News

For Sale on Bids - 1996 Ford/Welch Fire Truck Mini-Pumper

The Charter Township of Chocolay is accepting bids until 2:00pm EDT October 4, 2010 for the purchase of a used 1996 Ford/Welch Fire Truck Mini-Pumper. Bids should be submitted to the Chocolay Township Manager, 5010 US 41 South, Marquette, MI 49855. Bids should be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked "Fire Truck Bid". It is anticipated that the Township Board will take action to accept or reject bids on Monday, October 16, 2010. The Township reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Unit may be inspected at the Township Hall, 5010 US 41 South. Please call for an appointment.

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APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR ALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIORNMENTAL PROTECTION ACT (EXCEPT) Act 451 of 1994

324.51504 Acts prohibited

Section 5104. A person shall not do any of the following:

(a) Dispose of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes or other flaming or glowing substances, or any other substance or things that is likely to ignite a forest, brush, grass or woods fire, or throw or drop from a moving vehicle any such object or substance.

(b) Set fire to, or cause or procure the setting on fire of, any flammable material on or adjacent to forest land without taking reasonable precautions both before and while lighting the fire and at all times after the lighting of the fire to prevent the escape of the fire; or leave the fire before it is extinguished.

(c) Set a backfire or cause a backfire to be set, except under the direct supervision of an established fire control agency or unless it can be established that the setting of the backfire is necessary for the purpose of saving life or valuable property.

(d) Destroy, break down, mutilate, or remove any fire control sign or poster erected by an established fire control agency in the administration of its lawful duties and authorities.

(e) Use or operate on or adjacent to forest land, a welding torch, tar pot, or other device that may cause a fire, without clearing flammable material surrounding the operation or without taking other reasonable precautions necessary to ensure against the starting and spreading of fire.

(f) Operate or cause to be operated any engine, other machinery, or powered vehicle not equipped with spark arresters or other suitable devices to prevent the escape of fire or sparks.

(g) Discharge or cause to be dischared a gun firing incendiary or tracer bullets or tracer charge onto or across any forest land.

CHOCOLAY TOWNSHIP MASTER PLAN

Chocolay Township will be reviewing/updating the Township Master Plan in 2010. If you are interested in serving on this Committee, please contact Jennifer Thum at 906-249-1448.

NEW NIGHT DEPOSIT BOX AT TOWNSHIP HALL

Checks preferred; use cash at your own discretion.
All transactions should be placed in a sealed envelope with the related or other identifying document.
Box is emptied at 8:00 AM each day and anything deposited after that will be applied to the next business day.

TAXES

The summer tax bills are sent out every year on July 1st. They are payable from July 1st until September 14th. Beginning September 15th through March 1, 2010, they can still be paid at the Township Office. Interest of 1% will be added starting September 15th and another 1% added each month they are delinquent.

The winter taxes are sent out every year on December 1st. They are payable at the Township Office from December 1st to March 1, 2010. On March 2nd, both summer and winter taxes are payable to the County Treasurer at the County Courthouse and a 5% penalty is added, plus an additional 1% per month that the taxes are delinquent.

You do not need to have your bill to come into the office to pay your taxes. We can make a copy for you. We do not accept credit or debit cards. Cash or checks only to pay taxes in person or by mail.

DNR BURN PERMIT

There is some minor change to the burn permits this year. All you have to do is call 1-888-922-2876 or visit https://www.michigan.gov.com/burnpermit and check to see if there will be burning for the day. The DNR is no longer going to ask for your name, location and phone number. You need a burn permit if you are burning: limbs; Evergreen needles; brush; leaves; stumps; and grass.

Ongoing burns for construction and land clearing, roadway maintenance and uncertified party's performing burns with a written plan require a burn permit by the local fire control. If you need a blanket permit you will need to contact your local DNR office to obtain a permit. Contact 346-9201.

Permits are not required for household refuse burned in an approved container. The container must be metal or masonry and covered with a metal screen with holes no larger than .75 inch.

People who burn without a permit can be ticketed.

DNR firefighters responded to more than 600 wildfires in Michigan last year, with most of those fires resulting from open burning.

Proposal A and Your Property Taxes for 2010

On March 15, 1994 the voters in Michigan approved a constitutional amendment known as Proposal A. This amendment changed how property taxes will be levied. Assessed Value? State Equalized Value? Capped Value? Taxable Value? What are these values and how do they affect me?

ASSESSED VALUE (AV): 50% of the usual selling price (market value) or the true cash value of your property.
STATE EQUALIZED VALUE (SEV): the assessed value as finalized by the County and State Equalization Process. In most municipalities the SEV and AV will be the same. If there was an Ownership Transfer on your property last year, your taxable value for the current year will be the same as your SEV.
CAPPED VALUE: last years taxable value minus any losses (ie: demolition of house or garage), increased by the consumer price index (CPI) or 5% whichever is least, plus any additions (ie: new construction or improvements).
TAXABLE VALUE (TV): simply the lesser of State Equalized Value or Capped Value. Taxable Value is what your taxes will be based on!

