SERVED IN THREE WARS… Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, presented Arthur Hawkins of Riverside with a tribute during a recent session in recognition of his long and distinguished military service, including service in three American wars. Hawkins served in the U.S. Air Force for 34 years and is a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Pictured (from the left): Rev. David Haase; Brigadier General Michael A. Stone, assistant adjutant general – Michigan Army National Guard; Proos, Hawkins; Hawkins’ wife Fannie; and members of their family.

Arthur Hawkins WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam veteran honored by State

 Sen. John Proos honored Arthur Hawkins of Riverside during Senate session on Wednesday, January 18 for his distinguished service in three American wars. During his 34 years of service, Hawkins served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

“We are truly grateful for Arthur’s bravery, courage and willingness to risk his own life in order to protect the liberty and freedom that we hold so dear,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “America is the beacon of liberty and hope in the world because it remains the home of the brave. Indeed, Arthur’s noble service is an incredible example of the enormous sacrifice and selfless dedication of our service men and women, and it was a tremendous honor to express our heartfelt appreciation to Arthur Hawkins on the Senate floor.”

Hawkins was first assigned to 19th Bombardment Group, 30th Bombardment Squadron, which was the most decorated bombardment group in World War II. He fought in the Western Pacific Air Offensive against Japan, served in the Korean War and finished his service to the U.S. Air Force in 1967 after serving in the Vietnam War. His honors include the National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Four Oak Leaf Clusters and Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

Hawkins’ service record was brought to Proos’ attention by Rev. David Haase.

“Arthur would have never asked for this recognition,” Proos said. “He is too humble for that. He will be the first to tell you that he represents the men and women who have given so much in service to our great nation.”

Proos presented Hawkins with an American flag flown over the Capitol and a special tribute signed by Proos; Rep. Kim LaSata, R-Bainbridge Township; U.S. Rep. Fred Upton; Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and Gov. Rick Snyder.

James Lull, Bainbridge Twp. resident presented Quilt of Va-lor James (Jim) Lull, 95-year-old from Bainbridge Township, was honored by the Quilts of Valor Foundation on January 14 with the presentation of a Quilt of Valor. These quality quilts are made by volunteers, this one coming from the Brighton Casual Quil-ters and presented by Cynthia Casper who is an Army veteran. The mission of the Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts. The mission began in 2003 when founder Catherine Ro-berts’ son Nate was deployed in Iraq and she had a dream of a young man sitting on the edge of his bed hunched over. The feeling was one of utter despair and she could see his war de-mons clustered around, drag-ging him down into an emo-tional gutter. Then as if viewing a movie, she saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt; his whole demeanor changed from utter despair to one of hope and well-being. The message of her dream was: quilts equal healing and the idea became the Quilt of Valor which would be the civilian equivalent of the Purple Heart decoration. The quilts would be awarded and not just passed out saying, “thank you for your ser-vice, sacrifice, and valor in serving our nation in combat.” Mr. Lull was nominated by Don Solem from Duluth, MN who served as a shipmate with him in the Navy on the USS Saratoga CV3 during 1945-1946, WWII. Family and friends attended the presentation and were very proud of Mr. Lull’s contribution to and un-wavering patriotism for our country.

Hartford Commission hear plans for Main St. building improvements after citizen seeks action on other city properties

By Jon Bisnett

The January workshop session of the City Commission expected to deal with the matter of the former Huffman Building via a “Show Cause” hearing, but before the hearing could be called an unexpected guest spoke to the matters of non-conforming properties within the city.

Guests

Bob Kling addressed the commission as owner of Kling Properties LLC with unresolved issues regarding neighboring properties to his property at 308 South Maple. Kling seeks to rehab properties within the city to then resell. But with neighbors on either side of his latest project in deplorable condition Kling fears that the market value of his property will not even attain the amount of its appraisal due to the surroundings. His ultimate question to the commission is “What are you going to do about it?”

Kling presented photos taken earlier in the day demonstrating multiple issues with homes on either side of the South Maple address. Everything from large amounts of debris to unsound structures quickly gained the attention of the commission. Kling admonished the city for failing to act sooner, saying these conditions did not happen overnight. He further stated that he personally drove the city and counted 18 tarped roofs, while a similar visual poll in Watervliet revealed only one. Kling said, “I intend to continue rehabbing Hartford homes by I can’t continue without some support to protect my investment.”

Following discussion the commission directed City Manager Yemi Akinwale to work with the Police Chief and Ordinance Officer to immediately review the properties in question.

