Township News Bulletins

January 13, 2025

Township Holiday Hours

The Township Offices will be closed on Monday January 20th for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday.

January 13, 2025

Holiday Refuse Collection

Monday January 25th - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

No delays.

January 10, 2025

January Genoa Charter Township Town Hall

📅 Date: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
⏰ Time: 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
📍 Location: Genoa Charter Township Hall, 2911 Dorr Rd, Brighton, MI  48116

Join your newly elected Supervisor, Kevin T. Spicher, and additional members of the Board of Trustees for an informal Town Hall discussion in the boardroom at the Genoa Township Hall.

This is your invitation to:

• Meet some of the new township officials
• Share your ideas, and ask questions about what’s going on in Genoa
• Learn about and discuss ongoing and future projects

This will be a very casual, lightly guided discussion focusing on you, the interested people of Genoa Township.  As we look toward an exciting future, we want the residents to help us plan it! Feel free to join us for the entire session, or come and go as you please.

Light refreshments will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information, or to RSVP, please contact us at:
📞 810-227-5225
📧 supervisor@genoa.org

We value your participation in our community!

January 6, 2025

Genoa Township meetings are now live

Our new board room cameras are up & running!

That means our first meeting of 2025 at 6:30 PM on Monday, January 6 th will be available live (or for viewing anytime you’d like) on our YouTube page.

Subscribe to the Genoa Township Public Channel today to see all of our Board of Trustees and Planning Commission meetings moving forward.

We’d still love to see you in person, and if you’d like to participate you’ll have to join us in person, but if you just want to see your local government in action anytime that’s convenient for you – Come check us out!

January 3, 2025

Notice of Zoning Ordinance Amendment Art. 11 General Provisions on January 6th, 2025

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GENOA CHARTER TOWNSHIP, LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT

JANUARY 6, 2025

DRAFT - ORDINANCE #Z-25-01

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 11 ENTITLED GENERAL PROVISIONS

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 conducted the first reading and will be performing the second reading and considering ordinance Z 25-01 addressing amendments to Zoning Ordinance Article 11 General Provisions. Consideration of said amendment is scheduled for the Board meeting on Monday, January 6th, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is planned to be held at the Township Hall located at 2911 Dorr Road, Brighton, Michigan 48116.

The text of the proposed ordinance amendment is available below or at the Township Office during regular business hours. 

 

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 11.05 WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS, 11.06 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS AND 11.07 ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS WITHIN ARTICLE 11 ENTITLED GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

THE TOWNSHIP OF GENOA ORDAINS:

 

SECTION 1:   SHORT TITLE:   This Ordinance shall be known as the “Section 11.05 Wind Energy Systems, Section 11.06 Solar Energy Systems and 11.07 Energy Storage Systems Amendment to Zoning Ordinance Article 11 General Provisions”.

 

SECTION 2:  SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE:  Pursuant to the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (P.A. 110 of 2006), notice is hereby given that an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance regulating the development and use of land in Genoa Charter Township has been adopted by the Township Board on                .  The Board conducted the second reading and approved Ordinance #Z-25-01 to adopt the ordinance and amend the Zoning Ordinance of the Charter Township of Genoa by amending Article 11 General Provisions Section 11.05 Wind Energy Systems, Section 11.06 Solar Energy Systems and 11.07 Energy Storage Systems.  The following provides a summary of the regulatory effect of the ordinance. 

 

ARTICLE 11 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE, ENTITLED GENERAL PROVISIONS, SECTION 11.05 WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS, 11.06 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS AND 11.07 ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS WITHIN ARTICLE 11 ENTITLED GENERAL IS HEREBY AMENDED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING SECTION AS FOLLOWS:   

 

Sec. 11.05  WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS (WECS)

(c)        Definitions:  For the purpose of this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them as follows:

 

(8)       Independent power producer (IPP): a person that is not an electric provider but owns or operates facilities to generate electric power for sale to electric providers, this state, or local units of government.

 

(10)       Non-participating property: a property that is adjacent to an energy facility and that is not a participating property.

