Baraga — The Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan were the primary subjects of discussion during the Baraga Township Board meeting Thursday. It was brought up during the public comments section and was of the greatest interest to those in attendance.

The Planning Commission has requested professional guidance in revising the Master Plan. In 2017, OHM advisors were hired to prepare the Master Plan, but due to the amount of time that has passed, an update is required.

Trustee Jerry Dompier suggested getting an attorney to look at the Master Plan and the zoning.

“Let’s see what kind of issues we’ve got and see what we can and cannot do if the attorney’s able to in a timely manner,” Dompier said.

The board agreed that the Master Plan needs review from a separate firm or organization to assist the planning commission.

The last time a Master Plan was drafted it took a year and a half to two years to situate, but with updates and modifications being the primary work, it is expected that the process will not take nearly as long. It is suspected that the language of the plan is the primary issue that will need to be combed through to have the Master Plan and zoning to proceed forward. The board will put out bids for a firm or organization for assistance.

Two fire departments had news to share during the meeting. Keweenaw Bay Fire Department received a new firefighter while Pelkie Fire Department had a couple issues they are looking to resolve. The department is looking to mend a muffler issue on one of their trucks and address electrical issues at their fire hall. The power which charges their trucks shuts off randomly. The board approved to resolve these issues.

The board approved a motion to have Moyle Construction fix drainage issues with the new Baraga Township Hall.

The next Board of Trustees meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 13. This meeting will take place at the new township hall at 13919 State Hwy M-38 near the Ojibwa Casino.