ELK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP
Elk Rapids Township Update

By Jennifer Griffin, Contributing Writer

The ER Township Regular meeting was Tuesday, May 11 at 9 a.m. Trustee Aaron Eisenhart has resigned but the remaining members were enough for a quorum. The vacancy will be addressed at the next meeting. Under public comment a resident asked that the audio for the meetings be kept online for a longer period of time to allow others to go through and catch up on various topics discussed. An email was read from another resident encouraging everyone to get vaccinated. With the approval of both the meeting and consent agenda there were brief reports from both the Sheriff and MMR. There was a total of 37 911 calls, which included 8 wellness checks, 2 general assists and 2 follow ups. There were only 16 ambulance calls with 14 transports. Dorance Amos stressed that response times are critical for MMR rather than how many ambulances are in the area. The Fire Department had only 6 runs. The department is still at 19 staff members, but one will be leaving for Colorado shortly, which will take them down to 18. Everyone has had their CPR classes, and equipment at the station is still being serviced.

Mark Stone, the Antrim County Drain Commissioner, spoke to the board about the Elk Rapids Dam. The roof replacement on the hydro plant has been delayed but should be replaced beginning on Monday, May 17. Once completed the building should be good for another 10-15 years. Stone is looking to replace the cyclone fencing at one point as well. Stone reviewed the dam collapse downstate and its implications for Elk Rapids and other areas. Many dams were constructed before World War II and should be upgraded or replaced. Since this is expensive, various agencies have proposed that communities have a bond to help pay for any damages should a dam fail. This is still under discussion. A hydrology study is being done of the surrounding lakes. With the water levels dropping back down to normal and the boat traffic increasing, there may be a need to dredge the waterways in the near future. It will be expensive, and Stone would recommend putting together a board to help facilitate the process.
​
The new road name was tabled until further notice. The owner of the property needs to be contacted and have other things addressed before the road is considered ready. Zoning Ordinance amendments #2021-01 and #2021-2 were both approved. The generator for the larger lift station will be run on propane. There will be a meeting on June 3 regarding the proposed sewer on Cairn Highway. The state has received money from the government to distribute for COVID help. Since the money can be spent on sewage improvements, some of the money received may go toward this project. Flyers for the public meeting regarding the Cairn Highway sewage project will be sent out midmonth. May 17 is the final date for applications for the open trustee position. On May 27 the board will have a special meeting at 9 a.m. to select a new trustee. Clean Up Day is May 15. Flags that will be placed on the veteran graves on Memorial Day.  The next meeting is Tuesday, June 8 at 9 a.m.

MILTON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
​Traffic study sent back to subcommittee for hurry-up vote

By Steve Yencich, Contributing Writer

All commission members were present except Milton Township Zoning Administrator, Chris Weinzapfel, who remained at township offices working to resolve the technical problems that had delayed the meeting. Numerous residents spoke in support of a proposed traffic study of the intersection of Cherry Avenue and Torch River Road.  Many raised concerns about high traffic flows, parking on private property, pedestrian safety, first responder access, and increased golf cart and pedestrian traffic through an already congested intersection. Rebecca Millican, attorney for TESA and TLPA lake associations, said traffic concerns were not unique to her clients but were a longstanding concern. Millican also cited the township’s special use ordinance, saying there was an explicit standard in the ordinance that says, “that the proposed use cannot produce excessive traffic.”  

