MOORE TOWNSHIP MASTER PLAN
Moore Township Sanilac County, Michigan
June 2012
MOORE TOWNSHIP MASTER PLAN
Moore Township Sanilac County, Michigan
Moore Township Planning Commission Members: Jack Dorman, Chairman Randy Filkins, Vice Chairman Mark Thorley, Secretary James Brown Jr. Carl Gerstenberger Tonya Kaufman Lee Rich
Moore Township Board of Trustees Members: Greg Dorman, Supervisor Ann Bradley, Clerk Cheryl Schultz, Treasurer James Brown Jr. William Pringle
Prepared with the assistance of:
George Lasecki (Moore Township Zoning Administrator) 1126 West Sanilac Ave. Sandusky, MI 48471-9712 (810) 648-2429
Adopted: June 6, 2012
i MOORE TOWNSHIP MASTER PLAN
Table of Contents
1 – INTRODUCTION ...... 1-1 Purpose and Planning Process ...... 1-1 Location and Regional Setting ...... 1-2 Status of Planning and Zoning ...... 1-3
2 – SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS ...... 2-1 Population ...... 2-1 Housing Characteristics ...... 2-3 Households ...... 2-4 School Enrollment & Educational Attainment ...... 2-4 Age Distribution ...... 2-5 Disability Status ...... 2-5 Income and Poverty ...... 2-6 Employment ...... 2-7 Unemployment ...... 2-8 Agriculture ...... 2-9
3 – COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES ...... 3-1 Water Supply and Sewage Disposal ...... 3-1 Solid Waste ...... 3-4 Recycling ...... 3-4 Utility Services ...... 3-4 Postal Service...... 3-4 Schools ...... 3-4 Libraries & Museums ...... 3-7 Medical Facilities ...... 3-7 Cemeteries ...... 3-8 Public Safety ...... 3-8 Roads ...... 3-8 Transit ...... 3-11 Air Service ...... 3-11 Media ...... 3-11
4 – Natural Resources ...... 4-1 Introduction ...... 4-1 Geology ...... 4-2 Climate ...... 4-4 Soils ...... 4-4 Watershed ...... 4-7 Prime Farmland ...... 4-7 Forests & Wetlands ...... 4-8 Sites of Environmental Contamination ...... 4-10
ii 5 – EXISTING LAND USE ...... 5-1 Land Division Patterns ...... 5-1 Existing Land Cover / Use Characteristics ...... 5-2 Agricultural Residential Land Uses ...... 5-6 Commercial Land Uses ...... 5-6 Industrial Land Uses / Utilities / Township Sewer Lagoon ...... 5-6 Township & Fire Hall / Cemetery / Parks / Churches / Post Office ...... 5-6
6 – GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 6-1 Purpose ...... 6-1 Assets ...... 6-1 Issues ...... 6-2 Goals & Objectives ...... 6-2 Goal 1: Roads and Streets ...... 6-2 Goal 2: Blight ...... 6-4 Goal 3: Community Character ...... 6-5
7 – FUTURE LAND USE ...... 7-1 Purpose ...... 7-1 Land Use Planning Areas ...... 7-1 High Density Residential Land Use ...... 7-4 Commercial Land Use ...... 7-4 Industrial Land Use ...... 7-4 Mobile Home Park Land Use ...... 7-5 Agricultural Residential Land Use ...... 7-5 Future Land Use Planning with Adjacent Jurisdiction ...... 7-5
8 – IMPLEMENTATION AND ADOPTION ...... 8-1 Plan Coordination & Review ...... 8-1 Public Hearing ...... 8-1 Plan Adoption ...... 8-1 Plan Implementation ...... 8-1 Zoning Plan ...... 8-2 Grants and Capital Improvement Plan ...... 8-2 Transmittals: 1 – Copy of Notice of Intent to Prepare a Master Plan ...... 8-3 2 – Affidavit of Notice of Intent to Prepare a Master Plan ...... 8-4 3 – Planning Commission Letter of Draft Plan to Township Board ...... 8-6 4 – Planning Commission Minutes: Transmit draft plan to Township Board for distribution to adjacent communities ...... 8-7 5 – Township Board Resolution Asserting the Right to Approve Final Plan ...... 8-8 6 – Township Board Minutes: Approval of Distribution of Draft Plan to Adjacent Communities and Asserting the Right to Approval Final Plan ...... 8-9 7 – Copy of Draft Review Notice to Adjacent Communities ...... 8-11 8 – Affidavit of Mailing of Draft Plans to Adjacent Communities ...... 8-12
iii 9 – County Planning Commission Notice of Draft Review Notice to Adjacent Community ...... 8-14 10 – Affidavit of April 11, 2012 Publication of Public Hearing ...... 8-16 11 – Affidavit of May 9, 2012 Publication of Public Hearing ...... 8-17 12 – Notice of Public Hearing – Adjacent Communities ...... 8-18 13 – Affidavit of Public Hearing Notice to Adjacent Communities ...... 8-19 14 – Resolution of Adoption – Planning Commission ...... 8-21 15 – Minutes of Meeting – Planning Commission ...... 8-22 16 – Resolution of Adoption – Township Board ...... 8-23 17 – Minutes of Meeting – Township Board ...... 8-25
APPENDIX ...... 8-27 Public Input Session Materials and Results ...... 8-28
iv LIST OF MAPS & FIGURES
Map 1-1: Sanilac County Location ...... 1-2
Map 1-2: Sanilac County Base Map ...... 1-2
Figure 2-1: Birthplace of Residents 2010 ...... 2-2
Figure 2-2: Population by Age Group 2010 ...... 2-2
Map 3-1: Sewer Availability Map ...... 3-2
Map 3-2: Water Well Depth Map ...... 3-3
Map 3-3: Thumb Electric Cooperative Lines and Customers Map ...... 3-5
Map 3-4: Zip Code Map ...... 3-6
Map 3-5: Road Map ...... 3-9
Map 3-6: Snover Road / Street Map ...... 3-10
Map 4-1: Land Cover Circa 1800 ...... 4-1
Map 4-2: Bedrock Geology ...... 4-2
Map 4-3: Quaternary Geology ...... 4-3
Map 4-4: Hydric Soils ...... 4-5
Map 4-5: Soils with Severe Limitations for Basements ...... 4-6
Map 4-6: Soil with Severe Limitation for On-Site Septic Systems ...... 4-6
Map 4-7: Watershed (Hydrography ...... 4-7
MAP 4-8: Prime Farmland Soil ...... 4-8
Map 4-9: Wetlands ...... 4-9
Map 4-10: Woodlots and Forest Types ...... 4-10
Map 5-1: Existing Land Cover/Use Map for Moore Township ...... 5-2
Map 5-2: Parcels enrolled in PA 116 with Expiration Years ...... 5-3
Map 5-3: Existing Township Land Use Map ...... 5-4
v Map 5-4: Existing Snover Land Use Map ...... 5-5
MAP 7-1: Current Zoning Map ...... 7-2
MAP 7-2: Future Land Use Map ...... 7-3
vi LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1: Populations by Municipality 1990-2010 ...... 2-1
Table 2-2: Population by Race 2010 ...... 2-1
Table 2-3: Age Distribution 1980-2010 ...... 2-3
Table 2-4: Housing Characteristics by Municipality 2010 ...... 2-3
Table 2-5: Years Houses Built ...... 2-4
Table 2-6: Education Attainment 2000 ...... 2-5
Table 2-7: Age Distribution by Municipality 2010 ...... 2-5
Table 2-8: Disability Status by Municipality 2000 ...... 2-6
Table 2-9: Median Household Income by Municipality 1990-2010 ...... 2-6
Table 2-10: Household Income: 1990 & 2000...... 2-7
Table 2-11: Poverty Rates: 1990 & 2000 ...... 2-7
Table 2-12: Labor Force 1990, 2000 & 2009 ...... 2-8
Table 2-13: Sanilac County Residents Employed by Industry 2009 ...... 2-8
Table 2-14: Annual Sanilac County Unemployment Rates 1999-2011 ...... 2-9
Table 2-15: Work Commute 2000 ...... 2-9
Table 2-16: Agriculture in Sanilac County ...... 2-10
vii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Purpose and Planning Process
The purpose of the Moore Township Master Plan is to provide guidelines for future development within the community, while protecting the natural resources and rural township character. The Michigan Planning Enabling Act, P.A. 33 of 2008, states a Township may adopt, amend, and implement a master plan. The Michigan Planning Enabling Act states: The general purpose of a master plan is to guide and accomplish, in the planning jurisdiction and its environs, development that satisfies all of the following criteria:
(a) Is coordinated, adjusted, harmonious, efficient, and economical. (b) Considers the character of the planning jurisdiction and its suitability for particular uses, judged in terms of such factors as trends in land and population development. (c) Will, in accordance with present and future needs, best promote public health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare. (d) Includes, among other things, promotion of or adequate provision for 1 or more of the following: (i) A system of transportation to lessen congestion on streets. (ii) Safety from fire and other dangers. (iii) Light and air. (iv) Healthful and convenient distribution of population. (v) Good civic design and arrangement and wise and efficient expenditure of public funds. (vi) Public utilities such as sewage disposal and water supply and other public improvements. (vii) Recreation. (viii) The use of resources in accordance with their character and adaptability.
This Master Plan presents background information on social and economic data, natural resources, existing community services and facilities, and existing land uses. The background information is used to identify important characteristics, changes and trends in Moore Township. A Community Attitude Survey was randomly distributed and a series of planning workshops were held over a nine month period to gather input from residents and landowners. All workshops were open meetings with public welcomed and encouraged to comment on and contribute to the plan.
Based on information gathered and the background data, the Township Planning Commission developed goals and objectives. These goals and objectives, along with a series of maps including soils, ownership, existing land use, and zoning, provide the basis for the Future Land Use Map. The Future Land Use Map recommends locations for various types of future development within the Township.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-1 The Master Plan was developed by the Moore Township Planning Commission with the assistance from the Moore Township Board, the Zoning Administrator, and residence from the Township. This plan looks at a twenty year planning horizon, with required revisits every five years or sooner if needed.
Location and Regional Setting
Moore Township is located immediately northwest of the center of Sanilac County, which is situated in the southeastern portion of Michigan - commonly referred to as the “Thumb Area” of the state. Moore Township is typical in that its size is six miles square and contains a total of 36 square miles of land (36.3 square miles of land to be exact). The Township lies T 12 N, R 13 E.
Moore Township is bounded by eight other townships. Beginning with Argyle Township to the north and moving in a clockwise direction, Moore Township is bounded by the townships of Wheatland, Custer, Watertown, Elmer, Marlette, Lamotte, and Evergreen.
The City of Sandusky, a community with a population of approximately 2,679 and situated 2 miles east of Moore Township’s southeast corner, is the most populated city within Sanilac County.
