The Elmwood Township board approved the purchase of a new fish grinder station for the township marina at its November regular meeting. Although the cost of ordering and installing the station might be as high as $110,000, Harbormaster Dan Jenuwine said that the investment will ultimately pay off for the township.
“I’m asking for money for a business that produces revenue. Without reinvestment in a business, revenue eventually dies. This is a piece that I believe long term is going to cost the township money … particularly if we lose our source of disposal, which I see happening,” Jenuwine said.
Jenuwine explained that the contractor who typically handles the disposal of fish waste at the township marina can visit the marina less frequently now and is preparing to retire. Once that happens, the marina staff will have to handle it themselves, because there are no other vendors nearby who offer these services.
“The only alternative (to a fish grinder station) would be for us to haul it ourselves … and I think that’s a whole lot of wasted energy, when it can be avoided by the installation of the grinder. So, I really feel strongly that in the long term, it’s the right move,” Jenuwine concluded.
The township marina closed its daily operations Oct. 31, and the harbormaster believes the off-season is the best time to install the new fish grinder station. According to Jenuwine, it will cost $25-30,000, but underwater work may be much more expensive. The township approved costs not to exceed $110,000, with Jenuwine saying he hopes they will be much less.
City of Traverse City Manager Elizabeth Vogel attended the meeting to say that she supported the purchase and would sign off on the necessary permits, provided testing of fish remains continues to show low mercury content.
The township board approved other purchases for the marina at the Nov. 12 meeting, including the purchase of five circulation fans to maintain water movement during the winter and protect the launch ramps, at a cost not to exceed $5,000.
They also approved the rental of a new copy machine for the marina, to be billed at approximately $260 yearly, and seal coating for the parking lot at $25,329. The board also approved Jenuwine’s recommendation to sell annual launch passes at $110, where previously they were sold at $110 for single axle trailers, $150 for double axle, and $180 for triple axle.
Back in September, the Leelanau County Drain Commission told the Elmwood Township board they wanted to expand the drainage district to include properties affected by flash flooding at the intersection of M-22 and Carter Road.
Having received public input in support of the petition, the township board agreed to accept jurisdiction and control of the Brewery Creek Drain at their Nov. 12 meeting.
The township board also approved publishing a text amendment aligning and reforming alcohol regulations for consideration at their next meeting. This ordinance has been a bit of a thorn in the side of the township over the second half of this year, but they may approve it at their next monthly meeting in December.
The township planning commission had recommended it for approval in August, but instead of approving it, the township board directed the commission to meet with Traverse City Whiskey Company (TC Whiskey), after TC Whiskey staff claimed its language may impede the distillery’s development at 9440 S.
Center Highway.
Planning/Zoning Administrator Sarah Clarren said these discussions have concluded and the planning commission made minor adjustments to the language. In her opinion, the amendment fills a big gap in the zoning ordinance, as anyone can obtain a distillery and microbrewery license in the township’s agricultural district without meeting any of the usual requirements.
Also at the Nov. 12 meeting, the township board:
• Scheduled a budget work session for Nov. 21, with next year’s budget expected to be approved following a public hearing at the Dec. 9 regular board meeting.
• Approved a budget amendment increasing the wages line item by $32,000, the Federal Insurance Contributions Act line item by $2,400, and the operating supplies line item by $4,000.
