Roscommon commissioners cite safety concerns, data mismatch at Houghton Lake structure

The Roscommon County Board of Commissioners on May 13 discussed safety and measurement concerns at the Houghton Lake control structure after a Michigan Department of Natural Resources survey crew reported differing measurements from county logs. Chair Darlene Sensor said the county has been keeping data logs on all three structures since the beginning of May and described the DNR as using an "88 datum" while the county uses a "29 datum." The DNR, Sensor said, acknowledged it is not maintaining the structure at the county's level and indicated it has no intention of inserting stop logs at this time.

Commissioner Rex Wolfsen and Chair Sensor said the structure poses a public-safety danger. The board reached consensus to eliminate public access to the structure during construction and moving forward to reduce risk. No formal vote was recorded on restricting access at the special meeting; the discussion focused on enforcement options and scheduling follow-up meetings with the DNR and Prein & Newhof, the consultant noted for prior work on lake structures.

The meeting record shows commissioners logged measurements and planned another meeting with Prein & Newhof prior to any permit application. The board did not adopt a formal resolution at this session; next steps include additional coordination with state crews and consultant follow-up before any construction or permitting action.