Township News Bulletins

October 12, 2021

Master Plan Open House

Did you know?

Genoa Township’s Planning Commission has been discussing updates to the Master Plan over the past several months and is eager to hear from the community!

Attend an informal open house on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 between 4:30  p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to learn more and share your input!

Check out the back ground here: https://arcg.is/08SuDn

October 6, 2021

Holiday Refuse Collection

Columbus Day - Monday October 11, 2021

No delays

September 30, 2021

Livingston County Electronic Waste Collection

The Livingston County Solid Waste Program has scheduled the 2021 Electronic-Waste Collection Event on the following date:

October 2, 2021

New Location:  3535 Grand Oaks - Road Commission Parking Lot

No appointment needed

Electronic waste collection (TVs, electronics, etc.) is done only during scheduled Collection Events.

 If you have questions, call 517-545-9609.

This event provides a free and convenient opportunity for Livingston County residents and small businesses (fewer than 10 employees) to safely recycle a variety of electronic waste such as TV’s, computers, printers, monitors, laptops, etc. For a complete list of acceptable items, see the website at www.livgov.com/dpw.

Items can only be dropped off on the event day!

September 22, 2021

State of Michigan DNR Seed Orchard/Gravel Extraction Site Information

A public information meeting is scheduled for October 12th at Brighton High School from 6 to 8pm in the performing arts auditorium

A planned seed orchard on two parcels of land near Brighton eventually could grow into a parklike setting with well-spaced, healthy trees and grassy areas.

But first, the hilly land owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources between Brighton Road and Cunningham Lake Road in Genoa Township, in southeast Livingston County, needs to be leveled to accommodate the orchard. The most cost-effective route to that is a short-term lease of the rights to mine sand and gravel on the properties.

"We're not offering this lease to make money," said Jason Hartman, silviculturist for the DNR. "It's one step in a series of steps toward getting to our goal for state forest planning and for this land. It's good for the state and good to have more green space in the community."

Public information meeting in October

A public information meeting is scheduled for October 12th at Brighton High School from 6 to 8pm in the performing arts auditorium

The properties, which are near several residential subdivisions, include a 50-acre parcel and a 77-acre parcel. Both were listed as surplus properties by the state and destined for auction. But they're also near the DNR's Tree Improvement Center, where seedlings are grown to help maintain healthy landscapes among more than 3.9 million acres of state forests.  

The DNR has managed seed orchards to procure jack pine and red pine seeds at the Tree Improvement Center for about 50 years. Red pine seeds are especially difficult to collect in a natural setting, so orchards are used to provide large volumes of pine cones to help in DNR reforestation efforts. Seeds are extracted and nurtured under controlled conditions, then transplanted to forest land. Using seed orchards helps guarantee the health and success of future forests. 

Hartman said it makes sense to use the additional property to help grow trees, as space has become a limiting factor at the Tree Improvement Center.

Timber sale underway to clear land for new planting

A timber sale to remove existing trees on the properties is in progress.

Current plans are to lease sand and gravel mining rights for a limited time to reshape the land before seed trees are planted.

"It's going to reclaim the site," Hartman said. "The land was in bad shape, which is the primary reason that the state had identified it as surplus. It has old gravel pits on it. It has invasive plant species all over the place. It's not in a good state for conservation."

One of the sites also contains an underground plume of chloride. The pollution has been monitored by the state's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Eric Chatterson, geology specialist with EGLE's Water Resources Division, said the plume has been evaluated in regard to the proposed sand and gravel mining activity.

"The data indicates that no adverse impacts to the plume will be caused by the proposed activities," he said. "Any groundwater withdrawal or discharge at the site would have to comply with all current EGLE regulations and oversight."

Hartman also said that contractors completing work at the site will be expected to take steps to keep noise, dust and the visual impact of their work at a minimum.

"My hope is that we can work together to mitigate these issues," he said. "That is something that our partners can help us determine throughout the permitting process."

