Republic Township News
www.republicmichigan.com
March 2007 Issue, by Supervisor Gary Johnson
The Culprit .....(photo on file at the Township Office).
And in this corner, measuring in at 4" high, 4" wide, and 6" long, weighing less than a pound, is the culprit that did the deed. The unit is the primary controller, that opens and closes the valves that cause the water filter system to back flush. The circuit board inside the unit was operating intermittently, causing the system to work properly some of the time, and slamming the valves open so often the valve wore out, the other times.
When we initially brought in a serviceman, the technician analyzed the system and believed he had diagnosed the problem. $30,000+ later, the repair crew left, not waiting for a full cycle to complete. If that technician had waited for the full cycle, he would have saved us at least 16 hours of travel time, and air fare both ways.
When the latest repairman came in, he immediately isolated the problem, and ordered the new part next day air. After installing the part, he found that the valve controlling the system was worn out, and recommended ordering two new valves, completely ready to install. He waited here to install the new valve (one was a spare) and the valves came in without the circuit boards that make them operate. He then checked the old circuit boards, found they were still functional, and wired them to the valves.
Total cost for parts this trip was $2,858.
With the system running properly, most customers immediately noticed a difference in the water quality. However, there is still a considerable amount of sediment in the low spots in the lines that will have to be flushed out right after the spring thaw.
Hydrants can’t be flushed now, because they will most likely freeze after the water is shut off, and would not be available in case of fire. Hydrants have a weep drain in the bottom, which allows drainage after use, but the Health Department requires those drains be plugged to prevent back surge in case of system pressure loss. So, hydrants are basically one-use tools in the winter.
The sediment in the system will continue to filter through, and we intend to flush remainder as stated above. However, the sediment is also an early warning sign. If any homeowner on the system notices a surge of dirty water, immediately turn on several faucets to get a large flow of water running through the service line. Chunks of ice sliding through the service line can stir up the sediment, just prior to the residential line freezing up.
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ASSESSING DEPARTMENT
The assessing department submitted a computerized tax roll to Marquette for the first time, in February. This was the next step in complete computerization of the tax roll process. By crosschecking repeatedly, we attempted to eliminate the human errors that will naturally occur, and believe we were successful in that respect. However, we would ask each property owner to review the statement you just received from Marquette County Equalization. That statement was stamped, This is not a tax Bill . It shows the increase in the State Equalized Value, and the Taxable Value of your parcel.
If you have done no new construction, we would ask you to look at (1). Taxable Value, and make sure that the change is only 3.7% higher than the prior year amount. Take the prior year amount, and multiply it by 1.037, it should be almost the same as the next column which reads Current Year Amount. There might be a very small difference because of rounding. If there is a large increase, please contact our assessing department immediately.
If you had new construction that will , of course, be reflected in a higher Taxable Value. ****************************************************************************
The State Tax Commission requires a 14 point inspection of any unit of Government that had their tax roll seized, no matter why the roll was seized, a period of time after the roll has been returned-to the-unit of Government,_ to ensure-that the problems are being corrected. Our roll was returned to us last spring. Point 11 b of that 14 point inspection is an actual field inspection by the State Inspector of X amount of parcels that have been updated, based on the new assessing officers' work. Because of so many inaccuracies on the old field cards, the data conversion is requiring an actual on-site visit to each of the parcels. While this slows the process, it ensures that the data is current, as required by law. We are working in North Republic at present, and site visits there will begin as soon as the snow melts. We are also visiting rural parcels, as time permits. This is usually done while we are doing a new construction appraisal, taking in X amount of neighboring parcels also. Because of the State Tax Commission oversight of our system, any entry refusals by property owners have to be turned over to that Commission for resolution, to prevent any problems for our eventual inspection.
This notice is to make the residents aware that either Sid or myself will be eventually be visiting every property, re-measuring the buildings and verifying data. We want to prevent being in the situation Torch Lake Township is in. They had to hire three full time assessors, and are mandated by the State to do an entire reappraisal of the Township. The State Tax Commission representative that I talked to projected the eventual total cost of that to wind up around $250,000.
In addition, at the last Marquette County Township's Association meeting, Dwight Sunday, the Marquette County Equalization Director, warned all of the units of Government in attendance that the state wants assessing centralized, reputedly at the County level. The large number of units state wide
failing the 14 Point review is fueling that drive. Our Board fully realizes the extent of our problem and is working as diligently as possible to correct the situation.
