Posts by Zoe

The Watersmeet Township Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday September 7, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Watersmeet Township Community Center, N4689 1^st Street, Watersmeet, MI.  The purpose is to consider a variance request by Mr. Stephen Freundl to allow construction of a garage on his lakefront lot.  N3603 Channel Rd.

The public may express its views at this hearing or send written comments to:  Chairperson, Watersmeet Township Zoning Board of Appeals, PO Box 306, Watersmeet, MI 49969 by Monday September 1, 2022.  Documents associated with the variance request may be examined during normal business hours at the Watersmeet Township offices, also located at N4689 1^st Street.

THE COMMUNITY CENTER IS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE.

Agenda

The Watersmeet Fire Department recently received a $5,500 grant from Enbridge, Inc. to purchase gas detectors.  These detectors will allow firefighters to safely enter areas where there may be possible natural gas leaks.  These devices will be valuable assets to keep the firefighters and community safe.

Many residents expressed their disappointment when it was announced that road names were going to be removed from the fire number signs due to the need for a road audit in Watersmeet.

The township is now making available separate road name blade signs.  These signs are 3” x 20” and can be attached directly below the fire number sign.  The cost is $14.00 per sign.

While acknowledging the additional expense, this is the best option to reduce the number of fire number signs that might have to be replaced after a road audit.  The township is not encouraging the purchase of the road name signs and will not be responsible for their replacement if a road name changes. This is an offer of compromise for those who felt strongly about having a road name on their fire number sign.

For consistency and to avoid confusion to emergency responders, the road name blades must match, exactly, the township road sign.

Questions?  Please email: info@watersmeetmi.gov

Click here for order form

On Wednesday, May 19th, the Watersmeet Board of Trustees voted to permanently cancel the regularly scheduled meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. and return to one meeting per month.

The Board will meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Watersmeet Community Center.

Due to the increased costs for the disposal of large items, the Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees approved a revision to the transfer station fee schedule.  The new fees will become effective June 1, 2022. The disposal of recycling and household waste will remain free of charge.  Transfer Station services are available to Watersmeet Township residents and homeowners only, owners of vacant property are not permitted to utilize transfer station services.  Individuals with out of state plates and driver’s licenses should obtain a window sticker from the Township office, proof of residency and/or home ownership is required, i.e. utility bill.
 View new fee schedule>

A springtime reminder, grass and leaves that were on the ground over the winter are very dry and can ignite easily from a spark or an ember

If you intend to burn yard debris, make sure that weather conditions are favorable. Go to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if burn permits are being issued in your area.

Here are some other safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never leave any fire unattended.
• Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning yard waste or enjoying a campfire or bonfire.
• Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging and don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
• Do not shoot fireworks into the woods or into dry grass or shrubs.
• It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
• Use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.

Get more safety tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.

The state of Michigan does not require burn permits, however permission to burn is required via the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Permission to Burn map available on-line DNR Burn Permits Map (state.mi.us)

Michigan law allows burning of:

• Leaves, grass, limbs, brush, stumps and evergreen needles
• Household paper materials that do not contain plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals or hazardous materials. These must be burned in a covered metal or masonry container with openings no larger than ¾ inches.

Visit Michigan Department of Natural Resources for more information Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.

PURSUANT TO THE WATERSMEET OUTDOOR FIRE REGULATION ORDINANCE – FINES WILL BE IMPOSED FOR ILLEGAL OPEN BURNING

Offenders will also be required to reimburse the township(s) for all costs associated with an emergency response.

The Gogebic Conservation District (GDC) is currently conducting a conservation needs assessment survey. The survey is on the GCD website, or paper copies can be picked up at the GCD office located at 500 N. Moore Street – Bessemer, MI 49911

Information gathered from this will be used to guide what areas they will focus on in the next 5 years.

The GCD is requesting that all interested individuals take a moment to complete this survey.

For more information you may contact the Gogebic Conservation District at (906) 663-4512​ or soil@gogebiccountymi.gov

Effective April 1, 2022 the Watersmeet Township staffing assignments for Building, Zoning and Land Divisions have been changed as follows:

Zoning Administrator/Land Divisions – Mark Erhart
zoningadmin@watersmeetmi.gov
906-358-4501 or 906-358-0504
Office Hours: Monday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m
Drop-ins are accepted, appointments are encouraged

Building Inspector – Dan Kline
buildinginspector@watersmeetmi.gov
906-358-4501 (office)
906-366-0261 (cell)
Office Hours: None set, drop-ins are accepted, appointments are encouraged

The installation of high-speed internet in Watersmeet is likely delayed until 2023.

On February 16, 2022, Bruce Moore, CEO of Highline, appeared before the Township Board to provide an update of the installation of the high-speed internet in Watersmeet. Bruce explained that there have been unforeseen delays in the installation in the first two counties Highline serviced that is causing the delay to the installation process in Watersmeet. The Board asked Bruce how we can help move the process along. The Board volunteered to set up connections between Highline and the County Road Commission to start the permit process early. Bruce appreciated the contact information.

Stay tuned to the Watersmeet Township website for further updates.