Other significant urban centers in the general area of Moore Township and their distances are:
Bad Axe – 33 miles Bay City - 61 miles Lapeer – 47 miles Flint - 70 miles Saginaw - 57 miles Detroit - 97 miles Port Huron – 60 miles Lansing - 130 miles
Map 1-1: Sanilac County Location Map 1-2: Sanilac County Base Map
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-2 The Status of Planning and Zoning in Moore Township
Moore Township has recognized the importance and need for developing an updated Master Plan in compliance the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, P.A. 33 of 2008. Two key issues are to provide a legal foundation for the Township Zoning Ordinance and to manage for anticipated growth within the Township. By documenting existing conditions such as environment, socioeconomic, community services, transportation, recreation, and land use within a Master Plan, the Township will be able to formulate appropriate land use goals and policies to guide development and serve as the basis for enforceable zoning. The master plan will in turn be used as a basis for re‐examining the Township's zoning districts and land use development controls.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 1: Introduction 1-3 CHAPTER 2: SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
Population
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Moore Township has a total of 1,203 residents, with an average of 33.4 people per square mile. The population is evenly divided statistically between males and females, with 48.9% and 51.1%, respectively. Median age for a Township resident is 39.0 years, 2.8 years less than the median age of 42.8 years for Sanilac County.
Table 2-1 illustrates population trends for Moore Township and all adjacent municipalities in Sanilac County for census years 1990, 2000, and 2010. Population estimates from the 2010 U.S. Census show Moore Township’s population declining from the last census by 4.7% (or about 6 people per year). This is similar to the county-wide decrease of 3.2% for the same period.
Table 2-1 Population For Moore Township and Surounding Manicipalities, 1990 - 2010 Municipality 1990 2000 % Change 2010 % Change Population Population 1990 - 2000 Population 2000 - 2010 Sanilac County 39,928 44,547 1.1% 43,114 -3.2% City of Sandusky 2,403 2,745 1.1% 2,679 -2.4% Argyle Twp. 820 770 -6.1% 759 -1.4% Custer Twp. 1,018 1,036 1.8% 1,006 -2.9% Elmer Twp. 774 790 2.1% 806 2.0% Evergreen Twp. 907 995 9.7% 924 -7.1% Lamotte Twp. 949 981 3.4% 919 -6.3% Marlette Twp. 1,910 2,051 7.4% 1,763 -14.0% Moore Twp. 1,238 1,262 1.9% 1,203 -4.7% Watertown Twp. 1,235 1,376 11.4% 1,320 -4.1% Wheatland Twp. 513 530 3.3% 488 -15.5% Source: U.S Census Bureau
Moore Township, like many agricultural communities, is homogenous in race and ethnicity. According to the 2010 U.S. Census category for race, 98.2% of the population in Moore Township identified itself as Caucasian or white; with Asian, American Indian, other race, or mixed races accounting for the balance of the 1.8 percent. See Table 2-2 on page 2-2.
Table 2-2 Population by Race For Moore Township - 2010 Race Number of Percent of People Population One Race 1,194 99.3% Caucasian or White 1,181 98.2% American Indian or Alaska Native 6 0.5% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 2 0.2% Some other Race 5 0.4% Two or More Races 9 0.7% Total 1,203 100.0% Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Characteristics 2-1 Furthermore, 92.3% of the citizens living in Moore Township were born in Michigan, most of whom were born and raised in Sanilac County. This lack of movement among the population set helps explain why the community remains predominately white (Figure 2-1).
Figure 2-1 Birthplace of Residents - 2010
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Source: U.S. Census Bureau Moore Township has three population age groups that are relatively equivalent in size; those under 18 make up 26.5% of the population (318 persons), those between 25 and 44 constitute 25% of the residents (301 persons), while 27% of the inhabitants are in the 45-64 age group (325 persons). Though these age categories and their composition are consistent with both county and state averages, the different needs and characteristics of these age groups are important to consider when identifying services and anticipated growth for the township. It is also important to note that the Township has a lower than normal percentage of citizens over the age of 65 at 14.1% of the overall population (170 persons). See Figure 2-2.
Figure 2-2 Population by Age Group - 2010
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Characteristics 2-2 Table 2-3 shows a trend over the past 30 years of a decrease in the number of persons less than 18 years of age and a marked increase in the number of 45 to 64 year olds, with and increase in the number of 65 and older persons too.
Table 2-3 Age Distribution For Moore Township 1980 - 2010 Year < 5 % * 5 - 17 % * 18 - 24 % * 25 - 44 % * 45 - 64 % * 65 & > % * Years Years Years Years Years Years 1980 110 8.3% 290 22.0% 723 total 18-64 years (54.9% total) 195 14.8% 1990 96 7.8% 289 23.3% 115 9.3% 360 29.1% 222 17.9% 156 12.6% 2000 92 7.3% 268 21.2% 110 8.7% 378 30.0% 273 21.6% 141 11.2% 2010 81 6.7% 238 19.8% 89 7.4% 300 24.9% 325 27.0% 170 14.1% Source: U.S Census Bureau *Figure shows the percent each age grouping represents of the municipalities total population.
Housing Characteristics
There are a total of 508 housing units reported within Moore Township by the 2010 U.S. Census. 441 (86.8%) were occupied and 67 (13.2%) were vacant. Of the 441 occupied units, 383 (86.8%) were owner-occupied and 58 (13.2%) were rentals. Of the 67 vacant dwellings, 8 are currently offered for rent, 9 are vacant and for sale, 9 are vacant due to seasonal use (summer cottage or hunting lodge) while the remaining 41 are unoccupied. See Table 2-4.
Table 2-4 Housing Characteristics for Moore Township and Surrounding Manicipalities - 2010 Municipality Total % % % % % Housing Occupied Owner Renter Vacant Seasonal Units Housing Occupied Occupied Housing Units Units Sanilac County 22,725 75.4% 80.2% 19.8% 24.6% 15.7% City of Sandusky 1258 89.3% 52.3% 47.7% 10.7% 1.0% Argyle Twp. 370 76.8% 85.2% 14.8% 23.2% 10.5% Custer Twp. 451 90.9% 85.6% 14.4% 9.1% 1.6% Elmer Twp. 336 94.0% 84.5% 15.5% 6.0% 1.5% Evergreen Twp. 416 77.6% 87.3% 12.7% 22.4% 12.7% Lamotte Twp. 389 88.9% 84.4% 15.6% 11.1% 3.9% Marlette Twp. 742 89.1% 85.9% 14.1% 10.9% 1.5% Moore Twp. 508 86.8% 86.8% 13.2% 13.2% 1.8% Watertown Twp. 561 92.7% 85.0% 15.0% 7.3% 0.5% Wheatland Twp. 239 80.8% 89.1% 10.9% 19.2% 9.2% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Characteristics 2-3 The majority (63.8%) of Moore Township’s 508 housing units were constructed prior to 1970, with 39.1% having been constructed in 1939 or earlier (Table 2-5).
Table 2-5 Years Houses Built in Moore Township Years Built Units Percent Running Percent Before 1940 199 39.1% 39.1% 1940 - 1949 53 10.4% 49.6% 1950 - 1959 23 4.5% 54.1% 1960 - 1969 49 9.6% 63.8% 1970 - 1979 105 20.7% 84.4% 1980 - 1989 25 4.9% 89.4% 1990 - 1999 25 4.9% 94.3% 2000 - 2010 29 5.7% 100.0% 2011 0 0.0% 100.0% Source: U.S Census Bureau
Households
According to the 2010 Census, of the 441 households (occupied houses) in Moore Township, 335, or 76%, were reported as being family households, and 105, or 24%, as being non‐family households. 152 households were families with children under the age of 18. 90 householders lived alone, and of that number, 37 were over the age of 65 years. The average number of persons per household was 2.68.
School Enrollment and Educational Attainment
There are two parcels of property in Moore Township not included in the Sandusky Community School district. These two parcels total 80 acres and include one home. For the 2011 school year, 186 of Moore Township’s school aged residents are enrolled in the Sandusky Community Schools; 66 at Maple Valley Elementary, 62 at Sandusky Middle School, and 58 at Sandusky High School. This makes up the majority of school aged residents of Moore Township. Other educational opportunities include home schooling (Mennonites and Christian Science mostly) and other schools possibly through schools of choice.
In 2000, 785 of Moore Township’s 1,203 residents were 25 years old or older. There were 396 high school graduates (50.4%), while 85 had attended school into the 9th – 12th grade with no diploma (10.8%) and 85 had completed less than the 9th grade (10.8%). Therefore 21.6% of Moore Township residents had not earned a high school diploma, compared with 20.3% of County Residents and 16.5% of the State’s residents. Furthermore, 137 of Moore Township residents had received some college with no degree (17.5%), 27 had Associate degrees (3.4%), 41 had earned a Bachelor degree (5.2%), and 14 had earned a Graduate or Professional degree (1.8%). See Table 2-6 on page 2-5.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Characteristics 2-4 Table 2-6 Educational Attainment 2000 Moore Sanilac Township County Michigan Less than 9th grade education 10.8% 6.3% 4.6% 9th - 12th grade, no diploma 10.8% 14.0% 11.9% High school graduate or equivalent 50.4% 43.9% 31.3% Some college, no degree 17.5% 19.9% 23.3% Associate degree 3.4% 5.9% 7.0% Bachelor degree 5.2% 6.1% 13.7% Graduate or professional degree 1.8% 3.8% 8.1% Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Age Distribution
The median age of the population of Moore Township is 39.0 years, as reported in the 2010 U.S. Census; 26.5% of the total population was under eighteen years of age, while 14.1% was 65 years and over. Moore Township has the highest percentage of 25 – 44 year olds in Sanilac County. The most populous age group in the Township is 45 – 65 years, as is the rest of the County. Table 2-7 below illustrates the percentage of age distribution by population for Moore Township and the surrounding municipalities.
Table 2-7 Age Distribution For Moore Township and Surounding Manicipalities, 2010 Municipality < 5 % * 5 - 17 % * 18 - 24 % * 25 - 44 % * 45 - 64 % * 65 & > % * Years Years Years Years Years Years Sanilac County 2,513 5.8% 7,675 17.8% 3,195 7.4% 9,411 21.8% 12,741 29.6% 7,579 17.6% City of Sandusky 161 6.0% 409 15.3% 253 9.4% 629 23.5% 741 27.7% 486 18.1% Argyle Twp. 41 5.4% 157 20.7% 63 8.3% 173 22.8% 229 30.2% 96 12.6% Custer Twp. 62 6.2% 156 15.5% 63 6.3% 207 20.6% 321 31.9% 197 19.6% Elmer Twp. 33 4.1% 135 16.7% 67 8.3% 179 22.2% 275 34.1% 117 14.5% Evergreen Twp. 86 9.3% 194 21.0% 70 7.6% 214 23.2% 242 26.2% 118 12.8% Lamotte Twp. 59 6.4% 162 17.6% 70 7.6% 207 22.5% 260 28.3% 161 17.5% Marlette Twp. 108 6.1% 327 18.5% 113 6.4% 394 22.3% 545 30.9% 276 15.7% Moore Twp. 81 6.7% 238 19.8% 89 7.4% 300 24.9% 325 27.0% 170 14.1% Watertown Twp. 78 5.9% 234 17.7% 102 7.7% 287 21.7% 436 33.0% 183 13.9% Wheatland Twp. 30 6.1% 84 17.2% 42 8.6% 110 22.5% 132 27.0% 90 18.4% Source: U.S Census Bureau *Figure shows the percent each age grouping represents of the municipalities total population.
Disability Status
Data shown in Table 2-8 on page 2-6, gives an indication of the number of disabled people residing in or near Moore Township. A person was classified as having a disability if they had a sensory disability, physical disability, mental disability, self-care disability, going outside the home disability or an employment disability. These statistics do not include institutionalized persons.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Characteristics 2-5 The U.S. Census showed that in 2000 there were 15,020 disabled persons in Sanilac County, which is 37% of the Counties Residents. The largest number of disabled persons in the County were between the ages of 16-64 (9,058 or 29.4%).
Moore Township had a total of 393 disabled residents (31.1%). The 65 and over age group had the highest percentage of persons with just over nine out of every ten having some type of disability (92.2%).
Table 2-8 Disability Status * For Moore Township and Surounding Manicipalities, 2000 Disabled % Disabled % Disabled % Municipality Person Disabled Persons Disabled Person Disabled 5 - 15 5 - 15 16 - 64 16 - 64 65 + 65 + Sanilac County 598 8.7% 9,058 29.4% 5,364 78.1% City of Sandusky 61 17.2% 540 28.8% 504 97.9% Argyle Twp. 10 9.5% 127 21.9% 83 97.6% Custer Twp. 2 1.4% 165 24.7% 159 71.3% Elmer Twp. 6 4.7% 121 22.2% 63 53.8% Evergreen Twp. 7 4.3% 261 36.2% 109 98.2% Lamotte Twp. 31 20.3% 118 17.2% 94 65.7% Marlette Twp. 28 8.3% 482 32.7% 241 99.6% Moore Twp. 21 9.8% 242 26.7% 130 92.2% Watertown Twp. 14 5.9% 253 26.0% 122 73.5% Wheatland Twp. 11 11.7% 105 28.8% 13 18.1% Source: U.S Census Bureau * Disablity of civilian non-institutionalized persons.
Income and Poverty
Income statistics (Table 2-9) from the 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census for Moore Township show the Township’s median household income lagging behind that of the State of Michigan and the Nation; however the Township has a 2000 Median Household Income above the County Average.
Table 2-9 Median Household income: For Moore Township and Surounding Manicipalities Municipality 1990 2000 2010 United States $30,056 $41,994 $46,326 State of Michigan $31,020 $44,667 $45,254 Sanilac County $23,107 $37,142 $38,190 City of Sandusky $22,171 $33,667 n/a Argyle Twp. $21,726 $35,208 n/a Custer Twp. $25,885 $36,917 n/a Elmer Twp. $27,917 $40,469 n/a Evergreen Twp. $25,294 $36,964 n/a Lamotte Twp. $21,758 $44,750 n/a Marlette Twp. $27,917 $30,288 n/a Moore Twp. $21,394 $38,269 n/a Watertown Twp. $26,742 $40,150 n/a Wheatland Twp. $25,781 $33,167 n/a Source: U.S Census Bureau
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Characteristics 2-6 Table 2-10 shows a marked improvement from 1990 when more than half (56.2%) of the households in Moore Township had income less than $25,000 compared to 2000 when more than half (58.6%) of the households had incomes at or above $35,000. These incomes have not been adjusted for inflation.
Table 2-10 Household Income: Moore Township Number of Households % in 1990 % in 2000 (2000) Less than $10,000 43 23.2% 9.7% $10,000 - $14,999 36 12.3% 8.1% $15,000 - $24,999 49 20.7% 11.0% $25,000 - $34,999 56 17.5% 12.6% $35,000 - $49,999 66 15.3% 21.0% $50,000 - $74,999 90 9.6% 20.3% $75,000 - $99,999 56 0.5% 12.6% $100,000 - $149,999 10 0.5% 2.2% $150,000 or more 11 1.0% 2.5% Source: U.S Census Bureau
From 1990 to 2000, poverty rates in Moore Township dropped drastically in the categories of Families and All Individuals (Table 2-11). This is quite different from the gain recognized by the County for Families.
Table 2-11 Poverty Rates: Moore Township & Sanilac County, 1990 and 2000 1990 2000 Municipality Category Number Percent Number Percent Moore Families 50 10.4% 36 3.6% Township Families with femaile head 14 41.2% 15 50.0% of household All Individuals 212 17.2% 117 9.4% Sanilac Families 1,210 11.0% 1,597 13.7% County Families with femaile head 453 36.9% 602 36.2% of household All Individuals 5,645 14.3% 4,580 10.4% Source: U.S Census Bureau 0.0
Employment
In 2009, the labor force in Moore Township totaled 641 persons of the 945 residents 16 years and older. The labor force includes persons employed and seeking employment. Consequently, 304 persons (or 32.2%) of Moore Township residents were not in the labor force in 2009.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Characteristics 2-7 Table 2-12 Labor Force: Moore Township 1990 2000 2009 Category Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Population 16 years and older 902 100.0% 926 100.0% 945 100.0% Civilian Labor Force 590 65.4% 642 69.3% 641 67.8% Armed Forces 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% Not in Labor Force 312 34.6% 284 30.7% 304 32.2% Source: U.S Census Bureau
Table 2-13 shows that the three most prevalent industries in which Sanilac County residents were employed in 2009 were manufacturing (23.9%), educational, health, and social services (19.4%), and retail trade (13.5%).
Table 2-13 Sanilac County Residents Employment by Industry, 2009 Industry Number Percent Total Civilian Employed Population 16 years and older 17,444 100.0% Agriculture, foresty, and mining 1,424 8.2% Construction 1,178 6.8% Manufacturing 4,176 23.9% Wholesale trade 322 1.8% Retail trade 2,351 13.5% Transportation, warehousing, utilities 721 4.1% Information 248 1.4% Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing 562 3.2% Professional, scientific, management, administrative, 758 4.3% and waste management services Educational, health, and social services 3,389 19.4% Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services 879 5.0% Public administration 678 4.3% Other services 758 3.9% Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Unemployment
The unemployment rates for Sanilac County have historically been higher than the State of Michigan. See Table 2-14 on page 2-9. Sanilac County’s economy, like the state of Michigan, was stronger in the late 1990’s. Since 2001, annual unemployment rates for Sanilac County mostly rose until finally reaching over 15% in 2008. The 2011 average only includes January through March, which may explain why Sanilac County’s unemployment rate is less than the state of Michigan’s in over 13 years.
Since 1985, unemployment rates for municipalities with fewer than 25,000 persons have not been computed, although the US census Bureau reported a 10.1% unemployment rate in 2009 for Moore Township.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Characteristics 2-8 Table 2-14 Average Annual Sanilac County Unemployment Rates Year Sanilac County Michigan 2011 * 13.8% 14.2% 2010 14.0% 13.1% 2009 14.0% 13.6% 2008 15.5% 8.4% 2007 8.9% 7.2% 2006 8.5% 6.9% 2005 8.1% 6.9% 2004 9.2% 7.1% 2003 9.6% 7.1% 2002 8.1% 6.2% 2001 6.6% 5.2% 2000 4.6% 3.7% 1999 5.8% 3.8% Source: Department if Licensing and Regulatory Affairs * January - March
As shown in Table 2-15, the vast majority of workers from Moore Township, as well as Sanilac County, drive to work alone.
Table 2-15 Work Comute 2000 Mode of Transportation Moore Township Sanilac County Total Number Percent Number Percent Drove Alone 416 81.7% 14,760 77.2% Carpooled 93 16.2% 2,414 12.6% Public Transportation 5 0.9% 82 0.4% Walked 19 3.3% 533 2.8% Worked at home 38 6.6% 1,187 6.2% Other means 3 0.05% 150 0.8% Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Agriculture
According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture, the amount of land being farmed in Sanilac County decreased from 444,407 acres in 1997 to 417,083 in 2007. 336, 414 acres of cropland was harvested in 2007. Soybeans (108,579 acres), corn (91,022), wheat (47,721) and sugarbeets (18,650) are the primary crops in Sanilac County. Sanilac County ranked first in the state in 2007 for counties producing soybeans for beans, second in the state with wheat for grain, and third in the state with sugarbeets for sugar. In 2007, the county had 56,083 cattle and calves which ranked second for Michigan counties. Table 2-16 highlights agricultural statistics for Sanilac County on page 2-10.
Not included in the table but still of some interest is that Sanilac County is ranked the number one county in the state of Michigan and the number two county in the nation for producing pheasants in for 2007.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Characteristics 2-9 Table 2-16 Agriculture in Sanilac County Category 1992 1997 2002 2007 Farms (number) 1,448 1,433 1,595 1,535 Land in farms (acres) 429,706 444,407 434,738 417,083 Land in farms - Average size of farm (acres) 297 310 273 272 Land in farms - Median size of farm (acres) n/a n/a 131 80 Farms by size - 1 to 9 acres 42 39 48 73 Farms by size - 10 to 49 acres 269 234 427 431 Farms by size - 50 to 179 acres 525 501 557 523 Farms by size - 180 to 499 acres 377 413 318 286 Farms by size - 500 to 999 acres 150 157 147 122 Farms by size - 1,000 acres or more 85 89 98 100 Total cropland (farms) 1,365 1,365 1,488 1,399 Total cropland (acres) 380,837 404,349 382,064 368,243 Total cropland - Harvested cropland (farms) 1,182 1,286 1,145 1,064 Total cropland - Harvested cropland (acres) 334,433 334,227 340,659 336,414 Irrigated land (farms) 35 31 43 60 Irrigated land (acres) 3,614 3,232 1,188 2,031 Farms by value of sales - Less than $2,500 302 225 591 539 Farms by value of sales - $2,500 to $4,999 108 144 98 96 Farms by value of sales - $5,000 to $9,999 160 130 99 115 Farms by value of sales - $10,000 to $24,999 190 243 176 134 Farms by value of sales - $25,000 to $49,999 184 192 148 125 Farms by value of sales - $50,000 to $99,999 166 170 153 149 Farms by value of sales - $100,000 or more 338 329 330 377 Principal operator by primary occupation - Farming 898 1,003 1,063 868 Principal operator by primary occupation - Other 550 430 532 667 Cattle (farms) 659 677 588 499 Cattle (number) 59,423 63,518 56,732 56,083 Hogs and pigs (farms) 74 137 46 75 Hogs and pigs (number) 10,339 14,006 5,372 4,877 Sheep and lambs (farms) 22 31 36 38 Sheep and lambs (number) 567 866 956 1,046 Chickens - meat (farms) 11 7 14 13 Chickens - meat (number) 919 n/a 890 641 Chickens – layers (farms) 54 54 93 107 Chickens – layers (number) 2,113 2,113 3,056 3,456 Corn (farms) 669 718 537 526 Corn (acres) 90,245 102,227 78,403 91,022 Wheat (farms) 472 770 373 395 Wheat (acres) 31,433 45,662 34,100 47,721 Soybeans (farms) 638 626 625 544 Soybeans (acres) 103,213 69,673 125,267 108,579 Dry edible beans (farms) 176 274 133 119 Dry edible beans (acres) 19,103 22,393 17,578 15,635 Vegetables (farms) 28 17 34 47 Vegetables (acres) 1,238 418 259 646 Land in orchards (farms) 23 21 23 32 Land in orchards (acres) 388 449 147 254 Source: The Census of Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 2: Socio-Economic Characteristics 2-10 CHAPTER 3: COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Key factors that contribute to the quality of life in a community are the type and variety of services available to residents and visitors. Unlike more populated communities, smaller rural communities do not have the financial resources to provide many of the services that would normally be considered essential. In the case of police and ambulance, many rural communities work cooperatively with adjacent communities to provide essential services.
This chapter of the Master Plan will identify the types and extent of services available to residents and businesses in Moore Township. Although these services may be sufficient for the needs of the current population, future development may increase the demand to upgrade or expand the services and facilities to maintain a satisfactory living environment.
Water Supply and Sewage Disposal
Public drinking water is not available in any area of Moore Township; wastewater disposal is not available in most areas of Moore Township. Some customers are served by the sewer lines in the immediate area known as Snover (Map 3-1). Moore Township is responsible for operations, maintenance, and billing for the sewage disposal.
All residents and businesses in Moore Township rely on on‐site private wells for water. Private drinking water wells are regulated under the State of Michigan Public Acts 368 part 127 and 399 by the Sanilac County Health Department. Wells for facilities such as churches or daycare centers serving the public are Type II wells and fall under regulations of the Federal and State Safe Drinking Water Acts, where isolation distance, minimum yield and water quality testing requirements are more stringent than for a private residential well. Private residential wells are considered to be Type III well, as are those of small businesses where there is little water usage associated with public contact.
According to well log records kept since 1969, most drinking water wells in Moore Township are drilled to a depth of 60 feet to 240 feet (Map 3-2). All of the wells in the data set are drawing from aquifers in Bedrock. The Sanilac County Health Department indicated there are issues with arsenic in wells across the County.
Most residents of the Township must rely on private on‐site sewerage treatment and disposal systems (septic systems). According to Sanilac County Health Department officials, since the adoption of the 1992 Health Code, more mounded systems drain fields have been installed than in‐ground drain fields. Mounded systems are required when soils do not perc properly due to clay soils, bedrock and high water tables. Generally, these systems are satisfactory when development is scattered or seasonal in nature. Two important determinants for sitting a septic system are soil types and steepness of slopes. In areas with clay soils, steep slopes and small lots, sitting and maintaining septic systems can pose problems.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 3: Community Services and Facilities 3-1 The same holds true where older systems must be upgraded to accommodate increased usage from year round living or building larger homes. In some cases it is not possible to expand septic systems due to small lot sizes, and required isolation distances from water wells and surface water. All private on‐site sewerage treatment and disposal systems are regulated by the Sanilac County Environmental Health Code. Chapter 4 ‐ Natural Resources provides color thematic maps depicting soil constraints in Moore Township.
MAP 3-1: Sewer System
This map indicates the routes of the sewer lines in Moore Township. All parcels adjacent to these lines which have the need for wastewater disposal are required to be served by these lines.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 3: Community Services and Facilities 3-2 MAP 3-2: Well Depths
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 3: Community Services and Facilities 3-3 Solid Waste
There are currently no solid waste disposal sites for public use located in Moore Township. All solid waste is exported out of the Township and transported to Tri- City Recycling and Disposal Landfill at 426 North Ruth Road in Bridgehampton Township in Sanilac County. Tri-City is a Type II Landfill and generally accepts residential and commercial solid waste. Tri-City does not accept items classified as Household Hazardous Waste including pesticides, cleaners, paints, stains, personal care items, and electronic products. Periodically Sanilac County’s Michigan State University Extension Office will sponsor a collection of these items, usually on an annual basis.
Additionally, Tri-City does not accept Hazardous and Liquid Industrial Waste, Low Level Radioactive Waste, Medical Waste, or Scrap Tires; the collection and management of these waste products are overseen by Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality.
It is estimated that the Sanilac County site of Tri-City Recycling and Disposal has 100+ years of projected capacity.
Recycling
Sanilac County has a recycling program. Sandusky is the home of the recycling facility accepting most household materials such as newsprint, books, cardboard, plastic, glass, and metal cans. There is also a drop–off bin for these materials located in Argyle.
Utilities
Electrical power in Moore Township is provided by either DTE Energy or Thumb Electric Cooperative (Map 3-3). AT&T provides service to the landlines for regular telephone service while cellular telephone service is provided by various providers. Natural gas is not available in Moore Township.
Postal Service
Residents of the Township are served by either the post office located in Sandusky or Snover, therefore Moore Township residents have either a zip code beginning with 48471 or 48472. See Map 3-4.
Schools
Moore Township is located 99.65% in the Sandusky Community Schools District. There are two parcels of property in Moore Township not included in the Sandusky Community School District. These two parcels total 80 acres and include one home with no school aged children.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 3: Community Services and Facilities 3-4 Map 3-3: Thumb Electric Cooperative Lines and Customers
Source: Thumb Electric
This map indicates all of the Thumb Electric Cooperative transmission lines and customers by address in Moore Township. All other customers are provided electrical service by DTE Energy.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 3: Community Services and Facilities 3-5 Map 3-4: Zip Code Map
Source: US Postal Service
All of the parcels indicated in Yellow have a Zip Code of 48472, with mail service out of Snover. All other parcels have a Zip Code of 48471, having mail service from Sandusky.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 3: Community Services and Facilities 3-6 The Sandusky Community School District has one elementary school, one middle school and one high school. Maple Valley Elementary School is located at 138 Maple Valley Street in Sandusky. The Sandusky Middle School is located at 395 South Sandusky Road, while Sandusky High School is located at 191 Pine Tree Lane in the City of Sandusky.
The Sanilac County Intermediate School District includes all seven County School Districts. This agency also oversees the operation of the Sanilac County Career Center located at 175 East Aitken Road in Peck.
Baker College of Port Huron’s extension site in Sandusky offers selected degrees, certificates, and courses. Housed at Sandusky High School, this extension offers Sanilac County residents a opportunity to pursue and complete a college education.
St. Clair County Community College also presents a variety of courses at its off- campus center at the Sanilac County Career Center in Peck. Hundreds of additional day, evening and weekend courses are also offered at the college’s full-service main campus in downtown Port Huron. Additionally, a variety of online classes and programs are also available to help students save drive time and make college fit into their schedules at St. Clair County Community College.
Libraries and Museums
Residents of the Township use the Sandusky District Library, located at 55 East Sanilac Avenue in Sandusky. Established in 1937, it now serves the area from a facility that was opened in 2000. Sandusky District Library services include books, magazines, newspapers, books on audiotapes, films, Inter‐library loan services, computers with Internet access are available for public use and the largest collection of local history and genealogical material in the County.
The Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum is located at 229 South Ridge Street in Port Sanilac. It houses a collection of nine historic buildings located on ten acres of the original Dr. Joseph Loop estate in the Lake Huron harbor village.
Medical Facilities
Moore Township has two hospitals within eleven miles. McKenzie Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed, Critical Access Hospital located at 120 Delaware Street in Sandusky. Marlette Regional Hospital located at 2770 Main Street in Marlette.
Both hospitals have emergency departments equipped to provide services for minor injuries and illness to trauma. Each has medical/surgical units that can provide care for adult and pediatric patients.
Marlette Regional Hospital also offers a wide variety of specialized medical services including treatment for cancer, cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular issues, diabetes, long-term care, hospice, sleep disorders, as well as other services.
Medivac and ambulance service is available for patients requiring care not available at either Sanilac County Hospital.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 3: Community Services and Facilities 3-7 Cemeteries
Moore Township has its own cemetery, established in 1888. The Moore Township Cemetery is located on the north and south sides of Moore Road, east of Arnold Road in section 36.
Public Safety
There are no municipal law enforcement agencies in Moore Township. The law is enforced by the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Department and supplemented by the Michigan State Police, Sandusky Post.
One Department of Natural Resource Conservation Officer is assigned and living in Sanilac County. This certified law enforcement officer is primarily responsible for conservation law enforcement.
Moore Township maintains a Fire Department in the 50-foot by 50-foot 3 bay fire station attached to the Township Hall. The Moore Township Fire Department has 26 volunteer firefighters. Moore Township firefighting equipment includes one pumper which carries 1,500 gallons of water and has a 1,250 gallon per minute pump, one tanker/pumper which carries 2,000 gallons of water and has a 750 gallon per minute pump, a high pressure grass truck which carries 500 gallons of water and a rescue van.
Additionally, all fire departments in Sanilac County have an “all encompassing” mutual aid agreement with each other, providing assistance for situations outside the realm of normal emergency services.
Roads
Moore Township has two state highways that traverse the Township. State Highway M-19 travels north-south dividing the Township down the middle, while State Highway M‐46 crosses east‐west forming the southern boundary line of the Township. The remaining roads in the Township are County roads. The Sanilac County Road Commission maintains the framework data set that contains up‐to‐date road information. According to the framework, Moore Township has 12.11 miles of Primary County Roads, identified as Snover and Wheeler Roads. Furthermore, the framework lists 49.38 miles of Secondary Roads (or gravel roads), as well as, 1.13 miles of Streets within the area known as Snover. (Maps 3-5 and 3-6) The Sanilac County Road Commission is the agency responsible for maintenance, snow removal and improvements.
Moore Township contributes to the cost of local road repair, maintenance, and construction through a Road Millage of 2 mills, levied for 2009 through 2012 inclusive, and as funds made available through the general fund. Additional funds for roads are received from through the State of Michigan.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 3: Community Services and Facilities 3-8
MAP 3-5: Road Map
Source: Various Road Maps
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 3: Community Services and Facilities 3-9
Map 3-6: Snover Road / Street Map
Source: Sanilac County Road Commission
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 3: Community Services and Facilities 3-10 Transit
County-wide transportation is provided by the County Board of Commissioners and is operated by the Sanilac Transportation Corporation (STC). STC works closely with human service agencies to meet the transportation needs in Sanilac County.
