BATES TOWNSHIP—Township officials here would like to see the Bates School turned back to the township once it is closed this June, and approved sending a letter to the West Iron County Schools with that request at its April 9 regular meeting.

“In 1957, the people in the township took out a millage to build the school, and they deserve to have it back,” said Township Supervisor Ernie Schmidt. “The board feels we should go after the school and do something with it so it doesn’t turn into another Central School.”

The building comprised the Bates School District until consolidation of west side districts in 1967. As noted in the minutes of the township’s March meeting, “Bates Township paid off the school and extended its mileage, and paid off the Stambaugh Elementary School.

“There appears to be no deed. Title was never transferred,” was stated in the minutes.

“The building is only 50 years old, a lot newer than many homes in the community.”

In assuming ownership of the building, the township would incur about $30,000 per year in utility and maintenance costs. The board is working with Iron County Economic Developer Julie Melchiori to investigate uses for the building.

in his attorney’s report, Donn Atanasoff updated the board on the issue of the zoning ordinance amendment as it pertains to lakefront development. He said the zoning board is proposing that lot frontage on all township lakes remain at 150 feet, and add an amendment that requires 100 ft. frontage for each additional family in a multi-family development. A public hearing is scheduled for April 14, following which the amended ordinance will be reviewed by the county planning commission, then returned to the township for board approval.

Zoning Board Member Grant Helgemo noted “We’re not changing the ordinance.

“It seems a lot of people are not informed. This is probably the most restrictive in the state of Michigan, for anti-funneling protection,” he explained.

“It’s basically adding something to the ordinance, not changing it,” Atanasoff said. “It was a well-reasoned, well thought-out decision by the board.”

in other business:

The board approved contracting with Tunnel Vision of Escanaba for clearing and televising the sewer lines in Rogers Location, at a cost of not more than $13,000.

--The board was told that residents Jean Lindbeck and Avie Powell have again volunteered to organize the annual Memorial Day program at the Bates Township Cemetery. Evelyn Javoroski will organize the brunch at the hall following the program.

--The board approved using D.S. Rostagno as its auditing firm, and was updated by Clerk Barbara Moncivais about a new audit required by the state, called SAS 104-112, which would require the auditors to “shadow,” or physically monitor township fiscal activity. She said Rostagno did not know what additional cost this would incur. Schmidt asked that a more detailed estimate be provided to the township.

--Wage and salary increases were approved for the township assessor, hall coordinator, zoning administrator, zoning board and zoning board of appeals, board of review, constable and employees. Several rate increases were also approved. The park campground and cemetery lot rates will remain the same.

--The board approved a $25 donation to West Iron County High School’s Project Graduation party for seniors.