 

(13)      Participating property: real property that either is owned by an applicant or that is the subject of an agreement that provides for payment by an applicant to a landowner or monetary compensation related to an energy facility regardless of whether any part of that energy facility is constructed on the property.

 

(18)     Utility-Scale Wind Energy Systems under PA 233: A system that captures and converts wind into electricity, for the purpose of sale or far use in locations other than solely the wind energy facility property, and with a nameplate capacity of 100 megawatts or more. Wind energy facility includes, but is not limited to , the following equipment and facilities to be constructed by an electric provider or independent power producer: wind towers; foundations; towers; poles; crossarms; guy lines and anchors; substations; interconnection or switching facilities; circuit breakers and transformers; energy storage facilities; overhead and underground controls; communications and radio relay systems and telecommunications equipment; monitoring and recording equipment and facilities; erosions control facilities; utility lines and installations; generation tie lines; ancillary buildings; wind monitoring stations; and accessory equipment and structures. (see 11.05.04)

 

11.05.04  Utility-Scale Wind Energy Systems under PA 233 only.

(a)    Intent and Purpose: The intent and purpose of this Section is to establish standards pursuant to PA 233 of 2024. To the extent the following provisions conflict with the provisions in subsection 11.05.01, 11.05.02, 11.05.03 above, these provisions shall apply. All provisions in 11.05.01, 11.05.02, and 11.05.03 above that do not conflict with the subsection remain in full force and effect and shall be applicable to all Utility- Scale Wind Energy Systems regardless of nameplate capacity. The following provisions do not apply if PA 233 of 2023 is repealed, enjoined, or otherwise not in effect, and do not apply to Utility Grid WESC.

 

(b)  Locations Where System Allowed: Utility-Scale Wind Energy Systems shall be permitted in Industrial (IND) and Planned Industrial Parks (PID) 20-acres or more with special land use approval by Township Board in accordance with Article 19 and site plan approval by the Township Board and Planning Commission in accordance with Article 18.

 

(c)  Application: To construct an Utility-Scale Wind Energy System, an electric provider or IPP that proposes to obtain a certificate from the Michigan Public Service Commission to construct an energy facility within the Township shall follow the following application process:

 

(1)  At least 60 days before the public meeting provided for in MCL 460.1223, an electric provider or IPP shall offer in writing to meet with the Township Supervisor, or the Supervisor’s designee, to discuss the site plan. The offer to meet should be delivered by email. The Supervisor or Supervisor’s designee must respond within 30 days from the offer to meet.

 

(2)   Within 30 days following the meeting described in paragraph 11.05.04(c)(1), the Township Supervisor shall notify the electric provider or IPP planning to construct the energy facility that the Township has a compatible renewable energy ordinance. If all affected local units with zoning jurisdiction provide similar timely notice to the electric provider or IPP, then the electric provider or IPP shall file for approval of a permit with the Township.

 

(3)   To file for approval of a permit the electric provider or IPP must submit a complete application to the Township Clerk. The application form to be used shall be adopted by resolution of the Township Board. The application shall contain the items set forth in MCL 460.1225(1), except for (l)(j) and (s). The application may also require other information to determine compliance with this Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance. By resolution, the Township may establish an application fee and escrow policy to cover the Township’s reasonable costs of review and processing of the application, including but not limited to staff, attorney engineer, planning, environmental, or other professional costs.

 

(d)  Application Review: The application shall be processed as a special land use subject to the provisions of this Article. The Township Board following a recommendation from the Planning Commission shall  approve or deny the application within 120 days after receiving a complete application. This deadline may be extended by up to 120 days if jointly agreed upon by the Township Board and the applicant. If the application is approved, the following standards apply:

 

(1)   Setbacks. Utility-Scale Wind Energy Systems must comply with the following minimum setback requirements, with setback distances          measured from the center of the base of the wind tower:

 

Setback Description

Setback Distance

Occupied community buildings and dwelling on nonparticipating properties:

2.1 times the maximum blade tip height to the nearest point on the outside wall of the structure

Residences and other structures on participating properties:

1.1 times all the maximum blade tip height to the nearest point on the outside wall of the structure

Nonparticipating property lines:

1.1 times the maximum blade tip height

Public road right-of-way:

1.1 times the maximum blade tip height to the center line of the public road right-of-way

Overhead communication and electric transmission, not including utility service lines to individual houses or outbuildings:

1.1 times the maximum blade tip height to the center line of the easement containing the overhead line

 

(2)   Height. Each wind tower does not exceed the height allowed under a Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation by the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 CFR  part 77.

 

(3)  Shadow Flicker: Each wind tower must be sited such that any occupied community building or nonparticipating residence will not experience more than 30 hours per year of shadow flicker under planned operating conditions as indicated by industry standard computer modeling.

 

(4)   Noise: The Wind Energy System must not generate a maximum sound in excess of 55 average hourly decibels as modeled at the nearest outer wall of the nearest dwelling located on an adjacent nonparticipating property. Decibel modeling shall use the A-  weighted scale as designed by the American National Standards Institute.

 

(5)   Lighting: The Wind Energy System must be equipped with a functioning light-mitigating    technology. To allow proper conspicuity of a wind turbine at night during construction, a turbine may be lighted with temporary lighting until the permanent lighting configuration, including the light-mitigating technology, is implemented. The Township may grant a          temporary exemption from the requirements of this subparagraph if installation of appropriate light-mitigating technology is not feasible. A request for a temporary exemption must be in writing and state all of the following:

(a)        The purpose of the exemption.

(b)        The proposed length of the exemption

(c)        A description of the light-mitigating technologies submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration.

(d)        The technical or economic reason a light-mitigating technology is not feasible.

(e)        Any other relevant information requested by the Township.

 

(6)   Radar Interference: The Wind Energy System must meet any standards concerning radar interference, lighting (subject to subparagraph (6) or other relevant issues as determined by the Township.

 

(7)   Environmental Regulations: The Wind Energy System must comply with applicable state or federal environmental regulations.

 

(8)   Public Service Commission: The Wind Energy Facility will comply with any more stringent requirements adopted by the Michigan Public Service Commission as provided for in MCL 460.1226(8)(b)(vii). Before adopting such requirements, the commission must determine that the requirements are necessary for compliance with state or federal environmental regulations.

 

(9)   Host community agreement: The applicant shall enter into a host community agreement    with the Township. The host community agreement shall require that, upon commencement of any operation, the Wind Energy System owner must pay the Township $2,000.00 per megawatt of nameplate capacity. The payment shall be used as determined by the Township for police, fire, public safety, or other infrastructure, or for other projects as agreed to by the local unit and the applicant.

 

Sec. 11.06  SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

11.06.01

 

(a)                Definitions:

(9) Non-Participating Property: A property that is adjacent to an energy facility and that is not a participating property.

 

(10) Participating Property: A property that participates in a lease or easement agreement, or other contractual agreement, with or that is owned by an entity submitting a Special Land Use Permit application for the purpose of developing a Utility Solar Energy Facility.

 

(16) Utility-Scale Solar Energy Facility under PA 233: a system that captures and converts solar energy into electricity, for the purpose of sale or for use in locations other than solely the solar energy facility property, and with a nameplate capacity of 50 megawatts or more. Utility-Scale Solar energy facility includes, but is not limited to, the following equipment and facilities to be constructed by an electric provider or independent power producer: photovoltaic solar panels; solar inverters; access roads; distribution, collection, and feeder lines; wires and cables; conduit; footings; foundations; towers; poles; crossarms; guy lines and anchors; substations; interconnection or switching facilities; circuit breakers and transformers; energy storage facilities; overhead and underground control; communications and radio relay systems and telecommunications equipment; utility lines and installations; generation tie lines; solar monitoring stations; and accessory equipment and structures.

 

11.06.07    Utility-Scale Solar Energy Systems under PA 233 only.

 

(a)        Intent and Purpose: The following provisions apply to Utility-Scale Solar Energy Systems as defined above and shall be allowed in the Industrial (IND) and Planned Industrial Parks (PID) zoning districts by special use permit.  To the extent the following provisions conflict with the provisions in subsection 11.06.02, 11.06.03, 11.06.04, 11.06.05 and 11.06.06 above, these provisions shall apply. All provisions above that do not conflict with the subsection remain in full force and effect and shall be applicable to all Utility-Scale Solar Energy Systems regardless of nameplate capacity.

 The following provisions do not apply if PA 233 of 2023 is repealed, enjoined, or otherwise not in effect, and do not apply to Utility-Scale Solar Energy Systems:

 

(b)        Location. Where System Allowed: Utility-Scale Solar Energy Systems shall be permitted in Industrial (IND) and Planned Industrial Parks (PID) on 20-acres or more with special land use approval by Township Board in accordance with Article 19 and site plan  approval by the Planning Commission and Township Board in accordance with Article 18.

 

(c)        Application. To construct an Utility-Scale Wind Energy System, an electric provider or  IPP that proposes to obtain a certificate from the Michigan Public Service Commission to construct an energy facility within the Township shall follow the following application process:

 

(1)        At least 60 days before the public meeting provided for in MCL 460.1223, an electric provider or IPP shall offer in writing to meet with the Township Supervisor, or the Supervisor’s designee, to discuss the site plan. The offer to meet should be delivered by email. The Supervisor or  Supervisor’s designee must respond within 30 days from the offer to meet.

 

(2)        Within 30 days following the meeting described in paragraph 11.06.07(c)(1), the Township Supervisor shall notify the electric provider or IPP planning to construct energy facility that the Township has a compatible renewable energy ordinance. If all affected local units with zoning jurisdiction provide similar timely notice to the electric provider or IPP, then the electric provider or IPP shall file for approval of a permit with the Township.

 

(3)        To file for approval of a permit the electric provider or IPP must submit a complete application to the Township Clerk. The application form to be  used shall be adopted by resolution of the Township Board. The application shall contain the items set forth in MCL 460.1225(1), except for (l)(j) and (s).

 

(4)        The application may also require other information to determine compliance with this Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance. By resolution, the Township may establish an application fee and escrow policy to cover the Township’s reasonable costs of review and processing of the application, including but not limited to staff, attorney, engineer, planning, environmental, or other professional costs.

 

(d)        Application Review: The application shall be processed as a special land use subject to the provisions of this Article. The Township Board following a recommendation from the Planning Commission shall approve or deny the application within 120 days after receiving a complete application. This deadline may be extended by up to 120 days if jointly agreed upon by the Township Board and the applicant. If the application is approved the following standards apply:

                                 

(1)        Setback: Setback distances measured from the nearest edge of the  perimeter fencing of the facility:

Setback Description

Setback Distance

Occupied community buildings and dwelling on nonparticipating properties:

300 feet from the nearest point on the outer wall

Public road right-of-way:

50 feet measured from nearest edge of a public road right-of-way

Nonparticipating properties:

50 feet measured from the nearest shared property line

 

(2)        Fencing:  The solar energy facility shall comply with the latest version of the National Electric Code as of November 29, 2024 or any applicable successor standard approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission as provided in MCL 460.1226(8)(a)(ii).

       

 (3)       Height: Solar panel components do not exceed a maximum height of 25 feet above ground when the arrays are at full tilt.

 

(4)       Noise: The solar energy facility does not generate a maximum sound in excess of 55 average hourly decibels as modeled at the nearest outer wall of the nearest dwelling located on an adjacent nonparticipating property. Decibel modeling shall use the A-weighted scale as designed by the American National Standards Institute.

 

(5)        Lighting: The solar energy facility will implement dark sky-friendly lighting solutions.

 

(6)        Environmental Regulations. The solar energy facility will comply with any more stringent requirements adopted by the Michigan Public Service Commission as provided in MCL 460.1226(8)(a)(vi).

 

(7)        Host Community Agreement.  The applicant shall enter into a host community agreement with the Township. The host community agreement shall require that, upon commencement of any operation, the Utility-Scale Solar Energy System owner must pay the Township $2,000.00 per megawatt of nameplate capacity. The payment shall be used as determined by the Township for police, fire, public safety, or other infrastructure, or for other projects as agreed by to by the local unit and the applicant.

 

Sec. 11.07        UTILITY-SCALE ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS UNDER PA 233.         

11.07.01  General

 

(a)        Intent and purpose: The regulations of this Section are intended to conform with PA 233 of 2024.

 

(b)                    Definitions:

 

(1)        Battery Energy Storage System, Small Off-Site: A Battery Energy Storage System that is a principal use (or co-located with a second principal use) and that is designed and built to connect into the distribution or transmission grid with a nameplate capacity less than 50 megawatts. 

 

(2)        Battery Energy Storage System, Large Off-Site: A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that is a principal use (or co-located with a second principal use) and that is designed and built to connect to the transmission grid with a nameplate capacity of 50 megawatts or more and an energy discharge capacity 200 megawatt hours or more

 

(3)        Non-Participating Property:  Any property that is adjacent to a participating property, but is not part of the battery storage project.

 

(4)        Participating Property:   A Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System host property or any real property that is the subject of an agreement that provides for the payment of monetary compensation to the landowner from the system owner (or affiliate) regardless of whether any part of a system is constructed on the property.

 

 (c)      Applicability:  The following provisions apply to Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems as defined. The following provisions do not apply if it conflicts with 11.05 and PA 233 of 2023 is repealed, enjoined, or otherwise not in effect, and do not apply to Utility-Scale Solar Energy Systems:

 

(d)     Locations. Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems shall be permitted in Industrial (IND) and Planned Industrial Parks (PID) 20-accres or more with special land use approval by Township Board in accordance with Article 19 and site plan approval by the Planning Commission and Township Board in accordance with Article 18.

 

(e)     Application. To Construct an Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System, an electric provider or IPP that proposes to obtain a certificate from the Michigan Public Service Commission to construct an energy facility within the Township shall follow the following application process:

 

(1)        At least 60 days before the public meeting provided for in MCL 460.1223, an electric provider or IPP shall offer in writing to meet with the Township Supervisor, or the Supervisor’s designee, to discuss the site plan. The offer to meet should be delivered by email and certified mail must also be sent to the Township Board in care of the Township Clerk in this manner. The Supervisor or Supervisor’s designee must respond within 30 days from the offer to meet.

 

(2)        Within 30 days following the meeting described in paragraph 11.07.01 (e)(1) the Township Supervisor shall notify the electric provider or IPP to construct the Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System facility that the Township has a compatible renewable energy ordinance. If all affected local units with zoning jurisdiction provide similar timely notice to the electric provider or IPP, then the electric provider or IPP shall file for approval of a permit with the Township.

 

(3)        To file for approval of a permit the electric provider or IPP must submit a complete application to the Township Clerk. The application form to be used shall be adopted by resolution of the Township Board. The application shall contain the items set forth in MCL 460.1225(1), except for (l)(j) and (s). The application may also require other information to determine compliance with this Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance. By resolution, the Township may establish an application fee and escrow policy to cover the Township’s reasonable costs of review and processing of the application, including but not limited to staff, attorney, engineer, planning, environmental, or other professional costs.                      

 

11.07.02           Application Review:  The application shall be processed as a special land use subject to the provisions of this Article 19. The Township Board following a recommendation from the Planning Commission shall approve or deny the application within 120 days after receiving a complete application. This deadline may be extended by up to 120 days if jointly agreed upon by the Township Board and the applicant. In consideration of the application the Zoning Administrator    must approve the application and issue a permit for the requested construction if it complies with the following standards:                                                

 

(a)        Setback: Setback distances measured from the nearest edge of the  perimeter fencing of the facility:

 

Setback Description

Setback Distance

Occupied community buildings and dwelling on nonparticipating properties:

300 feet from the nearest point on the outer wall

Nonparticipating parties:

50 feet measured from the nearest shared property line

Public road right-of-way:

50 feet measured from nearest edge of a public road right-of-way

 

 (b)        NFPA Standard: Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage facility must comply with the version of NFPA   855 “Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems” in effect on November 29, 2024 or any applicable successor standard adopted by the Michigan Public Service Commission as provided for in MCL 460.1226(8)(c)(ii).

         

(c)        Fencing:  The Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Facility shall comply with the latest version of the National Electric Code as of November 29, 2024 or any applicable successor standard approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission as provided in MCL 460.1226(8)(a)(ii).

         

(d)        Noise: The Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Facility shall not generate a maximum sound in excess of 55 average hourly decibels as modeled at the nearest outer wall of the nearest dwelling located on an adjacent nonparticipating property. Decibel modeling shall use the A-weighted scale as designed by the American National Standards Institute.

 

(e)        Lighting: The Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Facility will implement dark sky-friendly                                   lighting solutions.

 

(f)        Environmental Regulations: The Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System must comply with               applicable state of federal environmental regulations.

 

(g)        Host Community Agreement: The applicant shall enter into a host community agreement with the Township. The host community agreement shall require that, upon commencement of any operation, the Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage System owner must pay the Township $2,000.00 per megawatt of nameplate capacity. The payment shall be used as determined by the Township for police, fire, public safety, or other infrastructure, or for other projects as agreed by to by the local unit and the applicant.

 

SECTION 3:   REPEALOR:  All ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are repealed.

SECTION 4:   SEVERABILITY:  Should any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or word of this Ordinance be held invalid for any reason, such decisions shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the Ordinance.

SECTION 5:   SAVINGS:  This amendatory ordinance shall not affect violations of the Zoning Ordinance or any other ordinance existing prior to the effective date of this Ordinance and such violation shall be governed and shall continue to be separate punishable to the full extent of the law under the provisions of such ordnance at the time the violation was committed. 

SECTION 6:   EFFECTIVE DATE:  These ordinance amendments were adopted by the Genoa Charter Township Board of Trustees at the regular meeting held                              and ordered to be given publication in the manner required by law.  This ordinance shall be effective seven days after publication. 

 

Please address any written comments to the Planning Commission at the Genoa Township Hall, 2911 Dorr Road, Brighton, MI 48116 or via email at amy@genoa.org. All materials related to this request may be examined at the Township Hall during normal business hours. Genoa Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days' notice to the Township.

January 2, 2025

Radon Test Kits available to residents - courtesy of the Livingston County Health Department

Genoa Township is giving out free radon testing kits. The testing kit and instructions are available at Township Hall. 

The naturally-occurring, tasteless, odorless and colorless gas comes from the natural, radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air. It enters buildings through openings in  foundation floors or walls such as sump openings, crawlspaces, floor or wall joints and cracks. 

In Livingston County, approximately 40% of homes have elevated radon levels, according to information on the county's website from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. 

For more information on this program and on radon in general, please visit the Livingston County Health Department Radon page.

December 10, 2024

2024 Tax Information

The 2024 Winter taxes were mailed out to all property owners on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, and are payable through February 28, 2025. Please contact the Treasurer’s office if you do not receive your bill.

The 2024 Summer taxes were due on September 14, 2024. Summer taxes can still be paid at the Township with additional interest now due. If you’re not sure if your summer taxes have been paid please check the Township website at  www.genoa.org or contact the Treasurer’s office at 810-227-5225.

December 3, 2024

Winter Sledding at the Township Park

Snow is in the forecast so come enjoy the fresh snowfall at the Genoa Township sled hill!

The sled hill has a vertical drop of approximately 40-feet and a run length of over 200 feet and is fun for all ages.

Benches have been installed at the top for parents and those waiting to sled. There are heated bathrooms and a warming area at the Township Park Pavilion. There is a parking lot across the Township driveway from the sled hill where parents can sit and watch their sledders in the comfort of their vehicles. Last but not least, a light pole has been installed at the hill allows night time sledding.

All are welcome to enjoy the winter fun for free at the Township sledding hill.

November 13, 2024

StoryWalk opens at the Genoa Township Park - November 18

Join us as we celebrate the opening of a new StoryWalk installation at Genoa Township Park in Brighton. The grand opening is scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Genoa Township Park is located 2911 Dorr Rd, Brighton, MI 48116.

Stop by to read the story and get a FREE book and snack, while supplies last.

This StoryWalk will feature the story "One Dog Canoe" by Mary Casanova.

StoryWalk® is a literacy-boosting project that places an illustrated children’s book along a walking route and encourages physical activity. The StoryWalk is an interactive reading trail that combines children's literacy and family fun time together in nature. Along the Park walking trail, stations will be installed which will display pages from a book

The StoryWalk project came about after the Livingston Great Start Collaborative was awarded a literacy grant to improve access to literary materials for children up to 5 years old. The Township is thankful for the generous support from local Cup Scout Pack 347 and exercise group “F3” (www.f3nation.com) to help install the signs. F3 currently hosts free early morning men’s workouts at the Township Hall and is helping install the signs as a way to give back to the community.

October 30, 2024

Livingston County Veteran Services

Livingston County Veteran Services (LCVS) offers a variety of programs and services to assist veterans and their families. LCVS employs nationally accredited Veteran Service Officers to assist veterans in filing for US Dept. of Veterans Affairs benefits. Honorably Discharged veterans registered with LCVS, and their spouse may utilize complimentary LCVS transportation to medical appointments within a 50-mile radius. To schedule a ride, call LETS at (517) 546-6600, select option 3 and mention veteran status. LCVS offers Honorably Discharged veterans who are less fortunate several assistance programs provided by Emergency Relief funds, such as:

• $200 food and toiletry voucher plus an additional $50 for each child in the household,
• $200 clothing vouchers for their school-aged children up to age 18,
• $50 Speedway fuel only cards; and
• Dental assistance of up to $1,000 via LCVS partnership with VINA Dental.

Call (517) 546-6338 to set up an appointment and qualify for these programs.

August 30, 2024

Challis Road and Bauer Road - New Roundabout - OPENED AUGUST 30

The Livingston County Road Commission has opened the new roundabout at Challis and Bauer roads.

The Township contributed $500,000 towards this project which will alleviate congestion and improve public safety by eliminating the steep hill on Bauer Road north of Challis Road. 

Please click on this link to view the vicinity plan from the Road Commission showing how the new road is designed. Please contact Garrett Olson, Construction Engineer, at the Livingston County Road Commission with any questions at 517-546-4250.

Please click this link to see an aerial view of the new roundabout.

August 6, 2024

Notice of Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment - Article 7 Commercial and Service Districts

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GENOA CHARTER TOWNSHIP, LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MICHIGAN

 

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT

AUGUST 19, 2024

 

ORDINANCE #Z-24-01

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 7 ENTITLED COMMERCIAL AND SERVICE DISTRICTS

           

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 conducted the first reading and will be performing the second reading and considering an ordinance addressing an amendment to Zoning Ordinance Section 7.02 Permitted and Special Land Uses within Article 7 Commercial and Service Districts. The amendment is to allow laundromats as a special land use in the Office Service District. Consideration of said amendment is scheduled for the Board meeting on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Township Hall located at 2911 Dorr Road, Brighton, Michigan 48116. 

 

The complete text of the proposed ordinance is available on the website or at the Township Office during regular business hours. 

 

Genoa Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township in writing or by calling at (810) 227-5225. 

 

Press/Argus Publication: 8-11-24

 

 

 

August 5, 2024

Oak Wilt Resolution

Genoa Charter Township is concerned a deadly disease known as oak wilt caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum is a threat to the Township's oak population. Improper tree trimming/removal practices may result in the establishment of oak wilt disease epicenters, which may lead to increased disease activity with devastating aesthetic and economic losses. It is therefore both advisable and prudent to attempt to prevent and control oak wilt.

The entire resolution can be found here

June 3, 2024

Brighton Area Fire seeking Paid On-Call Firefighters

The Brighton Area Fire Authority is seeking residents 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 or in person at 615 W. Grand River, Brighton, MI 48116

Any questions please call the Brighton Area Fire Authority at 810 229-6640.

