Almer Township is located in Tuscola County in what is known as the Thumb of Michigan. It sits on the northeastern outskirts of the city of Caro, Michigan, which is also the seat of Tuscola County. Columbia Twp to the north, Ellington Twp. to the east, Fairgrove Twp to the west, and Indianfields Twp to the south. The township is 34.6 square miles of business, residential and farmland. M24 and M81 are primary business zones.
- 1,975 Population
- 58.36/sq mi Population Density
- Age Groups (C 2020)
- 0-17 years 356
- 18-64 years 1,071
- 65+ years 538
NOTICES
- State Tax Commission gives Almer Perfect score
"On the 17th of December 2024 has been recognized for the outstanding achievement of receiving a perfect score on the 2024 PA 660 Assessment Audit Review. We wish to congratulate you and thank you for your continued efforts to provide fair and equitable assessing in the State of Michigan"
We in Almer thank our Assessor for taking care of the township so well. - Almer BOR
Organizational Meeting Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 7:00 pm
Valuation appeals will be heard on:
Monday March 10th, 2025
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 11th, 2025
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m
-_-_-_-_-
Map - GFL 2025 Trash Schedule
GFL is Almer's contracted provider for trash retrieval. - Tax Collection Available at Northstar Bank
Tax collection @ Northstar Bank in Caro
December 30, 2024 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
February 28, 2025 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
-=-=-=-=- - BOR Mtg
DECEMBER BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING
DECEMBER 10, 2024, at 1:00 PM
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Map - Townships (many) Lawsuit Against MPSC
As written by Foster Swift, representing Almer and other communities.
4. The (MPSC) Order is unlawful and unreasonable because, among other reasons
a. The MPSC's issuance of the Order violates the Administrative Procedures Act, MCL 24.201;
b. The Order unlawfully and unreasonably redefines key terms and concepts
and creates processes and procedures that violate the Legislature's express and unambiguous intent.
-=-=-=-=-=-=- - Almer Board Special Mtg Nov 5th at Tuscola ISD
Nov 5th, 4PM
ROOM 300B
TUSCOLA TECHNOLOGY CENTER
1401 CLEAVER RD CARO MI 48723
Map - Almer Public Hearing Draft Ordinances
Almer PC has recommended to the board Battery Storage and Zoning Overlay ordinances, Almer-zoningordinancePA233withBatteryStorageOverlay-2024Sep7-v3b.pdf and Almer-zoningordinance-PA233-OverlayAmendmentsWindSolar2024Sep7-v4b.pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KSxJO8SvLDmZ0T8dhDEKq443TuYc5Ob4/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1690dibeCzMNXGysqOz71as0sVlVUI095/view?usp=sharing
--=--=-- - Almer Twp Planning Com -special mtg
Meeting to discuss regular business and ordinances. 9/23/24 7:00PM
Map - Almer Twp Public Hearing
Hearing to review ordinances and overlay districts Oct 10, 2024
Map - Almer Twp Planning Comm. Special Mtg
Meeting to discuss regular business and ordinances Oct 10, 2024
Map - PC Mtg Monday -special mtg
Meeting to discuss ordinances 9/9/24 7:00PM
Map - Board of Review 6:00 PM 7/16/24
Board of Review will meet at 6:00 PM until completion of business on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the Almer Township Hall at 1310 Cameron Road, Caro, Michigan 48723. - Planning Commission Special Mtg
THE ALMER CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION WILL HOLD A SPECIAL
MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2024, AT 7:30 PM AT THE TOWNSHIP HALL
LOCATED AT 1310 CAMERON ROAD, CARO, MI, 48723
Agenda of the special meeting:
• Conduct standard township business
• Discuss special use permit for property located at 390 East Deckerville Road,
Caro, MI, regarding sec. 501 special uses for R-2 rural residential districts.
Map - Public Hearing 7PM
THE ALMER CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION WILL HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2024, AT 7:00 PM AT THE TOWNSHIP HALL LOCATED AT 1310 CAMERON ROAD, CARO, MI, 48723
The purpose of the public hearing is to ensure transparency and accountability. We will review and hear resident input on a request for a special use permit for property located at 390 East Deckerville Road, Caro, MI, regarding sec. 501 special uses for R-2 rural residential districts.
Map - Almer May Board Meeting rescheduled to May 13, 7PM
The normal May board meeting will be held on May 14th, 7pm.