However, other residents spoke in support of the project, calling for a prompt vote on the matter, including site owner, Jim Brewer, and business partner, John Peal, who asked, “At what point does this commission act?” You’ve worked with me many times in the past; you know I’m a good developer.” Both Brewer and Peal called for the traffic study to be conducted as a part of an update of the Township’s Master Plan. They reminded commission members that MDOT had indicated that a traffic study was unnecessary for a project of this size. Peal also raised potential liability issues for the township for delay of the project and the resulting cost impact on developers. An engineer for the park developer also spoke, saying they had participated in a three-hour subcommittee meeting last month and could make requested changes in the plan without the need to refile the application. Heidi Schafer, soil erosion officer for Antrim County, called for resolution of the matter one way or another, pointing to concerns raised by the impact of last summer’s July storm, which caused significant erosion damage to the development.
​
Developer attorney Andy Blodgett told the commission they had three options for the final determination of the special use permit. They could “approve, deny, or approve with conditions.” Chairman Bill Hefferan acknowledged receipt and review of materials sent from developers. However, Hefferan said he had not received the analysis from Beckett & Raeder, minutes from the subcommittee meeting, or a recommendation on the traffic study. Subcommittee Chairman Joe Merillat also reported the subcommittee had not heard back from Beckett & Raeder.  With additional discussion, the commission determined that the matter would go back to the subcommittee for a brief meeting to produce a recommendation for the proposed traffic study. The subcommittee meeting will tentatively take place Monday evening, May 17. Interested parties were encouraged to check Milton Township’s website for a confirmed meeting date and time.

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR 2017 REFUND

An estimated 1.3 million taxpayers did not file a 2017 federal income tax return and may be due a refund.  The following information explains what you need to know about getting your unclaimed 2017 tax refund.

1.    To collect the refund, taxpayers must file their 2017 federal income tax return with IRS no later than this year’s tax deadline, Monday, May 17.
2.    When a taxpayer who is getting a refund does not file an income tax return, the law gives them three years to claim that tax refund.  If the taxpayer does not file a tax return within three years, the money goes back to the United States Treasury.  For 2017 income tax returns, the three-year window closes May 17, 2021.
3.    The law requires taxpayers to properly address and mail the tax return to IRS.  It must be postmarked by the May deadline.
4.    IRS may hold the 2017 income tax refund of taxpayers who have not filed income tax returns for 2018 and/or 2019.
5.    The unclaimed tax refund will be applied to any amounts still owed to IRS or a state tax agency.  The money may also be used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, such as student loans.
6.    By failing to file an income tax return, people stand to lose more than just their tax refund.  Many low-and moderate-income workers may be eligible for the earned income tax credit (EITC).  For 2017, this credit could be as high as $6,318.  The 2017 EITC thresholds (the adjusted gross income at which taxpayers are no longer eligible for the EITC) were:
    A. $43,340 for those with three or more qualifying children, $53,930 if married filing jointly
    B. $45,007 for taxpayers with two qualifying children or $50,597 if married filing jointly
    C. $39,617 for taxpayers with one qualifying child or $45,207 if married filing jointly
    D. $15,010 for taxpayers without qualifying children or $20,600 if married filing jointly
7.    Current and prior year tax forms are available on the Forms, Instructions and Publication page of IRS.GOV or by calling toll-free 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
8.    Taxpayers who are missing forms W-2, 1099, or 5498 for the years 2017, 2018 or 2019 should request copies from their employer, bank, or other payer.  Taxpayers who are unable to get missing forms can order a free wage and income transcript at IRS.GOV using the Get Transcript Online tool.  Taxpayers can use the information on the tax transcript to file their federal income tax return.

For more information, go to HTTPS://WWW/IRS.GOV and at the bottom right, click on Search Forms and Instructions, click on Prior Year on the left, then at Prior Year Forms, Instructions and Publications, in the search box type 2017 1040.  The 2017 Form 1040 option appears on the right.  To get a transcript of your income reported to IRS via forms such as W-2, 1099, etc in the search box type Get Transcript Online, then click on Welcome to Get Transcript. In order to obtain your tax transcript, you will need a variety of personal information to verify your identity that is listed on the screen.  Submitted by Char Kirchner, CPA, MSA and Rex Rudolph, CPA

Historical Society receives $3,774 grant 

The Elk Rapids Area Historical Society has received a $3,774 grant from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund. The grant will be used to replace 17 double hung windows in the lower level of the History Museum that are now 120 years old. In addition to preserving Elk Rapids History, the Society has actively worked toward preserving the historic building in which the museum is housed for the benefit of the Elk Rapids community. Members of the Great Lakes Energy support the People Fund by voluntarily rounding up their bills to the next highest dollar. The rounded-up amount is distributed to non-profit organizations and charitable activities that benefit people in communities served by the cooperative.

