News & Notices

Planning Commission Opening
Any interested resident wishing 
to serve on the Planning
Commission, please contact 
Nancy Vandervest, Township Supervisor
at 231-845-7801 Ext. 2

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED
VARIANCE REQUESTS
Jeff and Pam Schumaker, owners of property located in Hamlin Township, are seeking a variance from a portion of Hamlin Township Zoning Ordinance 45, now in effect, on the following described property:
                        Property ID#                           53-007-440-101-00
                        Property Address                    3328 N. Piney Ridge Rd.
Property Description               First Addition to Piney Ridge Resort Lots 10 to 18 incl block 58 and that part of unplatted portion of

If granted, the Schumaker’s will be allowed to place a shed over 100 square feet in size within 10 feet of the water and one (1) foot of the sideline setback.
Hamlin Township Zoning Ordinance 45, Article 14 §14.06, states that an accessory building in lieu of a boathouse cannot be larger than 100 square feet and must have a setback distance of 18 feet from the water.  Also, Article 4, Section 4.04 ‘A’ states that any accessory building in lieu of boathouses must have a minimum side yard setback of 4 feet.
Variance requested: Over 100 sqft of storage building (not to exceed 192 square feet), 10 feet from the water instead of 18’ as required and 1’ from the side property line instead of the 4’ required.

Should you have comments on this request, please appear at the public hearing, which will be held on:
April 10, 2023 at 6:00 pm at the Hamlin Township Hall, 3775 N. Jebavy Drive, Ludington.
At that time, you may express your views on the matter in person or by counsel.  Written comments may be submitted to this office prior to the hearing and they will become part of the hearing record.  Written comments must contain a reason for supporting or opposing this request.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (231) 845-7801 ext 5  or e-mail hamlinzoning@gmail.com or hamlintwp@hamlintownship.org
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).

Respectfully submitted,
Kathryn Genter
Recording Clerk/ZBA

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. 

March Board of Review is scheduled for Organizational Meeting; March 6, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Hearings:

March 14, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. break.

AND

March 17, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. break. 

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. 

Hamlin Township Planning Commission will meet on April 3, 2023 at 6:00 pm 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.  

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

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

Click Here

NOTICE
HAMLIN TOWNSHIP RECREATION PLAN 2022 – 2027

The DRAFT of the Hamlin Township Mason County Recreation Plan 2022- 2027 can be viewed on the Township’s web site at https://hamlintownship.org or at the Hamlin Township Office, Monday thru Friday between 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM.  Comments can be emailed to hamlintwp@hamlintownship.org or submit in writing to Hamlin Township, 3775 N. Jebavy Drive, Ludington, MI 49431, ATTN: Nancy Vandervest, Hamlin Township Supervisor.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Hamlin Township Board of Trustees will hold a Public Hearing on the Recreation Plan on June 16, 2022 at the Hamlin Township Board of Trustees Meeting.  The Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m., at the Hamlin Township Hall, 3775 N. Jebavy Drive, Ludington, MI 49431.

This notice is being posted on April 18, 2022. 

Click here for Recreation Plan posted 4/16/2022

Avian Influenza outbreak.  There haven’t been any detections in Mason County, but other Counties in the State of Michigan are having positive tests in backyard and wild birds. As the season warms up and migration happens, there’s an increase in risk to our local backyard flocks.  See attached brochures.

How to recognize a sick bird

MAPI-HPAI Flyer.pdf

HAMLIN TOWNSHP 2022 – 2023 MEETING SCHEDULE

2022 - 2023 Hamlin Township Meeting Schedule

April 14, 2022
May 12, 2022   
June 16, 2022
July 14, 2022
August 11, 2022  
September 15, 2022   
October 13, 2022
November 17, 2022   
December 15, 2022  
January 12, 2023
February 16, 2023
March 16, 2023

All meetings listed above to begin at 6:00 PM
March 30, 2023 – 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).
 1st Reading – February 10, 2022
2nd Reading – March 10, 2022
3rd Reading – March 31, 2022
Final Reading – March 31, 2022 – APPROVED March 31, 2022

Hamlin Township Master Plan Draft

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 

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.

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.)   

Oak Wilt – Please Be Aware!

Oak wilt, a non-native invasive fungus, is causing the widespread death of our precious oak resource in Michigan.  As many of you know, oaks provide shade, acorns for wildlife, and are a valuable wood product in our forests!  These trees are worth saving!

So what can you do?
Learn how to identify which oak species are on your property.  Contact a professional.
Pay close attention to your “red oak group” trees.  If you see the leaves suddenly turn a yellow or bronze color AND drop from the tree, then contact a professional who is qualified to determine if you have oak wilt.

DO NOT cut or prune your oak trees from April to August as these wounds can attract the sap-feeding beetles that spread oak wilt.  ALSO, DO NOT move infected oak firewood! 

If you would like more information about this disease, contact Josh Shields, Forestry Assistance Program forester with the Manistee and Mason-Lake Conservation Districts, at 231-889-9666 (Office Phone), 989-220-9236 (Mobile Phone), or via email at joshua.shields@macd.org.

Also contact the Manistee or Mason-Lake Conservation Districts about an informational meeting on oak wilt and how to slow the spread of it, on April 4th, 2018, 7:00pm, at Hamlin Township Hall!

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

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.