• Planning Commission – 1^st Tuesday 7:00 pm

• Zoning Board of Appeals - 2^nd Wednesday 7:30 pm

• 2:00 to 5:00 pm (or call 887-2110 to schedule a private showing)

Information booklets are available at the Township office.

The Sparta Township Planning Commission is composed of seven members. The membership is determined through appointment, by the Township Supervisor with the Township Board’s approval. One member of the Township Board is required to serve on the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission reviews requests for zoning changes and makes recommendations to the Township Board. Special land uses are reviewed and the Planning Commission may impose conditions on their approval. The Township Master Plan adoption and approval is the responsibility of the Planning Commission. The Master Plan is usually updated every 5 to 10 years. Site condominium and planned unit developments are reviewed by the Planning Commission with recommendations to the Township Board. Ordinance changes and additions generally originate at the Planning Commission level and are recommended to the Township Board for approval.

For many years the Planning Commission met on the third Monday of each month. Recently it changed its meeting time to the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm, depending on what requests for meetings have been made. The Planning Commission works with Tim Johnson from Main Street Planning, as a consultant, on a needs basis.

Applicants for a Planning Commission review should have their application and fee turned in 30 days prior to the meeting date for proper notification of the meeting to be made. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing with time for the applicants to present their case and interested public comment to be heard.

I hope this information is beneficial. Have a good summer!

Clerk - Bonnie Robinson

Do you know that we have a new website - www.sparta-township.com ? You will be able to access information such as minutes from the meetings, permits and applications. The e-mail addresses of the Township Board members are listed. Contact them if you have questions or comments.

Sparta Township is an acceptance agent of the US Dept of State for passport applications. Cost of a passport went up as of March 8, 2005, to $97 ($67 to the Dept of State and $30 to the Township). For more info, call us (887-8863) or check the website www.travel.state.gov.

Treasurer - Pat Fynewever

TAXES – Enclosed with this newsletter is your Sparta Township summer tax bill. If it is higher than last summer, remember that new state law shifted part of the County tax millage from winter to summer this year. To avoid a penalty, pay by September 14, 2005. Those of you who defer your summer taxes, be sure you have signed the form by September 14.

Please keep your property tax bill receipt, so you have it when filing income taxes next year. Last April, we had many calls for this info. Make life easier for your accountant, yourself and us – keep your receipts!

Assessor – Dave Pohl

Nearly a fifth of a century ago, 18 years actually, I drove the 60 miles up here from my home near Fowler responding to an ad for an assessor for Sparta Township. Now after more than a quarter of a million miles and the exploration of nearly every possible route between here and Fowler I have decided to cut back on my assessment work. I am resigning as assessor effective October 1^st and hope to have my replacement on board by September 1^st to have one month for a transition.

Assessments are not the type of work that especially endears one to the hearts of many people but I do think most people recognize that taxes are a necessary evil and that the assessors do not write the rules but, are charged with applying them. It is also not a profession that kids might say "I want to be an assessor," in the same manner that they might say "I want to be a fireman or policeman." It is essentially a profession that most people back into. In spite of how I got into the business I will say I have met a lot of really great people. There are people I have worked with here who take to heart the term "Public Servant" and apply it to their everyday work. There are the many fine people of the community who participate in making this a desirable place for people to live. To all the people of the Township of Sparta I want to say "Thank You for the opportunity to work for and with you."

Sincerely,
David W. Pohl

2005 Summer Reading Program: If you registered for this in June, remember the ending date is Friday, July 22. When you reach your reading goal, bring your chart in. You will get a prize and be entered in the drawing to be held on July 25.

Story Time - Round Table Reads: Wednesdays (July 6, 13, 20) 10:30 am in the Conference Room. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school children, moms, dads, and grandparents are welcome.

Crafts in the Junior Room: July 5- Color a King or Queen Doorknob Holder; July 11- Make & Take Flying Unicorn; July 18- Bookplate for your own book.

‘Teen Space’ Come check out our new area for teens, with cool, comfy bean bags and floor pillows and a beverage vending machine. Grab a book and hang out in the air conditioning this summer!