By Steve Waldron
A major topic of discussion at recent Village Council meetings has been the impact of the reconstruction of 131, Grand Street.
While there are fewer lost drivers on village streets looking for shortcuts out of the established detours – there aren’t any shortcuts – village residents continue to encounter the occasional semi or string of drivers on the village’s side streets looking for a way out.
The Village has posted signs such as a dead-end sign on Bernard Street to keep vehicles off that street. Its offered “Slow Down” reminder signs to village residents to place on their streets.
The Council reminded residents that the Village has no authority over speed limits and traffic controls on US-131, which is managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Village Manager Cheri Lutz will continue to be in contact with MDOT throughout the reconstruction to keep them up to date about Village concerns. She will continue posting updates on the Village’s Facebook page as she gains new information.
It was noted that many southbound 131 drivers have started to use 12th Street as a route to avoid the official southbound detour at U Avenue heading west to 8th Street south. The result is congestion when larger vehicles arrive at the four-way stop at 12th and Lyons streets among the schools, a concern especially during opening and closing hours.
This has led to a potentially dangerous situation as drivers may become frustrated and take dangerous actions; some drivers ignore stop signs at the intersection when students and parents are coming to or leaving school by vehicle or on foot. Police are aware of the situation.
House demolition set
Village Manager Lutz noted that the village has received three bids for demolition of structures located at 203 Pine Street. The least expensive bid for the demolition, including properly addressing any asbestos laced materials, was submitted by Ace Excavating from Kalamazoo. The company won the contract and indicated it can begin work in June.
Police praised for house fire response
Police Chief Scott Smith informed the Council of ‘above the call of duty’ efforts made by Officer Sergeant Jamie Clark and the fire authority’s new recruit at a recent fatal house fire. When they arrived at the scene, they were informed that South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority resources were engaged in a major traffic accident and that emergency resources from Portage and Mattawan were on their way to this house fire. Clark quickly took action to do what could be at that point until the additional resources arrived at the scene.
Rochholz describes water, sewer discussions
President Mike Rochholz provided an update regarding his participation in the South County Sewer and Water Authority Meetings at Lockport Township, reminding everyone that this initiative is still in a preliminary investigative stage. The Authority is currently reviewing options for improving water service in north St. Joseph and south Kalamazoo Counties along the 131 corridor. Council members were presented with maps depicting each option currently under consideration. President Rochholz he was asked at the meeting what he thought it would take to get the Village of Schoolcraft involved. He responded that it was dependent upon what the benefits and expenses would be to the Village of Schoolcraft. Estimated costs and benefits of this project have not been fully defined, he said.
He stated the Village cannot entertain committing to the initiative until the full costs, associated benefits, timeframe, etc. are fully fleshed out and available for final review. He will continue to attend these meetings on behalf of the Village to remain connected to the initiative and able to provide timely updates to the Council.
Gunnett recognized for 20 years of service
Tim Culver, a delegate for State Representative Matt Hall, presented a framed letter of recognition to past Council President Keith Gunnett recognizing his 20 years of service to the Village as a Council member; including 10 of those as Council President.
Assistance for downtown merchants
Continued discussions were held about what the Village can do to assist those downtown merchants who are dependent on walk-in patronage. Manager Lutz is in the final stages of working with the Vicksburg Foundation on efforts that could provide some financial support to these businesses.
Fire authority truck purchase explained
Council Member Kathy Mastenbrook shared an update from her attendance at a recent fire authority meeting, regarding purchase of a fire truck approved last year. A $250,000 down payment was not made as expected. Authority records show that the $250,000 was transferred from Kalamazoo County State Bank to Mercantile Bank and placed in a 6-month CD there. The authority’s accounting statement showed a $250,000 expense in a miscellaneous account, implying that the down payment had been made.
During discussion about how to move the expense to either a vehicle expense account or a vehicle outlay account, it was said that this was a posting error, one which should have been voided to accurately reflect that the down payment had not been made due to a misunderstanding regarding the terms and conditions in an equipment finance agreement with PNC Bank. The authority had believed making the $250,000 down payment would save money. However, the PNC representative indicated that the term of the original loan could not be changed without rewriting the agreement, resulting in an increase in the interest rate and assessment of a loan modification fee. This information had not been shared with the authority board – four board members were unaware that the payment had not been made).
The purchase of the fire truck has been completed. Delivery is expected in three years.