..__,, - Almer Park and Luder Facility open May 4th
- 2024 Assessing Information
Current Assessing Information
almer-assessor3-2024Feb9.pdf
almer-assessor2-2024Feb9.pdf
almer-assessor1-2024Feb9.pdf - BOR Hearings
Organizational Meeting: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 7:00 pm
Valuation appeals will be heard on:
Wednesday March 13 2024
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m
Monday March 11 2024
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Aimer township hall
Map - Northstar bank tax collection Feb 29 9-5PM
- BOR Review December 12
December BOR Review will be held on December 12, 2023 at 5:30 pm. The meeting will be held in the board room of the Almer Charter Township Hall . - Almer PC Special Mtg Nov 1st, 7PM
Almer PC holding off-month regular meeting.
Map - Planning Commission Public Meeting Nov 1st 7pm
To discuss: MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS, LICENSES, OR APPROVALS FOR, OR FOR ANY CONSTRUCTION OF, BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
Map - Almer Fee Schedule Updated
Almer Board has approved updating of the township fees.
Almer-PCFeeSchedule2023Jun.pdf
--==-- - BOR Review
The purpose of the meeting is to correct qualified errors as described in Section 211.53b of the General Property Tax Act.
5:30 PM until completion of business on Tuesday July 18, 2023
--==-- - Almer Board Adopts Land Division Ordinance
To provide Land Division regulations for compliant lot line adjustments, property line adjustments, and land divisions.
The Ordinance 2203-03 amends the Township Land Division Ordinance.
almer-OrdinanceLandDivisionsBoundary-Final2023May9-withforms.pdf
--==-- - BOR July 18, 5:30pm at Twp hall
Almer township BOR available at 5:30pm
--==-- - Luder Facility Natural Dump Opens Wed April 19
Open Wednesdays and Saturdays 10AM to 2PM
--==-- - BOR Meetings 2023
Organizational Meeting: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 7:00 pm
*By law valuation appeals cannot be heard at this meeting*
--==--
Valuation appeals will be heard on:
Monday March 13, 2023 Wednesday March 15, 2023
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m
A resident or non-resident may file an appeal in writing and is not required to make a personal appearance by filling out the proper forms.
Map - Tax payments: February 28, 2023 from 9-5PM
Almer Township Treasurer will at Almer Township Hall, 1310 Cameron Road, Caro, on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm to receive payment for taxes. If paying with cash, please have exact change.
Map - Almer TWP selling 35 acres
Almer Twp is selling ~35 acres located on Cleaver Rd. TaxID: 002-011-000-0600-00; TOWNSHIP OF ALMER V/L CLEAVER RD, CARO
Long/Lat: 43.55947, -83.38672
The land is the location of the previous Village of Caro Class 2 landfill. There are access issues with this land as it is currently land-locked.
Offers above $2500/acre are being accepted. Please send offers to the Twp clerk, or text offers to Supervisor Mantey 989-280-0019. For questions, call Supervisor Mantey.
-=-=-=-=-=-=- - Winter 2022 Tax Collection
WINTER 2022 TAX COLLECTION
Payment may be by check, money order or cashier’s check and mailed to
Almer Charter Township, 1405 W. Dutcher Rd., Caro, MI 48723
In Person Tax Collection at
Almer Township Hall, 1310 Cameron Rd., Caro
The Following Dates:
Fri., December 30, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tues., February 28, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Check website: www.almertownship.org for any updates to collection dates. - Board of Review Mtg DECEMBER 13, 2022, at 5:30 PM
Almer Charter Township December Board of Review will be held at the Almer Township Hall at 1310 Cameron Road, Caro, Michigan 48723 - Regular board mtg rescheduled to Nov 1, 7PM
Due to elections time conflict - Almer Planning Commission Special meeting
Special meeting Wednesday September 7, 2022 at 7:00pm at the township hall to review a site plan for a proposed mini storage at the intersection of Remington and Deckerville roads near M81. - NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
ALMER CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD
Please take notice that a meeting of the Almer Township Board will be held on Tuesday July 19th 6PM at the Township Hall. - JULY 2022 BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING
The Almer Charter Township July Board of Review will meet in person at 5:00 PM until completion of business on Tuesday July 19, 2022 at the Almer Township Hall at 1310 Cameron Road, Caro, Michigan 48723. - Treasurer Available for Summer Tax 2022 Payments
Almer Charter Township Treasurer, Patty Witkovsky, will be at the Almer Township Hall, 1310 Cameron Road, Caro, the following dates and times to receiver Summer 2022 Taxes:
- Thurs., July 7, 2022: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Thurs., Aug 11, 2022: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Wed., Sept 14, 2022: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Deferment forms available upon request.
Map - GFL Trash Recycling Schedule 2022/2023
Please note that the twp is divided into A and B sections for recycling. - Parcel Information
Use FetchGIS to see parcel information - Almer 2022 Land and ECF Calculations
Calculations - BOR Meeting Notices
Valuation appeals will be heard on: Monday March 14 and 2022 Tuesday March 15, 2022
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Monday
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m: Tuesday - Zoning Ordinance 2202-01, 2202-02 Adopted 2022Feb8
The township board has adopted amendments to the general ordinance regarding large and small scale solar, and private, small scale and large scale communication towers. - BOR
Organizational Meeting
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 5:00 pm
Valuation appeals will be heard on:
Monday March 14, 2022 Tuesday March 15, 2022
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m
Almer Township Hall – 1310 Cameron Rd, Caro, MI 48723 - Special meeting 2021Dec28 5PM
Purpose Of Meeting: Resolution By Township Board For A
Partial Termination Of A Farmland Development Rights Agreement With Pre-Existing Structure
Map - ISD Tech Center Annexed to City
The Tech center initiated a process to be annexed into the city. The township approved the request as did the County. - BOR Dec 14th 9AM
Notice is hereby given that the Almer Charter Township December Board of Review will meet at the Almer
Township Hall at 1310 Cameron Road, Caro, Michigan 48723 on the following dates:
Tuesday December 14 at 9:00 AM
The purpose of the December BOR is to correct clerical
errors or mutual mistakes of fact which affect the tax roll. Principal Residence Exemption, Poverty Exemption and Disabled Veteran Exemption appeals may also be heard. - PC -Public Hearing Solar and Tower Dec 1st, 7pm
Potential amendment to the Township's Zoning Ordinance regarding solar energy facilities and regulations governing the same.
Potential amendment to the Township's Zoning Ordinance regarding communication towers and regulations governing the same. - Electric and Fiber Franchise Ordinance 2021-05
The board passed 2021-05 for the purpose of allowing future fiber (data) to run across existing township utility poles or other public areas. - Recycling and Trash Pick-up 2021-2022
Trash pick-up is weekly and on Tuesdays.
However, there are changes to the recycling pick-up. There are now two Zones: A and B. A is north of Fairgrove Rd and B is Fairgrove Rd and south.
Zone A starts July 6th and will be every two weeks.
Zone B starts July 13th, and will be every two weeks.
Each week there will be recycling pick-up, but one week for Zone A and the next for Zone B. See the linked pdf to see the schedule (calendar).
For example, if one lives on Deckerville Rd, that is Zone B, and the first recycling pick-up will be July 13th., and every two weeks then after. - BOR Meeting July 20 6:30PM
The purpose of the meeting is to correct qualified errors as described in Section 211.53b of the General Property Tax Act - Trash: Memorial Weekend Pick-up is Wednesday
Due to Memorial Weekend, the normally Tuesday scheduled trash pick-up has been changed to Wednesday, Jun 2. - GFL Success on Tuesday, but too much for one day
GFL will return Friday 5/28/21 to pick up Gilford, Graf, Akron, Unionville, and Elmwood roads. Due to the missed week from Republic deciding at the last minute not to do a final trash pick-up, GFL had to do a double week pick-up. - Trash and Recycling Pick-up changes to TUESDAYS
With the discontinuance of Republic and the starting of GFL, trash and recycling are on Tuesdays, not Mondays.
Tuesday 5/25 will be TRASH ONLY. A new schedule for recycling will be made over the next few weeks. It will be on a 2 week cycle just like Republic was.
-=-=-=-=- - New Trash Service STARTS Tuesday 5/25/21
Good news. GFL services is now Almer's waste and recycling service provider. Almer Board went through its attorneys at Foster Swift and were able to exit the 5 year contract early with no penalty fees. It was multistep process and took too long, but the contract required the steps. The board apologizes for the hardship and frustation Republic has caused. Over the last year supervisor Mantey has worked continually to help Republic do its contractual duties and hold them accountable. We all hope GFL will give us years of trouble-free, consistent service. - Solar Moratorium 2021-001 6Mth passed by board
To provide the Almer PC with adequate time to complete the Almer Industrial Large-Scale solar ordinance, the Board has passed a police power Ordinance on solar development in Almer for 6 months. - Almer Board Mtg Mar 18th
Almer Board Mtg rescheduled to Mar 18th 7pm.
Map - BOR -Poverty Exemption Document
Form for BOR review - Planning Commission Wednesday 3/3/21 cancelled
- BOR review -online only
Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 6:30 PM -Organizational Meeting
Monday, March 8, 2021, 9:00 Am -12:00 Noon 6:00 PM-9:00 - PM -Appeal Hearing
Wednesday March 10, 2021, 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM -Appeal Hearing
https://www.freeconferencecall.com
Dial-in Number: 978 990-5004
Access Code: 8198279
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ - Almer Board Mtg Feb 9th Remote Voice Only
Board meeting will be remote and voice only. Call 701-802-5261 access code 7730884# - Almer Ordinance 2020.