Example 1

Last year a home in Chocolay Twp. had a true cash value of $150,000. The State Equalized Value was $75,000 and the taxable value was $64,000. Sales of comparable homes in the neighborhood reflect a 5% decrease. The consumer price index (CPI) for 2010 is .997%.

2010 AV $71,250

2010 SEV (tentative) $71,250

2010 Capped Value $63,800 ($64,000 x .997), rounded

2010 Taxable Value $63,800

Example 2

Last year a home in Chocolay Twp. had a true cash value of $150,000. The State Equalized Value was $75,000 and the taxable value was $64,000. The homeowner added a family room valued at $20,000. The current true cash value of the home is $155,000. The consumer price index (CPI) for 2010 is .997%.

2010 AV $77,500

2010 SEV (tentative) $77,500

2010 Capped Value $73,800 ($64,000 x .997) plus $10,000 (50% addition)

2010 Taxable Value $73,800

Example 3

Last year a home in Chocolay Twp. had a true cash value of $150,000. The State Equalized Value was $75,000 and the taxable value was $64,000. Last year there was a sale or transfer of ownership on the property. Sales of comparable homes in the neighborhood reflect a 5% decrease. The consumer price index (CPI) for 2010 is .997%.

2010 AV $71,250

2010 SEV (tentative) $71,250

2010 Taxable Value $71,250

Michigan Treasury Services
www.michigan.gov/treasury/0,1607,7-121-1751---,00.html
Property Tax Information
www.michigan.gov/taxes/0,1607,7-238-43535---,00.html

ELECTION INFORMATION

If you would like a application for a Absentee Ballot, please stop in or call the Township Office at 249-1448 to request one for the next election.

August 3, 2010 Primary Election

November 2, 2010 - General Election

For information regarding registration and a partial sample ballot go to (Michigan Voter Information Center)

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR DOG IS?

Marquette County dog licenses will no longer be calendar-year licenses; they will be based on your dog's rabies shot date. Your license will expire on the last day of the month in which your dog receives its rabies shot. Example, If your dog recieves its rabies shot in June, your license is valid through June 30 each year.

Three year licenses are available in conjunction with proof of a NEW rabies vaccination only!

Most vet offices are selling dog tags since January 1, 2009. They are still available at the Chocolay Township Offices too.

If you have any questions, please call the County Treasurer's office at 906-225-8425.

NOTICE FROM MARQUETTE COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION

PLOWING SNOW ACROSS PUBLIC ROADS

Public Act 300 of the Public Acts of 1949 as amended under Section 677a states that it is against the law to deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice or slush on any roadway or highway or shoulder of the roadway/highway. When people violate this law it can cause traffic safety problems. This also causes safety concerns for snow plow drivers and has caused damage to snow removal equipment. It is the intent of the Marquette County Road Commission to seek the enforcement of this law. Please help us serve you better by not putting snow in the road. Your cooperation is appreciated.

SAND AND DEBRIS IN THE ROADWAY IN THE SPRING

Sand and debris that is swept into the roadway prior to spring clean-up has been an issue for the Marquette County Road Commission for many years. It is a nuisance as well as a potential traffic hazard.

It is illegal to put sand and debris on the traveled portion of a roadway, and law enforcement agencies may ticket residents who cause a traffic hazard by doing so. The traveled portion of a roadway includes the pavement, gutters, and shoulders.

The wear and tear on the Road Commission's equipment and the additional labor costs involved in cleaning up large piles of sand and debris causes financial strain and slows down the spring clean-up process. This impedes the Road Commission's ability to adequately serve the public.

Please help us serve you better by not putting sand and debris in the road. Road Commission operators have the authority to bypass large piles that are left. If it impedes traffic and safety, the debris may be moved back off of the roadway. Your cooperation is appreciated.

PASSPORTS AT CHOCOLAY TOWNSHIP

Requirements to apply for Passport Book and/or Card:
* Proof of Citizenship (Certified Copy of Birth Record, Previous Passport, or Naturalization Record
* Valid Driver's License
* Two Identical Passport Photos (Can be taken at Chocolay Township's Office)
* Standard Processing is 5-6 weeks

Fees for Passport Book - Must be a Check or Money Order

$110.00 to U.S. Dept of State (16 yrs and over)
$80.00 to U.S. Dept of State (under 16 yrs)
$25.00 to Chocolay Township (any age)
$60.00 Expedite Fee if needed in less than 6 weeks
$10.00 Passport Photos

Fees for Passport Card - Must be a Check or Money Order

$30.00 to U.S. Dept of State (16 yrs and over)
$15.00 to U.S. Dept of State (under 16 yrs)
$25.00 to Chocolay Township (any age)
$60.00 Expedite Fee if needed in less than 6 weeks
$10.00 Passport Photos

You must apply in person unless your application is a renewal; less than 15 years from issue date. You can pick up the renewal application at the Chocolay Township Office.

