Heated Discussion About Cider Mill Dominates Meeting

Tension and raised voices punctuated the public comments portion of the Oakland Township Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday as a few residents spoke out about the  between the and the .

"Certainly, there is nothing sinister about cider and doughnuts," said Dr. Trevor Barkham, whose family owns and operates the Rochester Cider Mill.

In March, the Barkhams filed a motion for relief from the 1987 order that strictly limits how and when the Rochester Cider Mill may operate. The township, which filed a response to the Barkhams' motion April 22, opposes repealing the order.

The Charter Township of Oakland and the Rochester Cider Mill were in Oakland County Circuit Court Wednesday morning regarding the Cider Mill's motion for relief from order.

"We tried to sit down about two weeks ago with you people to negotiate," Township Supervisor Joan Fogler responded to Trevor Barkham. "We asked for negotiation."

"The township has filed a response brief," Oakland Township Attorney Steven Joppich said. "If you haven't gotten a copy of that, I'd be happy to provide it to you, and you can read that for yourself."

A few minutes later, Oakland Township resident Beth Markel stepped up to the lectern and told the board: "It seems like a frivolous waste of time. Are my tax dollars being used to fight the Rochester Cider Mill?"

"Yes, as are mine and Sharon's and Sharon's and Marc's," said Fogler, gesturing to board members Sharon Creps, Sharon McKay and Marc Edwards.

In other business

Here's what else happened at Tuesday's meeting:

Fireworks display approved: The board unanimously approved two fireworks displays at the on June 18 and July 4. The fireworks displays are for club members only.

Death to the mosquitoes: The board authorized West Nile virus fund expense reimbursement from Oakland County to help control mosquitoes in the township.

"There's 1,500 catch basins in the township," said Oakland Township Manager Jim Creech. "We're handing these out for people to use."

Laying down limestone: The board also approved the use of 2011 Tri-Party funds for limestone application and approved of the cost participation agreement with Oakland County.

"We've got about 11 miles done," Creech said.

"Sheldon Road is absolutely excellent," said Oakland Township Supervisor Joan Fogler.

The township also uses crushed limestone instead of gravel along the entire length of the Paint Creek Trail.

Two commission reappointments: The board unanimously voted to reappoint Jean Lyons and Josiane Whitson to the township's Historic District Commission for three-year terms expiring in 2014.

"They've both been on the Historic District Commission for years and years," said Fogler. "They do a good job."