Anti-Funneling Ordinance

[Bonnie]

I don't believe we would have the capabilities for conference call to all those who would be interested.  It would be great if we could.  In lieu, the most important thing we can do is recap the special township meeting on Oct 21st and get it out to everyone.  Again, I encourage CLA members to contact our township board to give vocal opposition to changing Ordinance 15A.  There is power in numbers and the number of people opposed to this change is far greater than those in favor of changing it.  You can send emails to:

Charles Braman    supervisor@crystalmi.com
Bob Naumann       clerk@crystalmi.com
Curt McCracken     ctrustee@crystalmi.com
Jerry Stone            jtrustee@crystalmi.com

Bonnie

[Michael OB]

Thanks for the email addresses, Bonnie!
I sent them an email today, for what it might be worth.
Good luck at the next meeting!
Best regards... Michael

[Bonnie]

Last night at the regular township board meeting, we agreed to Bob Naumann's request to postpone the special meetings on changing/rewriting Ordinance 15A until January.  He said he is extremely busy and with the upcoming holidays he wanted to meet next in January.  So, the next special meeting with the Township will be Jan 20th at 7 pm.  In the interim, we can research other anti-funneling ordinances and consult with legal representatives.  Ideas, keep em coming!

Bonnie

[Robert B Noll]

CLA,
  Thank you for taking a stand on the attempt to change the ordinance.  It would be a big mistake to allow funneling on each 50 ft of lakeshore.  The present ordinance prevents funneling but allows grandfathering of backlots who have had access in the past and any new funneling should be prohibited.  No exceptions.
I am not a voting resident but have owned on the Lake for many years.  It would not be good for Crystal Lake to allow excessive use.                      Bob

[Michael OB]

How goes the process for hiring legal counsel to represent the CLA?

As I've said before, just because I'm 1600 miles away in New Mexico doesn't mean I'm disinterested in how this is going, and my offer to help with this stands and is on the record here.

Best regards... Michael

[Lawful Riparian]

TO ALL

Remember that the ordinance as proposed is an unlawful in that it allow Spot Zoning for the camp ground.  This not an Anti-Funneling Ordinance but a FUNNELING ORDINANCE.

buen suerte!

[Bonnie]

How goes the process for hiring legal counsel to represent the CLA?

As I've said before, just because I'm 1600 miles away in New Mexico doesn't mean I'm disinterested in how this is going, and my offer to help with this stands and is on the record here.

Best regards... Michael

Hi Michael!  Thanks for your support.  I'm sure your weather is not this rainy, cool and getting colder weather we are having around Crystal.  The leaves are falling fast but the color is still beautiful even under cloudy skies!  To answer your questions, we are looking for a Riparian Rights attorney to have a consultation with to get a feel for what we need to do next and an estimated cost.  We are calling the MLSWA to see who they would recommend.  There are many great attorneys who have already shared their wisdom with us and now it is time to develop our game plan while we have this break in meetings.  I'll post a note in the very near future on our search results!  Knowing our members in warm winter locations have not forgotten this important issue is a real morale builder!! 

Bonnie K

[Michael OB]

It's actually warmer in Crystal, at about 56 degrees. Here it's about 39 degrees and we had snow today. Don't forget Albuquerque is at about 5,300 feet above sea level, and it can get colder when you're over a mile high.

Thanks for the update. I'll stay tuned.
Best regards... Michael

[Bonnie]

How goes the process for hiring legal counsel to represent the CLA?

As I've said before, just because I'm 1600 miles away in New Mexico doesn't mean I'm disinterested in how this is going, and my offer to help with this stands and is on the record here.

Best regards... Michael

Michael:  I have just received word from Michigan Lake and Stream a listing of names of attorneys, who are experienced on this subject matter.  I will start the process of contacting each one for consultation/costs. 

Bonnie

[Bonnie]

To All:

At the township board meeting last night (Jan 13th),  the board requested the next Ordinance 15A committee meeting be rescheduled to February 17th, 7 pm.  I will confirm the date/time with all the committee members in advance.  This also gives us more time to engage the right legal representation.

Bonnie[/color]

[Bonnie]

I attended the Township Board last night and they have rescheduled again the Ordinance 15A working committee meeting from next week to March 17th at 7 p.m.  I have also received two new attorney names to represent CLA in the future when we need them.  Both of these attorneys are experienced in Riparian Rights and are in the Grand Rapids area.  I will keep everyone posted on any current news.

Bonnie

[Robin]

Bonnie, I want to thank you very much for keeping us posted.

I'm ready for spring!

[Bonnie]

Me too, Robin, me too!  The sun is out and I can feel the change coming!!

[Bonnie]

Heads Up!  Next week, March 17th at 7 pm begins anew the Ordinance 15A discussions with our Township Clerk.  It has been a quiet winter with the delays and inaction on this subject, but now we must be ready to work through this ordeal.  For those on the working committee or volunteers, please be at the township hall next Wednesday (March 17th)!

[Bonnie]

The Ordinance 15A working committee met March 17th.  The initial discussions revisited the reasons the Township wants to change the present ordinance.  Opinions from the working committee ranged from 1) why change Ord 15A from anti-funneling to pro-funneling which is the exact opposite of current trends, 2) why is the change necessary now, and 3) what is the township attorney's opinion of this change, etc.  Answers from the township ranged from the current Ordinance does not allow "guests" of riparian rights owners access (we voiced our opinion that their interpretation is incorrect), not enough access for swimming, enforcement issues, economic development, and the excessive land required in present ordinance (12,000 sq ft).

  To summarize the hour meeting, the real issue is to change Ordinance 15A in order to accommodate a proposed campground (28 sites) next to the Wet Spot.  Discussed further was the old hotel on this site had 25 rooms and a possibility of "grandfathered" rights for 25 accommodations (camp sites) may already exist under the current ordinance.  It was suggested a legal review be conducted.  The other discussion revolved around the12000 sq ft land requirement be changed to 5000 sq ft, i.e. 50' frontage by 100' deep minimum.  The take-away:  the township will pursue DNR permit to put out buoys for public swim area, a look at how to make the public dock at the park better to tie up to, and possible offer to purchase more swim frontage next to public park/swim area, and a legal review of inherited grandfathered rights from the old hotel to new campground for 25 accommodations. 

  The next meeting will be held May 17th at 7 pm at the Township Hall.  Township officials plan to start the rewrite of Ordinance 15A. 

Bonnie K