Goal: a parklike setting, open to the public 

Hartman said he hopes the community can keep the long-term objective in mind.

"A lot of people are expressing concerns about the environment and conservation," he said. "The DNR wants to prioritize those values as well, both for this site and for forests across the state."

If the seed orchard project falls through, the land in question would likely be auctioned and developed for housing. A housing project also would require significant earth-moving and construction and would result in a loss of green space.

Hartman said the DNR plans to prioritize the pace of reclamation in the leasing process. Proposals that include a shorter timeline to complete the project, while still meeting all conservation and safety criteria, would be scored higher.

Once reclamation work is complete, people would be encouraged to walk in and enjoy these lands. Seed orchards are grown at low density to produce bushy trees for easier harvesting of cones. They also are mowed to reduce competition and disease. This translates into an open setting with healthy, full trees and lots of green space.

Steps in the process

Steps needed to make two DNR-owned parcels of land in Genoa Township into a tree orchard include:

1. Some existing trees already have been removed as a result of a timber sale.
2. In consultation with the township and the public, determine the final orchard configuration.
3. Level the site. The DNR hopes to accomplish through mining sand and gravel for a limited time.
4. Plant the orchard and finish the site.
5. Open the site for seed production and public use.

For more information, please contact Jason Hartman at the DNR at HartmanJ@michigan.gov or at 989-390-0279.

September 22, 2021

Notice of Zoning Text Amendments to Articles 11 and 25

NOTICE OF ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT - ARTICLE 11 AND ARTICLE 25

 ORDINANCE #Z-21-01 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 11 ENTITLED GENERAL PROVISIONS AND ARTICLE 25 ENTITLED DEFINITIONS 

Pursuant to Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, (the Zoning Enabling Act) and Michigan Public Act 359 of 1947, (the Charter Township Act), notice is hereby given that the Genoa Charter Township Board of Trustees has introduced and approved an ordinance addressing amendments to Zoning Ordinance Articles 11 and 25.  Approval of the amendments for adoption occurred at the Board meeting on Monday, October 4, 2021.

The complete text of the proposed ordinance amendments is available in the link below or at the Township Office during regular business hours.  

September 15, 2021

2021 Summer Tax Payments

Tuesday, September 14, 2021 was the last day to pay 2021 Summer Property Taxes without penalty. 

All 2021 Summer Tax payments made after September 14, 2021 are now assessed a 1% fee per month.

Please contact the Genoa Township Treasurer’s office for a current amount due, 810-227-5225, or you can check the amount due at the Township website at www.genoa.org

September 8, 2021

2021 Fall Yard Waste Drop off

Our Fall Yard Waste Collection program has been scheduled for the following date at the Genoa Charter Township Hall from 8 am to 11 am:

Saturday, October 23, 2021
Saturday, November 13, 2021

Residents may bring their yard waste to the Township Hall Parking lot on this date. Branches and similar materials must be in 3 foot long bundles.

Please no plastic bags.

More information can be found on our Refuse & Recycling page.

July 14, 2021

Brighton Area Fire seeking Paid On-Call Firefighters

The Brighton Area Fire Authority is seeking men and women living in Genoa Township, Brighton Township and the City of Brighton who are willing to serve their community as a Paid On-Call Firefighter.

• No experience necessary, just the motivation to learn and serve
• All required training is provided and compensated
• Academy classes are held on evening/weekends

To apply, interested applicants can go to www.brightonareafire.com.

April 27, 2021

Weekly Recycling Begins Monday May 3, 2021

Weekly recycling will begin for all Township residents starting the week of May 3.

Residents can place their recycling bins out every week on their normal trash/recycling day beginning that week. Residents can confirm their trash/recycling pickup days at the My Schedule search box located on the Township Refuse and Recyling page found here.

Please remember to break down cardboard boxes. Do not put anything on top of the cart or outside of the cart. For a list of items that can be recycled, please visit the Waste Wizard search box on the Township Refuse and Recycling page found here.

January 4, 2021

Township Holiday Schedule 2021

Click here for a list of days the Genoa Charter Township offices will be closed.

April 13, 2020

Township Clerk releases statement regarding Honey Bees

Save the Bees

Township resident Jim DelCamp recently addressed the Genoa Township Board asking the board to develop policies to conserve the natural habitat of bees in the township.  He provided the following information for our residents:  There are 460 wild species of bees in the Michigan and 16,000 species worldwide.  Honey Bees have been declining at a rate of 40% each year according to Michigan State University and the loss will have devastating effects on life in general since bees pollinate our crops and flowers. 

Pesticides are a big problem since they damage bees and harm their ability to forage.  In recent tests 100% of ground-nesting bees were killed as a result of pesticides. Please limit the use of pesticides where bees are present even though they are a nuisance.  Bees help more than they hurt.

Planting wildflowers will support bees. Many wild bees are solitary as well as ground nesting and they need suitable habitat. Leaving small plots of ground in their natural state such as deadwood, brush piles or fungi will help where ground nesting bees can flourish.  Others could use bee hotels to safeguard them during the winter. Bees are important for pollination since 1/3 of all plants and flowers depend on them for life.

A bee feeder, using sugar water with a drop of mycelial extract, will enhance their health and allow them to live longer.  Mycelium has been called natures ‘world wide web’ under our feet.  Of an estimated 10 million multi-cell life forms, half are fungi and they have been evolving to combat viruses.  Bees don’t just pollinate they spread mycelium as they forage. They dig into the soil where mushrooms grow getting mycelium all over their fuzzy bodies and spread it every other place they touch.

Livingston County can become a refuge where bees, mycelium, birds, butterflies, helping all of nature to thrive. So save that natural site, feed those bees, plant wildflowers and minimize your use of pesticides. With proper understanding and education we can improve our health and enhance the ecosystems of this earth.

Polly Skolarus, Clerk
Genoa Charter Township

October 23, 2017

2017 Video Tour of Livingston County

Livingston County government is pleased to present the 2017 Video Tour of Livingston County that showcases the advantages of living, working and playing in our County Community!

The 2017 video tour includes comments by community leaders as well as a well-rounded visual depiction of our County, presented in nine (9) chapters:

• Welcome
• Education
• Parks and Recreation
• Healthcare – NEW
• Real Estate and Relocation
• Downtown, Business & Industry
• Quality of Life
• Economic Development – NEW
• Community Organizations - NEW

Select any chapter of this product to view the Livingston County video on that subject. You can also view the
videos of various local businesses that participated in this promotional program by clicking on their logo in the
frame surrounding each chapter of the Video Tour.

Please visit the Livingston County home page at: https://www.livgov.com/ to view the new Video Tour of Livingston County

November 22, 2016

Genoa Township Board adopts Principles of Governance

At the November 21, 2016 Township Board meeting, the Board approved the adoption of the following Principles of Governance:

To maintain the high standards and traditions of Michigan Townships, we embrace these principles of governance to guide our stewardship, deliberations, constituent services and commitment to safeguard our community’s health, safety and general welfare.

We pledge to: 

•       Insist on the highest standards of ethical conduct by all who act on behalf of this township; 

•       Bring credit, honor and dignity to our public offices through collegial board deliberations and through diligent,    appropriate responses to constituent concerns; 

•       Actively pursue education and knowledge, and to embrace best practices;

•       Treat all persons with dignity, respect and impartiality; without prejudice or discrimination;

•       Practice openness and transparency in our decisions and actions;

•        Cooperate in all reasonable ways with other government entities and to consider the impact our decisions may have outside our Township’s borders;

•       Communicate to the public Township issues, challenges and successes, and welcome the active involvement of stakeholders to further the Township’s well-being;

•       Strive for compliance with state and federal statutory requirements;

•       Recuse a board member from participating in any decision where there was personal financial gain either expected or implied;

•       Further the understanding of the obligations and responsibilities of American citizenship, democratic government and freedom.

