Boards

Township Board

Township government is conducted by a township board consisting five members. The officers of the board are designated supervisor, clerk, treasurer and two trustees.

The term of office for all township officials is four years. The terms commence at 12 p.m. on November 20 following the November general election, provided the newly elected officials have qualified for office by that time. To qualify, a successful candidate must file any necessary bond and take an oath of office.

The supervisor, clerk, treasurer and trustee must take the oath of office before entering into the duties of their offices. (MCL 168.363) The deputy supervisor (MCL 41.61(2)), deputy clerk (MCL 41.69) and deputy treasurer (MCL 41.77) must take the oath after their appointment and before entering into office.

The clerk (MCL 41.69) and the treasurer (MCL 41.77) must each appoint a deputy. The deputy clerk and deputy treasurer must also be bonded. The supervisor may appoint a deputy (MCL 41.61). Deputy township officials are authorized to act as the elected official in the event of the official’s absence, sickness, death or other disability. A deputy may not, however, vote as a member of the township board. With the official’s approval and the consent of the township board, a deputy may assist the elected official at any additional times agreed to by the board and the official. Deputies are not required to be residents of the township, and may be paid compensation as determined by the township board.

Elected Officials:

Tom Balmes, Supervisor
Mary Walther Johnson, Clerk
Kristy Cota, Treasurer
Jacob Miller, Trustee
John Carr, Trustee
All of the above terms expire 11/20/2028
Deputy Clerk – Monica Eriksen (appointed by Clerk)
Deputy Treasurer – Sarah Mannisto (appointed by Treasurer)

Planning Commission

Scott LaCombe, Chair – Term Expires 12/31/2026
Matt Lang, Member/ZBA Liaison –Term Expires 12/31/2025
John Carr, Board Member Representative – Term Expires 11/20/2028
Jesse Cadwell Member – Term Expires 12/31/2025
Scott Smith, Member/Secretary – Term Expires 12/31/2026
Email: autrainzoning@gmail.com

Zoning Board of Appeals

Katherine Reynolds, Chair
Matt Lang, Planning Commission Representative
VACANT Member
Email: autrainzoning@gmail.com

Board of Review

Donna Shields, Chair
Kristy Drake, Member
Amy Hernandez, Member
Email: autrainassessor@gmail.com

If you are a resident of Au Train Township and have interest in serving on any of these Boards for future vacancies, please send your letter of interest to Au Train Township, P.O. Box 33, Au Train, MI 49806.

Thank you!

News / Notices

**Important Holiday Garbage Pickup Notice from GFL!**

Au Train Township Residents – If your collection day is Friday, July 4th, it will be delayed and picked up on Saturday instead.

If you have any questions, please contact GFL direct at 906-387-2646.

Thank you!

**PER GFL – THIS MUST STOP OR OUR COLLECTION PICKUP IS AT RISK FOR THE ENTIRE TOWNSHIP!!**

DO NOT DISPOSE OF IN CARTS OR DUMPSTERS…..

Refrigerators

Freezers

Liquids of any kind

Batteries!!! (Several have been left in the Old Plank Road Dumpster and next to Carts)

Large construction items that will get stuck in the dumpster

Steel/metal should be brought to the landfill to be recycled (no cost)

ALSO,

Everything must be in the cart and the lid closed or your entire cart will not be picked up. If you have more than one – they must be placed 3′ apart.

If you have any questions, please contact GFL at the Wood Island Landfill (906)387-2646.

**PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE PROPOSED AU TRAIN TOWNSHIP MASTER PLAN AND PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – JULY 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM**

Please be advised that the Au Train Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the adoption of the proposed Au Train Township Master Plan. The Planning Commission will then conduct a public hearing for proposed amendments to the Au Train Township Zoning Ordinance. The purpose of the amendments are to revise and amend sections of the Ordinance regulating the application process for conditional use permits, and the application process and regulations for short-term rental uses. After receiving comments, the Planning Commission may review and discuss any comments received and recommend action to the Township Board.

