OSCEOLA COUNTY TOWNSHIPS ASSOCIATION
Minutes
May 23, 2011
Marion Township Hall

President Peggy Hoard called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with our pledge of allegiance to the flag and opening prayer.

The meeting roll call was:  Burdell – 1; Cedar – 0; Evart – 0; Hartwick – 0; Hersey – 0; Highland – 2; LeRoy – 0; Lincoln – 3; Marion – 3; Middle Branch – 4; Orient – 0; Osceola – 1; Richmond – 0;
Rose Lake – 0; Sherman – 0; Sylvan -0; Susan A. Conradson, Environmental Engineer-FEMA-DEQ

The minutes of the Feb. 28, 2011 were read by K. Barnhart.  Motion by B. Orvis to accept the minutes was supported by P. Mitchell.  Motion passed.

Treasurer’s report was not available.

P. Hoard introduced our guest speaker, Susan Conradson-FEMA Coordinator with the DEQ.  Susan gave us some background on her position being funded by FEMA to the DEQ.  She shared that Congress has directed FEMA to remap the flood maps of the United States.  This project takes five years and the maps are used to determine who needs flood insurance.  The “remaps” will be available for comments, errors, and omissions through the end of the summer.  After that it will take a year to finalize before lenders will be able to use the new ones for determining if a National Flood Insurance policy will be required by borrowers on property the lender is going to finance.

The townships will have action items to take to participate in the National Flood Insurance program depending on whether they already have a flood map, if they get a flood map during the “remap” process, or if they are not going to be in a flood map zone.  Any township can participate in the NFIP, however, if a township doesn’t, and they are in a flood zone, then the lenders will likely not lend to property owners in the affected area.  If a homeowner wishes to appeal a flood map, there is a process called LOMA—letter of map appeal.  There are several survey companies in the area who are familiar (example LC&M in Marion) with the appeal process.

In Michigan the average cost of flood insurance is $750 per year.  A flood is defined as anything that affect 2 or more properties, or 5+ acres.  Statistics indicate there is a 26% chance that a property will flood.  Susan is available at 775-3960 or via email at condradsons2@michigan.gov.  She also provided business cards and stayed during the break to review individual township maps with those in attendance.

President Hoard asked if there was any old business.  There was none.  

She asked for any new business, and there were several items brought up.  The Osceola Quilt project provided brochures for the townships to use.  There was much discussion on the roads in the county, and the funding available, or lack of funding.  Grants were discussed and it was stated the county uses grants to pay some of their road expenses.  Question was asked how the county plans for the life of a road—what is there maintenance plan for each road.  It was also noted that

(back of page has more info!)

0% of the property taxes goes to road maintenance.  A. Gingrich provided some insight about road commission projects and how the money is allocated.  A. Sikkema asked the group for ideas/topics the OCTA members would like for future meetings.  Several ideas were mentioned:  high speed internet access for rural communities, State of MI Renewable Energy goals—wind turbines (personal & commercial), and natural gas to rural areas.  Those in attendance were also asked to encourage other elected township officials to attend, along with the public.  These are open meetings, and we will continue to advertise them in the local papers of Osceola County.

Motion to adjourn by J. Sequin and 2nd by C. Rippee.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Barnhart, Secretary     

Our next meeting will be on August 29, 2011 at the Burdell Township Hall. 
The address is 310 S. Neilson St., Tustin, MI  49688 
Our speaker for this meeting will be a representative from Heritage Energy.
The public is invited.
Announcements were placed in the Marion Press, the Osceola County- Pioneer, and the Tri-County papers.

 
 

 

 


                                   

 

Directions to Burdell Township Hall:
In an effort to help find the different township hall’s we are including directions. 
While I’m sure there are faster & smarter ways to get there,
here are directions for those of us who don’t know any other way!

A few different ways!
 1.  US 131 to exit 168-go east onto 20 Mile Rd for ¾ of a mile (road name changes to W. Church after ½ mile).  At S. Neilson St. turn right (south) for .2 mile—the township hall is on the right.

2.  From 180th Ave. (Mackinaw Trail) going north—at 20 Mile Rd. turn left and go into downtown Tustin.  At S. Neilson St. turn left (south) for .2 mile—the township hall is on the right.

3.  From M-115 and M-66:  Head NW on M-115 (towards Cadillac).  Go to 100th Ave. and turn left.  Follow 100th Ave. to 20 Mile Rd. and turn right.  Come to stop sign at Mackinaw Trail (180th) and after stopping (and looking both ways!) continue through downtown Tustin to S. Neilson St.  Turn left and go south for .2 mile-the township hall is on the right.

Please join us on August 29, 2011
and support YOUR
Osceola County Township Association

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The last meeting of 2011 is scheduled for Nov. 28th at Orient Township Hall!