News and Notices

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP HOLIDAY HOURS

THE TOWNSHIP OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON

THE FOLLOWING DAYS:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2023
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2023

AND

MONDAY JANUARY 1, 2024
TUESDAY JANUARY 2, 2024

ALSO

THE HAMLIN TOWNSHIP TRANSFER SITE WILL BE CLOSED ON:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2023
MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024

SHORT TERM RENTAL
WORK GROUP NOTICE

There will be a Short Term Rental Work Group Meeting on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 3:00 p.m., at the Hamlin Township Hall, 3775 N. Jebavy Drive, Ludington, MI 49431.

This meeting is open to the public.  Written comments may be submitted to: Hamlin Township, 3775 N. Jebavy Drive, Ludington, MI 49431 or by email to: hamlinzoning@gmail.com.  In addition, you may express your views in person under the public comment time on November 30, 2023.

This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a (2) (3) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Auxiliary aids for the disabled will be provided as needed.  Michigan’s Open Meetings Act (OMA), MCL 15.261 et seq

Respectfully submitted,

Zak Iverson
Hamlin Township Zoning Administrator
Hamlin Township
(231) 845-7801 Ext. 1
hamlinzoning@gmail.com

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR
HAMLIN TOWNSHIP
The Hamlin Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 6:00 pm

William and Amy Schulz, owners of the property known as Happy Day Rentals LLC at 5853 W. Barnhart Rd.
Ludington MI. 49431, seek a variance from portions of Hamlin Township Zoning Ordinance 45, now in effect, on the
following described property:
Property Owners: William & Amy Schultz
Property ID#:53-007-002-106-00
Property Address: 6196 W. Barnhart Rd. Ludington MI 49431
If granted, the property owner would be able to alter an existing non-conforming structure on a legal non-conforming
lot. Hamlin Township Zoning Ordinance 45, now in effect, states in Article 22 Sec.(A), “Lawful nonconforming uses
or structures in existence at the time of passage……..continued but shall not be extended, added to, or altered ... .unless
such is in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance.” Also, under Article 5 § 5.02 requested 4’7 3/8” setback
instead of the required 12 feet. Also, under Article 5 Sec. 5.02 requested 8’0 5/8” instead of the required 25’. Also,
under Article 5§5.02 lot coverage would exceed allowed 25% to 31.6%.
Written comments may be submitted to the Hamlin Township Office prior to the hearing and they will become part of
the hearing record, or you may express your views in person at the hearing. Written comments must contain a reason
supporting or opposing this change. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (231)845-7801 Ex.1 or
e-mail at: hamlinzoning@gmail.com.
This notice is posted in compliance with PA267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a (2) (3)
and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Respectfully submitted,
Zak Iverson
Zoning Administrator
Hamlin Township
(231) 845-7801 x-1

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR
HAMLIN TOWNSHIP
The Hamlin Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on

Wednesday December 20, 2023 at 6:00 pm

Vivian M. Savino Trust, owners of property at 38 Morse St. Sharon, MA. 02067 seek a variance from portions of
Hamlin Township Zoning Ordinance 45, now in effect, on the following described property:
Property ID#:53-007-002-104-00
Property Address: 6387 Mound St. Ludington MI 49431
If granted, the property owner would be able to alter an existing non-conforming structure. Hamlin Township Zoning
Ordinance 45, now in effect, states in Article 22 Sec.(A), “Lawful nonconforming uses or structures in existence at the
time of passage……..continued but shall not be extended, added to, or altered ... .unless such is in conformance with
the provisions of this ordinance.” Also, under Article 5 § 5.02 requested 5’6”setbacks instead of the required 12 feet if
allowed would grant 6’6”
Written comments may be submitted to the Hamlin Township Office prior to the hearing and they will become part of
the hearing record, or you may express your views in person at the hearing. Written comments must contain a reason
supporting or opposing this change. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (231)845-7801 Ex.1 or
e-mail at: hamlinzoning@gmail.com.
This notice is posted in compliance with PA267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a (2) (3)
and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Respectfully submitted,
Zak Iverson
Zoning Administrator
Hamlin Township
(231) 845-7801 x-1

Hamlin Township will be accepting proposals for updating our current web site information.

Please send information and qualifications to hamlinsupervisor1861@gmail.com or 3775 N. Jebavy Drive, Ludington by December 13, 2023.

Hamlin reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. 

