06182018 Minutes PH Tommy's Lake Water Quality Control SAD #5 - Cost Estimate
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
TOMMY’S LAKE WATER QUALITY CONTROL SAD #5 – COST ESTIMATE
PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2018
CALL TO ORDER.
The Charter Township of Orion Board of Trustees held a Public Hearing on
Monday, June 18, 2018 at the Orion Township Hall, 2525 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion, Michigan.
The Public Hearing was held to provide an opportunity for members of the public to offer
comments related to the Tommy’s Lake Quality Control SAD #5 – Cost Estimate.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chris Barnett, Penny Shults, Brian Birney, Julia Dalyrymple,
Mike Flood & John Steimel
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
Donni Steele (with notice)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Rick Arnett Dan Dewey Julie Savard Bob & Toni Watros
JoAnn VanTassel Erick Hunter Chris Hagan Joe Calahan
Brian Hearns Lil Hutchison Charles Thompson David Ostertag
Aaron Whatley Alana Hart Chip Taylor George Hanley
Sandra Young Sandra Barr Thomas Flack Chuck Hold
Elaine Brophy Carol Lopp Joe Mastromatteo Melissa Berwick
Gary Roberts Gearldine Fletcher Jerry Richards Mario Izzi
James Critchley Neil Matthews Ellen McLean Robert McLean
Supervisor Barnett convened the Public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
The Public Hearing was held to afford the opportunity for public comment concerning the
Tommy’s Lake Quality Control SAD #5 – Cost Estimate.
Rick Arnett – 1155 Beach Drive, provided an overview of the process to initiate Tommy’s Lake
Water Quality Control SAD #5 Cost Estimate. Mr. Arnett expressed frustration about the
process and wanted the Township to help get the cost estimate established before the petitions
are circulated to help support the SAD. Mr. Arnett expressed the commitment to the lake
improvements, and requested that the Township considering increasing their contribution to
20%, as the Township has deed ownership of 50% of Tommy’s Lake.
Sandy Barr, 1373 Beach Drive, stated that she did not see the petition and was never asked to
sign it. Ms. Barr stated that she believes that there is a danger with the chemicals used since the
people who are applying it are wearing HAZ Mat Suits, and the residents are told not to allow
pets or children to drink the water. Ms. Barr stated she is also concerned about the electrical
meter being on Township property, and the ramifications if the land ends up getting sold. Ms.
Barr stated she could change her mind if she could have assurances on the herbicides, chemicals
and no danger to pets and children. Ms. Barr also expressed concern about being told that the
residents will have to buy additional insurance to cover the lake association in case someone gets
hurt, and wants to know why they have to purchase this.
JoAnn VanTassel, 2726 Saturn, stated that while she doesn’t live on the lake, she is familiar with
SAD law, and stated that it is her understanding that cost assessed is based on the basis of the
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF ORION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
TOMMY’S LAKE WATER QUALITY CONTROL SAD #5 – COST ESTIMATE
PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2018
_____________________________________________________________________________
benefit. Ms. VanTassel stated if the Township owns the property on the east side of the lake, and
that constitutes a large portion, for example 50 % of the frontage, then the Township as whole
will be benefitting by any improvements to that body of water. Ms. VanTassel asked that more
research the SAD law regarding apportionment of cost based on benefit and come up a more fair
and equitable distribution of the costs before approving the SAD.
Rick Arnott, 1155 Beach Drive, stated that no chemicals will be applied. Mr. Arnott stated that
the location of the electrical is yet to be determined, but if it does end up on Township property,
they would have an agreement about an easement that would be put into place to make sure both
parties are protected. Mr. Arnott stated that the issue of insurance is unrelated to the SAD, as it
is a homeowner’s association issue.
Seeing and hearing no other citizens were interested in providing comments and no written
comments were received related to the Tommy’s Lake Quality Control SAD #5 – Cost Estimate
Supervisor Barnett adjourned the Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m.
________________________________
Penny S. Shults, Clerk
_____________________________
Chris Barnett, Supervisor
Charter Township of Orion
Transcription: K. Comeau
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