The public hearings will take place at 6:00pm ET on July 10, 2025 at the Au Train Township Hall, N7569 Spruce St. Au Train, MI 49806. A copy of the draft Master Plan and draft Ordinance amendment can be found at www.autraintownship.gov. – Written comments and requests for accommodation will be accepted prior to the hearings and can be addressed to: Au Train Township Planning Commission Attn: Donna Shields, Zoning Administrator In writing: PO Box 33, Au Train, MI 49806 or by email: autrainzoning@gmail.com

Proposed Master Plan –
https://www.autraintownship.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Au-Train-Township-Master-Plan.pdf

Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments – https://www.autraintownship.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DRAFT-Zoning-Ordinance-Amendment-07102025.pdf

**MORATORIUM ON SHORT TERM RENTAL CUP APPLICATIONS** – Effective May 5, 2025

The Au Train Township Board has put a 3-month moratorium on accepting applications for a Short Term Rental Conditional Use Permit as the Planning Commission continues necessary updates and amendments to the Zoning Ordinance.

Please see the Resolution https://www.autraintownship.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/STR-Moratorium-May-5-2025-APPROVED.pdf

**UPCOMING – SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY**

The Township will be offering a Spring Clean up at the GFL Wood Island Landfill on Saturday June 7th from 8:30 am to 11:30 am. More details to follow. Mark your calendars!

Au Train Township Spring Cleanup

Saturday, June 7th

8:30 am – 11:30 am

Where: Wood Island Landfill, Munising

YOU MUST PROVIDE NAME AND PROPERTY ADDRESS A LIMIT OF ONE TRUCK LOAD PER HOUSEHOLD

Please contact Supervisor, Tom Balmes at 906/892-8279, with questions.

TIRES (without rims) will be accepted, a MAXIMUM of 4 per household will be strictly enforced.

MATTRESSES will be accepted, with a maximum of 1 per household.

NO Construction materials accepted – wood remnants, roofing etc.

NO Refrigerators, freezers or air conditioning units will be accepted (with or without freon).

Additional items that WILL NOT be accepted: Ashes, brush, yard waste, leaves, propane tanks, batteries, engines or motors containing gas or oil, fuel tanks, air conditioning units, and drums of any size. NO HAZARDOUS WASTE ACCEPTED (gas, oil, paints, thinners, insecticides, anti-freeze or anything containing PCP’s).

**NOTICE OF 63-DAY COMMENT PERIOD ON PROPOSED AU TRAIN TOWNSHIP MASTER PLAN**

The Au Train Township Board has authorized the distribution and public comment period on its proposed Master Plan pursuant to the Michigan Planning Enabling Act. The public comment period will be open April 21 to July 1, 2025. After this period, the AuTrain Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to accept additional comments on the proposed Master Plan.

Copies of the proposed Master Plan may be viewed at the Au Train Township Hall by appointment. Digital copies of the plan may be viewed at www.autraintownship.gov and www.cuppad.org.
Written comments, questions and requests for accommodation may be sent to:
Au Train Township Planning Commission Attn: Donna Shields, Zoning Administrator
In writing: PO Box 33, Au Train, MI 49806 or by email: autrainzoning@gmail.com

https://www.autraintownship.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DRAFT-Master-Plan-04072025.pdf

**IMPORTANT GARBAGE PICKUP INFORMATION**

Per GFL (Adam – Wood Island Landfill 01/16/2025) – ALL GARBAGE CARTS NEED TO BE PLACED FOR PICKUP by 6:00 am!

With new drivers, route changes, weather delays – they are hoping to get back on schedule. Our contract calls for pickup to begin as early as 6:00 am.

Previous times should no longer be taken into consideration.

If you have questions contact GFL direct at (906)387-2646 or Supervisor, Tom Balmes at (906)892-8279.

Thank you!

**Check out the CALENDAR for upcoming Township meetings and events**