March 18, 2023 — Platte Township Annual Meeting
Called to order by Supervisor Solem at 12:01 PM
The Elected Board was introduced to 21 public residents in attendance.
Special Guests in attendance included:
County Commissioner : Art Jeannot
Sheriff: Kyle Rosa
Fire Chief: Tim Markey
Road Commission Manager: Matt Skeels
Emergency Manager: Rebecca Hubers
Minutes of the 2022 Annual Meeting were read and approved .
The Township’s CLEAN UP day for June 2022 was a success with 21 residents participating. 62 tons of refuse, 86 tires and some electronics were collected.
The Next Clean up Day will be JUNE 2024.
REPORTS FROM THE GUESTS:
County Commissioner Art Jeannot:
Updated the Residents on the County’s activities…as reducing costs of the county and streamlining services; which included budget expenditures. Commissioner meetings are now available on YOUTube.
Opioid Settlement funds are being received, and 2 housing projects with Nonprofits are active within the County.
Fire Chief Tim Markey:
There were 352 fire runs in the County in 2022. Most were medical issues, followed by downed power lines and vehicle incidents. Currently there are 10 Firefighters on staff.
Road Commissioner: Matt Skeels
Talked about the new brine that was used on roads last summer. Stated it was more expensive but worked out well for the dirt roads. It has been contracted to re-brine in 2023.They will use the same company and the same brine solution.
Projects Coming up for this year Include:
The Reynolds Road Bridge in Colfax Township (Bridge Replacement)
Culvert Replacement on Bronnell Rd at Carter Creek
“Chip & Seal” on Crystal Drive between US 31 & M-22
Cinder Road Repaving (Federal Funds)
Seal Coating on M-115 between Benzonia & Frankfort
Received 3 New Plow Trucks
Sherriff Kyle Rosa:
The Sheriff Department is fully staffed at this time.
Jail renewal, Traverse Narcotic Team (TNT) and a additional School Fund Officer are fully funded due to voters approving the past millage.
A deputy is receiving specialized training to deal with Mental Health Issues.
24-hour road service is returning to service this year.
EMERGENCY Manager: Rebecca Hubers:
Explained and clarified her duties for the County. They include: Handling Emergency Responses, and coordinating Homeland Security and FEMA Events. Community Events that require Rescue Training, Hazard Mitigation, Sheriff & Fire Department Training and Emergency Responders. The 911 Dispatch is being relocated to the lower Level of the Sheriff’s Office.
Public Comments:
Renee, the Liaison for State Representative Betsie Coffia, introduced herself & informed us that Betsy Coffia will be holding coffee hours the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Red Door in Lake Ann at 1 P.M.
Lisa Pyne was concerned over lack of manpower to take on increased zoning needs.
Cameron Leuenberger states that selling large parcels of land could encourage campgrounds development.
Public Hearing & Budget & Truth in Taxation
The Budget for the Fiscal year 2023 was reviewed for the Public. Salary increases across the board were recommended and proposed.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 pm, followed by lunch for residents present at the meeting.
Platte Township holds quarterly meeting every 3 months. All Township Residents are encouraged to attend.
Supervisor- Paul Solem, 325-2450 cell 835-0631
Clerk- Alison Michalak, cell 930-7182
Treasurer – Cindy Gottschalk 326-6500
Trustees- Robb Bollenberg and Dan Haswell
Zoning Administrator- Jason Barnard 882-4411
Planning Commission: Robb Bollenberg/ Matt Wieber
Respectfully Submitted by Robb Bollenberg- Platte Township Trustee
October 11, 2022 — Platte Township Board Meeting Highlights
Meeting was called to order by Supervisor Solem at 7 P.M.
All Board members were present. Clerk Michalak was excused due to Illness.
Eleven residents attended the meeting…
Art Jeannott, County Commissioner was also in attendance. Art Jeannot gave his update on happenings at the County level. A Copy of the report is available at the Township office and on the website: www.benzieco.net.
Platte Township Annual Audit was completed July 25, 2022 and the Township met all the State of Michigan Treasury laws.
Trustee Bollenberg gave a Update of the Planning Commission Activities.
The Draft of the Master Plan for Platte & Benzonia is a work in progress. The Next step is a 63 day public Input period to allow for feedback from residents and the general public. The adoption of the Master plan should be in by January 2023.
A second Brine has been completed on all gravel roads in Platte Township.
Esch Rd Paving project is almost complete.
Clean up day this year cost approximately $800.00 for the Township. Four American waste trucks, over 120 tires, a trailer of Electronics, 3 loads of scrap metal and batteries were disposed of.
The Township Hall looks great with its new paint job this summer!
The “Platte Township sign which goes on the front of the Hall is currently getting a face lift with a new coat of paint also.
The Township septic tank was pumped and looks to be in good shape.
12 Election Inspectors are certified for the 2022-2023 season. The General Election is being held Nov 8, 2022.
The Parking Lot Improvement Committee is waiting on a survey and the final cost cost resurfacing the parking lot and applying a gravel base
Wild Things Farm submitted a letter to the township stating their plans for a development as an ” Event” Venue, including Weddings. Supervisor Solem stated that Commercial events are not allowed in the RP 20 – Rural Preservation districts. Much discussion and opposition from the Public followed under Public Comment.
Bills were approved for paying. The Clerks Operating Statement and the Treasurers Operating Statement were approved.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M.
Platte Township holds quarterly meeting every 3 months. All Township Residents are encouraged to attend.
Supervisor- Paul Solem, 325-2450 cell 835-0631
Clerk- Alison Michalak, cell 930-7182
Treasurer – Cindy Gottschalk 326-6500
Trustees- Robb Bollenberg and Dan Haswell
Zoning Administrator- Jason Barnard 882-4411
Planning Commission: Robb Bollenberg/ Matt Wieber
Respectfully Submitted by Robb Bollenberg- Platte Township Trustee
231-510-2213