Brevort Twp. Accepts $3,000 Donation
By Paul Gingras

The Brevort Township Board of Trustees accepted a $3,000 contribution from neighboring Moran Township Tuesday, October 2, to augment its fire department, following a presentation by Moran Township Supervisor Jim Durm.

Moran Township does not have its own fire department and relies on the St. Ignace Fire Department as its primary responder. At its western end, the Hendricks Township Fire Department serves as a secondary responder. To help Hendricks' department and ensure that westend Moran Township residents are well protected, the township recently provided Hendricks with a monetary donation, Mr. Durm said. Since the Brevort Township department is a secondary responder in areas such as Ozark, at the north end of Moran Township, Mr. Durm's board decided to offer a similar contribution to the Brevort Township Fire Department.

Fire Chief Mark Peterson said he had no problem with the donation, but added that his department does not desire to become the primary responder for the Ozark area. The department will continue to serve as a secondary responder, dispatched when needed by John "Bucky" Robinson, fire chief in St. Ignace.

Mr. Durm explained that he expected nothing more, and added, "We appreciate whatever contribution you can make."

The board announced Ron Peterka's retirement from the township's sewer maintenance crew Saturday, September 1. He received thanks for his service from residents.

The board took no action on a request to approve or disapprove of changes to the Eastern Upper Peninsula Solid Waste Management Plan, but will seek more information. The request was made via a letter to the township by Jeffrey Hagan, interim director of the EUP Regional Planning and Development Commission. Township Supervisor Ed Serwach will call the commission and request details regarding how the plan applies to Brevort Township.

Township Treasurer Dan Litzner will write a letter to the Mackinac County treasurer asking the county to calculate the amount the township owes Enbridge Energy in back taxes. The company claims it was overtaxed by municipalities throughout the state between 2003 and 2007, and it has demanded refunds. Area townships have been refunding taxes collected from the company, owing to a test case in Wakeshma Township, in which the Michigan Tax Tribunal ruled in favor of Enbridge.

Firemen were working during the meeting to set up this year's Spook House for Moran's Halloween party Saturday, October 27, upstairs at the community center.

Area firefighters pay for the event out of their own pockets, said Chief Peterson, adding that it is a good event for children and serves as a way to bring the community together. The Spook House will include a maze, and games will be provided. Costs for entrance into the maze and for game tickets will most likely be 25¢ to 50¢, Chief Peterson said. The department will provide refreshments.

All profits go toward future community events, such as Moran's Christmas party.

In other business, Luci Wallace of the local board of review reported that the first draft of the township's master plan is well underway. Master plans include descriptions regarding how residents want their areas to develop. Municipalities use them to help make zoning plans.

The board approved a permit for a November 10 fireworks display on Vern Erskine's property, for a birthday party in honor of resident Pete Peters. The public is invited. There will be a silent auction.

Last year, the event generated $500, which was donated to the fire department.