Notes from the Community Planning Meeting held April 11, 2007.
Rita Hodgins-Van Neste opened the meeting, and asked for a report from each of the committees.
The Town Square Committee reported that the Township’s 5 year recreation plan had been updated and approved by the DNR, which qualifies the Township for Recreation Grants.
The two grant applications had been submitted for the new Town Square. The Road Commission has agreed to help, and the one DOT enhancement grant had been submitted in their name. The expected calendar of approval for both grants is late Sept. or early October.
Chuck reported that CCI had expressed an interest in having a permanent display in the new town square pavilion.
Gary reported that three local artists had also offered to do murals depicting the Ore Heritage in the new structure.
Additional public hearings will be held to formulate the final design of the pavilion structure.
Chuck Hurst reported for the Wetlands Committee. The CCI grant for the wetlands enhancement was approved by the CCI Board in March. The township will receive $5,000 per year for two years to be used for infrastructure construction, such as board walks, etc.. CCI is planning to amend their easement agreements with the DEQ. The Planning Group will propose improvements to the Wetlands, such as board walks, rest rooms, viewing platforms, etc. John Crady is working with the Audubon Society doing a census of the avian species. It is expected that Rock hound groups, and trail hiking groups will also be asked to inventory the area. Chuck explained the viewing areas on the map, and the various gate accesses to the property. CCI has requested data on the placement of the various trails, all of which will be non-motorized. Their environmentalist will be here to review the information after the weather improves. That environmentalist will also make recommendations to all parties.
Olga Williams reported for the Community Activities committee. The committee has become a subcommittee of the Historical Society. They have changed the name of the gardening club to the Heritage Gardens, to tie in with the overall theme of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail.
The committee has updated the list of community crafters. They presently have about 50 on the list. They also have some musicians, artists and home based businesses. A brochure listing all of the above will be prepared for June 25th, for handout during the Republic Festival.
The committee has planned a community rummage sale for August 11th and 12th. The Oasis in South Republic has been reserved for concession sales for that weekend. The committee is discussing a handout brochure map showing the location of any sale participants.
The Fall Festival is planned for Sept. 15th. They may consider combining this with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony opening the Republic Wetlands. It was also suggested that the Historical Society hold their proposed Potato Festival at the same time.
Fundraising containers have been put out in the community to raise funds for a gazebo for the Heritage Garden. The containers are shaped like little gazebos. A storage shed is also planned for the garden.
The committee also has ordered 300 plants, trees, shrubs and ground cover for the new garden. They have also ordered lilacs to sell, which should be available late May, early June.
Unfortunately, scheduling prohibited the reporters for the sign/entrance committee from attending.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 6th
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