May 28, 2024

Township Clerk releases statement regarding Zoned Communities

We are a Zoned Community
By Paulette A. Skolarus

What that means is that even though you own the land, you cannot put just anything you want on the property you own. Every piece of land within the township has a specific zoning. It can be residential, industrial, commercial or neighborhood service district. Under residential zoning there is agricultural (10 acres), country estate (5 acres), rural residential (2 acres), low-density residential (1 acre), suburban residential (21,780 sq. ft.), etc. Each one of these zonings have separate dimensional standards including size of homes, setbacks and heights of buildings.  Being a zoned community helps to maintain a certain standard for our community and allows for orderly development and assures compatibility of size, style and structure of buildings. Without zoning a property owner could build their home on the lot line instead of 50' from the street; park their boat or trailer in the front yard; or put a gas station near your home.

 Our ordinance is in place to protect you and your property values.  The same types of standards are established for commercial, industrial and neighborhood service properties. Any person or property with commercial or industrial zoning must conform to the standards of the Township Zoning Ordinance. The township may not deny a person or property owner from developing their land unless they do not meet the standards of the ordinance. In the case of commercial development, the township requires a certain amount of landscaping, colors of the building to be compatible with neighboring properties, setback standards, height of the building, etc.

On occasion, property owners cannot meet the minimum requirements for development of their property. If this happens the owner may petition the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance at a public hearing. Neighboring properties within 300 feet of the development are notified in writing by the township of the request for a variance. Then a public hearing is scheduled to hear the request of the business or homeowner. Any variance that is approved must carry with it a practical difficulty related to the land.  Example: The land or parcel is too small to accommodate the minimum square footage or the terrain will only provide one housing site location on the parcel. Each petition is handled on a separate request and the Zoning Board of Appeals may or may not grant a variance.

The Genoa Township Zoning Board of Appeals is made up of five members of our community.  These board members make tough decision and have a difficult job in denying or approving variances for our residents and at the same time they keep our township orderly and beautiful.

November 20, 2023

Sign Up for County's Free Property Fraud Alert Service

The Livingston County Register of Deeds Office is making it easier for residents to help protect their most valuable asset, their home. Through their free Property Fraud Alert service, residents can sign-up to be notified via phone or email if a document is recorded in Livingston County under their name. Consider it an early warning system for property owners to stay up-to-date about their property and take appropriate actions if they determine fraudulent activity has taken place. “Having the ability to be notified immediately should a fraudulent or predatory document be recorded against your property is invaluable. The faster something like this is discovered, the faster it can be reported to the authorities and resolved,” says Chief Deputy Register of Deeds Brandon Barefield. The Property Fraud Alert is a free service provided by the Register of Deeds Office that requires no up-front or monthly fees.

The best way to stay informed about your property and to protect against property fraud is being proactive. This service is a great tool for those with aging parents to ensure that their loved ones don’t fall victim to scams or fraud. Sign-up is easy and fast, but most importantly, offers a little extra peace of mind. You can sign up to three names per phone number or four names per email address, in case you’d like multiple people to receive alerts on the same property.

To sign-up, simply visit https://www.propertyfraudalert.com/, where you’ll select “Livingston, MI” from their front page. Next, you’ll follow the Continue prompt, accept the terms, and then enter either your personal information or business information to be monitored. Here is where you’ll select whether you want receive notifications via email or as a phone call. Simply select “Save” when your information is entered, and you’ve signed up for the alert and taken the first step to protecting your home!

The information provided by residents is kept safe and secure and won’t be used for any reason other than notifying you of recordings. If residents have questions, they can contact the Register of Deeds Office at (517) 546-0270 or via email at rod@livgov.com.

November 4, 2021

Genoa Township approves agreement for internet access for unserved/underserved residents

Genoa Township has made an agreement with MiSignal. 

MiSignal will be building out the infrastructure and service to deliver High-speed Internet (1 gigabit Fiber Optic) service for the unserved and underserved areas of Genoa Township.

The full press release can be found here.

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.

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.