Click on title to see Almer updated ordinance. - Almer Zoning Map 2020
Click on title to see Almer updated zoning map. - RECYLING Day Change NOW TUESDAY - Trash is MONDAY
Starting Feb 2nd Republic will pick up recycling on every other Tuesday for Almer Township. Trash pick-up will will be every Monday. - Winter Tax Bills
Winter 2020 Tax bills may be paid by mail. Office Hours to pay taxes in person will be held at the Almer Charter Township Hall, 1310 Cameron Rd., Caro, on the following two dates only. If paying in cash, must have correct change. Masks must be worn. Social distancing of six feet will be required.
Wed., Dec 30, 2020 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
Mon., Mar 1, 2021 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Map - Almer Twp BOR Dec 15 9AM
Board of Review will be by group. Call in number is (425) 436-6397 and Access code is 4673970#, Meeting ID: charliewitkovsky
You can access the meeting by dialing the number and entering the access code at prompt or https://www.freeconferencecall.com/wall/charliewitkovsky - Tuesday Regular Board Mtg rescheduled to Thursday
Tuesday 7PM 12/8/20 board mtg rescheduled to Thursday 7PM 12/10/20. Meeting will be virtual: 701-802-5261 pin:7730884# - Almer Board Adopts Zoning Ordinance and Map Update
Oct 28th the updated Zoning Ordinance and Map. The ordinance was updated following the Master Plan township survey. Additionally, it fixed known errors, updated archaic language, and reset the entire document electronically from the existing paper copies. The Zoning Map was updated based on researching of 30 years of PC and Board motions, along with updating to match Master Plan survey. - Tax Payments 9/14/20 at Hall Available
Almer Township Treasurer, Patricia Witkovsky, will be at Almer Township Hall, 1310 Cameron Rd., Caro for tax payments in person on Sept 14, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. One person in hall at a time. Cash payments must have correct amount for payment. Please wear mask. Deferment forms available upon request and due on September 14, 2020. Tax payments may also be mailed to 1405 W. Dutcher Rd., Caro, MI 48723 and receipts will be mailed. Payments are due September 14, 2020; payments received after September 14, 2020 will have interest of 1% per month on late summer taxes paid between Sept 14-Mar 1, 2021.
Map - July Board of Review
Notice is hereby given that the Almer Charter Township Board of Review (BOR) will meet on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 9:00 am at the Almer Charter Township Hall 1310 Cameron Road, Caro, MI 48723
The purpose of the July BOR is to correct clerical errors or mutual mistakes of fact which affect the tax roll. Principal Residence Exemption, Poverty Exemption and Disabled Veteran Exemption appeals may also be heard. For this year only, the BOR will accept appeals pursuant to Executive Order 2020-87.
Appeals may be made in person or by letter. Letter appeals should be addressed to: Assessment Pros, Almer Township Assessor, 215 N State St, Suite 2, Caro, MI 48723 and must be received by 5:00 pm Monday, July 20, 2020 in order to be considered. To appeal in person, please call 989-286-3686 to make an appointment. Persons wishing to appeal in person without an appointment should be at the hall at 9:00 am, these appeals will be held immediately following the scheduled appeals. - Darbee School, Almer No. 1 History
The main structure of the Darbee schoolhouse, Almer No.1, was demolished June 2020. Here is a brief story documenting the great Almer Twp Schoolhouse. - FAQ for Ordinance and Zoning Map
The Planning Commission FAQ is available with common questions and answers regarding the Ordinance and Zoning Map updates. - Almer Twp Public Meeting Planning Commission
Zoning Map corrections and Ordinance maintenance.
Map - Luder Road Facilty Closed July 4th
Please note that the park is open but the Luder Dump Facility is closed July 4th. - Special PC Meeting Jun 10th
Almer is having a special planning commission meeting 7pm Wednesday June 10th to review proposed zoning and ordinance fixes. The PC has reviewed 40 years of records to bring our zoning map and ordinance current.
