April 1, 2024 thru June 30, 2025
The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Solem at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
BOARD PRESENT: Supervisor Solem, Treasurer Gottschalk, Trustee Haswell, and Clerk Michalak and Trustee Bollenberg.
PUBLIC PRESENT: 17 residents-Ray and Molly Franks, Heather Hollick, Lisa Pyne, Robin Talsma, Mike Burgard, Barbara McBride, Matt Wieber, Paula Figura, Gretchen Knoblock, Ron Gottschalk, Mary Pitcher, Christine Stapleton, Linda Gottschalk, Jeanne Strathman and 2 additional public.
A MOTION byHaswell, support by Gottschalk to accept minutes from 4th quarter; motion carried all ayes. A MOTION by Haswell, support by Solem to accept the special meeting minutes from May 8, 2026 as presented; motion carried, all ayes.
PUBLIC INPUT-
None
GUESTS
Adam Gandofi, Michigan Par Plan- A presentation from the Michigan Participating Plan representative Adam Gandolfi, to explain cyber security insurance available for purchase to protect the Township from ransom ware attacks and identity theft. Grant monies are available twice per year to help for security upgrades at the hall (lighting, cameras, video surveillance).
Rebecca Hubers, Benzie Emergency Management-Presented to the board and public present all activities. Requests the township board determine a procedure to assist with debris management according to the disaster management plan that was adopted by Benzie County in January, 2025. She requests the Board identify (1) publicly held lands that could be available for a debris collection site. Hubers also requests that the Board (2) designate a debris management team to help implement disaster recovery efforts within the County.
COMMISSIONER REPORT-
Art Jeannot presented his report. A copy of his report is available at the hall. Highlights include the EMS buildout at the Frankfort location; OMA training completed by all Commissioners; reports he is on a legislative committee with the Michigan Association of County Commissioners promoting the idea of limiting state ownership of public lands- not to exceed 40% of any County jurisdiction. Presented the County’s Budget “at a glance” handout.
CORRESPONDANCE/COMMUNICATIONS
- Anne Noah letter-clerk read Anne Noah letter regarding Zoning Hire.
- FEMA – clerk states FEMA is conducting a Flood risk assessment of all townships in Benzie County.
- Inland Township Master Plan- Supervisor announced Inland Township is working to update their master plan.
- Joyfield Township cleanup- Joyfield Township asked the clerk to provide information about the Platte Township clean up day’s costs and refuse providers.
REPORTS
- Property Transfers (3) Indian Hill- 30 acres vacant $183,000,
Steam hauler- 40 acres vacant $159,900
Ely Road- 5 acres $105,000
- Road Commission- Supervisor reports Elmers will be resurfacing Valley Road north to the County line using funds from the county wide road millage. A detour is in place via Fowler- Blohm- Oviatt Roads. A driveway permit was approved for a residence on Valley Road.
- Charter Franchise fee received in the amount of $618.73.
- West Benzie Joint Planning Commission – Bollenberg updated all on the WBJPC activities. Foster Swift is now the WBJPC legal counsel; McKenna and Associates has been retained to assist with the Zoning rewrite; The members will now meet monthly to expedite the rewrite process. Solicitation for residents to assist as a steering committee is open to interested individuals. Next meeting is Tuesday, July 8 2025 at 6 pm.
- Assistant Zoning Admnistrator Mary Pitcher reports a total of 26 permits issued thru June, 30, 2025, including 8 permits within Platte Township. 2 zoning violations are being handled by Foster Swift, including a cease-and-desist order (accessory dwelling(s) violation).
- Matt Wieber reports the Crystal Lake Watershed Association lawsuit has been dismissed.
- Supervisor reports of the interviews with the 4 candidates applying for the Zoning Administrator position. A letter of recommendation will be sent to the joint meeting on July 2, 2025.
OLD BUSINESS
- Supervisor reports the hiring of David Yack to fulfill the Assessing needs for Platte Township. His contract is valid from May 8, 2025 thru April 30, 2029. Annual compensation is $10,000 yearly paid in 4 quarterly installments. A MOTION by Michalak, support by Gottschalk to approve the yearly salary of $10,000 to David Yack the Platte Township Assessor; motion carried, all ayes, voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS
- Cyber Insurance – The board discussed the information given by the Par Plan agent. All agreed to make a decision at the 2nd quarter meeting.
PUBLIC INPUT
Lisa Pyne -encouraged all residents to attend the joint meeting tomorrow.
Molly Franks – asked how many hours does the Zoning Administration require to perform its duties.
CLERK’S OPERATING STATEMENT
A motion by Haswell, support by Solem to accept the clerk’s 1st quarter operating statement as presented. Voice vote, motion carried, all ayes.
TREASURER’S OPERATING STATEMENT
A motion by Haswell, support by Solem to accept the Treasurer’s operating statement as presented. Voice vote, motion carried, all ayes.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
A motion by Michalak, support by Gottschalk to approve the bills for the 1st quarter as presented. Voice vote, motion carried, all ayes.
Motion to adjourn by Trustee Haswell, support by Solem; All ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:26 pm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Alison Michalak, clerk