These principles we pledge to our citizens, our state, and to our country.

December 17, 2015

New video showing Genoa Township Hall and facilities

Recently a high definition video was taken by drone over the Township Hall and surrounding area.

You can find the video here: https://youtu.be/w1JaFnu5KvU

Thanks and credit go to Brian Jonckheere, the Livingston County Drain commissioner.

July 21, 2015

Oak Wilt Information

Michigan has lost millions of trees due to Dutch Elm disease and the Emerald Ash Borer. Now our oak trees are in jeopardy. Red oak wilt is identified by the rapid wilting of an infected tree that is dead in two to six weeks. White oaks die slowly one branch at a time over the course of several years. Oak wilt is caused by the fungus that is spread by improper tree trimming and removal practices. It is spread in two ways - from tree to tree through connected roots and/or from spores being moved by insects.

To prevent the spread of oak wilt diseases please consider the following:

• Oak trees should not be pruned or trimmed between April 1 and October 15.
• Oak trees that are inadvertently injured or pruned between April 1 and October 15 should be promptly sealed with a tree pruning sealer or latex paint. The repair should take place within hours of the injury.
• Any developer, contractor and/or owner(s) of property preparing a site for construction during April 1st through October 15th should adhere to the above oak wilt prevention practices.
• Members of the white oak family diseased with oak wilt may be saved with tree injections of the fungicide Alamo by a registered company.
• Dead oak trees should be removed along with the stump and properly disposed of by chipping to less than 3 inches or removed to a disposal site for debarking, burning or burial.
• Oak wood retained as firewood should be sealed with a tarp.

January 21, 2015

Reflective Address signs now available for purchase at the Township Hall

Reflective address signs courtesy of the Brighton Area Fire Department are now available for purchase from the Township Hall. The signs are dark green with white numbers. The signs are double-sided with your address number and there are holes to allow for either horizontal or vertical mounting. Each sign is $15.00.

All proceeds from signs sold go to help fund the Brighton Area Fire Fighters Association, a non profit organization.

You may also order these reflective address signs through the Brighton Area Fire Department using the form below.

August 7, 2013

Information on Invasive Plants: Purple loosestrife and Russian olive.

Invasive plants are posing a real threat to Michigan's natural habitats. Purple loosestrife and Russian olive are two of the more aggressive plants that are crowding out native species. According to information from Michigan State University's Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/factsheets.cfm), "Early detection and eradication of these species is critical in preventing further damage to Michigan's natural areas."

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is a beautiful plant with purple, pink or white flowers blooming in July through October. It will spread quickly in moist soil conditions, crowding out native plants such as cattails, which are needed for nesting and food sources. Some experts (http://www.miseagrant.umich.edu/downloads/ais/fs-97-501_purple_loosestrife.pdf) blame purple loosestrife for declining waterfowl populations. While deer forage on new purple loosestrife shoots in the spring, other animals avoid it. Experts on the MSU site recommend hand pulling seedlings; and removing all flowers seed heads.

Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a thorny shrub or small tree that grows up to 30 feet high. The leaves are light green and covered with silvery hairs. It blooms in June and July with yellowish flowers, eventually bearing hard yellow-red olive-shaped fruits. Russian olive grows in such a way that it fills in open areas, crowding out native plants. Experts on the MSU site recommend hand pulling seedlings. They caution that "burning, mowing, cutting, and girding can stimulate resprouting in larger plants without herbicide treatment; treat cut stumps with an herbicide."

For more information about purple loosestrife, Russian olive and other invasive plants threatening the state's natural habitats, visit http://www.misin.msu.edu/.

August 2, 2009

Livingston County Pet Adoption

Livingston County Animal Control

Pets available for adoption at the County Animal control can be found here

Livingston County Humane Society

Pets available for adoption at the Humane Society can be found here

January 16, 2009

Ash Tree Information

Detroit Edison has released an important announcement regarding ash trees.