interested, drop us a line at: [email protected]

July 12, 2023 — BENZONIA TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting

The township board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm at the Benzonia Township Hall.

The regular meeting was preceded by a Truth in Taxation public hearing at 2:45pm

Present: Supervisor Barnard, Clerk Heller, Treasurer Burns, Trustee Priest
Absent: Trustee Sheets

Treasurer’s report:
The Township is earning 5.25% on funds held in Michigan CLASS
(Michigan CLASS is a local government investment pool emphasizing safety, liquidity, and yield. CLASS stands for Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System.) Commissioner Nye commented that this rate is much higher than local bank CD rate for a money market of 4.25%.

Clerk’s report:
Bills submitted were for usual summer expenses of Park operation, printing & mailing tax bills, progress payment to the new building architect.

Grant writer Kelly Ottenger, has submitted 2 grants for the fire department, working on 3rd grant.

Supervisor’s report:
Township cleanup time changed [by board vote] from 7-11am to 7-10am due to time constraints of the trash hauler. The hauler only has 2 trucks available this time for collection. Because it is on Saturday, the workers are on time-and-a-half pay.
The West Benzie Planning Commission has a new website:
https://www.wbjpc.org/ with links to helpful information and linked to the Township website.

Fire Chief:
259 calls year to date [both fire and rescue.] A recent fire burned 275 acres, 4 fire departments responded and 4 structures were lost. Suspected cause was a power line.

Cherry Capital Communications agreement:
The Board voted and passed to give them a permit for Broadband work.

Commissioner Nye:
Village of Benzonia approved the purchase of a speed sign to be used on Traverse Avenue and other locations (sign is portable and solar powered) in a attempt to slow traffic approaching the Village. The Village passed a downward adjustment of some zoning related fees as recommended by Zoning Administrator Sara Kirk. Kelly Long will be part time temporary Clerk for occasional regular Clerk absences. Seven parcels will be sold at the County foreclosure sale August 25th, the County has several job openings, over 2.2million state funding has been secured for the new emergency communications tower in Frankfort, over 10 million in funding has been secured for broadband expansion.

Zoning:
37 permits submitted to date, one pending.

Parks:
Signs have been repaired, restrooms repaired and open, ball fields all in use, there is a tick problem, will add signage, picnic tables all painted, trail bridge is almost done.

Roads:
The top of Lincoln Road will be realigned late summer.

Zoning Administrator:
One request to split a parcel granted.

Blight:
A couple more complaints for the place on Platte Rd, ongoing effort there.

New Business:
*Received Consumer’s Energy Franchise Ordinance renewal, 30 year contract expires in January, basically same as prior agreement to serve the Township electric needs. The Board voted to approve.

*Truth in Taxation:
Because of the inflation rate there was no Headlee reduction-property tax rates will stay the same next year. Board voted to approve tax rate.

*Anavon Office Phone System [new] to replace current system. Lightening damaged the old phone system, new system will be easily moved to new building when completed. Estimated purchase price not to exceed $6,000 including training. Approved.

Public Comment:
*Mary Barrens [?] Crystal Lake Watershed asked about the Crystal Lake Overlay Ordinance Revision. Supervisor Bernard stated it is still at the attorney’s office and is expected to be completed for August meeting.

*Rhonda Nye asked if the Township has a policy regarding trustee attendance, and appointments if a trustee needs to be appointed. Supervisor Bernard will research this question.

Respectfully submitted by Kathleen Hibbard

ALL BENZONIA TOWNSHIP POSITIONS WILL BE UP FOR ELECTION NEXT YEAR!!!! We need Dem-friendly folks to run for office. Interested? Email us at: [email protected] We have people that can help and support you through every step of the process!

WE are always looking for Lookout SUBS when we are away. If interested, drop us a line at: [email protected]

June 14, 2023 — Benzonia Township Regular Meeting 

The township board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm at the Benzonia Township Hall.

Present: Supervisor Barnard, Clerk Heller, Treasurer Burns, Trustee Priest
Absent: Trustee Sheets

6 visitors were present

Treasurers report was approved

Bills presented by the Clerk for approval were for:
Road brining, township park bathroom repairs [completed], sewer feasibility study [in progress], fire department computers, fireman’s physicals, fire department liability insurance.

Supervisor Jason Barnard:
Reported the new fire department building design is almost done. The Township is working on required Township slope maps with a vendor who will complete those for $1,750. Park bathroom upgrades are complete and open.

County: Commissioner Nye gave an update on County activities.

Zoning Administrator Jason Barnard:
There have been 30 permits to date and 5 are in process.

Public Comment:
Anne Noah spoke objecting to the Supervisor’s dual role as Zoning Administrator which she stated is in violation of the West Benzie Joint Planning Commission Ordinance.