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Town Square
The new Town Square plans are almost complete, and the intention is to submit two grants for the construction of the facility by April 1st.
The Township now owns the remainder of the block from the Methodist Church, with the exception of the parcel the Boondocks Bakery sits on. The property purchase was completed at the last Board meeting, with the final papers being signed then.
Coleman Engineering, who is the low bidder on the project, has met with the Planning Commission and is rendering the drawings of the proposed structures based on the data the Company received at that meeting. The Company also rewrote the Recreation Plan with input from the Planning Commission, to ensure that the new project is included in that plan, so the projects qualifies for grants.
A meeting is set for representatives of Coleman Engineering, the Township and the Marquette County Road Commission, to set up an agreement where the Road Commission could apply for the second grant, which should cover most, if not all of the needed match for the primary grant. This second grant which is a Michigan Department of Transportation Grant, is critical to our plan. The Township, of course, will have to hold the Road Commission financially harmless.
Based on the Feb. 28th teleconference meeting of the above named parties, plus representatives of MDOT and the DNR, a properly timed successful application to both would have an approval by October 2007.
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TOWNSHIP ARTS & CRAFTS COMMITTEE
We are a small committee of four, but we have big plans and a few important requests.
1. We are contacting 45 local artists/crafters/ musicians we have identified thus far, but we know there are others out there. We plan to produce a brochure listing local artisans which would be ready for distribution at the Town Festival June 30th, 2007.
PLEASE CONTACT US if you would like to be listed as a local artist or crafter and have (or will have) a product for display or sale. (We have very few listings for those who do handwork such as sewing or knitting.)
PLEASE CONTACT US if you have musical talent you would like to share with the public.
PLEASE CONTACT US if you have a skill (such- as-doing clothing alterations, catering or - carpentry) you wish to advertise.
2. You might want to begin saving your rummage for Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12, 2007. We have scheduled a Community Rummage Sale for those days. Families can have their items at their own homes or several might want to combine them at a single location. If you give us your location, we'll create a map of both North and South Republic to guide the public. We'll also handle publicity for the event. Participant will conduct their own sales, and keep their own proceeds. You'll want to be on the map
(more detail regarding deadline date etc. will be forthcoming.)
3. PAINT, POUND, PRACTISE
Start now to do whatever you need to do to be prepared for Fall Fest 2007 on September 15th. We'll be looking for vendors, entertainers and items for display to showcase local talent. This year, weather permitting, our celebration will
take place on the .street - Kloman Avenue and First Street. Ready for Street dancing anyone? Committee members: Duane (PeeWee) Oja (8468), Mary Lou Martin (2335), Carol Nicholas (8233) and Olga Williams (2139)
PLEASE CONTACT ANY ONE OF US.
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Easter Sunday Services:
First Baptist of Witch lake
Wednesday, April 4th, 7:00 pm: The Road to the Cross.
A candlelight service of Scripture, reflection, and meditation in commemoration of Jesus' final week as He journeyed to the cross. April 6th, Good Friday, 7:00 pm: Combined Good Friday service, this year to be held at Calvary Baptist Church of Negaunee. This year's service theme is: The Power of the Cross
(First Baptist is one of four churches involved in this annual event; the hosting rotates from year to year.) Sunday, April 8th: Resurrection morning service at 10:30 am. Entitled Empty Tomb; Risen Savior
A service of Scripture and joyous music as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
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Republic United Methodist Church April 1st, Palm Sunday, 9:15 am.
April the 6th, Good Friday Service, 7:00 pm.
April the 8th. Easter Morning Worship Service at 9:15 am.
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Bethany Lutheran Church
Lenten Worship: Wednesdays at 7:00 pm with soup/sandwich supper at 6 pm Theme: Signs of Promise, Signs of Presence Holy Week:
Maundy Thursday: Worship at 7:00 pm Seder Passover Meal at 5:30 pm All are welcome.
Call church office for Seder reservations at 376-8826
Freewill offering taken at the dinner to defray expenses.
Good Friday: Worship at 7:00 pm
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil at 7:00 pm Easter Sunday: Worship at 7:30 am and 10:30 am with Easter Breakfast served from 8:30 - 10 am.
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St. Augustine's Church
April 5, Holy Thursday, 5 pm. St. Augustine’s
April 6, Good Friday, 1 pm. Sacred Heart, Champion
April 7, Holy Saturday, 8 pm. Sacred Heart, Champion
April 8, Easter Sunday, 10:30 am. St. Augustine's.