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Harbor Commission Update

By Jennifer Griffin, Contributing Writer

The Harbor Commission met Monday, May 10 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Present were Doug Bronkema, Charlene Hansen, Joe Fisher and Jack Blesma. The Harbormaster reported that preparations for the May 15th opening have kept everyone busy. Training has been completed; water has been tested etc. Dredging is still ongoing. The water levels are approximately 18-24 inches lower than last year so there have been several requests to have the docks lowered.  

The proposed updates to the rules and regulations discussed last meeting were approved. Since there was a quorum the commission moved ahead with electing officials. Joe Fisher remains the chair, Bob Orchel remains vice-chair and the election of recording secretary was deferred until next meeting. There was an approval of the updated fees and Harbor rules regarding the names on the boat slip applications. A discussion about how to handle the adding of a name to the application as well as how many names may be on an application ensued. It was determined that those named on the boat slip had to be a boat owner. Further discussion about changing the actual application to include more than one name and a possible deadline for current slip holder to update their application has been put on hold until the next meeting. The next meeting will be Monday, June 14 at 7 p.m.

VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
Parks and Recreation Update

By Jennifer Griffin, Contributing Writer

The Parks and Rec Commission met via Zoom Thursday, May 6 via Zoom. Only four members were present: James Dake, Gordon Stewart, Mike Conrad and Charlie Pryde. Royce Ragland gave a short presentation on behalf of Green ER requesting help to get $1800 for a concept plan to be done for a public access water and shoreline management project along Bass Lake. The total project will cost approximately $40,000, but Ragland thinks that Green ER can raise the money via grants and other support once a concept plan is completed. Green ER would be using the same company that did various local projects, including the bioswale and rain gardens in Elk Rapids. Green ER received $900 to move forward with their project.

Despite having only four members present the election of officers went forward. Melissa West was elected as the new chairperson, James Dake will be vice-chairperson and Mike Conrad will continue as secretary. Two ordinances were reviewed for recommendations to be given back to the Village Council. The first was an update to the process for board appointments on the commissions. The new phrasing would allow the commission members as well as the president to be included in the decision-making process when appointing new commission members. All three present commission members agreed that it would be a good practice to start and Charlie Pryde will take the conversation back to the Village Council for further consideration. The second ordinance discussed was the process to establish a vendor, such as what happened with the beach front vendors a few years ago. This amendment will clarify the wording so that potential applicants will understand what is specifically being looked for. This also met with a favorable response from the commission members and the changes will be recommended to council.

Pryde asked commission members for ideas as to what to do with the Riverwalk area by the parking lot. The suggestions going back to council include placement of bicycle racks, putting up an information board for the various connecting trails and getting local beautification members to put in plants and trees.
​
The Ride Around Torch will take place this year but on a smaller scale. Memorial Park may be both the beginning and the ending point for the ride. It is unclear as to whether or not parking will be available at the school as in previous events. The Spring Into Summer event has been postponed possibly until this fall. The Village Council held a virtual retreat on Saturday, May 8 via Zoom from 8 to 11 a.m. The next meeting is Thursday, June 3 at 7 p.m.

MILTON TOWNSHIP
​Discussion of traffic study for proposed RV Park dominates meeting

By Steve Yencich, Contributing Writer

The agenda for Monday’s Milton Township Board meeting was relatively light, which left plenty of time for numerous public comments made as the meeting opened and closed. Those comments focused mainly on calls for the board to fund a traffic study for the proposed Torch Lake RV Park.  

Residents made a variety of points, one pointing out that there were 55 driveways in and around the affected area, and another reminding the board of difficulties cited by first responders in maneuvering in tight spaces. Speed limits, seasonal parking on congested public roads and other safety concerns were interspersed throughout these comments, further supporting calls for the traffic study. One resident expressed her frustration with her family’s inability to safely pull out of their driveway during busy summer months, saying “It’s just horrible.”  Others pointed to the 108 private landowners on Torch River Road, claiming that every property owner’s only choice in driving to their homes was to go through that intersection, and cited the inclusion of up to 80 golf carts, one for each campsite.  Others summarized concerns for groundwater, Torch River and Torch Lake, as well as for drinking water.   