November 24, 2023

The 2024 Hamlin Lake fireworks are scheduled for Saturday, July 6, 2024 coordinated by the Hamlin Lake Preservation Society.
Hamlin Lake Preservation Society, PO Box 178, Ludington, MI 49431.  https://hamlinlake.us

Any residents that would like to serve on the Hamlin Township Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals or Board of Review, please contact the Township Supervisor Nancy Vandervest at 231-845-7801 Ext 2 OR at hamlinsupervisor1861@gmail.com 

NOTE
SHORT TERM RENTALS
The current Hamlin Township Short Term Rental is listed under the Zoning Tab.  Please take  note that this ordinance is acting as temporary guidelines for Short Term Rentals.  This ordinance is currently being thoroughly reviewed to include comprehensive guidelines to protect the health, safety and welfare of the Township.  

Point and Pay. Click the link below to pay property taxes for Hamlin Township.

Click Here

Dead Deer
Mason County Road Commission

Change in Services

"Due to attempts by EGLE and the DNR to prosecute several road commissions for trespassing, poaching, littering, ground, and groundwater contamination etc., Road Commissions have changed procedures for pickup of dead deer/and or roadkill effective immediately. 

 We will only remove dead deer/animals from the roadway (traveled portion of the road) when they present a hazard to the motoring public.  We may also move them when they interfere with our maintenance activities such as plowing/mowing.  We will drag them as close to a 90-degree angle as possible to the front slope of the ditch or the back slope if necessary for our maintenance activities.  Animals that die and are not a hazard to motorists and do not interfere with maintenance activities will be left where they lay.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the DNR, EGLE or your State Representative."

BURNING PERMITS:
Please call 1-866-922-2876 (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Monday thru Friday or visit www.michigan.gov/burnpermit and apply on-line.

Hamlin Township 5-Year Recreation Plan:  
Hamlin Township has received notice that the Township's 5-year Recreation Plan has been approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources until 12/31/2026.  Hamlin Township is eligible to submit a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund and/or a Recreation Passport Grant Application.

The Hamlin Township Planning Commission will meet on August 7, 2023, September 11, 2023, October 2, 2023, November 13, 2023 and December 4, 2023. Meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m., at the Hamlin Township Hall, 3775 N. Jebavy Drive, Ludington, MI 49431. This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a (2) (3) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Auxiliary aids for the disabled will be provided as needed.

HAMLIN TOWNSHP 2023 - 2024 MEETING SCHEDULE
2023 - 2024 Hamlin Township Meeting Schedule
 April 13, 2023
May 11, 2023   
June 15, 2023
July 13, 2023
August 10, 2023  
September 14, 2023   
October 12, 2023
November 16, 2023   
December 14, 2023  
January 11, 2024
February 15, 2024
March 14, 2024
All meetings listed above to begin at 6:00 PM
March 28, 2024 – Settlement Day Meeting @ 4:30 PM
All meetings will be held at:
Hamlin Township Hall
3775 N. Jebavy Drive
Ludington, MI 49431
This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a (2) (3) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Approved March 30, 2023

2023 - 2024 RECYCLING DECAL
Recycling Decal may be purchased on or after March 1, 2023 at the Township Office for the fiscal year 4-1-2023 to 3-31-2024. $20.00 for residents.
Please recycle correctly. 

2023 Mason County Board of Road Commissioners Meeting Schedule are generally scheduled for the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Meetings are held at 10:00 am on the following scheduled dates at 510 E. State St., Scottville, MI. January 12, 2023 July 13, 2023 January 26, 2023 July 27, 2023 February 9, 2023 August 10, 2023 February 23, 2023 August 24, 2023 March 9, 2023 September 14, 2023 March 23, 2023 September 28, 2023 April 13, 2023 October 12, 2023 April 27, 2023 October 26, 2023 May 11, 2023 November 9, 2023 May 25, 2023 November 22, 2023 (Wednesday) June 8, 2023 December 14, 2023 June 22, 2023 December 28, 2023 Any changes made in the above dates will be posted at the Mason County Road Commission. Anyone needing auxiliary aids or services should contact the MCRC office 24 hours prior to the meeting. Minutes for each meeting are available at 510 E. State St., Scottville, MI and at www.masoncountyroads.com. 

2023 Mason County Board of Commissioners Work Sessions.  All meetings will be held at the Mason County Airport, 5300 W. US-10, Ludington, MI.  January 24, 2023 at 7:00 PM/Topic:  Senior Services.  May 23, 2023 at 7:00 PM/Topic:  TBD.  July 25, 2023 at 7:00 PM/Topic:  2024 Budget.  September 26, 2023 at 7:00 PM/Topic: 2024 Proposed Final Budget and November 28, 2023 at 7:00 PM/Topic:  TBD.  