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REPUBLIC AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Up & Coming Events
April 28 Program featuring Robert Kreiphe, noted corporate historian for the Ford Motor Company, titled Ford History In The Upper Michigan Of Michigan, Saturday, April 28, 2:00 p.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church in South Republic.
-May 28 Memorial Day Season Opening for Pascoe House, thru Labor Day September 3
Hours Saturday & Sunday afternoon 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. or by appointment
-June 30 Republic Area Historical Society display at the Republic Township Hall featuring Family History - Family Album and Historic Republic in a photo display during the Republic Festival. Hours 11:00 - 4:00 p.m.
August 18 Cemetery Tour featuring stories of seven early residents of Republic
September 16th, (potentially) Potato Bake History of farmers & bake day.
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Other Really Interesting Things Going on Around Town....
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ST. AUGUSTINE'S PASTY SALE DATES
Changed to APRIL 14TH & MAY 12TH.
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REPUBLIC FESTIVAL
June 30th, starting at 10 am.
Parade
Concerts by-Negaunee-City Band Jerry Kippola and the Blue Notes.
Other musical entertainment throughout the day.
Three inflatables and other activities for the kids
Car Show
FOOD and much more.
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Republic Hunter Ed. Class
Saturday March 31st 8:30 - 3:00 and Saturday April 7th 8:30 - 3:00
Lunch provided by Republic Sportsman's Club.
Required field day Saturday May 5th at Sagola Sportsman's Club.
Parents and guardians welcome at field day, Lunch provided
I recommend that students 10 years old and older take this course. Adult supervision no longer required for 10 yr olds. Adults are welcome to take this course. This course is required for all, if you go out of state to hunt. Pick up materials at Republic/Michigamme school office, or call John Crady (906)376-2320 Course is open to all.
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Ambulance Care Plan forms are at the Township Hall.
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Dog Licenses
It’s that time of the year again. County dog licenses for 2007 are available at the Township Office. A rabies certificate stating the vaccination tag number and expiration date is required at the time of purchase. The cost is $6.00 if neutered or spayed and $12.00 for male or female.
Licenses will be on sale until May 31, 2007. They may be purchased Monday thru Thursday from 1-5 PM.
Dog Licenses are returned to the County Treasurer on June 1st with the price doubling.
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The Republic-Michigamme Playground
The Republic-Michigamme Playground committee would like to express our thanks to all the people who helped at the Park Hotel fund raising project. We would also like to thank individuals for their financial gifts.
Our target date for construction/installation is to begin on Monday June 11, 2007 and continue throughout the week. If more time is needed we will extend it to the following week also. We are looking for people willing to help. Digging, raking, framing, construction, putting equipment together, making & serving food/drinks etc...The more volunteers the better. Group leaders are also needed. If you would like to help or have any questions call Tammy 376-8060 or Karen 376-2446.
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Heritage Gardeners
Note the name change for the Republic Community gardeners. The garden project on Republic Avenue will, from now on, be known as the Heritage Gardens. If you know of any vintage plants that survived from Old Republic, please let us know. We would like either to transplant or get starts of them in order to preserve them in the Heritage Gardens. We look forward to the first blooms in our spring garden. As weather permits, we’ll begin planting again and doing the usual duties of amending soil, mulching, and watering. A necessary project for this spring is to have a small attractive tool shed built. So, keep an eye out for Heritage Garden contribution boxes which will be placed throughout the community
A special request of everyone in the community: Give us a hand controlling weeds in both towns. If you see a weed growing in the cracks of the sidewalk, take a few minutes to give it a yank.
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April 21, Moose country Snow Mobile Club, Annual meeting, Country Kitchen, Ishpeming.
April 23, Festival Meeting, Riverview Heights, 7 PM.
May 5, Hunters Ed., mandatory field day, Sagola Sportsmen’s club.
May 10, Moose Country Snow Mobile Club, regular meeting.
June 11, School playground work bee. Volunteers needed
June 30, Republic Festival.
The next scheduled news letter will be for the months of July, August and September.
If you have any activities you wish to have published, please submit them to the township office as soon as the dates are set.
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Additions and corrections should be direct to the Township Office.
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This article was edited for format and duplicate entries, April 3, 2007, by the Tech/Web Designer.
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