Map - 5/12/20 BrdMtg Call: 701-802-5261, enter 7730884#
Due to the Covid19 pandemic, Almer's Board meeting will be via phone. Public comments should be texted to 989-280-0019 after 7PM Tuesday and before the end of the meeting. Call in number is: 701-802-5261 and enter 7730884# for access code - Almer PC May 6 2020 mtg canceled
The May 6th Planning Commission Meeting is canceled due to Covid19. - Almer Twp Luder Rd Dump open as of April 18th
April 18 Luder facility is open. 10am-2pm Wednesdays and Saturdays. - 4/14/20 BrdMtg Call: 701-802-5261, enter 7730884#
Due to the Covid19 pandemic, Almer's Board meeting will be via phone. Public comments should be texted to 989-280-0019 after 7PM Tuesday and before the end of the meeting. Call in number is: 701-802-5261 and enter 7730884# for access code - April 1st Planning Commission Mtg Canceled
May regular meeting is on normal schedule. If covid19 is still problematic in May, Almer Board will provide electronic methods for holding and participating in meetings. - Covid19 -Trash -only Bagged Trash Permitted
Republic Services has alerted Almer Twp that only bagged trash will be accepted during the Covid19 outbreak. - Board of Review 2020
Notice for BOR Schedule
Map - Contact Number for Republic Trash Pick-up Issues
If there are any trash pick-up issues (as in missing your address), please contact Republic at 888-872-7455. If Republic doesn't resolve the issue, please contact the Township supervisor or board member. - Almer 2020 Board Schedule
Twp Calendar updated for Board and PC meetings - 2020 Recycling Schedule
Schedule is posted for 2020 recycling - PC meetings 2020
2020 REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE
JANUARY 8, 2020
FEBRUARY 5, 2020
MARCH 4, 2020
APRIL 1, 2020
MAY 6, 2020
JUNE 3, 2020
AUGUST 5, 2020
SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
OCTOBER 7, 2020
NOVEMBER 4, 2020
DECEMBER 2, 2020
Meetings will be held at the township hall 1310 Cameron Road, Caro, MI. and will begin at 7:00 PM - PC Nov 6 Mtg Canceled
No heat in building - December BOR
December BOR meeting has been set and will be December 10, 2019 at the Almer Charter Township Hall at 9:00 Am until completion of Business. - Almer Board Mtg Rescheduled
Nov 12th 7PM meeting rescheduled to Nov 5th, 7PM. Same location. - BOR schedule Summer 2019
Almer Charter Township July Board of Review will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Almer Charter Township hall, 1310 Cameron Road, Caro.
Almer Charter Township Treasurer's Hours at Northstar Bank located at 1100 E. Caro Road, Caro:
Friday, July 19, 2019- 8:30 a.m-1:00 p.m.
Friday, August 16, 2019 - 8:30 a.m. - 1 :00 p.m.
Monday, September 16, 2019 - 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
-=-=- - Cemetery Ordinance Approved
Almer TWP Board approved the first cemetery ordinance for Almer. It provides solid guidelines to assure all those laid to rest in the cemetery are respected today, and tomorrow. - Public Meeting Almer Master Plan
Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at 7:00 pm
Map - BOR
BOARD OF REVIEW MEETINGS; 1) Organizational Meeting Tuesday, March 5, 2019 9:00am 2) Valuation appeal Wednesday, March 13, 2019 9:00am to 12:00pm and March 14 2019 1:00pm to 4:00pm 3) 9:00 am. to 12:00pm 1:00pm to 4:00pm and 9:00am to 12:00pm 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Map - Regular Board Mtg Rescheduled to 4/16/19
The regular 7PM Almer Township Board meeting has been rescheduled form Tuesday 4/9/19 to Tuesday 4/16/19.
Map - Almer Township Master Plan Draft
The draft of the Master Plan is available for review. - Almer Passes Marijuana Opt-out Ordinance
Almer Township Board passed unanimously Ordinance 2019-1:
ORDINANCE PROHIBITING MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS UNDER INITIATED LAW 1 OF 2018, THE MICHIGAN REGULATION AND TAXATION OF MARIJUANA ACT
-=-=-=- - Regular Feb12th Board Mtg Now Feb 15th 6PM
Alert: the Feb 12th Regular Board meeting has been canceled due to weather and has been rescheduled to Feb 15th 6PM
Map - Almer Board Special Meeting Jan 10 Townhall
Housekeeping to process regular township bills.
-=-=-=- - Please attend the Public Hearing Jan 2 7PM
Almer's Parks and Rec Plan will be discussed. A copy of the draft is available on the web site
Map - Trash and Recycling Pick-up Schedule 2019
Trash pick-up is every Monday Morning. Recycling is every-other Monday.
