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1651 Frankfort Hwy
PO Box 2129 Frankfort MI 49635 Phone: (231) 352-9791 Fax: (231) 352-6689 OFFICE CURRENTLY STAFFED Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday mornings INDIVIDUAL STAFF HOURS & DAYS THE OFFICES ARE CLOSED (Also note that if schools are closed due to weather, so are township offices) |
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NEWS - EVENTS - UPDATES
Current as of Thursday- 3.28.24 - 1 p.m.
- CURRENT TOWNSHIP EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: A board officer has recently resigned and the CLT Board is seeking to appoint a new treasurer in the next few weeks. At the same time, CLT is looking for a new representative to the Frankfort-County Airport Authority. Interested? Click here to take you to our Employment and Volunteerism page for fuller details.
- CHANGES IN 2024 CLEAN UP DAYS SCHEDULE: Dates and location are now May 11th and August 3 at Graceland Fruit parking lot at the corner of Lake Street and M-22. The information in your winter newsletter is wrong. We apologize for all the last minute date and location changes. Our expectations for this year were abruptly altered when the Frankfort-County Airport Authority changed their policy and we quickly had to find another collection site. Look for updates on this website (click here for the Clean Up & Garbage webpage) and in the Record Patriot for complete directions and rules. Or click here for the flyer. But for now, mark your calendars correctly for the new and final dates.
- NEW BOARD MEETING OPTIONS: We urge you to observe township government in action, to participate in the democratic process at its most local level with as few obstacles as possible. One way is to attend the board meetings in person. But if not in person, a second way is to check out our new CLT YouTube Channel which allows you to watch a meeting's proceedings from a remote location, such as the comfort of your own home, as soon as the next day. Live streaming is coming soon. For all township meetings, the township board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and service, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon 10 days notice to the clerk by calling or emailing Judy VanMeter at 231-352-9791 or clerk.clt@gmail.com.
- NEW CEMETERY BURIAL FEES: As of April 1st, 2024 burial fees will be raised $100 per burial as compared to last year's fees. The CLT Board continues to charge considerably more to non-Crystal Lake property tax payers, to help defray the costs that CLT property tax payers already bear in terms of grounds keeping, administration and more. No matter what your tax paying status, although the fee may seem high, it accurately reflects the burial costs to the sexton IN ADDITION TO the partial cost of maintaining that gravesite from here to eternity. Questions about the cemetery? We're here to help.
- CRYSTAL LAKE WATER LEVELS: FYI, since fall, the lake has been low and there was a beach between the dam and the lake. Starting towards the end of February, there was enough snow melt to bring the lake up to the dam top. This was surprising, to see it rise, as there hasn't been much snow and because the lake never froze; it evaporated all winter. But the lake has filled to the top in the last few weeks. The board in the picture will be lowered soon, which will increase the water level for the summer. Did you know? The Crystal Lake water levels -- through this dam pictured here-- are controlled through the guidance of the elected officer, Drain Commission Ed Hoogterp. [Credit for the observations and photo go to township resident, Jay Burt.]
- CHANGES IN OFFICE PROTOCOL: There may be changes for constituents wanting to access the interior of the township hall and to see their township workers in person. Because of security concerns on the part of some elected officials and staff, a special meeting was called due to the perception that "township facilities, employees and the visiting public face a variety of threats including assault, illegal weapon and explosive possession, robbery, civil disturbances, homicide and arson." Hence forward, if you cannot gain easy entrance, look for signs on the doors with instructions to call a cell phone number; at such time the employee(s) inside the hall may, at personal discretion, decide on options, including allowing or denying entrance to the building.
- HOT TOPIC IN THE COMMUNITY: HEADLEE AMENDMENT and possible RE-SET OF YOUR TAXATION RATE. You're going to be hearing more and more about this topic in the coming months. We urge you to study up on what exactly "Headlee" refers to and what "re-setting" means for your millage rates. Choose to click on any of the following for links to primers and for more information, or google more articles: 1) Benzie website link 2) Michigan State University Extension Office article 3) Benzie County Pamphlet 4) Library Association Handout. We will post more information as the county decides whether or not to place this issue on a August 2024 ballot.
- UPDATE ON FIBER INSTALLATION IN CLT: The Cherry Capital Connections' (CCC) install of fiber optic cable down M-115 to Frankfort has commenced. CCC already placed a "hub" shed on the grounds of our township hall. Residents can view a broadband projected service map by going to https://cccfiber.com then clicking on "Projects" then "Benzie."
- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Your community needs you. Not only would the township like to see you involved with our local government, in a myriad of ways so would Benzie County and Northern Michigan appreciate your involvement. Your voice and your skills are important. In addition to feedback, consider volunteering, working in a staff position, or even running for office. Want to find out more? Crystal Lake Township is anticipating a board opening shortly and will officially post something when and if that is final. Start by clicking here to take you to our Employment & Volunteerism webpage. OR by checking out how exactly to run for an elected office with these links: MTA, Michigan. gov. Also, check with the county website or look up some of the area's non-profits.
- DID YOU KNOW THAT BATTERIES ARE THE MOST RECYCLED PRODUCT? They are! Find out more about everything from recycling batteries to small appliances by clicking here, which will take you directly to our "Recycling" webpage.