News

In May 2022, the Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees formally requested Michigan DNR conduct a study to assess the need for additional controls, primarily in the form of a “No Wake” ordinance, in 8 channels of the Cisco Chain.  The requested study was conducted in the summer and fall of 2022.  Preliminary reports and recommendation were provided to the Township in November 2022.

Prior to making a final decision, DNR held a public hearing on June 20, 2023 to allow interested persons to present their views on the preliminary reports and the need for special rules.

The DNR issued a final recommendation on October 18, 2023 and determined there isn’t enough evidence to substantiate a need for additional watercraft controls on the Cisco Chain.  Read More>

During a Special Meeting on July 12, 2023, the Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees finalized and approved language modifying the Watersmeet Township Zoning Ordinance.  Specifically, Section 7.05B has been modified to read as follows:

7.05B Use of Trailer Coach During Construction of Dwelling

A property owner in any District may be permitted to use one trailer coach upon premises which qualifies for construction of a dwelling and occupy the same for dwelling purposes during the actual construction of the dwelling. The trailer coach may be on the property between March 1 and October 31 each year, provided that a valid building permit has been issued and actual construction is occurring as certified yearly by the Building Inspector in conjunction with the Zoning Administrator. The trailer coach can be used for the purpose of a dwelling for a maximum of 5 consecutive building cycles from March 1 to October 31 commencing with the initial issuance of the building permit for a dwelling on the property.  Failure to secure a renewal of the building permit for the current year or failure of the Owner to demonstrate good faith progress toward completion of construction prohibits the use of the trailer coach as a temporary dwelling or placement of it on the property. The Building Inspector will make the determination as to whether the trailer coach may be used as a temporary dwelling on a yearly basis.

Special Permission outside of normal building period from March 1 – October 31.

If actual construction will be taking place on the property between October 31 and March 1 and if a property owner wishes to use a trailer coach as a temporary dwelling during this time period, on or before October 15, the property owner shall send a written request with proposed work for the winter to the Zoning Administrator along with a special fee of $75.00 and the Zoning Administrator given authority to grant permission to do so. All such determinations shall be made on a case-by-case basis by the Zoning Administrator.

Issuance of required certificates shall be contingent upon compliance with the following conditions:

1. Installation of water supply and sewage disposal facilities in conformity with requirements of Section 7.06, and approval of the same by the Western Upper Peninsula Health District shall precede occupancy of the trailer coach.
2. In a space provided on a copy of the Certificate of Compliance retained for filing, the applicant shall affix his signature indicating he has full knowledge of the limitation of the Certificate, including penalties that may be imposed in violation of the terms thereof.

The entire ordinance can be viewed at the Watersmeet Township office, N4689 1^st Street, Watersmeet, Michigan on weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm. The modifications to Section 7.05B will become effective 30 days from the date of this publication.

Questions or comments may be forwarded to Julie Mathiesen, Watersmeet Township Clerk, P.O. Box 306, Watersmeet, MI   49969.

Highline Contractors’ Fiber Optic Installation Update

This summer Highline began building high-speed fiber internet in Watersmeet. Due to a short construction season, Highline’s contractor has been working swiftly to build this state-of-the-art network to formerly unserved and underserved areas.
The construction had to pause a few weeks ago to address some permitting issues. Highline promptly worked with the Gogebic County Road Commission and hired a new crew to address proper permitting practices. Construction will resume as early as this week. Highline believes this pause in construction will not impact their goal to complete this project in 2023.

Once construction resumes Highline will begin contacting future customers for updates on burying the fiber to your home. Highline’s goal is to complete this part of the installation as soon as possible. Once the cabinet serving Watersmeet is active, the second step will be scheduling the in-home installation.

We appreciate your support and will provide another update in September. Please contact Bruce Moore President and GM of Highline Midwest if you have any questions. bruce.moore@highlinefast.com or 989-529-5152.

If you have any other questions for the Watersmeet Township, please contact Yvonne Clark at trustee1@watersmeet.us or 906-477-3029.

The Watersmeet Township Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a hearing on Tuesday August 1, 2023 at 6:00PM in the Watersmeet Township Community Center, N4689 1st Street, Watersmeet, MI. The purpose of the hearing is to consider a dimensional variance requested by Tom Chester for approval to construct a pole building located at E23935 Crozer St., Parcel No. 27-06-22-701-300, in Watersmeet Township. The variance request involves the minimum setback requirements for the proposed pole building footprint.

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 Friday July 28, 2023. Documents associated with the variance request may be examined during normal business hours at the Watersmeet Township offices, also located at N4689 1st Street.

THE COMMUNITY CENTER IS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE