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Township officials received a letter from the DNR indicating that several parcels they had owned no longer fit into their land strategy, and they were offering townships the first right to purchase them. If the townships refused, area conservation organizations, such as the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy or Antrim County officials, would be sought out. The only stipulation is that the parcel must continue to be able to be used by the general public.

"If someone (other than the township) does get control of this, the only problem is that the township is going to get all of the questions," Supervisor Terry Smith said. "It would behoove the township to own that parcel. The only thing we need to do is determine if it is in the townshipÕs best interest."

The land in question is commonly referred to as Gorham Beach and serves as a public boat launch site on Intermediate Lake. Officials said large boats cannot use the site for large boats, but it can be used for smaller craft.

Officials agreed to pursue the matter, contingent on the fact they were reading the state DNR letter correctly.

According to the townshipÕs interpretation, they would only need to pay 10 percent of the appraised value, plus an appraisal and survey fee, if necessary. Smith said a survey was recently done on the parcel and doubted whether a new survey would be needed.

In a related matter, members conducted a public hearing on the township budget, during which no one commented. As a part of the budget, officials budgeted funds for the acquisition of the Sevold property and the Gorham Beach land.

The townshipÕs road budget was pegged at $350,000 to allow for continued work on the recent paving program, Smith said. Officials are considering looking to see whether or not they can reduce the present millage in the future. The townshipÕs new fiscal starts April 1.

Members also heard a fire report from representative Ed McDuffie. He said the Bellaire District Fire Department was waiting word on a grant for a elevated fire unit, but if the funds were not forthcoming, the department would have to save funds for the eventual purchase. McDuffie said training sessions are held regularly and added the sessions are one of the best investments that can be made.