Finance:
A budget amendment was discussed to increase the township park playground equipment fund since monies are available due to higher interest rates earned.

New Business:
Memorial Park pavilion usage fee was discussed. Currently there is no charge for use by residents and apparently no stated fee for non-residents. A non-resident was recently charged $50. The board agreed that they should set a fee amount for non-residents.

Cherry Capital Communications submitted an agreement for them to lay fiber optic cable with new maps provided for where work will be done each year. They estimate the work will be completed in 2026. There are 4 companies working on connectivity projects in the county and all have different territories. Cherry Capital is completing all the territory the other 3 companies are not completing. The Board tabled making a resolution until the July township board meeting.

Closed session: [Visitors were requested to leave the meeting room.] “Assistant to the Zoning Administrator job position.” After about ten minutes the visitors were summoned to return to the meeting room.

Final Public Comment:
There is stream erosion due to roadway deterioration at the east end of Crystal Drive.

Correction to a prior report:
Benzonia Township now charges for burial plots. Complete list of cemetery fees can be found on the website.

County Hazardous Waste Honor Road Commission collection 9:00-1:00 August 12th.

Respectfully submitted by Kathleen Hibbard

ALL BENZONIA TOWNSHIP POSITIONS WILL BE UP FOR ELECTION NEXT YEAR!!!! We need Dem-friendly folks to run for office. Interested? Email us at: [email protected] We have people that can help and support you through every step of the process!

WE are always looking for Lookout SUBS when we are away. If interested, drop us a line at: [email protected]

The township board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at

3:00 pm at the Benzonia Township Hall.

Treasurer was on vacation, so no report.

Clerk Diana Heller:

Submitted the March bills which were approved for payment.

Supervisor Jason Barnard Reports:

Consumers Power is removing trees along Grace Road for new power lines. Residents are happy about the new lines, but not about loosing the trees along the road. Consumers is funding $1500 for new trees, not including planting. Barnard will attempt to get more $$ for more trees [all to be purchased from the Conservation District] and expects he will be planting them himself, hopefully with a couple volunteers.

Spence Brothers has been chosen for construction of the new fire department building. [Spence did the construction of the new BACN building.] Proposal and drawings to come.

Commissioner Rhonda Nye:

Reported the county had 7 foreclosure parcels, 2 of which are vacant properties. The tax auctions are all online now, not held on the steps of the county courthouse as in the past.

Zoning Commissioner Jason Barnard:

Reported that there have been 15 new building permits since January 1st in the Township.

Pending business:

The township website will be updated. Rates to complete FOIA requests are being studied. Training for new software the township is purchasing has been scheduled for October. A letter of inquiry has been sent to BLUA investigate their capacity and possible handling of waste from the newly formed Area 31 Sewer Authority.

Cemetery:

The township is investigating new software to manage plots and where remains are located. Grounds are being spruced up. FYI: Cemetery plots are free for Benzonia Township residents.

Parks:

The modern flush bathrooms will be finished soon.

Roads:

A quote was approved for brining some roads to keep down dust.

Reporter’s note: there are environmental concerns to this practice.

Blight:

Jim Sheets reported there are still several properties he is working on.

New Business:

Looking for a grant writer for project funding. The board voted to approve the hiring of a part time temporary Deputy Treasurer to help during property assessment time in the spring.

REMINDER: Township cleanup is on May 13th from 7-11 am behind Tri-Gas. PERMITS for drop-off must be obtained in advance from the township office. Details on the website.

This report was delayed to include this OTHER exciting NEWS that the reporter knew was pending: The Village of Benzonia has approved (with NO opposition), a zoning change to the former Benzonia High School property in the Village of Benzonia (on the corner of US31 and Severance Street). This will allow the new owner of Furnace Street Distillery of Elberta, to have a second tasting room and warehouse. Village and township resident reactions have been genuinely excited that the building will be renovated and used for this purpose.

Academy Park Workshop – Comment Form

Comment Period will close on FRIDAY, May 12, 2023

We want to know your thoughts to help us plan for future park improvements.

Your answers will be anonymous -unless you choose to leave your name and contact information.

Fill out the form at: https://forms.gle/GPPEGnm7EruGnKiL8

FYI — OTHER CLEANUPS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED:

Benzonia Village cleanup is May 6th.

County Hazardous Waste Frankfort collection 9:00-1:00 June 3rd.

County Hazardous Waste Honor Road Commission collection 9:00-1:00 August 12th.

Respectfully submitted by Kathleen Hibbard

ALL BENZONIA TOWNSHIP POSITIONS WILL BE UP FOR ELECTION NEXT YEAR!!!! We need Dem-friendly folks to run for office. Interested? Email us at: [email protected] We have people that can help and support you through every step of the process!

WE are always looking for Lookout SUBS when we are away. If interested, drop us a line at: [email protected]