Hayes Plans Public Hearing on Shipping Containers

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – The recent second Hayes Township Board meeting of the month followed a meeting wherein the agenda’s New Business items all were tabled due to on trustee feeling he had not had time to properly review those items. Thus, the April 22 meeting contained those additional items.

Road Commissioner Bill Simpson reported on road projects underway, along with an update regarding the U.S. 27 tree cleanup. He said that cleanup would resume with better weather. Road funding was still a topic of concern, although Simpson said he had spoken with Rep. Tom Kunse whom the commissioner said had been still hopeful for resolution.

Simpson also informed that a Clare County Road Commission crew had gone north to assist after the ravaging ice storm, but had returned after two days.

Under New Business, the Board moved to:

-Approve Wade Trim quote to update Zoning Maps in the amount of $500, which includes two 24x36-inch maps.

-Approve MVW and Associates contract for Aug. 1, 2025-July 31, 2028 at a rate of $3,400 per month (last contract was $3,200 per month and was a three-year contract).

-Approve an Audit Engagement letter with Yeo & Yeo for $13,500 for audit and $4,000 for a single audit: $17,500 total.

-Approve Hayes Township Soccer Field License Agreement for 2025 and authorize Supervisor Powell and Clerk Hoyt to sign.

-Approve the contract with Clare County Equalization, effective July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026 in the amount of $500.

-Adopt Resolution 24-16 third quarter budget amendment.

-Approve the Four Seasons Extermination proposal with the initial service fee of $190 and $75 per month after initial service.

Discussion items included a lengthy dissection of a proposal that the township drop all permitting fees, and an extensive “what if” report from Treasurer Savannah Cavanaugh. Zoning Administrator Ken Hoyt reported that annually an average of 130 permits are pulled, and some 18 to 20 projects are found not to have pulled a permit, which results in issuance of fines. Zoning permits have cost $75, which has been in place since 2019.

It also was proposed that the $1,500 site plan review fee be dropped to $550 and include elimination of escrow. The reasons stated for the reductions was the belief it would increase individuals’ ability to pursue business endeavors which, in turn, would benefit the economic growth of the township.

Supervisor Brendan Powell presented a proposal that the township’s seven-page golf cart ordinance be rescinded, with a new simple two-page ordinance which duplicates the City of Harrison’s ordinance. He also noted the township’s scheduled brining dates of May 1-2, June 11-12, July 17-18 and Aug. 20-21. Noting he had toured Northern Oaks along with three Waste Management and two EGLE representatives, Powell said he was informed by Northern Oaks that hazardous waste collection was not being utilized well, and if that continues the collection will be discontinued.  The next scheduled hazardous waste collection is slated for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 2.

A third, somewhat contentious, discussion revolved around permitting the use of shipping containers in all districts. That question was voted on at the recent Hayes Planning Commission meeting and failed on a 3:3 vote.  It was noted that there are already shipping containers in place in the township, and the argument was made that they should be allowed as long as they follow the same setback requirements for any shed. It was proposed that a public hearing on that issue be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, prior to that day’s 7 p.m. regular Board meeting.

The Hayes Township Board will meet next at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 13 at the Hayes Municipal Complex, 2055 E. Townline Lake Road.