Centerville Township Board extended a moratorium on site plan reviews until August 31, 2024. They also addressed unauthorized septage waste injection by Williams Pumping into Eitzen farm field, threatening fines. While the owners assert “right to farm” laws support their actions, the township is pursuing enforcement through legal channels, ensuring compliance with local ordinances.
Centerville Township has implemented a two-month extension of its moratorium on site plan reviews, lasting until August 31, 2024. This decision aims to allow more time for the analysis and preparation needed for amending the zoning ordinance, while exempting applications mandated by court orders from this temporary hold on site plan approvals.
The Planning Commission (PC) held a public hearing to discuss zoning ordinance updates, with further meetings scheduled for June and July. Additionally, a site plan moratorium may be extended to August 2024. Concerns regarding the public complaint process are being addressed, while discussions around the township’s stance on medical marijuana continue.
Williams & Bay is applying septage in full compliance with their EGLE license number SH-1483, the Michigan Right to Farm Act (“RTFA”), the GAAMPs for Manure Management and Utilization, and the Agronomical Application Rates. The RTFA preempts the right of Centerville Township to require Williams & Bay to obtain a special use permit.
The Charter Township of Elmwood convened a special board meeting on June 18, 2024, to discuss public safety and park improvements. Fire and Rescue Medical Director Kathryn Dunklow proposed Advanced Life Support (ALS) services, while the Parks and Recreation Committee recommended enhancements for Cherry Bend Park, including accessibility improvements and new recreational facilities like pickleball courts.
The Leelanau County Board of Commissioners held a special session on June 14, 2024, to discuss the County Administrator/CFO position. After reviewing two final candidates and hearing input from staff, the Board decided to extend Interim Administrator Richard Lewis’s contract and revisit the decision in 60-90 days, focusing on Finance Department development.
The Village of Empire Council convened for a work session on June 13, 2024, discussing key issues such as the mass gathering application fee, wastewater study updates, and short-term rental regulations. They aimed to enhance public welfare, address community event logistics, and refine development strategies to improve village resource management in the upcoming months.
The Empire Village Council held a work session on June 13, 2024, addressing key agenda items such as Short-Term Rentals and beach parking fees. Public comments highlighted concerns over potential conflicts of interest. Reports on wastewater and village updates were presented, alongside required actions and discussions on the Master Plan. The session concluded at 9:21 p.m.
The Renovare team presents a Site Feasibility Analysis and Master Plan Update for the Gateway to Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. The revised goal is to update the master plan by validating current objectives, expanding on economic development needs, and creating area plans to support private investment. This involves data gathering, community engagement, and proposed redevelopment tools.
The Council approved the minutes from the May 9, 2024, meeting and received staff reports on the old hospital’s demolition, land use permits, and a proposed trash-pickup collaboration. Discussions included zoning approvals for housing projects, revisions to the Village Zoning Ordinance, and the approval of the 2024-25 Fiscal Year Budget with various amendments.
