September 8, 2011 

RECYCLING NEWS

Our recycling program continues to exceed expectations.  Every week we see new residents taking part in the program.  We are pleased to announce that effective this week, we will be able to collect clean (no food or drink containers) Styrofoam.  It should be put in clear bags and can be mixed with all of our other collectable items.  Please refer to our website www.mortontownship.orgfor detailed information on our recycling program.

MORTON TOWNSHIP MASTER PLAN

The township board and planning commission continue to fine tune our plan.  The Board will consider recommendations from the planning commission at their regular monthly Board meeting Tuesday 9/3/2011 at 9 a.m.  The Board will be developing goals and objectives for the township in the near future and you input is welcome.  We will also be putting together a Capital Improvement Plan for the township to help with the planning of future budgets.

ISO PREPARATION PROGRESS

The well site at the end of Quail Lane in Canadian Lakes has been made accessible for our fire trucks.  The well site off of West Royal has had improvements made to the road access.  We appreciate the cooperation of the Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation in preparing these sites.  Access to water is a major factor in how a community is rated by ISO.

The well in Mecosta is complete.  We are waiting for the arrival of the pump.  This project has come in well below original estimates and we appreciate the Village of Mecosta helping us with the cost of this well.

Our fire and rescue personnel continue to train several times a month to prepare for our ISO evaluation.  Part of the process includes our people having to demonstrate their abilities.  We are appreciative of the hard work they are putting in to prepare.  No date has been set for the evaluation.

The Department continues to seek able bodied individuals to join their ranks.  We are in real need for volunteers that are available during daytime hours.  Interested residents can contact the fire chief at firechief@mortontownship.org.

LIBRARY EXPANSION

Progress on the construction of the library expansion seems slightly ahead of schedule.  Community residents are anxious to see the facility reopened. . If you have any questions about the expansion project, please contact Mary Ann Lenon, library director, at 972-8315.  For construction pictures and updates, please visit the library website www.morton.michlibrary.organd the library’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/MortonTownshipLibrary.       

ROAD COMMISSION PROJECTS

The Township Board will be submitting proposed projects for the Commission to consider in the very near future.  So far the Board has identified a portion of 7 mile road near the river, 2 portions of 100thavenue, Wood St., East Blue Lake Drive, 85thavenue and 70thavenue from 7 mile to 6 mile roads as projects we would like the County to consider. We obviously will not be able to participate right away in all of these projects but will try to prioritize them for consideration over the next several years.

ORV USAGE ON MECOSTA COUNTY ROADS

There will be a public hearing at the Mecosta County Courthouse in Big Rapids on September 15, 2011 at 7 p.m. to address proposed new rules regarding the usage of off road vehicles on area roads.  The township will have to decide whether to accept the new rules for our area or not.

SUMMER TAXES

The last day to pay your summer taxes without penalty is September 14, 2011.  Taxes can be paid during regular business hours or by dropping them in the box on the front of the township office.

WE hope you find this newsletter helpful.  We welcome your ideas. Our website is www.mortontownship.org. We encourage you to look at this site regularly to find helpful information about our township.  This is also where people may sign up to receive the newsletters.  We are anxious to hear from you as to what information we can put on our website and in our newsletter that will be of assistance to you.

MEETING REMINDER

Our September 2011 Board of Trustee meeting will be held tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. at the township hall.  The public is welcome to attend.