News
SepticSmart 2025: Septic Systems and the Environment
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How septic systems work
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Common signs of system failure
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Maintenance and homeowner tips (SepticSmart practices)
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The impact of septic systems on Michigan’s water resources
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New funding opportunities, including the Septic Replacement Loan Program
- For more information about septic system care, visit Michigan.gov/SepticSmart.
- View the full presentation>
Enbridge Proposal to Conduct Maintenance Activities on Oil and Gas Pipeline
The U.S. Department of Agriculture/Forest Service is seeking input on a proposal from Enbridge to conduct maintenance activities on their oil and gas pipeline that will require access across the National Forest on the Bessemer, Iron River, and Watersmeet Ranger Districts Because these maintenance activities are already allowed in accordance with Enbridge’s existing special use permit, the proposed action would result in a Forest Road special use authorization for access. This authorization will not exceed one year. Accordingly, no NEPA decision memo is required.
They are proposing to conduct eight maintenance digs at seven different locations on National Forest System lands. The permit will authorize access at five locations to access their permitted right-of-way during the fall of 2025, two of the locations the Forest Service doesn’t have jurisdiction.
Additional information on this project, as well as instructions for submitting comments to the USDA, are included in the attached letter.
2025 WE Energies Cisco Lake Phase III Project on Old U.S. 2 West
The Ottawa National Forest is proposing the 2025 WE Energies Cisco Lake Phase III Project on the Watersmeet Ranger Districts, for which they are seeking input. The proposed action would result in the issue of special use authorization for energy providers to construct and maintain Distribution Power Lines to provide safe and reliable electricity to the public.
WE Energies is proposing to construct and maintain six wooden power poles and electrical powerlines along Old US2, west of Watersmeet to their project goals. This project proposes the removal of approximately 275 trees. The project area is not located within Lac Vieux Desert -L’Anse Trail Corridor or the Wild and Scenic River Corridors. The project area is about 1,320 feet in length by 20 feet wide for approximately 0.60 acres in total.
If you would like to submit comments on this project, please contact the USDA at the information provided in the attached letter.
Notice of Public Hearing – Zoning Ordinance Revisions
The Watersmeet Township Planning Commission will conduct a hearing on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 6:00PM in the Watersmeet Township Community Center, N4689 1st Street, Watersmeet, MI.
The purpose of the hearing is to allow public review and comment on proposed revisions to the Township Ordinance. Proposed Zoning changes are occurring to the following sections of the Ordinance: 1.04B, 302C, 5.01A, 5.01B, 6.01, 6.02B, 11.01, 11.02.
Planning Commission to Review Zoning Ordinance ~ Updated 7/10/25
The Watersmeet Planning Commission has adopted the task to review the current Zoning Ordinance, page by page to make revisions to clarify the ordinance. A draft document is being kept tracking all proposed changes and will be updated after each Planning Commission meeting.
When a sufficient number of edits are ready, a public hearing will be held for the edits. The draft will then be forwarded to the Board of Trustees for request for approval and adoption.
The Planning Commission invites the public to comment on the proposed changes by attending a meeting, mailing a letter or emailing the Board liaison at trustee1@watersmeet.us.
Coming Soon ~ Online Payment Option for Property Taxes & Utilities
Beginning with the Summer 2025 taxes there will be an on-line payment option available.
The township is working in conjunction with BSA, the company that provides the software that is used for tax collection purposes, to allow payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) or by ACH (payment from back account) which has a lower rate.
We hope to have the system available by the beginning of August 2025. Updates and additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
To use the on-line payment feature you will have to register with the BS&A online website, https://bsaonline.com, and create an account. The account you create doesn’t have a fee and allows you to view the assessing, property tax and utility billing information for any property that you are considered as the owner in our system.
You can choose to use the on-line payment feature if you choose but there will be an extra fee attached to use a credit card for payment comparable to what is currently done at restaurants and other businesses.
If you have questions, please contact the Watersmeet Treasurer at 906.358.4501 or treasurer@watersmeet.us
Updated Zoning Ordinance Available
During its Regular Meeting on May 21, 2025, the Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees finalized and approved language modifying the Watersmeet Township Zoning Ordinance. Specifically, Sections 1.02, 3.02B, 4.02B, and 7.09B.
The 30-day review period has ended, and the changes are final. Copies of the ordinance are available the township office.
Planning Commission Housing Survey Results and Request for Committee Volunteers
The results of the Watersmeet Planning Commission Housing Survey are available for review. Housing Survey>
Based on the results from the housing survey, a volunteer group is being established to form a “Housing Improvement Committee”. This committee will build a plan of options and ideas for improving the housing situation. The committee is looking for volunteers from the township to participate and assist. Meeting times and location will be determined after the committee is established. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Simon Zelinski at trustee3@watersmeet.us
Watersmeet Senior Meals Program
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Beginning June 17th, Watersmeet Township, in cooperation with the Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency and the Watersmeet Food Pantry, will be serving senior citizens age 60 and over. This Meal Program is designed to assist seniors in meeting their nutritional needs by providing delicious, nutritious meals that taste great! The suggested donation per meal is $5.00, but no one is ever denied service due to their inability to donate. Without donations, GOCAA would not be able to serve every senior in need of Meals.
How Do I Get My Senior Meals?
Pick up your frozen meals at the Watersmeet Food Pantry on the 3rd Tuesday of every month between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. You will need to fill out a registration form asking for your name, address and date of birth before picking up your meals. GOCAA will issue donation requests directly to meal recipients.
There are a limited number of meals available each month and meals will be distributed on a first-come,
first-served basis.
Any questions? Call the Township office at 906-358-4501.
Learn more
The Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency provides many services to Watersmeet Seniors. For more information visit www.gocaa.org.
Notice of Public Hearing ~ Zoning Board of Appeals
The business meeting of the ZBA will be held at 5:30 p.m.
The Watersmeet Township Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a hearing on Tuesday, June 17; 2025 at 6PM in the
Watersmeet Township Community Center, N4689 1st Street, Watersmeet, MI. The purpose of the hearing is to consider a variance of the Watersmeet Zoning Ordinance requested by Donald S. Hall Jr. at E18711 West Cisco Lake Road, Parcel No. 06-38-300-400, in Watersmeet Township.
The variance request is to allow Mr. Hall and the Town Zoning Administrator. to create a new nonconforming L-1 lot of Parcel no. 06-38-300-400 that will have a new depth of 302′ from 517′ while retaining the deed recorded 95′ of lake frontage. The new depth of 302′ meets the minimum Zoning depth requirement for an L-1 lot.
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, Ml 49969 by Friday, June 13, 2025. 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