-=-=- - Winter Tax Collection
Almer Charter Township Treasurer, Patty Witkovsky, will be at Northstar Bank, 1100 E. Caro Road, Caro the following days and hours:
Friday, Dec 7, 2018 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec 21, 2018 12:30 -4:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec 31, 2018 -8:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
Thursday, Feb 28, 2019 -8:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
-=-=-= - Almer Master Plan and Recreation Plan Jan 2, 2019
Notice for Review
The Almer Township Planning Commission has drafted a five year Recreation Plan. The plan is based on the Guidelines for the Development of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Plans as published by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. It evaluates existing recreation opportunities,
reviews public opinion regarding recreation, sets goals and objectives, and proposes a five year Action Plan. Copies of the draft of the Recreation Plan will be available for review by written request to Darwin Rushlo, 2421 W Akron Rd, Caro, MI, 48723, or online at https://almertownship.org until Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
If you are interested in submitting comments regarding the draft of the Recreation Plan, please send written comments to Darwin Rushlo 2421 W Akron Rd, Caro, MI, 48723. Comments must be in writing by January 2, 2019. For more information, please contact Dar Rushlo, Planning Commission Chair, at (989) 670-5791. A public hearing with the Almer Township Planning Commission to take input on the draft plan will be held at 7:00 pm on January 2, 2019, at the Township Hall, 1310 Cameron Rd, Caro, 48723.
Map - New Road Fund Bank Account Created
The Board has instituted Best Practices for the Township Road Fund by opening a bank account that will be limited to only Road Fund revenue (millage) and expenses. The township previously had one physical bank account where general funds and restricted funds (road fund) were kept, but tracked separately through the accounting system. Separating the funds into their own bank accounts creates better accountability.
-=-=-=- - Almer Audit Completed Top Rating Received
CPA ATBD completed their Almer Charter Township fiscal year 2017/18 and gave the township the "CLEAN" opinion, which is the top rating. Credit goes to our excellent Treasurer Patty Witkovsky.
-=-=- - Almer Wins! FINAL Ruling NextEra Lawsuit
Case closed. Lawsuit against Almer by Nextera decided. All claims against Almer Dismissed Aug 14th by Judge Ludington, Case No. 17-cv-10497 1.5 years to process this lawsuit. We from Almer Charter Township thank Mike Homier from Foster Swift, Nicole Wright from ZAC, and Mark Bassily from ZAC for their great work in defending Almer against NextEra's (now denied) claims.
-=-=-=-=- - Regular Board Mtg Rescheduled to Nov 8th
The Regular Board Meeting November 13th has been rescheduled to Thursday November 8th 7PM at same location, the Township Hall.
-=-=-=-
Map - Judge Ludington rules again for Almer
June 12 Judge Ludington ruled supporting Almer PC and Board's actions in denying the Nextera Energy wind turbine SLUP for claims 1,2,3,4, Motion for Reconsideration and Motion for Sanctions
Search for: almernextera-lawsuit-LudingtonOpinion2018jun12.pdf
-=-=-=- - Almer Planning Survey Completed
Thank all who helped out with the survey. About 8% of the adult population took part. Thanks again.
-=-=-=- - Almer 2018 Master Plan Survey Results
Click on the title to see the results.
Map - Summer Tax Collection Sites
1) July 6 Friday 8:30-1PM Northstar Bank 1100 E. Caro Rd.
2) August 3 Friday 8:30-1PM Northstar Bank 1100 E. Caro Rd.
3) September 14 Friday 8:30-4PM Northstar Bank 1100 E. Caro Rd.
==>Send Payments to 1405 W. Dutcher Rd, Caro, MI 48723
Map - July Board of Review
July 18 Wednesday 7PM Almer TWP Hall
-=-=-=-
Map - Darbee Park Open 2018
The Darbee Farm Park is located at 1460 Cameron Rd. in Almer Charter Township. It serves the entire community from May-Oct. seven days a week from 8 am to 9 pm. The park provides many features for every age; enjoyable playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas, ball field, pavilions, with handicap parking and a restful country setting.
To reserve a pavilion $45.00. For information or pavilions reservations call Jerry Middaugh 855-788-6500 Park Committee: Jim Rosenstangel, Stacey Karr, Carolyn Graff
For questions, comments or to report any vandalism call 989-550-0070 or 855-788-6500 - Luder Rd Facility upgraded. Looped access 2018Apr
Luder Rd Facility has add a 2nd driveway with gate and culvert to to make it easier for all residents to drop off yard trash and drive away without having to turn around or back up. And we have used our own crushed concrete saving the township 40% of stone cost. - May 22, Hearing for Almer's Motion against Nextera
Almer filed in March a Motion for Summary Judgement against Nextera's/TuscolaWind3LLC's remaining 4 minor claims. Judge Ludington has set a May 22nd date for the hearing of Almer's claim against Nextera. - Articles 15 and 21 Approved
The Board approved amended Wind Energy Conversion System and Site Plan Review ordinances April 10th. - Trash Pick-up - Bad Weather 4/16/18 Delayed
Monday Pick-up will be rescheduled to Tuesday weather permitting. - April 10th Board Meeting 7PM
Deliberation on Article 15 wind ordinance and Article 21 Site Plan Review. - Judge denies Nextera Sanctions Claim
Almer wins again. March 12, 2018 Federal Judge Ludington denied Nextera/Tuscolawind3LLC January 22, 2018 sanctions claim against Almer and its attorneys. Judge wrote: The motion for sanctions will be denied. In short, there is no objective evidence of bad faith (by the township) here.