If the child applying is under 16 years of age, both parents must be present along with the child.

If the person is a minor (from age 16 up to 18 yrs) one parent must be present with the minor.

DNR SNOWMOBILE SPEED LIMIT

DNR Director Humphries signed a land-use order on January 12, 2006 approving a 35 mph speed limit on the DNR trail #417 for the 4.5 miles it runs through residential areas in Harvey. The stretch is from the Michigan Welcome Center to just east of Chocolay Downs Golf Course. This just went into effect January 13, 2006 and is to be the speed limit for ideal trail conditions. Signs have been placed on that stretch advising of the 35 mph speed limit.

This is the first snowmobile trail with a director's order speed limit in Upper Michigan which will be enforced by the Chocolay Township Police through the snowmobile grant received from the State of Michigan. This year's grant provided for 450 hours of patrol time and a new snowmobile.

CHOCOLAY TOWNSHIP GARBAGE PICK UP

Tags cost $1.50 each and will be sold 5 on a sheet for $7.50.

You will use one tag per bag of garbage. Save money by participating in our curbside recycling program. Contact the Township Office at 249-1448 for a flier on materials to recycle or see the information on our website. For household hazardous waste materials, contact the Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority at 249-4125.

Tags may be purchased at the Township Hall during regular business hours or at any of the following businesses:

HOLIDAY GAS STATION (HARVEY)
SHAW'S SERVICE STATION
KASSEL'S KORNER
SNYDER DRUG (HARVEY)
JACK'S SUPERSERV
CITGO GAS STATION (HARVEY)
MARQUETTE COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION - HARVEY

RULES:

Only household refuse in garbage bags will be picked up (bag may be placed in a can or other protective container).
Tag must be around the top of the garbage bag (as shown on the tag).
Refuse bags cannot exceed 32 gallons in capacity and shall not exceed 30 pounds in total weight.

CHOCOLAY TOWNSHIP OFFICE 2010 HOLIDAY HOURS

Closed on the following days:

Friday, January 1, 2010 - New Year's Day
Monday, May 31, 2010 - Memorial Day
Monday, July 5, 2010 (observed)- Independence Day
Monday, September 6, 2010 Labor Day
Thursday, November 25, 2010 and Friday, November 26, 2010 - Thanksgiving Holiday
Thursday, December 23 and Friday, December 24, 2010 (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - observed)
Friday, December 31, 2010 - New Years Day (observed)

Office Hours are Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day

Summer Hours are Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

PAVILIONS AND RECREATION FIELDS AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENT USE

The two pavilions in Chocolay Township (near the Township Hall and in Beaver Grove) are available for use by the residents for gatherings/parties. The Beaver Grove Pavilion now has a power source.

The Silver Creek and Beaver Grove Recreation Areas each have a soccer field and ball field available for resident use. The Lion's Recreation Area has a ball field.

Call the Township Office at 249-1448 to reserve a time, and fill out an agreement form. A fee of $50.00 is charged per day.

WOOD CHIPS AVAILABLE

Wood chips can be picked up at the Chocolay Township Office complex at any time. There is no limit on the quantity of wood chips you may have. The wood chips are free to any person who can haul them away. Wood chips are on a first come first serve basis. If you have any questions, please call the Township at 249-1448.

ICE SKATING

Chocolay Township operates two ice rinks; one at the Lions Recreation Area on M-28 and one near the Township Office (north of the pavilion). At the Lions Recreation Area, one rink is for open skating; the other is for hockey (with sideboards). The rinks are lighted for night skating.

The rinks are open in the winter as soon as the weather permits. Rules and regulations are posted at the rink. If you have any questions, please call the Township Office at 249-1448.

NOTICE TO SEWER USERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CHOCOLAY

If you experience an overflow or backup of a sewage disposal system or storm water system, you must file a written claim with Chocolay Township within 45 days after the overflow or backup was discovered. Notice should be mailed to: Chocolay Township Clerk, 5010 US 41 South, Marquette, MI 49855. Failure to provide the required notice will prevent recovery of damages. Contact the Chocolay Township Department of Public Works Supervisor immediately upon discovery of an overflow or backup.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAIL

The Kawbawgam Cross Country Ski Trail will be open. Grooming will be done as conditions warrant and users are encouraged to call the Township Office at 249-1448 with any problems they encounter on the trail.

The trail will be open as the weather permits. Maps are available at the Township Office and at the Trailhead.