Recent Board meetings in Topinabee dealt with the preliminary design plans for Boy Scout Park, design of the restrooms, and discussions on a second dock at Boy Scout.
Is it a coincidence? That's defined as a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection. Or, is it just poor scheduling on the part of Mullett Supervisor MaryAnne Gale?
The April 7th meeting agenda now includes "SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS near TOPINABEE BEACH PARK RESTROOMS". Is this a way to minimize public comment on this still ridiculous idea that originated solely from Supervisor Gale.
The meeting agenda also includes a presentation from the Mullett Lake Area Preservation Society (MAPS) proposing a "fishing dock" at the TDA Park in Topinabee. I'll reserve an opinion until after the presentation. I can foresee a few issues. The TDA Park application for a MNRTF Grant included a fishing/viewing dock. In January 2011, Tim Cwalinski, Fisheries Management Biologist with the DNRE clearly stated that the shore of Mullett Lake offers little or no natural fish habitat. The proposal also was alluded to be another seasonal dock and everyone on the west side of Mullett Lake knows the Mullett Board has had a history of failing to install and adequately maintain the existing seasonal docks. The Park already suffers from some water traffic congestion with boats crossing the swim area, tying up at the swim dock, and pontoons seen landing at the new beach ADA access last summer. The Board should identify and address all concerns. They have to look in this gift horse mouth.
A legal issue must also be addressed. By state law, a township may install a dock after an "affirmative vote of 3/5 of the registered voters of the township voting on the question at a general or special election". Please see the applicable law posted below.
Amazing. The electorate actually allowed to vote on an issue instead of sitting and watching an omnipotent Board do as they wish.
If all of the issues are addressed and answered: Call or schedule that election. If 60% of the people agree.....
Act 157 of 1905
41.429 Wharves, piers, docks, and landing places. Sec. 9.
(1) A township abutting upon navigable waters in this state may acquire, construct, and maintain wharves, piers, docks, and landing places for the use and benefit of the public and may lease and control the wharves, piers, docks, and landing places. The township board shall act for the township in acquiring, constructing, and maintaining wharves, piers, docks, and landing places if authorized to do so by the affirmative vote of 3/5 of the registered voters of the township voting on the question at a general or special election.
(2) Proceedings taken under this section shall be taken by the township board, which has the power and authority usually exercised by the board of county road commissioners of the township in acquiring land for laying out, constructing, and maintaining highways. The township board may acquire land for wharves, piers, docks, and landing places and lay out, construct, and maintain these in accordance with the same proceedings, so far as applicable, as are required to be taken by the board of county road commissioners of the township for acquiring land and constructing and maintaining highways. Act No. 283 of the Public Acts of 1909, being sections 220.1 to 239.6 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, is extended to include wharves, piers, docks, and landing places, subject to the provisions contained in this section.
