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Commissioners report on Beaver Island grants, workforce housing, lake levels and local incidents
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Summary
During member reports, commissioners noted a $48 million grant to the Beaver Island Boat Company, delivery of 12 prebuilt workforce housing units to Beaver Island, Charlevoix school updates including graduation and a proposed aviation program, rising Great Lakes levels, the passing of Marion Township clerk Tim Matchett, and recent break‑ins in East Jordan.
At the June 5 meeting commissioners shared local updates and community news.
Pam Grassmick said the Beaver Island Boat Company received $48 million in grant funding and may purchase a new boat within six months; she also described borings for an interstate fiber optic route that will cross Beaver Island but will not provide service to the island at this time. Grassmick reported that twelve prebuilt workforce housing units (about 800 square feet each) were delivered to Beaver Island by barge and will be placed on pilings with community septic and well.
Sherm Chamberlain said the First Congregational Church of Charlevoix is participating in workforce housing efforts and noted the Irene (the former Methodist Church) is intended primarily for workforce housing while retaining a chapel. Mike Ritter reported Charlevoix Public Schools’ recent graduation had 59 of 62 graduates participate and that the district is pursuing an aviation program to be housed at the Shirley Roloff Center pending Board approval; the district is also recruiting an elementary principal and two teachers.
Matt Cunningham provided Great Lakes water levels (Lakes Michigan/Huron at 578.71 inches, projected to rise ~2 inches; Lake Superior at 601.41 inches, projected to rise ~3 inches) and referenced attendance at a Master Citizen Planner webinar. Marshal Bakker reported the recent death of longtime Marion Township clerk and planning commissioner Tim Matchett and commissioners paid tribute to his public service. David Wheeler reported a series of break‑ins at East Jordan businesses over the past six months; he also noted Jordan Valley EMS is seeking a millage in August and that the City of East Jordan is considering a marihuana ordinance.
These items were provided as reports and announcements; no formal actions resulted from these reports at the June 5 meeting.