Freedom Township looks ahead under new leadership

The possibility of replacing culverts, such as this one on Bemis Road, which cost $300,000 in 2016, was one reason new supervisor Larry Lindemann suggested a Capital Improvement Plan for the township, although it is not required for a municipality of Freedom's size.

Last Tuesday night, newly-elected Freedom Township Supervisor Larry Lindemann took his seat as he replaced long-time supervisor Dale Weidmayer. At its November meeting, the board had thanked Weidmayer for his 44 years of service and dedication to Freedom Township, after serving 33 years as a trustee and the past 13 as supervisor. Weidmayer was appointed in December 2007 to replace another long-term leader, Bob Little, who served the township for 18 years as supervisor.

Lindemann himself has a lengthy record of service to Freedom Township, and most recently chaired the Planning Commission. With that long-term perspective in mind, it was perhaps not surprising that Lindemann brought forward an idea at his first meeting that could affect how the township operates in the future.

"For a township our size, a Capital Improvement Plan is not required, but there is no reason the township can't

Freedom Township Supervisor Larry Lindemann

do it," he said. He added that he has a power point presentation, provided by the Michigan Township Association, that could help acquaint trustees with the process of establishing a Capital Improvement Plan.

Lindemann went on to explain that with increasing costs of fire runs, possible culvert replacement expenses, improvements to the town hall, and the possibility of providing safety-warning sirens and high speed internet services as requested by more than 150 residents of the township, a CIP would help the township plan for and budget for such items by taking a 4-5 year outlook of community needs.

Township Clerk Valisa Bristle also added that possible grants are available for safety projects, which would help provide funding for some of the projects that would be a major expense to the township.

The CIP information and the township's revenues vs. expenses will be presented at the January 2021 meeting, which will be held at 8 pm on the second Tuesday (Jan. 12). Treasurer Rudy Layher will present an overview of increased revenue due to improvements at the Consumers Energy Compressor Station, an investment estimated as more than $200 million, as well as increased assessments due to improvements by Wolverine, Enbridge, and other pipeline companies, although Lindemann said, "We will look at all industry, not just the gas lines. We will need to consider this as we look at developing a capital improvement program."

A newly developed safety plan for the township, which has been completed under the guidance and leadership of Matt Little, will also be presented at the January 12 meeting.

The board also briefly discussed and approved a resolution opposing SB 431, which would remove township oversight on gravel mining operations and place responsibility directly with a state-run agency. Freedom Township has two major gravel pits, the Pleasant Hills and Burmeister sites, and recently the Planning Commission approved a Special Use Permit with Stoneco, the owner of both sites, to expand the Burmeister pit to within 500-feet setbacks from Bethel Church and a nearby residence, with a 300-foot setback from Bethel Church Road. According to Little, the Stoneco attorney told the Planning Commissioners, "We'll see you in court," after a heated exchange regarding the setback requirements.

The meeting concluded at 9:37 pm.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.