Attorney Andy Blodgett and park property owner Jim Brewer were also in attendance, with Blodgett summarizing his client’s perspective on the study. Blodgett acknowledged the board’s intent in pre-approving possible funding of the study and granting the Planning Commission, (PC) the authority to act. Doing so would eliminate an otherwise one-month delay in the approval process. Blodgett requested that the board make clear, that it was not directing the PC to engage the study, because he said, “We believe a traffic study is not needed. Everyone knows the traffic is bad there, but this project does not warrant such a study.” Blodgett said that many of the uses of the property allowed without permitting, would generate far more traffic than what would result from the RV Park.  Blodgett said that the project did not meet the MDOT’s minimum threshold for such a study, nor had a traffic study been suggested by Beckett & Raeder when they completed their follow-up study of the site’s proposed plans.  

Owner and developer Jim Brewer also spoke saying, “For over 20 years, we’ve owned property and have been the biggest employer in the Village of Torch River, we’ve been the biggest taxpayer, and operate the biggest RV Park in the Village.” Brewer said neither he, nor his engineering firm had ever been contacted during the $9K review of the proposed RV Park, completed by the township’s environmental consultant. He alleged Beckett & Raeder had never contacted him, or his engineering firm. “Beckett just did an independent study,” the original of which he said, contained incorrect citations of township ordinances, and included a summary point that no additional traffic studies were needed. He said, “Every time we kick the can down the road, it reduces the business income to the Village of Torch River by over half a million dollars.” Later, the motion to delegate authorization of engaging in a traffic study to the Planning Commission was made, and passed on vote of three to one, with Supervisor Bargy voting to oppose.

Fire Chief Jeremy Ball thanked the community for its strong support during the department’s annual Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser that raised over $1,200. He also reported that all Kidde fire alarms and Co2 detectors manufactured between May 2019 to September of 2020 had been recalled. The manufacturer will replace all units free of charge. Ball also reported that legislators in Lansing were again considering legislation to increase mandatory continuing education for volunteer firefighters, expressing concern that additional requirements might make volunteer recruitment more difficult. Volunteer recruitment remains a problem in Milton and Elk Rapids Township. The Zoning Report produced a unanimous vote to charge a fee of $25 for lot line adjustment and land combination applications. Bill Hefferan announced the agenda for the Planning Commission meeting, which would take place the following night, which included discussion of a possible Steep Slopes Ordinance as requested by the Township Board.  

In action items, the board pre-approved the expected request for funding for a traffic study of the area surrounding the proposed RV Park, approved a bid from Top View Tree Service to remove trees, and approved additional expenditures for reroofing the Old Township Hall. Milton Board members also approved renewal of existing contracts with host Compliance Services and the township’s tax assessor. There being no additional items, the meeting was adjourned and will reconvene on June 8 at 7 p.m.

Elk Rapids District
Library Corner

Picture
New How-To Videos. Check our YouTube channel for new, short and sweet, instructional videos. The first one is How to Log into Libby, the Overdrive app that gives you free access to ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines. Then you can watch How to Find Magazines on Libby to browse and check out the digital magazines. We have more of these easy tutorials in the works, so subscribe to the Elk Rapids District Library YouTube channel to stay up to date on our latest offerings.

Take & Make Kids’ Craft. Our last craft kit of the season is now available in the lobby with instructions on YouTube. Supplies are limited.

WiFi Hotspots. All of our hotspots are scheduled for updates from May 16 to 18 so they are currently unavailable until Wednesday, May 19. We apologize for the inconvenience, but after this update they will be able to access the T-mobile LTE network, which will double the coverage for service.

Have you seen any Library fairies on the island? We have seen more of them, and it appears they have chosen a spot for their home and library. We think they may be all set up by next week. Come check it out!

The Library is still open by appointment, and face masks are required. Call 231-264-9979 to schedule a time to come in to use a computer, copier, browse for books, movies, magazines and more, or visit The Book Cellar.

Plan Ahead! The Library will be closed May 29 – 31 for the Memorial Day weekend.