CRYSTAL LAKE TOWNSHIP IN BENZIE COUNTY MICHIGAN

SHORT TERM RENTALS will be the MAIN SUBJECT at the next BOARD MEETING: 6 p.m. September 18th, 2024 at the township hall. Click here for the proposed ordinance being presented. The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend. Written feedback to the board may be submitted prior to the meeting by submitting it via email ([email protected]) or USPS (PO Box 2129) and will be included under "Correspondence." Verbal feedback is allowed under "Public Comment" but will be strictly limited to 3 minutes per person. Any seeking of information and discussion with CLT officials can take place in advance of the meeting (contact information here). Because this proposed new ordinance will significantly affect our township, we look forward to the public's engagement to assist the board in its decision making. The following underlined links includes a draft agenda and all the readable/ downloadable documents that will assist the board in conducting business. Check back often, as documents will be added through Fri 9.20.24.

9.18.24 Draft Agenda (*)
8.21.24 Draft Minutes (*)
Correspondence:
County Commission: Report
Fire & Rescue: Report
Financials: Warrant Report (*)
Airport: Legal Waiver (*); update
Buildings & Grounds: Printer purchase (*); Cherry Capital Communications
Enforcement: Hire of officers (*); secretarial duties (*)
Planning & Zoning: Lake Shore Drive Ordinance (*); PC opening (*)
Old Business: Short Term Rental Ordinance
New Business: Cell Tower install

The Crystal Lake Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities wishing to attend the public hearing upon 5 days prior notice. Individuals with disabilities should contact Crystal Lake Township by contacting Judy Van Meter, Crystal Lake Township Clerk, PO Box 2129, Frankfort, MI 49635, or calling 231-352-9791 or emailing [email protected]. This notice is posted in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Public Act 267 of 1976, as amended, (MCL 41.72a (2)(3)) and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR CANDIDATES: Monday, September 23rd, 2024, 3-5 p.m. Crystal Lake Township candidates will be appearing at the Oliver Arts Center in Frankfort. The Benzie County Chamber of Commerce offers a link of locally hosted events for candidate information only, not endorsement. Click here for their website to see more details of all their election-education related events. ALSO, ELECTION INSPECTORS NEEDED: For the November election, we are in need of election inspectors affiliated with the Republican Party (we have enough Democrats signed up.) Contact the clerk or deputy clerk.

CAMP NEARBY– SPECIAL LAND USE APPLICATION: PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Grow Benzie (5885 Frankfort Highway) for better crowd seating. The Township received a REVISED SUBMITTAL to the original Camp Nearby application earlier in the summer: Click here to view the August 14, 2024 REVISIONS. Now, subsequently, the Township received a second revised application and project drawings: Click here to view the September 10, 2024, REVISED APPLICATION and click here to view the REVISED DRAWINGS. The complete set of REVISED DOCUMENTS is available for public inspection at Township Hall during normal business hours. Watch this website and the Record-Patriot for new postings as additional information becomes available.

A PROPOSED 5th YEAR OF IRONMAN: 5:15 p.m. Monday October 7, 2024 ~ 412 Main Street Frankfort MI 49635 (231) 352-7117. There will be a Public Hearing to discuss the topic of the City of Frankfort being the Host Venue for Iron Man 2025 will be held on at Haugen Hall in city hall. Agenda: Roll Call Public Input Adjournment Minutes will be available in the Clerk/Treasurer’s office, City Hall, 412 Main Street, Frankfort, MI 49635.

BENZIE COUNTY MASTER PLAN FEEDBACK & PUBLIC HEARING: 9:00 a.m. November 12, 2024 at the Government Center, 448 Court Place, Beulah. The wider Benzie area community needs your feedback on its proposed amended master plan, a.s.a.p. Click here to review the proposed master plan. Click here to review the Appendix D - 2024 Master Plan Addendum. The purpose of a master plan is to provide guidelines for future development within the community over a 20 year planning horizon. Master Plans should be reviewed and updated every five years. Such a review should analyze a community's social and economic characteristics, natural resources including climate, geology, topography, soils, water resources, wetlands, woodlands, fish and wildlife, and scenic features, public utilities, transportation networks, medical facilities, recreation, schools, and existing land use patterns. It is the goal of the Benzie Board of Commissioners to prepare and adopt a plan that supports responsible growth and development and sustainability for our area. Click here to email your comments to the county. After gathering public input from community members and those outside the community, and following the pubic hearing, final action on the plan may occur.

COMMUNITY GUIDANCE NEEDED ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: We are currently soliciting public feedback regarding environmental concerns/inquiries in Crystal Lake Township. If you have any input, please feel free to fill out our form so that we can capture and collate your feedback as we prioritize our 2025 agenda." Click here for form. Want to volunteer to be on the CLT Environment Committee? Email Abbie Ellsworth.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Your community needs you! There is an immediate need to fill some township "empty seats": 1) Republican Election Inspectors (we have enough Democrats) 2) Board of Review Member; 3) Cemetery Committee Member with family in North or East Cemeteries; and 4) a second Airport Authority appointee from CLTwp. However, not only would the township like to see you involved with (y)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. Also, click here to take you to our Employment & Volunteerism webpage for volunteer opportunities. Last but not least, we recommend you check with the county website or look up some of the area's non-profits to might benefit from your assistance.

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. Click here to view a broadband projected service map and click here to see latest installation update report.