Although Sanilac Transportation Corporation has many characteristics of a taxi service, they are a bus service driven by routes and schedules. STC, a non‐profit corporation, provides transportation services for area elderly, handicapped and special needs passengers.
STC services are provided through State and Federal Grants as well as contractual services with Sanilac County and other mental health services, as well as the Intermediate School District.
STC operates five days a week, Monday through Friday, from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM and by special contract other times and days. STC operates a fleet of 13 small buses of which all of the vehicles are equipped with lifts.
Air Service
Regional air service is available at the Sandusky City Airport located at 1213 North Sandusky Road. The facility includes two runways: a 3,105 foot asphalt or bituminous concrete runway which is scheduled to be lengthened 400 feet in late 2011, and a 2,300 foot grass or sod runway. The airport is considered to be a “non-controlled airspace,” meaning communications are pilot to pilot on Unacom 122.80 and there is no radar system. The airport services include Avgas (100 LL), two mechanics on field, and tie downs. The airport is also home to a Chapter of the Civil Air Patrol, an extension of the United States Air Force. Private charter, airfreight and air ambulance services, as well as flight training and aircraft rentals are available.
Media
Sanilac County has one countywide newspaper (The Sanilac County News) and several local newspapers covering portions of the County. The Sanilac County News is located in Sandusky, supplying local news to County residents once a week. Other newspapers circulated to area readers include the The Sandusky Tribune / Deckerville Recorder, The Jeffersonian, Times Herald, the Detroit Free Press, and USA Today. Residents of Sanilac County receive full television coverage; both network and cable stations. There are no stations located in the County. Cable television service is not available in Moore Township at this time, forcing residents to depend on either satellite service or antenna reception for television. A wide array of radio stations can be received throughout Sanilac County. Radio stations located in the County are under the direction of Sanilac Broadcasting in Sandusky and include WMIC AM–660, WTGV FM–97.7, and WBGV FM–92.5.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 3: Community Services and Facilities 3-11 CHAPTER 4: NATURAL RESOURCES
Introduction
Farmland covers for over 80 percent of the total land area. Forests and wetlands account nearly 6 percent of the total land area in Moore Township. The agricultural land base has defined the community since early settlers first carved out farms from the densely forested landscape. Map 4-1 indicates the Land Cover circa 1800. Most of the information used to establish the maps in Chapter 4 was provided by the Institute for Geospatial Research and Education based at Eastern Michigan University from October 2002.
Map 4-1: Land Cover circa 1800
Source: Institute for Geospacial Research and Education
The greatest attraction for the residents and visitors of Sanilac County is the area’s environment and the rural nature of this portion of the State. Recreational activities such as hunting, snowmobiling, and a multitude of other outdoor activities are enjoyed by residents and visitors. Given the abundant farm and forest resources, the natural environment is a major economic base and income generator. At the same time, the environment places constraints on human activities. Certain critical and sensitive parts of the natural landscape cannot be altered without creating problems that are not easily corrected. Increased flooding and soil erosion due to the indiscriminate filling of wetlands and clearing of land are but two examples. Therefore, it is essential that any future development respect the different characteristics of the natural environment. This is important in preserving the attractiveness of this part of the State, preventing potential hazards related to undue alteration of the land, and maximizing the economic benefits of the current farming practices.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 4: Natural Resources 4-1 Geology
The gently sloping plain, low hills, river valleys, swamps and lakes of the lower peninsula of Michigan were created by the retreating continental glacier some 12,000 years ago. Beneath the mantel of the glacial deposits lays a foundation of layered sedimentary bedrock. This section will describe the glacial landforms or quaternary geology and the underlying bedrock geology.
Bedrock Geology
The foundation of the lower peninsula, beneath the thin mantel of glacial deposits, consists of layers of sedimentary bedrock that were created during the Paleozoic Era. The bedrock was formed in ancient seas which covered the area some 310- 405 million years ago. Shallow marine seas deposited layers of silt, clay, sediments, marine animals, plants, coral, and other calcareous materials. These deposits formed sandstone, shale, limestone, and dolomite bedrock.
Moore Township is dominantly Marshall Formation with the exception of portions of Sections 2, 3, 10, and 11 where coldwater shale is found as depicted in Map 4-2.
Map 4-2: Bedrock Geology
Source: Institute for Geospacial Research and Education
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 4: Natural Resources 4-2 Surface Geology
Starting some 2 million years ago, during the Pleistocene era, continental glaciers formed in the Hudson Bay area. Several times, over this two million year period, the massive sheets of ice built up and inched their way south across what is today Michigan. The massive ice sheets advanced in a southerly direction bulldozing their way across the landscape. The glacier pushed material in front of it, incorporated rocks and soil into the debris laden ice, and scraped, ground and broke apart the sedimentary bedrock of the Michigan Basin. Each advance and retreat of the continental glaciers took tens of thousands of years. This reoccurring process shaped and reshaped the land; first obliterating and then creating new hills, valleys, rivers and lakes, swamps and marshes. The last glacial period, called the Wisconsin era, created the landscape we know today. The glacier left behind boulders, rocks, cobble, sand, gravel, silt, clay and loam. The landforms or quaternary geology of Moore Township are shown in Map 4-3.
Map 4-3: Quaternary Geology
Source: Institute for Geospacial Research and Education
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 4: Natural Resources 4-3 Climate
Temperature data from the Midwest Regional Climate Center has indicated that, while the climate along the immediate Lake Huron shore is semi‐marine and therefore more moderate in nature, temperature extremes are found only a few miles inland in locations such as Moore Township. Although Lake Huron is usually free of ice by the first week of April, water temperatures remain low enough to produce cool breezes reducing the maximum daily temperatures during the spring and summer. On a county‐wide basis, summer temperatures as high as 103° F have been recorded, but are unusual. Sub‐zero temperatures have been recorded as early as November 15 and as late as March 4. The lowest recorded temperature in Sanilac County was –28° F on January 20, 1994. In a typical year there will be seven days with temperatures above 90° F and nine days with temperatures below 0° F. On average, January is the coldest month with a mean temperature of 21.5° F and July is the warmest with a mean temperature of 70.3° F.
Summer months are usually mild with considerable sunshine. The average annual total precipitation for the county is 29.3 inches. Most of the summer precipitation consists of rain and thunderstorms which normally occur during the months of June, July and August. Thunderstorms will occur on an average of 24 days each year. Michigan is located on the northeast fringe of the Midwest tornado belt. The lower frequency of tornadoes occurring in Michigan may be, in part, the result of the colder water of Lake Michigan during the spring and early summer months, a prime period of tornado activity. During 1957 – 2010, Michigan has averaged 15 tornadoes each year. During this same period, 15 tornadoes occurred within the County. Hailstorms average less than one per summer. The average length of the summer growing season is 157 days. The average date of the fall frost is October 4th.
Winter months are generally cloudy with little sunshine and frequent snow flurries. Nearly all of the precipitation in winter is in the form of sleet and snow, usually accumulating in sufficient amount to form a ground cover for summer grasses and winter grains. The 1951 through 2010 average seasonal snowfall was 40.0 inches. The following snowfall extremes, based on the time period of 1957 – 2010, are: greatest observation – one day total, 13.0 inches, recorded January 27, 1967; and greatest monthly total, 26.8 inches, recorded December 2000; greatest seasonal total, 79.4 inches, recorded during 1964-1965.
Soils
The most noticeable feature of the soils in Moore Township is their clay texture. Soils types found in Moore Township are generally classified as clay loams, silt loams, loams, and muck or organic soils.
Map 4-4 on page 4-5 shows hydric soils (in light blue) which are fairly well distributed across Moore Township. Most of the steeper slopes are located in the extreme northeastern portion of the township.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 4: Natural Resources 4-4 Map 4-4: Hydric Soils
Source: Institute for Geospacial Research and Education
Map 4-5 on page 4-6 show areas of Moore Township having severe limitation for basements (in dark blue) and Map 4-6 on page 4-6 indicates where septic limitations exist (in brown). While these limitations appear to be widespread, if proper engineering and building techniques are utilized, much of the land would be considered suitable for building.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 4: Natural Resources 4-5 Map 4-5: Soils with Severe Limitations for Basements
Source: Institute for Geospacial Research and Education
Map 4-6: Soil with Severe Limitation for On-Site Septic Systems
Source: Institute for Geospacial Research and Education
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 4: Natural Resources 4-6 Watersheds
The majority of Moore Township exists within the Cass River Watershed as indicated on Map 4-7 in tan. Portions of the eastern borders of Sections: 13, 24, 25, and 36 are in the St. Clair watershed and are indicated in light green. Surface water in the Township exists as drains, the South Branch and Middle Branch of the Cass River, as well as in Turtle Creek. Other surface water exists mainly in man made ponds, however these exist in limited number.
Map 4-7: Watershed (Hydrography)
Source: Institute for Geospacial Research and Education
Prime Farmland
Farming is important to the local economy and central to the rural community character and lifestyle of many long-term residents of the County. The presence of farmland is also an integral part of the rural landscape. Currently there is no significant pressure for farmland conversion to subdivisions or commercial uses. Map 4-8 on page 4-8 shows the areas in bright green that have been identified as prime farmland soils in the USDA Soil Survey. The areas of prime and prime‐when‐drained agricultural soils are consistent with the location of current agricultural land uses.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 4: Natural Resources 4-7 MAP 4-8: Prime Farmland Soil
Source: Institute for Geospacial Research and Education
Forests and Wetlands
Wetlands are often referred to as marshes, swamps or bogs. The US Army Corps of Engineers defines wetlands as: “…those areas inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.” Residents of Michigan are becoming more aware of the value of wetlands. Beyond their aesthetic value, wetlands protect water quality by filtering polluting nutrients, organic chemicals and toxic heavy metals. Wetlands are closely related to high groundwater tables and serve to discharge or recharge aquifers. Additionally, wetlands support wildlife, and wetland vegetation protects against erosion. Lowland forests are typically located adjacent to water features and function as riparian forests and water quality buffers. Non-forested wetland types include lowland brush, marshes and bogs.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 4: Natural Resources 4-8 Forested and non-forested wetlands are a finite resource in the Township. Land use planning activities should focus on protecting and preserving these limited and critical resources. Map 4-9 is a color thematic map of wetlands as they exist in Moore Township prepared from the US Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory.
