Freedom Township discusses airbnb, upcoming election, and more
Freedom Township Hall
by Claire Pajka
The most recent Freedom Township board meeting was held in the parking lot outside of the township hall on July 14th, with all board members and eight members of the public in attendance.
Rudy Layher gave the treasurer’s report and stated that the ending balance for June was $680,292.95.
During the public comment section of the meeting, two residents expressed their concern and frustration at CMS Energy for not notifying residents in advance about a pressure release Sunday night, July 12. Residents agreed that it was louder than usual – some saying that it sounded like a huge explosion – and because there was no alert sent out on the notification service Nixle, they had no idea whether the situation was dangerous or controlled. Clerk Valisa Bristle explained that Nixle only notifies residents when a situation is an emergency or poses a threat, so though the situation on Sunday was unusual but not a danger to residents, no notification was sent out. Residents expressed frustration at the situation and asked for a plan of action to be developed to alert them of non-emergency, yet atypical, situations regarding the plant.
One resident expressed anger about a potential airbnb in Happy Hollow where they had often seen people coming and going. This resident also expressed concern about four tents set up in the yard for a three-day period over the weekend. As it turned out, the homeowner in question was present at the meeting, and explained that they and their partner are not running an airb&b, nor renting the lakefront, that they simply have had different friends and family visit for the past few weekends. They also explained that the four tents were only four friends visiting, keeping socially distanced sleeping arrangements. Planning Commission member Larry Lindemann recommended that residents get a camping permit any time that there are tents in their yards.
Solar farms and the limiting of solar farm parcels was also called to attention by a resident during public comment. Larry Lindemann gave the planning report, and confirmed that the planning commission is attempting to limit which parcels can have solar power. Lindemann explained that they are trying to find parcels with 40 acres or more, while respecting the utilization of different parcels so that no prime agricultural land is turned into solar fields. Lindemann stated that they are far from making a decision, and that residents with questions or opinions on solar energy should attend the next planning commission meeting on August 10.
Rudy Layher gave the report for the district library delegates. Summer reading programs are up and running virtually, and virtual crafts, stories, and projects are all available. There is also curbside service for checking out books, sending faxes, or making copies, and in the future, the library hopes to open for limited in-person visits by appointment only.
Valisa Bristle gave the clerk’s report and spoke on the preparations for the upcoming election on August 4. Though there was a significant increase in the number of absentee ballots, the township is still preparing an in-person, socially-distanced voting option. It was discussed that while wearing a mask in a public building is both medically recommended and state mandated by executive order, the township will be requesting that people wear masks as well as providing extra masks, while not barring entrance to voters without masks. However, for the ease of workers and other voters, if you plan to vote in person, please bring and wear a mask at all times. The township also procured other precautions for in-person voters including face shields, plexiglass dividers, and sneeze guards.
Board member Rudy Layher brought up that the county is considering adding a millage onto the November ballot, and expressed his dislike for it. Board Supervisor Dale Weidmayer noted that the proposed millage for the November ballot is separate from the millage renewal that will appear on the August ballot.
The Board has decided to look into securing a Broadband connection at the town hall. Residents and board members alike noted the necessity of this, as classes may be remote, and there are a significant number of students in the community with limited, poor, or no internet connection at home.
After speaking with the township attorney earlier in the month, the board decided it needs to update its agreement for renting the town hall. Bristle also explained that the board should check in with the insurance company as well as the attorney in order to update the town hall rental agreement. One member of the public asked the board if they had received a bid for disinfecting the town hall after rentals, to which the board explained they have not yet, but are planning to get a bid.
There was no report from the zoning inspector, and the meeting adjourned at 9:37 pm.
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