SUPERVISORS CORNER
You know Fall is probably my favorite season. In addition to football in full swing, the color changes, the fresh vegetables and fruits, the kids back in school(all parents look forward to that), the weather is also my favorite during this season. The cool nights and still warm days really highlight what a Michigan Fall is all about. To me anyways it is the best of seasons. When I lived on the east coast and again down in Ohio I always longed for these days of Fall that I grew up with. It was one of the reasons we returned. I look forward to the days ahead before we experience the dreaded four letter word –snow-.
On to more mundane things now. I have had a couple of issues come across my desk recently that I want to try and clear-up. Normally we do not have property surveys on file at a township. There is no requirement nor law that states that they are to be filed with the township and/or assessor. Now that’s not to say that a resident may bring a survey in and myself, the building department or the assessor may put it in a file with the property records, but that is few and far between. We may have 2% of any property surveys on file. Some get filed at the register of deeds office at the county. But again, there is no legal requirement to do so and there is a cost to file, so most are not filed. Another issue that I have covered many times in the past 11 years, I’ve been writing these now for 11 years, wow how time flies, is that Zoning Permits are required for all structures that are built, moved onto, dropped on or just plain appear on any property in any zoned township in the state. All townships in Iosco and Ogemaw are zoned and their Zoning Ordinance will establish the requirements for such structures. Zoning Permits are required whether the structure is on the ground, in the air, on wheels, tied down, not tied down, on a foundation, or setting on blocks. I recently saw where a local property owners meeting had a discussion about illegal sheds that were being installed and erected(I call it dropped, you can’t erect a building that comes already constructed). The suggestion was to bring these concerns to the next township Planning meeting or township Board meeting, which I encourage anyone to attend if you are interested in the happenings of the community, apparently the concerns were raised by individuals that knew the sheds were illegal and on the lake. Why not talk to the property owner and instruct them in the rules that they may not be aware of rather than allow the shed then fight the battle by pointing the finger and demanding that action be taken. Many times local peer pressure will get faster results than any legal and litigious threats by the township. Any help by the residents is always greatly appreciated. Also, any property owners group can always spread the word that permits need to be obtained before any structures are added to any property.
Check out the gazebo fall decorations by our Garden Club. Great jobs gals and guys. I can never express how impressed I am and all the compliments that we receive on the planters and plaza’s downtown. These individuals that you see out there are all volunteers all the time. THANK YOU GARDEN CLUB. If anyone would like to show their appreciation for the efforts of these individuals, they are always looking for more volunteers or donations to Hale Garden Club Donations, PO Box 174, Hale, MI 48739.
Don’t forget to consider a membership at the Community Center and Eagle Point Plaza. You can come and enjoy pickleball at any time, yoga, cardio drumming, fitness training, walking or some more intense TOWANDA. Whatever your need we probably have some form of activity to assist you. So stop in and see Roma about a membership. We have family rates and business/group rates also. We would love to see you. When you’re here stop in on Tuesdays to the Plainfield Township Historical Museum. They have great displays of our community throughout history and how our residents lived long ago. The members do a great job preserving and showcasing our heritage. They also have genealogical workshops, and guest speakers so stop and ask about the next event. Also don’t forget our library over on M-65 at the Resource Center, call Cheryl at 989-728-4086 for information on upcoming events. As always if you ever have any questions, comments or concerns regarding our community please contact me. I am in the office Monday – Friday 7:30 – 4:00 at 989-728-2811 or my cell at 989-984-7073 or by email supervisor@plainfieldtwpmi.com.
Fred Lewis – Supervisor Plainfield Township