November 2011 Morton Township Newsletter

The fall has been very busy in the Township as we prepare for winter. Leaves have been raked.  Irrigation systems have been drained. Landscaping has been completed at the Mecosta fire station.  Driveway markers are being installed.  The industrial park no trespassing signs are being updated.

Halloween has come and gone but not without candy for our youth.  My thanks to the Fire and Rescue Department for again hosting trick or treating in the Village of Mecosta.  I estimate that over 200 children were entertained and served candy by our members.

MECOSTA YOUTH CENTER

The Mecosta Planning Commission has held a couple on public hearings regarding the special land use permit they granted the Organizers for Youth several years ago.  The planning commission apparently received a complaint that private parties were being held at the Youth Center and that may have violated the special use permit.  At the public hearings, numerous residents showed up to support the center’s activities. There was no public opposition presented.

The youth center operates on whatever gifts and money they can make.  The Youth Board would like to make the center available during nonuse hours to families or groups who would like to rent the hall.  All proceeds from these rentals would go towards center activities.  The rentals would include baby or wedding showers, birthday or anniversary parties, holiday parties, and fund raisers to benefit the center.  The Board is sympathetic to any neighborhood noise or traffic concerns and will limit the activities to exclude any function that would include alcohol or any function that would not normally conclude at a reasonable hour.  Compromise on an acceptable new special land use permit is needed.

The Youth Center programs have increased again this year.  The number of families and children that use the center continues to climb.  The center normally operates after school and if you would like to visit and observe you are more than welcome.  The Township is proud to contract services from the Youth Board to aid our children and families.

COUNTRY CORNER CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

The Lakes Area merchants are planning the first ever pre-Christmas celebration.  Activities will take place from Friday November 25ththrough Sunday November 27th.  Santa will arrive on his sleigh at the gazebo outside of the Sweet Shop at Country Corners at 11 a.m. on Friday.  He will be present daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to greet kids and have his picture taken with them.

In conjunction with the celebration, Caldwell Banker will be collecting hats and gloves for local schools.  There will be a craft show at the castle on Saturday.  Area merchants will run specials all weekend.  The Outback will be offering horse drawn rides.

Look for ads in the Pioneer.  The Sweet Shop is looking for a Santa and Mrs. Clause outfit for the occasion.  If you know where they could get one, call 972-0012

ISO STATUS

Our request to be evaluated by ISO has finally been acknowledged.  ISO has sent us requests for material they want to review before coming out to inspect our operation. Although we have previously submitted most of this material, ISO is requesting that we resubmit the material in one packet. The Fire Department has put in numerous additional hours to satisfy this request.  I have been working with the Fire Chief to develop a detailed map that identifies all of our roads, bridges, water sources, and major properties that need fire protection.  The Township Board appreciates all of the extra effort that is being put into this project.

It is important to remember that ISO does not work for us.  They are an organization that works for insurance companies.  The insurance companies are not in a hurry to see premiums lowered which is the goal of an ISO inspection.  We are frustrated just like many of you are for how slow this process is working.  It is even possible that ISO will not physically come out until next year.  We continue to ask for your patience.  We feel the end result will benefit us all.

RECYCLING

We had thought that participation would go down as our Snowbirds left to go south.  If anything, participation has increased.  Although this comes with a cost, the benefits of the program are obvious.  Participants are again encouraged to be patient with the operation.  Our workers do the best they can to keep the line moving.  We need to make sure participants are brining clean recyclables.  If it is dirty, it is garbage and we can’t take it.  Your donations each week help to defray the costs of the program.

RIVER ACCESS PROJECT

Yo Belingar has proposed to chair a committee to research a possible water access park on the river beside 7 Mile Rd.  The State is offering 75% grant money to purchase and develop parks that allow access to water.  The Township’s 25% can include gifts or donated in-kind labor.  We have received several inquiries into providing a site to launch canoes and kayaks on the Little Muskegon River.  This site seems ideal as it provides a safe level access site and plenty of room for other recreational activities and parking.  If you are interested in the project, contact Yo at clerk@mortontownship.org.

NEW COMMERCIAL ENDEAVORS IN THE TOWNSHIP

Three new commercial activities have been approved in Morton Township.  Lakeside Motor Sports is constructing a large in-door storage facility to complement their other business ventures.  Ed Richter is one of our largest employers.  His confidence in the business climate in our area is a positive sign that our economy is still strong.

Country Corner Market has applied for a permit to add a large addition to their grocery store.  Our thanks go out to Gail Hixson for his continued support to our community.

Tullymore and St. Ives continue to grow.  If you haven’t toured the grounds lately, you should.  They continue to expand their housing and amenities.  A new addition will go up at the Inn at St. Ives to offer kitchen services there

WREATH SALE

The Tri-Lakes Association will again sell Christmas wreaths this year.  They historically have been very beautiful.  Wreaths can be ordered by calling Doyle Reality. 

MECOSTA AREA COMMITTEE

The MAC committee is planning their annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Chapel of the Lakes Lutheran Church on 90thAve. again this year.  Volunteers can call Chuck and Sharon Gilliani at 972-2945 or Diane Diehm at 972-8800.

The MAC committee has installed the new township signs at the airport on M-20 and on M-20 near 9 mile Rd.  They are very nice looking signs that showcase our township.  Let us know what you think of them.

WE hope you are enjoying these newsletters.  Tell your friends that they can sign up at www.mortontownship.org.  If you have comments or concerns you can send them to me at supervisor@mortontownship.org.