WHAT IS NEW IN EUREKA?

                 

   EUREKA NEWS 

     The Eureka Town Board, during the December Town Board meeting, appointed 

Randy Wood, a resident of Eureka Township for the past 20 years, to fill the position of Commissioner Phil Cleminson who resigned. CONGRATULATIONS Commissioner Wood! 

     Randy is currently a small business owner of 28 years. He has been actively involved in the Township during the past 20 years, attending  Town Board, Planning Commission and Annual Meetings.  Randy served as a member of the Gravel Mining Ordinance Task Force as well as a member on the Eureka Envisioning Task Force.

     Randy stated that "as a member of the Planning Commission he can make a contribution
to the community and ensure that Eureka's ordinances are clear, consistent and applied fairly." He feels strongly that he has the leadership skills necessary to run the business of the local government, listening to all the facts and make fair decisions based on the facts presented. 

     Randy is committed to learning whatever is necessary to carry out the duties of his position and will come to the Commission meetings prepared and with an understanding of the issues.  He is also prepared to apply his knowledge when visiting sites to be discussed when necessary.

     Commissioner Wood, thank you for your willingness to get involved in the political process.
It is important to engage a citizen in the community who will represent the citizens of the east side of the Township as well as the issues and concerns of all Eureka citizens. It is my opinion that you will serve this community with leadership, dignity and integrity.
                                                       
                                                               Welcome aboard!

GRASS ROOTS DEMOCRACY IN EUREKA

DEMOCRACY TRULY WORKS ONLY WHEN PEOPLE EXERCISE THEIR                                                RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE

A Good Candidate for Town Board Supervisor possesses:

Critical thinking skills and a willingness to learn, empathy, a leader, communication skills, transparency, ability to spend tax payers money wisely, a genuine compassion for fellow human beings, a desire to engage in the process and the integrity to do what is right even when no one is looking.

Supervisor Kenny Miller's (position #5) three-year term will be open for 
election in 2016. The Candidate filing period for Supervisor position #5 starts on December 29, 2015, 10:00 a.m. through January 12, 2016, at the Eureka Town Hall. Please inquire at the Eureka Town Hall for the January 12 closing time.


                                                        MAKE DEMOCRACY WORK

     
                                                                     GET INVOLVED!

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends!!

Here's a little brain teaser to entertain you while you wait for the gravy to boil!

Use the clues and match to the name of a commonly known Christmas carol or answer a question about a carol. Find answers below.  No peeking!





1. Who is to "lend [his] ear this way?"

2.  Primo Yuletide

3.  Listen to the newspaper spirits warble

4.  Procure a jovial tiny noel

5.  Cutter travel

6.  AWHHOH

7.  How many ships came "sailing in on Christmas Day in the morning?"

8.  OHN

9.  It's "Christmas in Killarney" with whom?

10. Quiet eventide

1.  Jolly Old St. Nicholas

2.  The First Noel

3.  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

4.  Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

5.  Sleigh Ride

6.  Angels We Have Heard On High

7.  Three

8.  Oh, Holy Night

9.  All of the folks at home

10.  Silent Night

STRUCTURE(D) SETTLEMENT

At the last Town Board meeting, the following statement was made by a citizen: "Everybody knows that a fence is not a structure."

Not be contrary, but instead hoping to be informative, let me state that "everybody" would be incorrect. Below is the actual definition of "structure" from our Ordinances:

Structure 
Anything which is built, constructed, or erected; an edifice or building of any kind; or any piece of work artificially built up and/or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner whether temporary or permanent in character. Among other things, structures include but are not limited to buildings, gazebos, decks, retaining walls, walls, fences, and swimming pools. (Resolution 59, 8-13-2007)

As you can see, "structure" is not synonymous with "building," which I believe is perhaps the common misunderstanding--- based on years of observation at Eureka meetings. "Buildings" are actually a subset of "structures." Another way I think of it is that structures are man-made. A tree is not a structure, but a sign is a structure.

Understand that not all structures need building permits. A building of a certain smaller size (less than 120 sq. ft.) does not. A fence of a certain lower height (less than 7') does not. A Keystone flowerbed does not, no matter the size.

Since the definition of structure references "whether temporary or permanent in character," let's address that aspect as well.

Over the years, I have heard many discussions and comments at Town meetings to the effect that "temporary" means "portable." Thus, the thinking goes, if, for example, your sign is portable--on wheels perhaps--it is temporary and does not need a permit. Other than the exempt signs listed in the Ordinances, signs DO need a permit and further, need to be securely anchored to the ground. That is the reason for the Building Official to inspect the sign; to make sure it is not a hazard to the public in circumstances such as a storm.




In Commission and Board discussions with Building Officials over the years, it has come to light that "temporary" is really referring to fewer than 180 days, and thus not taxable. A roadside stand in place over the summer for the sale of vegetables is a good example of a temporary structure.

Something like a house which probably everyone understands as "permanent" and attached to the ground, as well as taxable, is clearly not temporary. Even though it won't last forever and could be moved from the site.

Hypothetically, a storage building in place on a property for several years and that is of a size to require a building permit-greater than 120 sq. ft.--but is on wheels and thus portable, is not temporary, but is permanent. It also needs to be anchored to the ground as does an advertising sign. Putting it on wheels does not exempt one from a building permit.

I hope this "settles structures"

And here is a settlement with structures, as promised in headline!

SOLAR * SPOT * ON !

The Planning Commission met with Sherri Buss this last Wednesday night. Draft ordinance language for residential solar use was addressed. On January 12th at 7:00 p.m., the Commission will consider commercial uses.

The Commission is planning to provide some time at the beginning of the February Special Meeting (yet to be scheduled) for input from you, should you have some you would like to offer. The draft solar ordinance will be on the Township's website page; residential now, then commercial after the January meeting. If this is something that interests you, please read and consider the draft.

The idea for the start of the February special meeting is to hear from the public in the earlier stages BEFORE it goes to a public hearing, as well as AT the public hearing when that is scheduled. After all, we work for you!

The next chapter in the Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 2, "Natural, Agricultural and Cultural Resources," was revised. At the January 12th meeting, the Commission will work with Sherri on Chapter 3, "Land Use." We are making good progress so far and hope to continue.

Also coming up is a public hearing in January right before the Planning Commission regular meeting on the 4th. The topic is a draft sump pump ordinance. Discharge from such pumps is addressed.


                            TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN!