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

**NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AU TRAIN TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
September 25, 2025 at 6:00PM**

Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held by the Au Train Township Planning Commission on: Thursday September, 2025 at 6:00PM at the Au Train Township Hall, located at N7569 Spruce Street, Au Train MI 49806, Alger County, Michigan, to receive public comment on the following:

Proposed Amendment to the Au Train Township Zoning Ordinance – The purpose of the zoning ordinance amendment is to insert a new Article as “Article XIII – Enforcement and Violations” providing for the enforcement of the Au Train Township Zoning Ordinance. After receiving comments, the Planning Commission may review and discuss any comments received and recommend action to the Township Board.

Cory & Kristy Cota are requesting a Conditional Use Permit for a private kennel
located at: N4421 16 Mile Lake Rd, Munising, MI, 49862 Parcel ID# 001-212-001-00
Zoning District: Lakeshore/River 2

Links to a draft of the proposed amendment for Article XIII: Click Here –https://www.autraintownship.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ZO-Amendment-DRAFT-09252025-Enforcement.pdf , along with The Au Train Township Zoning map and ordinance text are available online at: www.autraintownship.gov (Forms/Documents – Zoning)

Written comments regarding the public hearings will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the hearing. For questions, contact D Shields, Au Train Township Zoning Administrator at (906) 450-1182 or autrainzoning@gmail.com – or mailed to PO Box 33, Au Train, MI 49806

This notice is posted in compliance with Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended, the Open Meetings Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

**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.

**MORATORIUM ON SHORT TERM RENTAL CUP APPLICATIONS** – EXTENDED UNTIL THE UPDATES ARE APPROVED AND EFFECTIVE.

The Au Train Township Board has continued the 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.

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