By Steve Waldron
Schoolcraft village council members following a public hearing created an industrial development district for a site on Grand St. owned by Clark Logic and adjacent to its existing building on East Eliza St.
Creation of the district is required before the company can seek approval of an industrial facilities tax exemption, permitted under state law to reduce taxes on new developments which add manufacturing jobs.
In other matters:
The Council voted to opt out of a state limitation on the amount a public employer can contribute to a medical plan. This year’s maximum for the village is $34,979.37. The current cost for health care insurance is $39,652.80. The Council has opted out of the limitation requirement for the past 11 years.
Toni Rafferty, chairperson of the Schoolcraft 4th of July Celebration Committee, updated the Council on the Committee’s progress for the 2023 celebration. The estimated expense for this year’s fireworks is to be close to $30,000. The Schoolcraft 4th of July Celebration Committee has been working over the past year to raise the necessary funds but is still in need of additional funding. Rafferty requested an additional $2,500 from the village in addition to the $2,500 in funding already approved. The Council voted to approve the request after a review of the Committee’s fundraising efforts to date.
Jamie Clark announced that Clark Logic would also contribute an additional $5,000 towards the fireworks in recognition of all the work that Rafferty and the committee have done this year to ensure continuation of the traditional holiday celebration.
“Music In the Park” will be held from 6-8 p.m. on the third Wednesday of June, July, and August. Along with the entertainment there will be food trucks.
Todd Carlin, village representative on the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority board, presented the Authority’s request an amendment to change its by-laws to approve the appointment of board representative alternates to serve whenever a representative isn’t able to attend a board meeting. The Council approved the amendment.
Village Manager Cheri Lutz interviewed several applicants for the vacant post of finance director but told council members none were determined qualified for the role. Lutz is considering alternative solutions, including asking other area municipalities to see if they would be willing to share the position, having one person perform similar responsibilities at both governments and sharing the expense in proportion to the work done for each. Lutz said one person is working two days a week to help out.