2023 Mason County Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule;  All meetings will be held at the Mason County Airport Terminal Conference Room, 5300 W. US-10,  Ludington, MI., February 14, 2023 at 9:00 AM; March 14, 2023 at 9:00 AM; April 11, 2023 at 7:00 PM; May 9, 2023 at 9:00 AM; June 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM; July 11, 2023 at 9:00 AM; August 15, 2023 at 7:00 PM; September 12, 2023 at 9:00 AM; October 10, 2023 at 7:00 PM; November 14, 2023 at 9:00 AM; December 12, 2023 at 7:00 PM and January 9, 2024 at 9:00 AM. 

The Hamlin Township Fire Department ran 303 calls from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Much appreciation to our volunteer Fire Department and First Responder's.

2023 - 2024 RECYLING DECALS will be available for purchase on or after March 1, 2023 at the Hamlin Township Hall.  $20.00 Residents.  Recycling decals are required to use the Hamlin Township Recycling Center.  Decal runs from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.  Please recycle correctly.  No Styrofoam.  Plastic Crush all #1, #2 and #5.

Please recycle correctly. NO Styrofoam.  Plastic Crush all #1, #2 and #5

Click here for Recreation Plan posted 4/16/2022

Hamlin Township Master Plan July 2021 Update

New Short Term Rental Agreement

Amendments to Zoning Ordinance45

""""ATTENTION"""" Any accessory building/shed under 200 square feet will now require a zoning permit. This is a 'no charge' permit but necessary for record keeping.

Hamlin Township Assessor 
Derek C. Eaton, MAAO PPE 
***************************
Mr. Eaton can be reached at
888-714-9288
OR
derek.eaton25@gmail.com

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP TRANSFER SITE HOURS:

SUMMER HOURS
May 1st  - September 30th
Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
10 AM – 6 PM
Please be courteous to the staff and have your garbage and recycling disposed of by 5:55 PM to give the staff time to close up the bins and gate.

WINTER HOURS
October 1st  - April 30th
Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
9 AM – 5 PM
Please be courteous to the staff and have your garbage and recycling disposed of by 4:55 PM to give the staff time to close up the bins and gate.

******************************************************
RECYCLING DECAL
April 1st – May 31st
$20.00 for Residents
$100.00 for Non-Residents
A new Recycling Voucher is required each year beginning April 1, 2021 to use the
Recycling Center.  
Please recycling correctly; Crush plastics #1, #2 and #5 only.   No Styrofoam please.  
Purchased decal annually from the Hamlin Township Office
******************************************************
Township Garbage Bags:
Can be purchased at the Hamlin Township Hall OR
Hamlin Grocery.
$7.00 for 15-gal. purple bags

OR

$13.00 for 40-gal. green bags
Garbage bags can be purchased from the Hamlin Township Office or Hamlin Grocery

2020 Census Results:
Population 3,711 (Largest residential Township in Mason County)
Population change since 2010:  303 
Percent change since 2010:  8.9 Percent 

Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116, Ludington, MI 49431. The main entrance to the Ludington State Park is at the end of M-116., not along Piney Ridge Road. Please do not use Piney Ridge Road as the road cannot accommodate large vehicles.

Invasive hemlock woolly adelgid has been found in Mason County in 2020. Click HERE for more information.

The Mason County Road Commission

meeting:  December 23, 2020 (Wednesday).   William Schwass, Chairperson; Michael Ingison, Vice-Chairperson; Jeff Conklin, Member; Mary Samuel, Manager/Director. announces the launch of Snowpaths

The Mason County Road Commission (MCRC) is excited to announce the launch of Snowpaths, an online interactive map service that will keep you informed of the snow removal process on roads maintained by MCRC for the 2020-21 winter season.  The official launch date for Snowpaths is Monday November 9, 2020.

MCRC believes that providing Snowpaths will allow residents and public agencies to safely plan their commute by seeing current status of plowing operations.  Additionally, they will be able to isolate a specified location to view the status of that road during a snow and ice event, as well as a complete overview of the entire area to map out their commute.  Residents will also have access to customized alerts to stay informed of critical information during snow and ice events.

MCRC will evaluate Snowpaths at the end of the season for effectiveness, increased snow removal efficiency and public usage and feedback.  If MCRC continues Snowpaths in the future we plan on working with the software engineers to track the brine application processes and showing road closures that are either due to construction or major storm events.

For more information on Snowpaths please visit https://smartplanetsoftware.com/snowpaths/

To view the MCRC Snowpaths service, please visit this page.

Hamlin Lake:  Lowering of the lake level will begin the 4th Monday of October (October 26, 2020). The raising of the water level will start in the spring when there is no floating ice on the lake. 

