SWWCOG

Key Roundtable Items Presented at Recent Meetings

The “roundtable” is a summary review of current activities in each member’s jurisdiction, and is presented at the end of the SWWCOG meeting. Listed below are some current items identified by members: 

February 2009 Roundtable

Manchester Schools, Ellison - Bond proposal election on Feb. 24, will discuss election procedures and sites. Still dealing with budget issues. Rep. Mark Schauer indicated possibility of Federal money for schools, but action by State would be much more desirable.

Freedom Township, Weidmayer – Attended Jan. 29 Lansing meeting on local government sponsored by Farm Bureau, examples of cooperation talked about included Frankenmuth and SWWCOG. Lindemann (Planning Commission) - 175th anniversary of Freedom Twp. Celebration, most of meeting taken up by annual gravel pit reports.

Bridgewater Township, Fromhart (Planning Commission) - Adopted new by-laws, looking at zoning ordinance revisions and private sewer ordinance, no Board action taken on Flag Lot Ordinance.

Sharon Township, Jones – Changed Board Meeting starting time to 8:00 PM, false accusation about attempted rape on M-52, have caught some of the B&E, permit for wind generator has been accepted. Sent complimentary letter to Road Commission about good winter road maintenance, Centegrol solid waste issues, DNR starling killing happened, but need to get more than 24 hour advance notice to Township office.

Manchester Township, Mann – Road load limits going in effect this Friday, started process to set up a new special assessment district for a private road, amendment made to Zoning Ordinance requiring posting announcement signs on properties involved in Public Hearings. McIntosh (Planning Commission) - revised Commercial Vehicle Ordinance passed on to Board, will hold another public hearing.

Manchester Village, Vailliencourt – Discussed Big Dutch Car Wash revised site plan, concern raised by residents about excessive number of deer in Village, starting 2009-2010 budget review, Downtown Enhancement likely delayed to 2011.

January 2009 Roundtable

Manchester Village, Vailliencourt – Reviewed MDOT review of Downtown Manchester enhancement project on January 8. Project likely deferred to 2011 due to tree and pavement issues raised by State Historic Preservation Office. Planning Commission, Dunsmore - discussed car wash site plan changes.

Manchester Schools, no report

Freedom Township, Board, Haeussler – Fire run complaints primary Board discussion topic. Planning Commission, Lindemann – gravel pit reviewed, JPC plan discussed, regionalization will be pushed in 2010 according to their Engineering Consultant.

Bridgewater Township, Board, Mull – Passed resolution approving consent decree resolving fireworks lawsuit. Sewer has received approval reducing testing requirements from 5 days/week to 3 days/week for most tests. One test will continue to require 5 day/week testing. Planning Commission, Fromhart – recommended flag lot and shared driveway ordinance revisions, Board tabled for further study and will evaluate other SWWCOG Township Ordinances, reviewing revisions to Preservation District Ordinance, updating By-Laws, looking at private wastewater ordinance.

Sharon Township, Planning Commission, Lewis – No significant issues at Board Meeting, PC working on Master Plan review.

Manchester Township, Board, Mann – Amendments to Zoning Ordinances on commercial vehicles brought significant citizen participation and concern, sent back to PC for further work and will hold another Public Hearing. New contract from Sand Lake Fire Department for southern part of Township. WATS long range plan discussed financing of Public Transportation.

 Many quiet country roads exist in our area.