Map 4-9: Wetlands
Source: Institute for Geospacial Research and Education
Map 4-10 on page 4-10 is a map that depicts forest types in the Township. Note, the forest types were not field checked to verify types and stand density. Tree species vary depending upon the soils, moisture and past activities such as logging and land clearing. Nearly 8 percent of the Township is considered to be forested. By far the most dominant forest type is lowland hardwoods indicated on the map in green (black ash, slippery elm, balsam poplar, aspen and red maple). The next most prevalent forest types are central hardwoods shown in tan. Poorly drained soils with seasonally high water tables support lowland forests. Lowland forests are typically located adjacent to water features and function as riparian forests and water quality buffers. Lowland forests adjacent to rivers and creeks are prone to flooding during the spring snowmelt, particularly when combined with heavy spring rains. In addition to the scenic characteristics of woodlands, forested areas provide habitat for wildlife, protect the soil from erosion and acts as a buffer from noise on heavily traveled highways.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 4: Natural Resources 4-9 Map 4-10: Woodlots and Forest Types
Source: Institute for Geospacial Research and Education
Sites of Environmental Contamination
The Part 201 (Environmental Response) of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (P.A. 451 of 1994), as amended, provides for the identification, evaluation and risk assessment of sites of environmental contamination in the State. The Environmental Response Division (ERD) is charged with administering this law. A site of environmental contamination, as identified by ERD, is “a location at which contamination of soil, ground water, surface water, air or other environmental resource is confirmed, or where there is potential for contamination of resources due to site conditions, site use or management practices”. The agency publishes a list of environmentally contaminated sites by county showing the sites by name, pollutant(s) and site status.
Part 213 (Leaking Underground Storage Tank) of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451, as amended) is intended to provide remedies for sites posing a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare, or to the environment, regardless of whether the release or threat of release of a regulated substance. Leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs) are those sites contaminated with leaking petroleum products from underground tanks.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 4: Natural Resources 4-10 • An Open Lust site means a location where a release has occurred from an underground storage tank system, and where corrective actions have not been completed to meet the appropriate land use criteria. An OPEN LUST site may have more than one confirmed release.
• A Closed Lust site means a location where a release has occurred from an underground storage tank system, and where corrective actions have been completed to meet the appropriate land use criteria. In accordance with Section 21315(1) of Part 213, Leaking Underground Storage Tank, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (Act 451), the MDEQ may audit a closure report, wherein the results of corrective actions are documented, up to 6 months after receipt of the closure report. This audit window may result in a confirmed release(s) being reopened during the 6 month time frame following receipt of a closure report if deficiencies are noted.
Two sites are listed on the MDEQ web database:
Site ID: 00005506 Site Name: Snover Station Site Address: 3522 West Washington Street City: Snover Zip Code: 48472 County: Sanilac Discovery Date: 10/07/1999 Release Status: Open Evaluation: Land Use restrictions:
Site ID: 50001099 Site Name: Mazzoline Property Site Address: 1503 Main Street City: Snover Zip Code: 48472 County: Sanilac Discovery Date: 06/05/1993 Release Status: Open Evaluation: Land Use restrictions:
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 4: Natural Resources 4-11 CHAPTER 5: EXISTING LAND USE
Prior to determining future land uses and developing a future land use map, a community must have an accurate assessment of existing land uses. This chapter presents information on both the types and location of existing land uses. The process identifies both urban built‐up land uses such as residential and commercial along with natural land cover types like forests and wetlands.
The existing land use is probably one of the most important pieces of data to analyze among the existing characteristics in a community. Statistics concerning population, housing, employment, income, and natural features are necessary, but nothing tells the story or the history and potential future of a community more than the way land is used or could be used, given proper planning.
The Existing Land Use Map, Map 5-3 on page 5-4, was created by a driving field survey of the township and aerial photos to help delineate land uses that could not be determined with a driving survey. This method is generally very accurate and offers good detail.
The categories of existing land uses are intended to reflect the way the land is used as opposed to zoned or planned for the future. This is one of the best tools the township has to compare reality with vision in the planning process. Some land uses prohibit others from being planned.
Land Division Patterns
As development occurs, larger tracts of land are generally broken down into smaller parcels. Therefore, studying the existing pattern of land divisions is one way to analyze the status of land use and development. Land division patterns for Moore Township are discussed below. Large tracts of private ownership, typically farmland, are found throughout the Township. Subdivisions are found in an area commonly known as Snover. Small tracts are clustered along primary county roads as well as along M‐19 and M-46.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 5: Existing Land Use 5-1
Existing Land Cover/Use Characteristics
The Sanilac County Planning Commission had the existing land cover and land use mapped throughout the County, including that in Moore Township. The map of existing land cover/use in Moore Township, as shown in Map 5-1, illustrates the distribution of land uses throughout the Township. Michigan Resource Information System (MIRIS) land cover/use classification categories were used to map the existing land cover/use. The quality and usability of Map 5-1 is poor, however it does provide a model of information that should be considered in creating a future land use map.
Map 5-1: Existing Land Cover/Use Map for Moore Township
Source: Institute for Geospacial Research and Education
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 5: Existing Land Use 5-2 Map 5-2 indicates land that has been enrolled in the Michigan Department of Agriculture Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program. The program is part 361 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 Act 451 as amended, more commonly known as PA 116. All land enrolled is indicated in green stating the year in which the enrollment period ends.
Map 5-2: Parcels enrolled in PA 116 with Expiration Years
Source: PA 116 Application Records
Map 5-2 indicates that farmland dominates the landscape of Moore Township; however these are just the farmland parcels that are enrolled in PA 116.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 5: Existing Land Use 5-3 Map 5-3: Existing Township Land Use Map
EXISTING LAND USE
Agricultural / Residential Commercial Industrial / Gravel Pits / Utilities / Township Sewer Lagoon Township and Fire Hall / Parks / Churches / Cemetery / Post Office
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 5: Existing Land Use 5-4 Map 5-4: Existing Snover Land Use Map
EXISTING LAND USE
Agricultural / Residential Commercial Industrial / Utilities / Township Sewer Lagoon Township and Fire Hall / Cemetery / Park / Churches / Post Office
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 5: Existing Land Use 5-5 Agricultural/Residential Land Uses
Single‐family residential homes account for all of the residential development. This includes all farmstead residential as well as rural residential development and subdivisions. Residential development is scattered throughout the Township but tends to be concentrated along main roads.
Commercial Land Uses
Moore Township has limited commercial development, occurring primarily in Snover. Other scattered commercial businesses are noted on the Existing Land Use Map in Section 4 at the corner of Mushroom Road and M-19, in Section 29 on Wheeler and Mushroom Roads, and in Section 36 on M-46.
Industrial Land Uses / Utilities / Township Sewer Lagoon
There are three gravel pits in Moore Township, two of which the Township owns. These are in Section 1 at the end of Pit Road and in Section 30 on Arnold Road. The third gravel pit is privately owned and operated and is in Section 31 on M-46.
There is only one Industrial business operating in Moore Township. That is on Snover Road in Section 20.
There are three properties classified as Utility. The 0.9 acre parcel in Section 2 is a sub-station for Thumb Electric Cooperative. Detroit Edison has a sub-station in Snover in Section 18 on Washington Street. The third Utility property is owned by AT&T on Wheeler Road in Section 17.
Moore Township owns and operates the Sewer Lagoon and this is located at the end of Clarke Street in Section 18.
Township & Fire Hall / Cemetery / Parks / Churches / Post Office
The Moore Township Hall and Fire Hall are located in Snover on Main Street in Section 17, which is also Wheeler Road. Moore Township also owns and maintains the cemetery in Section 31 on both sides of Moore Road.
Moore Township has two parks. One is located in Snover and is owned and maintained by the Snover Enhancers. The second is on the southeast corner of Section 34 and is owned and operated by Moore Township named Memorial Park, commonly known as 4-mile Park.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 5: Existing Land Use 5-6
Moore Township has three operating churches within its boundaries. The Mooretown Brethern in Christ Church is located at the corner of Snover Road and M-19 in Section 15. The Sanilac Restoration Church is on M-46, east of M-19 (or Ubly Road) in Section 34. Heritage United Methodist Church is on Snover Road in Section 20. Heritage United Methodist Church also operates a resale shop and food pantry in Snover on the corner of Main and Church Streets. Additionally, Moore Township is home to a Wedding Chapel in Section 28 on the corner of Bulgrien and Smeckert Roads.
Snover has a United States Post Office on the southwest corner of Main Street and Washington Street. The Zip Code is 48472. The Post Office has Post Office Boxes for all addresses of the immediate area known as Snover since they do not have delivery for these addresses.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 5: Existing Land Use 5-7 CHAPTER 6: Goals and Objectives
Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to establish the goals, objectives and strategies that will guide future growth and development in a manner that will reflect the community’s unique character. In developing community goals and objectives, it is important to analyze demographics, housing, economic conditions, services and facilities, cultural and natural resources and existing land use. Preceding chapters of this Master Plan have documented the above characteristics.
An equally important step in developing goals is community input. In the summer of 2011, a Community Attitude Survey regarding land use, assets, issues needing attention and development in Moore Township was distributed to 220 community members. In total, 48 questionnaires were returned; a return rate of 22%. In addition to completing the survey, many respondents took the time to add comments and clarifications to their answers. This not only improved the feedback to the survey but also demonstrates how committed Moore Township citizens are to their community.
The Planning Commission also sponsored two community‐wide workshops held at the Moore Township Hall that were attended by 17 individuals. Each participant was given multiple opportunities to state assets that Moore Township should strive to protect or expand, as well as to identity negative issues about Moore Township. Each asset or issue was recorded and later integrated with the results of the Community Attitude Survey. All of these results were charted to calculate the top assets and top issues within Moore Township today as expressed by the participants.
With guidance from the community input effort, the Planning Commission established the goals and objectives identified in this chapter.
Assets
The following four assets received the most votes through the community input sessions and/or Community Attitude Survey:
1. Tranquility/Peace/Quiet of a rural farming and residential community 2. Township’s own fire department 3. Community/People working together 4. Township Cemetery
The people living in Moore Township value the tranquility and peace of living in a rural, farming community. The Moore Township Fire Department was also indicated as one of the premier assets of the Township. Township residents value the sense of community that exists and the way that neighbors and community members in general work together. The fact that Moore Township operates their own cemetery is also high on the list of Moore Township assets.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 6: Goals and Objectives 6-1
For a summary of the specific responses to the Community Attitude Survey, see the Appendix on page 8-24.
Issues
The following three issues received the most votes by participants in the community:
1. Junk car/ Accumulated junk/Blight 2. Poor condition or lack of maintenance of homes and buildings 3. Condition of gravel roads
Concerns about nuisance created by junk/blight on residential properties topped the list of issues to address in Moore Township. The lack of maintenance of homes and buildings also ranked as one of the top concerns of Township residents. The condition of gravel roads also is an issue which raised concerns by many respondents. Once again the full report of the Community Attitude Survey can be found in the Appendix.
Goals & Objectives
Note: Items in the Goals and Objectives are not listed in order of importance.
GOAL 1: Improve the functionality of secondary (gravel) roads and streets in Moore Township.
OBJECTIVES:
1. The Township will develop a plan to extend the current 2 mill road millage beyond the 2012 tax year, while ensuring the language of the millage includes all possible uses for funds collected.
