County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County
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By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY
Cleaver Senior Staff Writer
HARRISON – After approval of its May 27 agenda, the Hayes Township Board heard community reports from Clare County Commissioner Gabe Ambrozaitis, Clare County Clerk Lori Mott, and Clare County Road Commissioner Bill Simpson. Ambrozaitis informed of the previous week’s 2.5-hourlong Board of Commissioners meeting where motions had approved three resolutions: in opposition of privatization of mental health services programs for state mental health services; another to officially enact approval of the 911 surcharge levy for emergency telephone services (this enabled the paperwork to be filed for this item, in effect since 2021); and another approving the Clare Gladwin Community Corrections Board and its grant application which would enable rehabilitation of recidivism of parole offenders (a grant which has been available since 1988, but had not yet been applied for). Ambrozaitis noted that Commissioners Jeff Haskell and Jacob Gross (as alternate) were appointed to that board.
He also noted that Opioid funds had been approved to 1) enable the expansion of a Recovery Court Coordinator Position, and 2) purchase five portable tablets for the Medical Examiner’s Office. Ambrozaitis also informed the Clare County Administrator contract had been approved for another three years, and that ClearGov software had been approved for purchase which will enable the administrator complete financial statements rather than contracting them out, thus saving the county $6,000 per year.
The last item he informed about was the BOC approving acceptance of the $254,806 in no-match MDOT Department of Aeronautics grants. He also noted that despite a request for good weather for the May 17 fly-in, that weather showed up May 16, leaving a dreary, cold and rainy day for the Fly-In/Dawn Patrol at the Clare County Airport. He said that, regardless of the weather, three aircraft had flown in (two from Clare and one from Lake City) and that five pilots had driven in from Houghton Lake and Big Rapids to participate. Ambrozaitis also gave a nod to the Hayes Township Board members who volunteered for that event, as well as for support from the community.
“In my mind, we had a small amount of aircraft, but we had a great turnout,” he said. “We’ve worked through the process for the next fly-in which will be this October.”
Clerk Mott then provided some updates, the first was that her office had sent out 6,000 jury questionnaires for the 2026 jury pool, and reminded that it is mandatory to fill out and return them. She then addressed elections, commending Clerk Deb Hoyt and her staff for the May election.
“You guys did a great job; there were no findings on your canvass,” she said. “Thank you very much for your hard work. I appreciate each and every one of you.” Mott noted there would be an August election only in Winterfield Township, where eight voters will cross into Missaukee County to vote on an issue for a school district.
Mott also reminded of the Property Fraud Alert offered through her office. Noting that property fraud is the most prevalent fraud crime in the country, she urged constituents to avail themselves of that free service by calling or stopping by her office to sign up by providing name and phone number or name and email address.
“If you own property in our county and a document is recorded with your name on it, you’re going to get notified either by phone call, text message or email,” she said. “It’s a great product, costs nothing, and we don’t share your information with anyone.”
Mott added that there will be a Board of Canvassers position opening up sometime this year for a Democrat, and that the person’s nomination would have to be done through the Democratic Party.
Commissioner Simpson began by saying he had nothing yet out of Lansing regarding transportation legislation, other than the House had passed some bills, but as there was no action yet from the Senate, things are at a standstill. He went on to note the CCRC is doing a lot of county projects this year, which will mean drivers encountering a lot of detours. He said quite a few of the projects have been completed already. Simpson encouraged people to check the website or the Clare County Emergency Manager’s Facebook page for postings. Scheduled road work includes installation of a turn lane at the CTE facility on south Clare Avenue; work at the Bailey Lake Road bridge over 127 due to a truck striking the bridge, and another for Long Lake Road at the expressway [likely after Labor Day]; and a job on U.S. 10 at Clarabella which will dump traffic out into Clare County roads.
New Business included motions to:
-Approve EMC Insurance Renewal proposal of $19,445.
-American Association of Code Enforcement membership for Supervisor Powell at $100/year.
-Approve Michigan Townships Association membership renewal at $3,256.85 ($3,033.01 last year), and Premium Pass MTA Online Learning at $1,900 (same as last year).
-Approve Tru Green lawn maintenance proposal for the Township Hall at $248.40 ($240 last year); and Soccer Field at $1,875.42 ($1,500.10 last year).
-Accept the Assessor’s Annual Report.
-Adopt Resolution 24-17 Planning Commission and Zoning Fee Schedule as presented. (A lone dissenting vote was cast by Clerk Hoyt.)
-Adopt Resolution 24-18 for speed study on Hamilton Road.
-Accept a Sign Image quote for annual maintenance on outdoor sign at $422.
-Approve Ordinance 24-03 Hayes Township Golf Cart Access Ordinance.
-Approve Ordinance 24-04 Repeal of Hayes Township Golf Cart Ordinance 24-01.
It was noted by Supervisor Brendan Powell that the township had “skipped a step” when it approved the placement of shipping containers as accessory buildings. There actually is a requirement for a public hearing which is now tentatively scheduled for the July 9 Hayes Planning Commission meeting – although it could possibly be held sooner.
The Board will meet to review the budget estimated final amendment and establish the FY 25-26 proposed budget. The proposed budget will be posted on the township’s website so people can review it prior to the 7 p.m. June 24 Board meeting and the public hearing at 7 p.m. June 25 when it will be voted on.
© Clare County Cleaver
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