Posts by Kirsten

The 2^nd annual Fire Trucks and Treats was another success with over 125 trick or treaters visiting the fire station, local police and ambulance and residents’ car trunks along 1^st Street.

Along with local residents, several cars arrived from Hope Lutheran Church where the children were able to “fish” for their treats from poles, Watersmeet Bible Church provided fresh hot popcorn and the ISCCW Lakeguards served hot dogs, chips and drink to all participants.  Local students also offered face painting to the kids.

The Watersmeet Fire Department Volunteers thank all those who turned out to “Trick” and to “Treat”

We look forward to 2023!

Background

In 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auctioned off large parts of rural America in a program called the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). This program sought to subsidize the buildout costs for high-speed internet in areas of the country that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive for an internet provider to bring service.  In December 2020, the FCC announced that a company, that would be later known as Highline, won the auction for Watersmeet Township. Under the terms of the RDOF auction, winning providers have 6 years to complete the buildout in the areas they were awarded.  Highline pledged to run fiber optic lines underground to a large part of Watersmeet Township.

Soon after this announcement, the Watersmeet Township Broadband Task Force sought to engage Highline in an effort to move Watersmeet Township to the front of the buildout schedule. In 2021, it appeared that goal was achieved as the Task Force was informed that Watersmeet would be built out in 2022. This exciting news was communicated to the Watersmeet Township residents through various means including the Township website.

Following Highline’s announcement, many Watersmeet Township residents signed up for Highline’s fiber optic service and paid a $25 deposit.

Current Status

As 2021 turned into 2022, it became evident through the lack of permitting with the Gogebic County Road Commission, that the promise of a 2022 buildout was in jeopardy. The Task Force requested an update from Highline during the 2/16/2022 Watersmeet Township Trustees Regular Meeting. Highline CEO Bruce Moore confirmed that our promised 2022 buildout had been pushed to 2023. The link to the minutes of that meeting is here.

Since the February 2022 board meeting, the Task Force sought to secure Highline’s commitment for a 2023 Watersmeet buildout.  To date, we have been unsuccessful. The Task Force also sought to secure a commitment from Highline for ANY buildout timeline within the 6-year requirement window which spans from 2022-2028. We have been unsuccessful. The Task Force asked Highline to provide those that submitted deposits with an update and an avenue to obtain a refund if desired. As of this writing, we are unaware of any communication from Highline to our residents.

At present, our position is that Watersmeet Township will be built out and receive fiber optic internet service some time before the end of 2028, but we don’t know when.

Present Internet Alternatives

For those that still seek highspeed internet without caps, we know of two alternatives-

Northern Michigan University (NMU) provides a cellular based internet service with speeds up to 25 megabits per second (MBPS) with no data caps. The web address for their service is here: NMU EAN.  The requirement for their service is good line-of-sight from where their transmitter is on their cell tower to wherever you would site their receiver on your property.    A sub-optimal line-of-sight will lower your internet speeds.  Currently NMU transmitters are located by Roger’s Bar and in downtown Watersmeet.  NMU can assist you in determining the viability of their service at your property.  NMU provides modest speeds but at a reasonable monthly rate (approximately $40 per month).

Starlink is another alternative for high-speed internet. Their satellite-based internet has been available to consumers for over a year. On the Cisco Chain, download speeds have been observed varying between 30-200 MBPS. As more satellites are launched (at present there are approximately 1,400 satellites in use) speeds should continue to increase. A requirement for Starlink is an unobstructed view of the northern sky. The Starlink app for your phone can determine if a site is appropriate. It is a system designed to be self-installed. Starlink can be ordered here. While slightly pricy ($599 equipment cost and $110/month for service) it has proven to be very fast and reliable.

As the situation develops with Highline, your Task Force will post updates as appropriate.  Should you have any questions, please contact Trustee Yvonne Clark at trustee1@watersmeet.us.

Thank you,

Watersmeet Broadband Task Force
Bob McGuffin
John Oliver
Greg Clark
Yvonne Clark, Trustee

The Watersmeet Township Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday September 7, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Watersmeet Township Community Center, N4689 1^st Street, Watersmeet, MI.  The purpose is to consider a variance request by Mr. Stephen Freundl to allow construction of a garage on his lakefront lot.  N3603 Channel Rd.

The public may express its views at this hearing or send written comments to:  Chairperson, Watersmeet Township Zoning Board of Appeals, PO Box 306, Watersmeet, MI 49969 by Monday September 1, 2022.  Documents associated with the variance request may be examined during normal business hours at the Watersmeet Township offices, also located at N4689 1^st Street.

THE COMMUNITY CENTER IS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE.

Agenda

Many residents expressed their disappointment when it was announced that road names were going to be removed from the fire number signs due to the need for a road audit in Watersmeet.

The township is now making available separate road name blade signs.  These signs are 3” x 20” and can be attached directly below the fire number sign.  The cost is $14.00 per sign.

While acknowledging the additional expense, this is the best option to reduce the number of fire number signs that might have to be replaced after a road audit.  The township is not encouraging the purchase of the road name signs and will not be responsible for their replacement if a road name changes. This is an offer of compromise for those who felt strongly about having a road name on their fire number sign.

For consistency and to avoid confusion to emergency responders, the road name blades must match, exactly, the township road sign.

Questions?  Please email: info@watersmeet.us

Click here for order form

On Wednesday, May 19th, the Watersmeet Board of Trustees voted to permanently cancel the regularly scheduled meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. and return to one meeting per month.

The Board will meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Watersmeet Community Center.

Due to the increased costs for the disposal of large items, the Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees approved a revision to the transfer station fee schedule.  The new fees will become effective June 1, 2022. The disposal of recycling and household waste will remain free of charge.  Transfer Station services are available to Watersmeet Township residents and homeowners only, owners of vacant property are not permitted to utilize transfer station services.  Individuals with out of state plates and driver’s licenses should obtain a window sticker from the Township office, proof of residency and/or home ownership is required, i.e. utility bill.
 View new fee schedule>

A springtime reminder, grass and leaves that were on the ground over the winter are very dry and can ignite easily from a spark or an ember

If you intend to burn yard debris, make sure that weather conditions are favorable. Go to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if burn permits are being issued in your area.

Here are some other safety tips to keep in mind:

• Never leave any fire unattended.
• Keep a hose or other water source nearby when burning yard waste or enjoying a campfire or bonfire.
• Prevent sparks. Keep trailer chains from dragging and don’t park hot equipment on dry grass.
• Do not shoot fireworks into the woods or into dry grass or shrubs.
• It’s illegal to burn plastic, hazardous materials, foam or other household trash. This can release dangerous chemicals into the air.
• Use a burn barrel with a screen on top to burn paper, leaves and natural materials.

Get more safety tips at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires.

The state of Michigan does not require burn permits, however permission to burn is required via the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Permission to Burn map available on-line DNR Burn Permits Map (state.mi.us)

Michigan law allows burning of:

• Leaves, grass, limbs, brush, stumps and evergreen needles
• Household paper materials that do not contain plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals or hazardous materials. These must be burned in a covered metal or masonry container with openings no larger than ¾ inches.

Visit Michigan Department of Natural Resources for more information Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.

PURSUANT TO THE WATERSMEET OUTDOOR FIRE REGULATION ORDINANCE – FINES WILL BE IMPOSED FOR ILLEGAL OPEN BURNING

Offenders will also be required to reimburse the township(s) for all costs associated with an emergency response.