2. The Township will examine the current use of gravel patching to ensure the desired outcome is being met. This may include increasing or decreasing the number of miles routinely completed, resort to only patching as needed, etc.
3. The Township will examine best practices of dust control being utilized by other municipalities. This will include but not be limited to the application of calcium chloride or brine to roads including: application dates, application rates (single vs. double pass), percentage of brine per application, and number of applications per year.
4. The Township will examine its current road side ditch brush spraying program to ensure it is meeting expectations.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 6: Goals and Objectives 6-2 5. The Township will evaluate the current roadside ditching to ensure drainage needs are being met.
6. The Township will examine current farming practices that may impede the drainage of road side ditches. This would include the intentional filling in of ditches with rock piles, tillable ground, and/or the planting of crops.
7. The Township will examine the current accepted road/street maps for Moore Township and compare it to roads/streets/alleys that are platted and do not exist as well as exist and are not platted. Then the Township will consider the consequences of abandoning/vacating or establishment of platted roads/streets/alleys.
8. The County will examine their current practices of grading roads that create road side berms that prevent surface water from effectively exiting the roadways. This would also include berm recovery and/or removal.
9. The County, Township, and local citizens will establish a procedure to communicate perceived issues with Township Roads that require attention by the Road Commission.
10. Review the Zoning Standards for signage setbacks and size and compare the current existence of signage in Moore Township from a line or sight / safety stand point.
11. Consider the installation and placement of signs indicating that four- wheelers are not legally allowed to operate on any streets or roads in the Township.
12. Consider the placement of trees to act as a snow fence in areas known to have a high rate of issues historically.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 6: Goals and Objectives 6-3
GOAL 2: The Township will eliminate issues of accumulating junk and inoperable vehicles/machines along with other public nuisances, thereby improving the quality of housing and protecting values.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Educate the residents of all current Ordinances including but not limited to:
100 Zoning Ordinance (As amended Sept 1, 2010) 1997-3 Dangerous Exotic Animal Ordinance 1999-1 Blight Ordinance 2008-1 Noise & Public Nuisance Ordinance
2. Revisit/revise all existing ordinances as to there user friendliness, effectiveness, while assuring the ordinances are up-to-date to fit the Township’s current vision.
3. Develop a clear and simple procedure to identify and report known situations that are in clear violation of existing ordinances.
4. Enforce all Township ordinances in a consistent and fair manner.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 6: Goals and Objectives 6-4 GOAL 3: The Township will preserve and protect the rural setting, community character, and maintaining an overall clean and healthy living environment.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Create a wind turbine ordinance that serves the desires of the Township residents.
2. Create a solar farm ordinance that serves the desires of the Township residents.
3. Educate and enforce the current Right to Farm Program from both a farming and non-farming prospective (Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanding Livestock Production Facilities).
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 6: Goals and Objectives 6-5 CHAPTER 7: FUTURE LAND USE
Purpose
Good planning is critical to the future quality of life in Moore Township. The final critical step in completing a Master Plan is to determine the types, location and intensities of development that will occur over the next twenty years. With the establishment of a Future Land Use Plan, Moore Township intends to ensure that existing land uses can continue, natural resources will be protected, and reasonable growth can be accommodated with minimal land use conflicts or negative environmental impacts. While future land uses are difficult to predict, a future land use plan provides a scenario which Moore Township can use as a guide when considering land use and development decisions.
Future land use recommendations are based on social and economic characteristics, environmental conditions, existing land uses, available community services and facilities, current zoning and community goals and objectives (Chapter 6). The future land use plan illustrates the proposed physical arrangements of land use within Moore Township. It identifies and defines the major future land use categories as well as the approximate locations for each use. The boundaries reflected on the map are not intended to indicate precise size, shape or dimension; rather they portray a general land use arrangement, which may be refined as the community develops. The plan is prepared to serve as a guide for the Township regarding current issues, land use decisions, investments, public improvements and zoning decisions. The plan is also intended to be a working document which will provide for the orderly development of the Township, assist the community in its efforts to maintain and enhance a pleasant living environment, protect important natural resources and foster economic development and redevelopment.
Land Use Planning Areas
Moore Township has identified five categories of land use intended to serve future development needs. These future land use categories are listed below and shown in Map 7-1 on page 7-2.
• Agricultural / Residential • High Density Residential • Mobile Home Park • Commercial • Industrial
Some lots created prior to this Master Plan and the Moore Township Zoning Ordinance may be smaller than the larger lots this plan recommends. Future development regulations should recognize these conditions and provide for the reasonable continuance of their use and character. The following sections describe the proposed future land use categories as well as incorporate the Zoning Plan.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 7: Future Land Use 7-1 MAP 7-1: Current Zoning Map
Current Zoning
Agricultural / Residential Commercial Industrial Higher Density Residential
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 7: Future Land Use 7-2 MAP 7-2: Future Land Use Map
FUTURE LAND USE
Agricultural / Residential Commercial Industrial High Density Residential Mobile Home Park
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 7: Future Land Use 7-3 High Density Residential Land Use
The High Density Residential land use category is primarily designed to accommodate single‐family dwellings on lots which have a minimum width of 66 feet. This category is intended to preserve existing residential development on these smaller lots as well as to allow larger lots within these areas to be subdivided into 66‐foot lots to accommodate the need for higher density residential development in select areas of the Township. Rather than designate new areas for this higher density development, the Township has, instead, elected to preserve already existing higher density development.
Commercial Land Use
This category is intended for the widest and most intensive variety of retail and service businesses which serve a regional clientele. Businesses that meet the commercial needs of the automobile dependent public are typically associated with roadways having high traffic volumes. Two areas of Moore Township have been designated as suitable for this type of general business use. The first area is located at the southeast corner of the Township fronting M-46 from Townline Road and extending west one mile. The Township recognizes that, currently, residential uses are located in this area and will continue. However, as development opportunities arise, the Township feels that this area is most suitable for commercial development due to traffic volumes, the proximity to Sandusky, and existing Commercial Land Use already established in Custer, Watertown and Elmer Townships. The second area that has been designated as a commercial area is that which already exists in Snover. This existing area could be slightly expanded in the Future Land Use Map in order to allow for slightly larger commercial center which could serve the neighborhood traffic. The expansion of this commercial area is desirable due to the availability of sewer services, but limited due to the lack of public water.
Development regulations relating to performance standards, signage, lighting, landscaping, outdoor storage, and parking are addressed in the form of Moore Township’s Zoning Ordinance. Signage regulations should be developed to incorporate specific requirements for message boards and digital signage. Buffering is a particularly important issue in the M-46 district due to its close proximity to existing Agricultural / Residential Land Use.
Industrial Land Use
Moore Township currently has one parcel operating a business considered to be Industrial. It is for this reason that the Industrial Land Use District is expanded to parcels adjacent to the existing one. This district will now include the quarter mile of Snover Road on the south side to the west of Bulgrien Road.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 7: Future Land Use 7-4
Mobile Home Park Land Use
The area set aside for a Mobile Home Park is that adjacent to northwest residential district of Snover. This is a highly desirable location because the availability of sewer service and the points of entry from Bell, Cora, and Church Streets.
Agricultural / Residential Land Use
Moore Township has made it a high priority to continue the farming tradition of the community. Farmland not only contributes significantly to the scenic and rural character of the township, but also represents a way of life that the character of the community is built upon. The Agricultural Residential Land Use designation one of the most extensive future land use categories in the Township and is intended to encourage the continued existence and expansion of farms. These agricultural areas are dispersed across the entire Township. This category encourages the continuation of farming in the Township. Farm dwellings and agricultural accessory buildings are allowed, as well as crop production and the raising of livestock normally associated with farming activities. The plan recommends this category accommodate single family dwellings at a low density. Family day care facilities, plant nurseries, greenhouses, parks and recreation areas, State licensed residential facilities, Township buildings, schools, churches, cemeteries, bed and breakfast inns, and telecommunication towers would also be allowed. Home occupations and cottage industries are encouraged in order to diversify the local economy and provide options for families to supplement their farming income in order to continue farming agricultural lands in the Township. Some of these uses will be designated as Special Land Uses which may be allowed if they are designed to be compatible with the primary uses.
Future Land Use Planning with Adjacent Jurisdiction
During land use planning, it is important to evaluate land uses of adjacent governmental entities to ensure that Moore Township’s future land use does not conflict with future land uses planned in neighboring Townships. This type of future land use coordination will also ensure that zoning provisions in these adjacent jurisdictions do not conflict.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 7: Future Land Use 7-5
CHAPTER 8: IMPLEMENTATION AND ADOPTION
Plan Coordination and Review
As required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 (P.A. 33 of 2008 as amended), notification of intent to develop the Moore Township Master Plan was sent on May 11, 2011, to all adjacent communities and other relevant entities to request cooperation and comment. A copy of the notice letter and complete list of entities notified can be found at the end of this chapter. After the draft plan was completed by the Moore Township Planning Commission, a draft was delivered to the Moore Township Board of Trustees for approval to distribute the plan for review and comment. The draft plan was transmitted on March 8, 2012 to entities notified at the initiation of the plan development. After the required comment period, a public hearing notice and notice of plan adoption of the final plan was transmitted to all required entities. A copy of all relevant information can be found at the end of this chapter.
Public Hearing
A public hearing on the proposed Master Plan for Moore Township, as required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 (P.A. 33 of 2008 as amended) was held on May 16, 2012. Section 43 of the Act requires that 15 days notice of the public hearing be given in a publication of general circulation in the municipality. The Township Planning Association requires that the hearing be publicized by two separate notices printed at least two weeks apart in a newspaper of general circulation in the Township. A notice of the public hearing was published in the Sanilac County News, a newspaper within the community, on April 11, 2012 and May 9, 2012. Copies of the public hearing notice are reproduced at the end of this chapter. The purpose of the public hearing was to present the proposed Master Plan and to accept comments from the public.
Plan Adoption
The Moore Township Planning Commission formally adopted the Master Plan on May 16, 2012. The Moore Township Board of Trustees passed a resolution of adoption of the Master Plan on June 6, 2012.
Plan Implementation
The Master Plan was developed to provide a vision of the community’s future. It will serve as a tool for decision making on future development proposals. The plan will also act as a guide for future public investment and service decisions, such as the local budget, grant applications, road maintenance and development, community group activities, tax incentive decisions, and administration of utilities and services.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-1 On an annual basis, the Moore Township Planning Commission will review the goals and objectives of the Master Plan and identify and prioritize three to four working objectives per year. These identified priority items will be the focus of the Planning Commission’s activity throughout that particular year. This will allow the Planning Commission to work on a proactive basis in order to better accomplish the goals identified.
The Michigan Planning Enabling Act of 2008 (P.A. 33 of 2008 as amended) recommends that all master plans be reviewed and updated, as necessary, every five years. The Moore Township Planning Commission will review the Master Plan on a five‐year schedule and develop updates as necessary.