_*_*_*_ - Judge confirms Almer in the right
Almer Wins. March 12, 2018 Federal Judge Ludington ruled again confirming that Almer correctly enforced its wind ordinance in the denial of Nextera/TuscolaWind3LLC special land use permit, in regard to Claim 1 in the Nextera lawsuit against Almer. The judge wrote: In short, Tuscola’s motion for reconsideration will be denied because none of the arguments raised undermine the ultimate conclusion (of the court)
_*_*_*_ - Almer Files Motion for Summary Judgement
Almer filed a Motion for Summary Judgement against Nextera(TW3LLC) for 4 remaining claims: Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56, Defendants Almer Charter Township and Almer Charter Township Board of Trustees request that this Honorable Court grant summary judgment to the Township as to each of Counts II-V set forth in the Complaint of Plaintiff Tuscola Wind III, LLC (TWIII). For the reasons stated more fully in the attached Brief, there are no genuine issues of material fact, and the Township is entitled to judgment as a matter of law dismissing those claims with prejudice. Pursuant to E.D. Mich. LR 7.1, the Township's counsel sought concurrence in this Motion prior to filing it, and concurrence was denied.
_*_*_*_ - Board of Review for Tax Discussion
Check Calendar for dates in March.
_*_*_*_ - Article 15 Amended March Board Mtg Discussion
In 2017 the Board instructed the Planning Commission to review the Wind Turbine ordinance (WECS) for health, safety and welfare. The Planning Commission completed the task and has recommended the amended ordinance to the Board for review. The board has reviewed and read ordinance at the March meeting.
_*_*_*_ - Article 21 Amended March Board Mtg Discussion
In 2015 the Planning Commission started amendments to the Site Plan Review ordinance. The current Planning Commission has completed the review and recommended the amended ordinance for the Board to review. The board has reviewed and read ordinance at the March meeting.
_*_*_*_ - Trash Pick-up and Recycling Pick-Up Schedule
Trash pick-up is weekly Mondays. Recycling is biweekly Mondays.
_*_*_*_ - PC Public Hearing Feb1 2018 7PM
The Almer charter township planning commission will hold a Public Hearing on Feb 1, 2018 at 7:00pm at the Caro Tech Center (Tuscola Tech Center, 1401 Cleaver Rd, Caro MI). The purpose of the meeting will be to amend Article 15 for safe wind energy and amend Article 21 Site Plan Review. You may contact planning commission chairman Darwin Rushloe 989-670-5791 for additional information.
_*_*_*_
Map - Dec 20 Almer files NextEra rebuttal
Almer Township has filed a Brief with Judge Ludington in opposition to the NextEra previous Nov Motion for Reconsideration, which requests the judge reverse his Nov 3rd judgement. Almer supports the Judge's Nov 3rd decision that not to 'exceed 45 dBA' means just what is says. It doesn't mean what NextEra claimed 'not exceed 45 dBA averaged over an hour'. Speed limits are maximums, not averages. Township noise limits are the same.
-*-*-*-*- - Nov 3rd Federal Judge Ludington rules. Almer Wins!
Nov 3rd Federal Judge Ludington ruled for Almer Charter Township and against Nextera (Tuscola Wind III LLC, a Delaware Corp). There are several smaller claims against Almer pending. The judge's 46 page judgement included:
* Accordingly, it is ORDERED that Defendant Almer Township Board's denial of Plaintiff Tuscola Wind III, LLC, SLUP application is AFFIRMED
* Tuscola was undisputedly in noncompliance with the Zoning Ordinance.
* But Tuscola's (nextera) implicit assertion that the Township Board refused to consider the Ordinance's context and any extraneous information that might inform their interpretation of the language is manifestly inconsistent with the record.
* Against this factual background (and considering the plain language of the statute), the Township Board's conclusion that sect 1522(C)(14) imposes an Lmax standard was reasonable.
* Ultimately, however, Tuscola's (nextera) argument obfuscates the underlying analysis which must be conducted.
* ...Tuscola's assertion that the SLUP application denial was premised solely on a finding that the language of sect 1522(C)(14) is unambiguous, as opposed to an interpretation of what the language should be construed as requiring, is inaccurate.
* Thus, the best interpretation of sect 1522(C)(14) is that it unambiguously provides for a Lmax standard.
* The [s]hall not exceed language in sect 1522(C)(14) is facially indistinguishable from a Lmax standard.
* And the Township Board's conclusion that sect 1522(C)(14)'s language unambiguously provides for an Lmax standard was eminently reasonable.
-*-*-*- - Darbee Park Playland Finished Oct 2017
We in Almer thank all those who contributed time and resource to make the Playlan come alive. 75% of cost for playland was donated. Almer Charter Township provided 25%.
Financial Help:
*Frankenmuth Credit Union $41,300
*Tuscola County Community Foundation $12,000
*Almer township residents several thousand dollars
*Independent Bank
*Chemical Bank
*North Star Bank
*Team One Credit Union
*Walmart
*Rock Products
*Carter Lumber
*Vassar Building Center
*Caro Rental
*Save-A-Lot
*Brentwood
Services Provided:
*Jeff Brinkman Excavation
*Dave Sturtevant Great Lakes Lift
*Mike Turner bored the 60 footing holes
-*-*-*-*- - Passed: Almer Board Approved 6mth WECS Moratorium
Almer Board approved a 6 month extension to the WECS Moratorium to allow the Planning Commission time to complete its assignment to review the WECS ordinance for health, welfare, and safety.
-*-*-*-*- - New Garbage Service Provider 10/9/17
As of 9/30/17 Diva Disposal canceled their Almer contract and ceased being a going concern. Almer Board was already investigating options because of service degradation. Republic Services has been chosen to replace Diva and they are kind enough to start immediately. Crisis averted. See: AlmerCharterTownshipRepublicRules20178Oct2.pdf
-*-*-*-*-
Map - Passed! Ordinance to protect residents
October 2017 Almer Board passed a comprehensive ordinance to protect residents when Board, Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals members have financial conflict of interest, that is they can profit from voting a specific direction. The new Conflict of Interest ordinance requires township officials to recuse themselves from voting or influencing a vote if they will benefit financially from the decision. Previously, only the Planning Commission had a Conflict of Interest ordinance. With the new ordinance all township officials must comply.
-*-*-*-*-
Map - MSU Extension -Land Use Series 2017 August Rewrite
MSU has rewritten the 2017 March document. with the help of the following:
1)Kurt H. Schindler, AICP, Distinguished Senior Educator Emeritus, Government and Public Policy
2)Bradley Neumann, AICP, Senior Educator, Government and Public Policy
Reviewed by
3)Wendy Walker, Esq., Educator, Government and Public Policy
4)Mary Reilly, Zoning and Building Director, Mason County.
5)Richard M. Wilson, Jr. Esq. (only pages 1-19) Mika Meyers, PLC. Manistee, Michigan
6)David Ivan, Ph.D., Director for Greening Institute of MSU Extension.
7)Sarah Banas Mills, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy, University of Michigan
8)Ken Kaliski, (only on acoustic content) Senior Director, Resources Systems Group (RSG) Inc.
9)John Sarver, retired, Energy Office, Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Growth
10)Jeff Smith, Director/Zoning Administrator/Building Official, Huron County Building and Zoning.
11)Mark Wyckoff, FAICP, MSU Land Policy Institute.
The Authors would also like to thank, for interest and discussion on this subject the following:
12)Daniel P. Ettinger, Partner, Warner Norcross Judd LLP.;
13)Monique C. Field-Foster, Warner Norcross Judd LLP;
14)Erico J. Lopez, Project Manager, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC.;
15)Ryan Pumford, Project Director, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC.;
16)Mark Trumbauer, Community Development Leader, NextEra EnergyResources, LLC,
17)Matt Wagoner, DTE renewable Energy Development Manager.
-*-*-*-*- - MSU Extension -Land Use Series 2017 March
The 2017 March release document authors
1)Kurt H. Schindler, AICP, Dist. Senior Educator, Government and Public Policy With review by
2)Bradley Neumann, AICP, Educator, Government and Public Policy
3)Wendy Walker, Esq., Educator, Government and Public Policy
Also reviewed, by:
4)Mary Reilly, Zoning and Building Director, Mason County.
5)Richard M. Wilson, Jr. Esq.(only pages 1-10)
-*-*-*-*- - MSU Extension -Land Use Series 2008 Wind
2007 release document author:
2007 MSU Ext document authors
1)Michael Klepinger, Extension Specialist, Michigan State University
-*-*-*-*- - Northstar Bank Treasure accepting taxes schedule
Almer Treasurer at Northstar Bank collecting taxes the following dates and times:
- Friday, Dec 8, 2017 12:30-4:30 pm
- Friday, Dec 15, 2017 12:30-4:30 pm
- Friday, Dec 29, 2017 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday, Feb 28, 2018 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
_*_*_*_
Map