County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County
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By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY
Cleaver Senior Staff Writer
HARRISON – Visitors at the Oct. 13 Hayes Township General Board meeting included former Harrison Community Schools Superintendent Tom House who spoke of the informational group YES for Harrison Kids is getting out accurate information as to the importance of the upcoming millage vote. House described how in 1982, before school funding was established through passage of Proposition A in 1994, that HCS had cut buses, music, athletics, and resulted in layoffs. He said it was a decade to restore music.
House also explained how inflation has diminished the current funding’s value, as well as state per-student funding is contingent on local home millage. He said that one-quarter of the budget would be lost if the millage is not passed. He also emphasized that the millage would not affect the Homestead Exemption, and would result in zero increase to Non-Homestead taxes. House also clarified that the district is not asking for a Headlee Override, as is Mid Michigan College.
Mick Haley, Harrison School Board member, noted he was running for re-election, and added some more context about the millage vote. He emphasized that the school millage renewal as the most important thing on the ballot, and that it is hugely important that it pass. If it doesn’t, he said it would gut a lot of staffing and programs.
“This is not a trim the fat move,” Haley said. “It’s more of a cut off the leg move.”
Treasurer Savannah Cavanaugh reported her office was slowing down a bit, but expected things to pick up after the millage vote and tax bills are to be printed. It was noted that the auditor would be onsite Nov. 11.
Cavanaugh happily announced the park is complete and the grand opening is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. Oct. 31, with the pickleballers coordinating some fun activities. A Halloween trunk or treat is planned for 5:30-7:30 p.m. along the drive behind Steve’s Country Market.
Cavanaugh spoke with satisfaction that the long-haul grant process is complete, adding that the playground is being used and appreciated. She noted one little boy saying it was his “favorite park ever!” Cavanaugh also reminded that the park has six garbage cans, and urged people to pick up after themselves.
Clerk Deb Hoyt reported being busy with elections, adding that only about 25% of the 900-plus absentee ballots sent out had been returned, and urged that they be returned as soon as possible to ensure receipt. She also noted that by mandatory rules, the Clerk’s Office will be open to serve voters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
“And then we’ll be out there handing out treats,” she said.
Hoyt also noted the continual rules changes being updated, and interest from groups wanting to watch the election.
“So, we’re staying on top of it,” she said. “Security is key.”
Again, Hoyt encouraged people to attend the public equipment testing as she thought it could answer a lot of questions for people.
Trustee Bob Buckley thanked the Clerk’s Office for the work they’re doing.
“People don’t understand the stuff they go through in there, and I want to make sure they get the appreciation they deserve.”
Trustee Rob McKay reported on the recent Hayes Planning Commission meeting which spoke to Solar, Camping and Vendor Ordinances and the changes being worked on for those. He said another meeting is anticipated for November.
Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer Andrew Goodman reported doing “coming to the end of the year stuff” including a ZBA meeting near the end of October for a variance. He reiterated McKay’s mention of the Planning Commission’s ordinance work.
“We’re trying to clean up wording, add and delete things or update them,” he said. “As of this point, I have about 15 properties that are now in compliance; approximately 42 from this year that are being worked on still; some tickets are going out there this week. Very busy, very busy here.”
Supervisor Brendan Powell spoke of work being done to address blighted structures, saying that he and Goodman would be working on a report for the Zoning Office and Code Enforcement/Blight. He noted that material is typically in the Planning Commission Report, but this year it will be a completely separate report.
Under New Business, the Board moved to:
A motion to approve the Middle Michigan Development Corp. contract failed on a 4:1 vote.
Public Comment brought a resident’s concern about speeding 60-70 mph on his residential street by a person he deemed “out-of-control” who was also busy indiscriminately flipping-off children and the elderly. He said there are four children along that road, and the driver had actually run over a “Slow, Children Playing” sign. The resident said he had reported the situation to the county and was told they couldn’t change the speed limit
The resident then explained it was a 490-foot stretch of narrow road with seven houses and 11 driveways in a limited-sight distance. He said that distance should make it fall under the default statutory limit of 25 mph, as per Code 257.627 which qualifies his road as a residential area. He went on to describe other ordinance violations.
Goodman informed that there was a case in that situation, and he would inform the Board in a more complete way as to what is going on at that site.
Powell had asked about whether it had been reported to the police, because the township can’t really do anything about the speeding. He did, however, say he could talk to the County about a speed limit sign, but that a sign would not necessarily result in driver compliance.
The Board meets next at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Hayes Municipal Complex, 2055 E. Townline Lake Road.
Copyright Clare County Cleaver
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