The MI DNR Fisheries completed a fish survey on Hamlin Lake to determine the current status of the fishery. 
The 2019 survey is complete.  Click Here for the five-page report/results.  The Hamlin Lake Preservation Society will be hosting a meeting on May 6, 2020 beginning at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the results.  This meeting is open to the public.  The meeting will be held at the Hamlin Township Hall, 3775 N. Jebavy Drive, Ludington, MI 49431. MEETING CANCELLED.

2019 Fish Report Click Here

Volunteers - Much Thanks!
Thank you to Township Trustee Larry Rees, Shane Sniegowski, Brad Sniegowski, and Joe McLain for repairing the hole in the wall at the Transfer Site.

STYRO-FOAM - ***PLEASE NOTE***
Styro-foam is not an accepted recycling item at the Hamlin Township Transfer Site. 
Styro-foam is accepted at the Oceana County Transfer Station on M-20 in Oceana County
(about 7 miles east of US 31) at minimal or no charge (see link to web site). 
https://oceana.mi.us/services/transfer-stationrecycling-center/

CodeRED is a FREE community notification system available to Mason County residents & visitors that will send you alerts concerning time-sensitive and/or emergency information that may impact your area via phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media.  (missing persons/children, evacuation notices, natural disasters, boil water advisories, inclement weather warnings, criminal activities, road closures/traffic alerts, shelter in place/lockdowns).
Visit https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF51277A87DA to enroll OR download the CodeRED Mobile Alert app available in the App Store or Google Play.

MI DNR Burn Permits visit: 
http://www.michigandnr.com/burnpermits
OR 1-866-922-2876 

LEAF CORRAL:  Leaves and grass clippings Only.  Leaves and grass clippings should be taken back as far as possible.  Please respect this policy or corral may need to be closed.  (No concrete, lumber, large stumps, etc.)   

Hamlin Township received a $2,500.00 grant from the Great Lakes Energy Peoples Fund. The grant money was used towards the parking lot on Duneview Drive.  Members of Great Lakes Energy support the People Fund by voluntarily rounding up their bills to the next highest dollar.  The rounded up amount is distributed to non-profit organizations and charitable activities that benefit people in communities served by the cooperative.  Contact Great Lakes Energy at 888-GT-LAKES or visit gtlakes.com for more information. 

PLEASE NOTE

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA has recently updated their FEMA Flood Plain Maps in Hamlin Township. Visit FEMA.gov | Federal Emergency Management Agency or Susan A. Conradson at 231-876-4443 or conradsons2michigan.gov for additional information.
Your property may be in a Flood Plain Area on or near Hamlin Lake.

PLEASE NOTE: 
Per State of Michigan guidelines,
an ORV sticker is required when
riding on a public road.

Miss Dig System, Inc - Michigan - Miss Dig System, Inc -... One toll free call to 800-482-7171 or 811 reaches the MISS DIG System who serves as a message handling notification service for underground facility owners. MISS DI...

Hamlin Township Fire Department has received a $1,799.99 grant from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund. 

The grant will be used to purchase a Honda 5,000 Watt Generator.  The generator will be located in Hamlin Township’s Command Rehabilitation Trailer/Center.  The Command Rehabilitation will house the Department’s ice rescue equipment, search and rescue packs, radios/pagers for inter communication with department personnel and other agencies.  The on-scene Command Rehabilitation Trailer is designed to provide firefighters and other emergency personnel with a safe, clean and reliable rehabilitation facility. 

Members of the Great Lakes Energy support the People Fund by voluntarily rounding up their bills to the next highest dollar.  The rounded up amount is distributed to non-profit organizations and charitable activities that benefit people in communities served by the cooperative.  Visit gtlakes.com for details.

Thanks to the Great Lakes Energy People Fund

New Law Bans Certain Open Burning

Michigan is the last great Lakes state that allows rural residents to incinerate household waste in burn barrels. However, a new law rules out burning some materials.

In April, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley signed HB 4207, banning the uncontrolled burning of plastic, rubber, foam, chemically treated wood, textiles, electronics, chemicals and hazardous materials. The bill became Public Act 102 of 2012. Rural residents still can burn yard waste such as brush and leaves, and household waste such as cardboard and paper products.

LAKESHORE SILENT OBSERVER
888-STOP-CRIME --- 1-888-786-7274
www.lsotip.com (Email) OR
TEXT “LSOTIP”ťand your tip to 274637 (CRIMES)

A safe and anonymous way of reporting crime by telephone, e-mail or text message.

Sponsored by SSCENT, Mason/Oceana Central Dispatch, Manistee Central Dispatch, and a public safety granted awarded by the Manistee County Local Revenue Sharing Board.

If you are working within the road right-of-way, please remember that a permit from the Mason County Road Commission is needed. Mason County Road Commission is located in Scottville. # 231-757-2882.

LEAF CORRAL FOR HAMLIN TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS VOUCHER REQUIRED
More Info

OFFICE HOURS: Zoning Administrator: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM AND 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM.Friday's 8 AM - 9:00 AM AND 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM.If you need to meet with the Zoning Administrator other than the times listed, please contact him at 231-845-7801 Ext. 1 or hamlinzoning@gmail.com

September 6, 2022; New Playground Equipment at Wilson Hill Park in memory of Richard and Alison Puffer. Thank you to the Hamlin Lake Preservation Society, the volunteers and Lowe's for their donation.

Hamlin Township was established on February 28, 1861 by the Michigan State Legislatures. It is named after Hannibal Hamlin, Vice President from 1860 to 1864 under President Abraham Lincoln. The first settlement in Hamlin Township was made by Charley Mears, in 1858 in Section Two. The next settlers were Mr. and Mrs. Louis Sladick in Section 12. A railroad traveled from Ludington to the North Bayou, it was called the Dummy Line. When the first people settled in the Township, there were woods all around. As years went past and the population grew, more timber was cut and now there are very little woods standing. At one point, there were 84 farms in Hamlin Township. Hamlin Lake hotels and large resorts added much interest to Hamlin Township.

Today, Hamlin Township is the largest Residential Township in Mason County with a population of 3711 per the 2020 US Census. Hamlin Township provides some of the very best summer and winter recreational activities, with new and older homes blending for a delightful community with very little industry. Hamlin Township can truly boast "one-of-a-kind" status and is home to beautiful Hamlin Lake. Hamlin Lake, a man-made lake, is more than 12 miles long and 5,000 acres large that originated during the logging hey-day when lumbermen dammed the Big Sable River to make an enormous holding pond for trees that were felled upstream.

Thank you for visiting our new website. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Nancy Vandervest
Hamlin Township Supervisor
231-845-7801 Ext 2 OR 231-510-0076

Office Hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday

2022 Hamlin Township Parcel Count: 
Number of Real & Personal Properties:  3,293
Number of Agricultural Real Properties:  5
Number of Commerical Real Properties: 59
Number of Industrial Real Properties: 24
Number of Residential Real Properties: 3,128
Total Real Properties:  3,216
Total Personal Properties:  77

Updated 6-08-2022

February 26, 2017

February 26, 2017

Please note that our Township has regular office hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Usually, you will find someone at the Township Hall earlier, later, and throughout the lunch hour. We are always happy to answer questions. The Township Hall is closed for holidays and occasionally during the week due to short staff times.

2012 Clean-Up Day

Hamlin Township
Sesquicentennial Celebration
1861 - 2011

Celebrating the past, present and future.

February 28, 2011 Anniversary Open House Photos

Left to Right:
Gail Hanna, Carol Parkinson, Janet Gaghen, Judy Thorp, Mike Nagle, Nancy Vandervest

August 6, 2011 and August 7, 2011 (Boat Regetta)
Boat Regetta Results
1st Place: Larry & Barb Scherer & Crew
2nd Place: Jim & Marilyn Pinkerton & Crew
3rd Place: Joe & Janet Gaghen & Grew
Thanks to the Judges:
Johnaiine Gurzynski
Wayne Disegna
Hank Wykretowicz

Click below for more photos of the:

150th Celebration

Regatta

4th of July Float

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP

MISSION STATEMENT

Hamlin Township recognizes its responsibilities to each of its constituents and Township officials make this pledge as a statement of the Township’s values and purpose as we conduct Township business.
*Hamlin Township will strive to serve its Township constituents with dependable and efficient service.  The highest standards and lawfully executed service will be our goal.
*Hamlin Township will strive to be a place where employees are encouraged to expand their knowledge and fulfill their individual potentials.  One of the Township’s premier goals is to be considered an invaluable work place by each of our employees.

 *Hamlin Township will strive to conduct its affairs in a socially responsible, lawful manner while maintaining a kind and courteous workplace.
We will always strive to utilize ethical practices and compassion for the needs of those around us and to reflect those ideals in our Township decisions.
Adopted in Hamlin Township’s General Policy Manual 10-13-2011.

2023 
Hamlin Township Parcel Count: 
Number of Real & Personal Properties:  3,310
Number of Agricultural Real Properties:  5
Number of Commerical Real Properties: 63
Number of Industrial Real Properties: 24
Number of Residential Real Properties: 3,139
Total Real Properties:  3,231
Total Personal Properties:  79