Several future projects are in the works for Schoolcraft Township. At the Board’s February 10 meeting, the Board discussed several proposals from remodeling at the Township Hall to seeking a grant for recreation facilities.
Justin Ferrell, building and grounds maintenance technician, presented quotes for renovating parts of the Township Hall which would include redoing the entryway, installing new carpet, and remodeling the kitchen. All the companies which provided quotes said they could start the projects in about three weeks if approved now by the Board. Waiting later into the building season might change that start date, he noted.
In the ensuing discussion, Treasurer Teresa Scott brought up the issue of security which she said has been the topic at various meetings she has attended. “Other townships have added security,” she said. “We feel it’s time to do that.” Scott recommended that Ferrell get information on adding security to the plan.
Ferrell also presented three bids for mowing and plowing in the Township’s three cemeteries. This would also include tree trimming and fall cleanup.
Trustee Tamra Stafford provided information on “Recreation Passport Grant” through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) which has an application deadline of April 1. The Township will apply for a grant.
According to the DNR’s website, the purpose of the grant is to provide funding “for the development of public recreation facilities. This includes the development of new facilities and the renovation of old facilities.”
Stafford said they are looking at adding pickleball and volleyball courts to Swan Park, and also expanding the parking lot. A recent survey about the parks showed that people wanted pickleball courts. “Hopefully, more people will come to enjoy our park,” she said.
Grants through the program can go as high as $150,000, said Stafford. The Township would pay up front for the projects and would be reimbursed for their expenses. “That needs to be included in the budget,” she said.
A big component of the grant application is including maintenance costs, she said.
The Board approved paying $7,800 to Prein&Newhof, a civil engineering company, for completing the grant application.
The DNR’s guidelines for the grant state that it is mandatory to have an engineering firm prepare the documents needed for the application, Stafford told the Board.
In other business, the Board approved a tentative preliminary condominium plan proposed by Matt Musselman, owner of Musselman Homes. Board members questioned Musselman about various issues related to the project such as sidewalks and the number of streetlights.
Clerk Eska Brown noted that Musselman has several other steps to complete before the Board can give its final approval.
The draft budget of the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority was also approved. At the January meeting, Fire Board Secretary Kathy Mastenbrook updated the Board on the Authority’s budget. At that time, she advised the Board there could be a shortfall in the budget because Brady Township and Wakeshma Township are leaving the Authority so that the remaining four entities have to pick up the total cost of the budget. She noted that the Fire Board is leaving each entity’s contribution at the same level as before to give them time to determine how they will pay their share in the future.
Other business conducted at the meeting included appointing Supervisor Don Ulsh to the Vicksburg Library Board and also approving the required Poverty Guidelines.
Stafford, who is a member of the Township’s Planning Commission, presented information from the latest commission meeting where it denied a zoning request for a 22-acre parcel on US-131 that a potential owner wanted to purchase for a truck stop.
The concerns regarding the project were about the resulting noise and lights that would affect adjacent neighborhoods. “He (potential owner) was unprepared,” said Stafford. “He couldn’t answer our questions.”
The Commission also discussed Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) which store electricity in batteries to be built and used by utilities during high-demand situations. “We will be discussing a possible ordinance,” said Stafford. “We want to get ahead of it.”
Stafford also suggested that the Board discuss an ordinance regarding motorized vehicles being used in the park. Ferrell said such an ordinance could deal with a wide range of vehicles, from radio-controlled planes, quadcopters and cars to parachute planes, dirt bikes and golf carts.
Upcoming events in the Township are a Shred Day and an Electronic Recycling Event. The Shred Day will be on May 9 from 9 a.m. to noon. Shred-It will be conducting the event. The limit is four standard file-sized boxes. It is for residents only.
The Electronic Recycling Event is on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Schupan will be conducting the event.
Both events will be held at the Township Hall, 50 East VW Avenue. More information about the events will be found closer to those dates on the Township’s website, schoolcrafttownshipmi.gov.
