Township board sets site fees

*The board approved charging all site permits $75, since the township incurs expenses for inspections and paperwork for all site permits.

Previously, the township charged for only site permits that were not within 1,000 feet of lakeshore or 300 feeet of a river, since the county was the primary permitting agency within 1,000 feet of lakeshore or 300 feet of a river.

But Mike Jensen - who handles permits for the township - spends at least as much, probably more time on permits within 1,000 feet of lakeshore and 300 feet of a river. The $75 charge is intended to cover the township expense for Jensen's time in handling these permits.

Anyone building within 1,000 feet of lakeshore or 300 feet of a river will still need a county permit, costing $125. Most residential projects also require a septic system review.

*The board approved closing a cul de sac in Country Lane Acres, a new development on NW Koronis Road.

In a new policy, the board approved in September that it would accept the road, with developers Larry and Sharon Wendroth paying for asphalting. That money was put in an escrow fund.

This policy allows the township to provide snowplowing on the road while waiting through a thaw-freeze cycle, allowing the dirt to settle, before blacktopping the road. Also, because the township typically gets a better rate for asphalt, because it deals in larger quantities, the money in escrow could buy a thicker coat of blacktop.

But since lots in a portion of the development are not currently for sale, the cul de sac is not needed at present. By closing the road, the township will not need to plow snow on this unused portion of the road.

*The board set a public hearing on a conditional-use permit for Scott Clobes, who wants to build an accessory building on a property on Breezewood Road without a primary residence, for Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 8:15 p.m.

*The board set a public hearing on a conditional-use permit for Bruce and Patricia Nokleby, who want to build an accessory building on a property on Breezewood Road without a primary residence, for Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 8:30 p.m.

*The board was informed by chairman Don Pietsch that he has consulted with their attorney and asked the attorney to make sure that the township's conditional-use permits are being done properly and are enforceable. Typically, these permits have conditions, like a length of time to remove an existing building or to construct a primary residence. If they are not done properly, though, these conditions may not be enforceable. A report from the township attorney should be available by their next meeting.

*The board set a public hearing for Faye Weatherwax on Monday, Oct. 25, at 8:30 p.m. for a variance to Crosswood Road. Weatherwax plans to build a garage but it does not meet the setback requirement to the road.

*The board accepted a certificate of completion from Bauerly Brothers for this summer's road overlay project and approved a final payment of $11,250 to them. The total project cost $150,000.

*The board approved billing a local contractor $155 for sealcoat repairs on a township road damaged by the contractor's truck.

*The board's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 8 p.m., as Monday, Oct. 11, is Columbus Day.