By Phyllis Rose
The Schoolcraft Township board at its June meeting agreed to provide financial support to the Underground Railroad Museum, maintained by the Schoolcraft Historical Society, and to close the township office on the Juneteenth holiday, celebrated on June 19, to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States.
Historical Society Vice-president Barry Visel told the Board about recent activities at the museum. He said that tour revenues have gone up as over 120 students and 80 adults have toured the museum. “We have initiated a survey at the end of the tours and we are getting good, positive results.”
He also reported that three fifth-grade classes from Schoolcraft had a fundraiser recently and donated $1,500 to the museum.
“The school kids appreciate the tours,” he said. “We are all excited about that.”
He also outlined the improvements that have been made at the museum, which was the home of Dr. Nathan Thomas and used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Improvements include stabilizing the foundation and planned replacement of windows and siding.
After Visel’s presentation, the Board voted to donate $500 to the Historical Society.
Regarding Juneteeth, Supervisor Don Ulsh questioned whether the Township offices should be open on June 19, which is a federal holiday. He had checked with other townships and found that only two are open on that day. The Board voted to close on June 19 each year.
In other presentations to the Board, Dave Pawloski, vice chairperson of the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County, updated the Board on various road projects. Board members also questioned him about projects and asked for help with some issues.
Trustee Tamra Stafford asked about the status of the U Avenue project. At the February Board meeting, the Road Commission had reported that U Avenue had been rated as in poor condition and was scheduled to be pulverized, rehabilitated with a structural overlay, and have the shoulders widened at a cost of $1.05 million.
Pawloski said he would email Stafford a timeline of the project.
Board members also asked the Road Commission to address speeding on the various detours in the Township such as those on XY and Y Avenues. The detours are due to the road construction on US-131 in Schoolcraft.
Pawloski said he would bring that to the Commission’s attention and also cautioned drivers not to drive around the orange barrels.
In other business, the Board approved a budget amendment for the Sunset Lake Special Assessment District for 2024-2025 in the amount of $23,800.
It also approved a draft audit for 2023-2024.
Trustee Stafford reported from the Planning Commission that after one more round of corrections on the Master Plan, a public hearing will be held regarding the document. And after months of discussion, the Planning Commission has decided on the definition of a fence which will be presented at the Commission’s July meeting.
Treasurer Teresa Scott gave an update on the TextMyGov.com program which had been approved at the Board’s April 9 meeting.
The program recently went into effect and to date only 121 residents have opted out of the program, she said.
“People are automatically opted in and have the option of opting out,” she said. “I think people are testing the waters.”
Trustee Jennifer Sportel reported on the issues in Schoolcraft due to the road construction such as businesses losing customers. She noted that some people’s GPS systems don’t give the alternate routes.
“Every time I can I smile at the workers,” Sportel said. “I’m sure they’re getting all kinds of comments.”
Supervisor Ulsh brought up the issue of the Township not having any police patrols and having to rely on Schoolcraft or Vicksburg police departments.
“They don’t want to send their guys out here because they’re paying for it,” he said.
He noted that the Township has three options: hiring a full-time deputy, hiring a deputy for specific patrol hours, or sharing with another Township. Currently, the Michigan State Police cover accidents, he said.
The Board asked Ulsh to research the costs of the various options and report back at a later date.