Concerts in the Park promoter Pete Sinclair announced his entertainment lineup for this the inaugural year with the Lions Club at the helm is completely full and already musicians are contacting him for 2018.

June 8 will begin with the Southwestern Michigan Brass Band leading in to Strawberry Festival weekend. Other acts will include the Lighthouse Chorus, South Shore Concert Band, Steve Otto’s Sounds of Elvis, South Haven Men’s Chorus and the ever popular Lake Effect Jazz band, while local country Jarrod Knox will again perform on the night of the July Community Picnic. Star & Charlie join this summer’s lineup along with the likes of Joe Jason, Jimmie Phillips and the Mortals, John Tolhuizen, PastTime, and the polka sounds of Wil Smaka’s Musiconnection. Sinclair promised a great deal of promotion effort to boost crowds at the concert series held every Thursday night in Ely Park throughout the summer.

Communications

March Board of Review will be held March 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and March 23, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Hartford Loan Closet is seeking financial assistance for roof repairs.

The Joint City/Township Meeting for Annual Fire Department Budget Review is 7:00 p.m., February 22 at the Fire Station.

Show Cause hearing

Mayor Ted Johnson recessed the commission workshop and entered into a “Show Cause” hearing for the property located at 1 East Main.

The city seeks to condemn the dilapidated structure. The purpose of the hearing puts the burden on the owner of the property to present an action plan for the building restoration, including a timeline and further produce proof of the financial ability to carry out that plan, otherwise the city may well exercise its rights to formally condemn the building.

Aaron Blaylock of Hartford addressed the commissioners with a Powerpoint presentation of his plans for seven separate ventures to be housed under the umbrella of his current company EDecisive at the Main Street location. Blaylock first described a retail presence selling computers, mobiles devices and cell phones in addition accessories and emerging technologies like FitBit.

The second entity would be a repair service for computers and technology.

The third was a printing service compared to that offered by Kinkos but saving Hartford residents a 45-minute trip to Portage to satisfy their printing and faxing needs.

Fourth, Blaylock described the hosting of what he described as workshops, essentially classes on various technology related subject matter, and also cited CPR training, and Ham Radio instruction; some of which he would offer free as a service to the community.

The fifth purpose would be to create multiple community meeting rooms. Small, medium and large, designed to host a variety of uses from local non-profits, to interview rooms and a safe Wi-Fi enabled place for students to work on homework.

The Sixth business division would be a coffee shop / smoothies bar called Java Juice which would provide locals a spot to hang out and enjoy an inexpensive beverage as they take advantage of free Wi-Fi.

And last but not least, Blaylock proposes to offer custom software programming and project development services under the name “Kinetix”.

There were neither projection of either potential job creation numbers nor economic impact statistics of the proposed technology center, although an architectural rendering of the remodeled building was presented.

The presentation spawned a lengthy amount of off-topic discussion entailing structural integrity, property lines, liability and asbestos remediation during which at some point it was revealed that Blaylock had no general liability insurance on the structure and had no financial ability to execute even some of the most basic steps to proceed with the project.

Blaylock, who has no prior property development experience, says banks will not even talk to him without formal blueprints. Architects will not create blueprints without payment. And there is the rub, in addition to fruitless efforts to secure private investors. Federal and State redevelopment grants exist, but once again require matching funds on the part of the developer that do not exist.

Bringing the discussion back on track City Manager Yemi Akinwale reminded all concerned of the criteria for the hearing; a formal business and development plan with time table – not available. And a demonstration of available assets or funding to accomplish said plan – again the answer is not available.

In summary, the conclusion is for the city to move forward as recommended by Building Inspector Chuck Moore, that a Structural Engineer be consulted to see if there was any validity in restoring the current structure after years of neglect, before he ordered the building condemned. Since that step is mutual to both the city and Mr. Blaylock’s needs, City Manager Akinwale was charged to negotiate an agreement with Mr. Blaylock to bring in an engineer with both he and the city sharing the cost.

City Manager’s Report

Upon a return to workshop business City Manager Yemi Akinwale reported on the initial quotes for playground equipment for the newly acquired Ely Park Annex. Once a design is chosen a formal quote and grant application will follow.

Akinwale announced with regret that Larry Anchor has resigned his seat on the Fire Board. The city will honor his years of service with a resolution.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Linda Gray presented a written report for the month of December in the amount of $43,660.41.

Fire Report

The HFD responded to 38 calls in the month of December, including 20 medical assists, two structure fires, five vehicle accidents, two false alarms, two power lines down, six canceled in route and three mutual aid. Total calls for the year 2016 were 302.

