Ensley Township in Newaygo County MI

Ensley Township Newsletter

July 2004

Paid for by the General Fund

ELECTION HELD AT FIRE BARN

  The Primary election is from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on August 3.  This year, due to the importance of the election and the number of registered voters in the township, we are holding the election next door at the fire barn.  This will allow us to have everyone in the building in case of rain and it is more handicap accessible.  We purchased five more voting booths, so there should be little to no wait.

  The November, General Election will also be held at the fire barn.

Crime Watch

The annual picnic will be held in White Cloud at the Commission on Aging on July 24 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Last month we held a “Meet the Candidate” night.  This was a huge success as we had eighteen of the twenty-one candidates running for election.

Baptist Lake

The Baptist Lake Association voted at their annual meeting to close the boat ramp from the hours of 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.   The Park Committee immediately held a meeting and voted to keep it open for all to use.  The Township Board concurred.  All who use the lake are to recognize that at 7:30 PM there is to be a no-wake policy until 11:00 AM.  All citizens are asked to help police this effort by contacting the sheriffs department at 231-690-5288 or 231-689-6623.

Ensley Forest Project

Grant writing is in the process at the time.  If anyone would like to be a part of this committee, please contact Don Lehnert, John VanderMeulen, or Bob Bird.

Treasurer’s Notes

Summer tax deferments are once again available to those that qualify.  Application must be made annually.

Clean-up Days

There was considerable drop off in the amounts of things brought in as well as the amount of people taking part.  The lines were short as the unloading took less time with the no shovel offs.

  Summer Road Work

  The spring rains delayed many of the Road Commission’s projects.  Rebuilding of Cottonwood will be late in the year, possible not until October.  Paving projects will begin the end of July or beginning of August.  Reseal should begin soon.

Zoning

Our Zoning Administrator has been finding a number of violations and some have been easily corrected.  Some will be receiving a civil infraction ticket for not following the ordinances.  Check with the zoning administrator and/or the building inspector before you start or finish a project that needs a permit! 

Ordinances are available on the web page ensleytownship.org or at the township hall on the days of office hours.  Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, or by contacting the clerk at 231-937-5091

Road Millage Renewal

The three mill road millage is up for renewal this year.  We are asking that the voters approve it for another four years.  This money is used for rebuilding as well as blacktopping new roads and resurfacing roads in poor condition.

Clerk’s Notes

There is still plenty of time to obtain an absentee ballot. 

There are over 1,600 registered voters in our township!   Yet, probably only a small percentage will actually come to the polls.  Only a handful of people will request an absentee ballot.   We need you to come out and vote for the people who run your government.  Local and state candidates are on the ballot.  If you do not vote—you have no right to complain.

Sample ballots are at the township hall as well as at my office

Building News

Boca code violations (building) are now a civil infraction in our township.  This ordinance was recently adopted.  This is a police ordinance meaning that there is no grandfather clause when it comes to building violations.  Check with the building inspector or contact the supervisor through the web page by e-mail.

Englewright Lake

Complaints have been received of people exposing themselves from a boat on the lake and relieving themselves into the lake. 

Lyman Cole is the president of the lake association.  His number is 636-4900.

Dogs

All dogs need to be on a leash, kept on a chain, or in a fenced area.  There have been many complaints of running dogs.  This is a state law.

Township board

OTHER POSITIONS

Bob Hawkins,                          Fire Chief  636-5256

Mary Balberde, County       Commissioner  937-7474

Gary Butler,                          Cemetery Sexton        636-5385

Steve Boluyt,                       Building Insp.  636-8240

Pat Huffman,                       Electrical Insp.          696-7741

Max Evens,                         Assessor,  Zoning Adm.    636-8510

MEETING SCHECULE

TOWNSHIP BOARD

Sept. 7

October 5

November 9

December 7

January 4, 2005

February 1,

March 1, 2005

All meetings start at 8:00 PM and are held at the Ensley Township Hall, 7163 E 120th Street, Sand Lake, MI  49343

The Planning Commission Meets the last Monday of the month.

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