From the desk of Supervisor Jim Quinlan

October 4, 2011 Newsletter

Fire Fighter Appreciation:

The National firefighter appreciation day is next Tuesday, October 11, 2011.  It is held during National Fire Prevention Week.  We want to take this opportunity to thank our volunteer fire fighters and medical first responders for the service they provide to Morton Township.  These members are true heroes in our community.  Some things you may not know:

1. Each volunteer must complete hundreds of hours of training to become certified and to stay certified in their profession.  In addition to the initial training, all volunteers must continue annual training to maintain their skills.
2. Members are responsible for the maintenance and care of millions of dollars’ worth of equipment and vehicles.
3. Every ladder, pump, and section of fire hose must be inspected and tested annually.  Air packs and masks need to be annually certified as well along with after each use.
4. Records of all of the testing and maintenance must be kept.
5. Members are asked to regularly attend up to 4 meetings per month.
6. Members respond to nearly 500 calls per year with the majority being medical related.

If you have the chance to visit with a volunteer from our department or their family members, please take the time to thank them for their service and commitment.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal

Household hazardous waste is materials that can cause environmental damage if disposed of improperly.  Morton Township, in conjunction with Mecosta County, offers collection of materials at the Mecosta County Fairgrounds in Big Rapids this coming Saturday, October 8, 2011, between 9 a.m. and noon. 

Items accepted include:

1. Automotive products and fuels
2. Paint products (not latex)
3. Yard and Garden Products
4. Cleaners
5. Miscellaneous batteries (not rechargeable), thermometers, light bulbs

Unacceptable items include:

1. Tires
2. Smoke detectors
3. Latex Paint
4. Auto batteries
5. Ammunition
6. Radioactive materials
7. Cell phone
8. Construction waste
9. Appliances
10. Rechargeable batteries

Questions can be addressed to the Mecosta Conservation District office at 231 796-0909 ext. 3.

Mecosta Youth Center

The Village of Mecosta planning commission will be holding a public hearing to discuss the activities of the Youth Center on October 18, 2011 at 7 p.m.  The center has been operating for a few years now and the participation has been growing every month.  Please consider attending this hearing to support their efforts and to learn more about their programs.

ISO

We are still waiting to hear when our ISO evaluation will take place.  The Fire and Rescue volunteers continue to work hard to prepare.  The members are committed to doing everything possible to get our rating reduced.  Again, thank them when you see them.

The new well at the fire station in Mecosta is almost ready to come on line.  We are waiting for Consumers Energy to bring power to the well.  We are real pleased to announce that Ice Mountain has made a generous donation towards the cost of the well.  Their $15,000, coupled with the $10,000 donation from the village has helped to reduce the total cost to our residents.  The total cost will approach $75,000.

Recycling news

Our recycling continues to grow.  We fill our container each week.  We want to remind residents that we have moved our operation to the parking lot behind the Canadian Lakes Fire Station.  We understand that some residents did not notice the change in location and thought we had terminated the service.  We will continue to collect recyclables each Saturday between 9 a.m. and noon.  In the event of severe weather, we may close down for the day.  Again, check our website for a current list of collectable materials.

Road Wish List

We have submitted the following roads to the Road Commission for possible attention next year.  The Road Commission will get us estimates by next spring so that decisions can be made on prioritizing this list.

1. East Blue Lake Dr. from Grant Rd. to M-20.
2. 100th north of Buchannan.
3. Wood St.
4. 7 Mile Rd. from 100th to Clubhouse Dr. / resurface.
5. 7 Mile Rd. from Clubhouse Dr. to 70th / seal coat.
6. 110th Pierce to 6 Mile.
7. 70th from 7 Mile to 6 Mile.
8. 100th Pierce to 7 Mile.

Strategic Planning

We are tentatively considering a Strategic Planning session for Morton Township sometime next spring.  We would like to develop Goals and Objectives for the next several years.  This should include a long term Capital Expenditure plan.  Watch for more information early next year.

We hope you are finding these newsletters helpful.  Please share them with your friends.  Encourage others to sign up at our website www.mortontownship.org. We encourage any feedback you may wish to send.  Comments can be sent to supervisor@mortontownship.org.