Zoning Plan
The Master Plan will serve as the foundation upon which the Moore Township Zoning Ordinance is aligned. Section 33 of P.A. 33 of 2008, as amended, requires the Master Plan to contain a Zoning Plan – an explanation of how the land use categories on the future land use map relate to the districts on the zoning map. This zoning plan requirement is addressed throughout Chapter 6: Goals & Objectives and Chapter 7: Future Land Use.
Many of the goals and objectives stated in the Master Plan can be adequately addressed by the current Zoning Ordinance. To accomplish many of these objectives, the Township should consider revisiting zoning standards as new development and infill development occurs. To summarize, current zoning standards and allowable uses in each district will be reviewed and evaluated to determine if changes are needed in order to facilitate the orderly development of Moore Township while maintaining its existing rural character and providing for innovative approaches for new development and re‐development.
Regulations will be reviewed to ensure that they are consistent with the existing character of the Township and do not create an abundance of nonconforming structures or uses. Regulations will be considered which allow a mixed use within neighborhoods to encourage the development of shops and recreational opportunities. Allowing this range of uses and densities contributes to the sustainability of a community in a changing economy. Chapter 6 addresses many general and specific goals and objectives that will be achieved.
Grants and Capital Improvement Plan
The Master Plan can also be used as a guide for future public investment and service decisions, such as the local budget, grant applications and administration of utilities and services. Many communities prioritize and budget for capital improvement projects, (such as infrastructure improvements, park improvements, etc.). A Capital Improvements Program (CIP) typically looks six years into the future to establish a schedule for all anticipated capital improvement projects in the community. A CIP includes cost estimates and sources for financing for each project. It can therefore serve as both a budgetary and policy document to aid in the implementation of a community's master plan.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-2
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Moore Township Master Plan
Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-17
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Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-26 APPENDIX
PUBLIC INPUT MATERIALS
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-27
Notice of Planning Commission meeting to receive input on Goals and Objectives to include in the Master Plan as it appeared in the July 6, 2011 Sanilac County News.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-28
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-29
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-30 Specific results for the Community Attitude:
Are you satisfied with the variety (location) of the goods and services listed in the previous question? (check one)
87% (39/45) Yes, I am satisfied 13% (6/45) No, I am not satisfied
7. Which of the following additional services do you think are needed in Moore Township? (check all that apply)
29 Allowing ORV use on roads 20 Improve local roads 16 Recycling 13 Pedestrian/Bike paths 10 Increased ordinance enforcement 9 An organized recreation program for the parks 3 A local (not County) police service 2 Township purchase of land for preservation as open space 2 More parks 2 None Other: 1 Road Dust 1 Blight Control 1 More Sheriff & DNR law enforcement 1 Improve current park 1 Improve existing town park
8. Check the number ONE item you feel most needs to be created or expanded in the Township. (CHECK ONLY ONE)
11 Allowing ORV use on roads 8 Increased ordinance enforcement 8 Improve local roads 5 Pedestrian/Bike paths 4 Recycling 3 An organized recreation program for the parks 2 A local (not county) police service 2 None 0 Township purchase of land for preservation as open space 0 More parks Other: 1 More Community Activities 1 Improve Current Park
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-31
9. What aspects of Moore Township are most important to you? The following list suggests some features which contribute to the quality of life in Moore Township. Please select the THREE MOST IMPORTANT features.
28 Township fire department 25 low taxes 21 Township cemetery 14 natural environment (trees, green areas, open spaces) 11 personal safety 8 privacy 6 predominately single family housing 6 2 Township gravel pits 5 large residential lots (2 acre minimum outside of Snover) 5 walk able community 3 proximity to commercial services 2 recreational opportunities 1 sewer system 0 wide variety of housing 0 Other
Should Moore Township have a Domesticated Animal Ordinance, limiting the number of cats and dogs and/or restrict the boarding of chickens, horses, etc. in the dense residential area of Snover. Please circle the appropriate response:
68% (28/41) Yes 32% (13/41) No
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-32 10. The following statements represent a range of options about planning related objectives and the means to achieve them. Please take your time and consider each item carefully, then indicate for each statement how strongly you agree or disagree.
Please circle the number that applies:
Agree Agree Don’t Disagree Disagree Strongly Somewhat Know Somewhat Strongly A. Moore Township should try to maintain a 72% 21% 7% 0% 0% rural atmosphere. B. I am satisfied with the Township service in 43% 38% 5% 12% 2% Moore Township. C. Zoning Ordinances protect property rights. 42% 47% 12% 0% 0% D. Zoning Ordinances are necessary. 46% 44% 5% 5% 0% E. The Township should identify important wetlands, flood plains, woodlands, and other 19% 9% 12% areas worthy of preservation in their natural 35% 26% state. F. Families wishing to move to Moore 42% 44% 13% 0% 0% Township can find affordable housing. G. My Township Property is accurately 9% 36% 20% 30% 5% assessed for tax purposes. H. If I were moving into the Township for the first time I would still choose to live at my 0% 5% 5% present address. 64% 27% I. I am in favor of a separate agricultural 16% 16% 40% 12% 16% zone. J. I am in favor of a separate residential zone. 14% 19% 44% 7% 16% K. I am in favor of a separate commercial 22% 24% 39% 2% 12% zone. L. I am in favor of a separate industrial zone. 39% 24% 27% 0% 10% M. The Park facilities should be improved. 12% 34% 17% 27% 10% N. I believe Moore Township should be a 71% 26% 0% 2% 0% residential and farming community. O. I believe Moore Township should have 10% 43% 14% 24% 10% more commercial development. P. I believe Moore Township should have 9% 45% 9% 25% 11% more industrial development. Q. Development should be allowed as long as the Township remains primarily residential, 5% 2% 0% farming, and rural in nature. 50% 43% R. The Township government should plan 37% 30% 19% 7% 7% locations for growth. S. The Township Fire Department is adequate 44% 51% 2% 2% 0% for current needs. T. The Cemetery lot identification and records 27% 36% 36% 0% 0% are adequate.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-33 11. How much of a problem are each of the following?
(Listed in order of Biggest Problem First through Not a Problem Last.) A Big A small Don’t Not a Problem Problem Know Problem A. Junk cars and accumulated junk. 55% 34% 9% 2% B. The poor condition or lack of 35% 44% 14% 7% maintenance of homes. G. Condition of gravel roads. 36% 36% 9% 20% J. Amount of roadside litter. 16% 57% 7% 30% E. Safety hazards of abandon 21% 43% 21% 14% structures. F. Condition of paved roads. 13% 55% 5% 29% D. Loss of woods due to development. 14% 26% 33% 26% H. Speed of traffic on your road. 16% 30% 5% 50% I. Gravel road brining. 16% 30% 23% 30% M. Lack of recycling station. 18% 27% 22% 32% L. Ordinance Enforcement. 12% 23% 44% 21% K. Zoning Enforcement. 10% 24% 36% 31% C. Lack of affordable housing. 0% 24% 45% 31% N. Noise from Neighborhood Dogs 7% 29% 11% 53%
12. What do you feel are Moore Township’s three greatest assets?
19 Rural 12 Parks 10 People Care/Friendly 5 Low Taxes 5 Fire Department 4 J&D Market / Party Store 4 Farms 3 Cemetery 2 Low Crime 2 Elevator 2 Size 2 Factory 1 Road Brining 1 Snover Mattress 1 Single Family Housing 1 Close to Sandusky 1 Privacy 1 Gravel Pitts 1 Low Traffic 1 Nice Place to raise kids 1 Zoning Freedom / lack of ordinances
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-34 13. What do you feel are the three most pressing problems facing the Township today?
15 Junk / Blight 14 Bad Gravel Roads / Lack of Brining 11 Abandon Properties / Condition of 4 corners 11 Lack of Jobs 5 Ordinance Enforcement 4 Stray Animals / Barking Dogs 4 ORVs on Roads / ORV enforcement 3 ORVs being Prohibited 3 Lack of Gas Station 2 Lack of Recycling 2 Snow Plowing (Mailboxes and gravel in yards) 2 Property Tax Assessment 2 Lack of Recreation Program / Lack of Summer Recreation Program 2 Speeding 2 Foreclosures 1 Mowing of side road grass 1 Drugs 1 Large Dairy Farms 1 Sprawl / Small Parcels 1 Township Gravel Pits 1 Lack of Community Activities / Events 1 Road Hunting 1 Bad Paved Roads 1 Board not objective, too many family members on governing bodies. Available appointed & elected positions need to be posted. 1 No place to use BFT cards 1 Low home prices 1 No biking or hiking paths 1 No bike lane / need more sidewalks in town 1 Townline Road 1 Loss of Tax Revenue 1 Loss of Trees
20. Should Moore Township allow residence to operate home based businesses that have signs in the yard and / or merchandise displayed outside of the home?
82% Yes 18% No
Comments: Signs, neat, limits, no merchandise outside.
Moore Township Master Plan Chapter 8: Implementation and Adoption 8-35 22. If shopping / commercial facilities were to increase in Moore Township, which of the following locations would be best for the Township as a whole? (Please check one.)
52% In Snover at the Main Corner. 19% Along M-46 from Townline Road west one mile. 12% At M-46 and M-19. 12% East of Snover on Snover Road. 6% At M-19 and Snover Road.
23. Do you support the Township in its efforts to prepare itself for growth and development pressures through the development of a Master Land Use Plan? Please circle the appropriate response:
90% Yes 10% No
24. Please use this space below to note any comments you may have regarding land use concerns within the Township:
While it is important to Allow farmers in the area to develop land for Ag use, I see many other areas in the thumb that are completely devoid of woods, grasslands, and fence rows. These areas basically look like 1 large field and are wide open for miles. I don’t know about you, but I don’t care to see Wal-Mart from Snover. I don’t care for Walmart that much. Take down apartments on corner. – Maybe room for new business. Signs and displays are a zoning problem with home based businesses. Single wide mobile homes should be of a square foot minimum and new style model shingle roof vinyl sided. (Moore Township requires any new residence to be no less than 920 Sq Ft.) Expand the details on the Property Tax Assessment. It would be nice to see a little more business/commercial activity very near the city of Snover. Maybe we could see a little population growth. However it still needs to stay primarily agricultural / residential. Being a rural community, I think it is of utmost importance not to restrict people from providing food in its various forms to members of its family. Whether it be chickens for meat & eggs, cows or goats for milk and meat. A family should be allowed to keep these animals in small numbers even if they don’t have a lot of land. Enforcement of any new policies or procedure should be considered before adding them. Policies that are adopted and can not be enforced dilute every ordinance in the book. We need an organized recreation program not run by governing family members. Businesses would be ok to operate from home – merchandise displayed outside should be in neat, clean fashion. To many junk yard merchandise in Township. Zone as needed to stimulate growth. I think the Township should not enforce too many restrictions on land use.
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