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"Lake access sites have been getting more attention lately due to the introduction of a state bill that is designed to generally loosen restrictions that have been in place for many years," Supervisor Stan Bean said.

Much consideration and discussion was inspired by the activity and challenges to a similar ordinance in neighboring Torch Lake Township, where they have been attempting to write a more universal ordinance that could be used by the sheriffs in all townships, resulting in enforcement consistencies.

The prosecuting attorney working with the township determined additional language needs to be added to their governance, making it more detailed and specific.

Public comment, lead by resident Lawrence Wolgamott urged that the Central Lake ordinance be allowed to stand as is. He described the proposed changes in Torch Lake Township as being too detailed.

"The Torch Lake Township document is 5 pages of legal language that only a lawyer could understand," Wolgamott said. "Our document is one page and has served us well. We have never had any problems.

Why change it now?" "For now, there is so much up in the air about this issue, we are just going to leave things be," Bean concluded.

The board also discussed improvements to Torch Lake Drive involving the continuation of a bicycle and walking lane throughout the township, which would allow bikers and walkers to travel much more safely. There is money available from the Michigan Department of Transportation to complete such a project, but application for grants must come from the road commission rather than the townships.

This would be straightforward with the exception of a small portion of the road on the north edge of the township that is narrow enough to require some engineering prior to widening the road. The state will require an engineer's seal on any plans to alter the road, and the board would prefer to have licensed engineer Berth Thompson do the work.

Their objective is to not pay money for the engineering without a fair amount of assurance of receiving that grant.

In other township issues, the new cemetery fence is almost ready for installation and should begin within a couple of weeks. Preparations for a cemetery addition are progressing as well. The board is waiting approval from the D.E.Q. on engineering drawings they have submitted. At the waste receiving station, the board is looking at any cost efficiencies that might be attained by delivering cardboard to the Rubingh farm. Summer tax collection is underway according to treasurer Heather Springstead.

Fire Chief Bill Chapman's reported this month 23 total alarms sounded, six of which were fire calls and seventeen were rescue runs. Training continues in several areas for the firemen. The open house July 22 was well received by the community.

At the township hall, the furnace/air conditioning system is not working and will receive immediate attention. The carpets will also undergo needed cleaning. The board is considering an increase to the key deposit for those utilizing the hall to curb a recurring problem and provide incentive to return the key.