Medic 1

Medic 1 Board Representative Pete Sinclair filed a written report of 32 calls for the month of November with 16 being ambulance calls and 13 were wheelchair transports. No average response times were noted.

Police Report

Chief Tressa Beltran presented a written report detailing activity of 740 duty hours with five foot-patrol hours which included 90 complaints for the month of December, resulting in eight arrests including three felonies.

Ordinance Officer Report

A written report from Ordinance Officer Jim Coleman noted 10 property inspections for the month of December. Blight postings for the month totaled 31 violations resulting in 31 follow-ups.

Public Works

A written report by Superintendent Dan Stauton noted standard maintenance tasks as his department finally got the plow active and salt truck at work with what still amounts to a very mild winter.

One water turn-offs took place with two new service turn-ons, six meters read by request while the city pumped 5.543 million gallons for the month.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

A written report from Operator Tom Strand indicated that all State of Michigan reports for the month have been filed. A violation did occur in terms of a high Phosphorus level exceeding the 1.5 mg/l standard. Strand reported routine tasks as he continues work with Wightman Engineers to get the ultraviolet system clarifiers to function correctly.

It was noted on Strand’s report that he recently attended a state-certification course on Ultraviolet Disinfection and from the material he was taught, the Hartford plant was not a proper candidate for UV.

The courseware referenced Active Sludge to achieve levels of 5mg/l or lower of Suspended Solids, when in fact most recent testing shows HWWTP at nearly twice the recommended level reading 12.6mg/l.

Old Business

Clearly frustrated by the lack of any real enforcement actions on literally dozens of properties in the city, Commissioner Frank Dockter went on an arguably justified rant going back to last month’s announcement by Akinwale that the owner of 1 West Main has agreed to minimally replace the broken window that faces Main Street by filing an application the Hartford DDA assist with the window expense.

An irate Dockter said, “This is ridiculous we can’t get these properties cleaned up! This guy at 1 West Main just needs to fix his own window, not look for a handout from the DDA!” Akinwale cited multiple reasons for lack of enforcement; absentee owners, dilapidated homes in estate tie-ups and the like. “If the people don’t have the money, how are they supposed to repair their homes?” Akinwale retorted.

In any case the obvious mood of the entire commission is in frustrated agreement that something has to be done for sake of any real hope of moving the city in a positive direction.

New Business

Resolution 2017-001: A resolution honoring Larry Anchor will be presented for vote at the business meeting, citing years of service to the HFD, Fire Board and Community Loan Closet.

The City meets next for a business session on Monday, January 23.

Judge asks for briefs on Hodge Road Commission seat; Denies preliminary injunction

By Annette Christie

Last Friday, Berrien County Trial Court Judge John Donahue asked for some court filings as he examines whether Bainbridge Township Supervisor Bill Hodge should be placed back on the Berrien County Road Commission.

Donahue did reject Hodge’s request for a preliminary injunction that would overturn a resolution passed by the Berrien County Board of Commissioners and would place Hodge back on the Road Commission immediately.

Hodge is seeking to be restored to his position of Road Commissioner pending a hearing to order Berrien County to hold a hearing with proper notice, to award him lost pay, benefits, interest, costs, a reasonable attorney fee and any other relief that the court deems fair.

Judge Donohue will entertain filings on the individual sides as to whether or not serving as a township supervisor and a road commissioner are incompatible offices.

Hodge is taking Berrien County to court over his removal from the Berrien County Road Commission.  The Berrien County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution on December 1, 2016 which declared that the position that Hodge filled on the Road Commission was vacant due to the Incompatibility of Offices Act (MCL 15.181 et seq).

Hodge was appointed to the Road Commission in January of 2014 to fill a term set to expire in December of 2018.  Hodge was then elected to the office of Bainbridge Township Supervisor as a result of the August election primary.  He had no opposition in the November general election.  The Board of Commissioners cites the Michigan Incompatible Public Offices Act as the statute which will not allow Hodge to serve on both the township board and the Road Commission.  The two public offices are incompatible because Bainbridge Township is subject to current and existing contracts with the Berrien County Road Commission during and after the date that Hodge took office with the township.

With Hodge taking office in November of this year and then subsequently continuing as a member of the Berrien County Road Commission, the Board of Commissioners stated that he was in violation of that act.

In August 2016, Hodge, through his attorney, provided documentation to Berrien County that there was no incompatibility of offices and that he did not intend to resign.  He states that there was no response to that communication.  In October 2016, he retained his current attorney to further contact the county to discuss and resolve the issue.  Court documents state that Hodge’s attorney, John Burhans did have a conversation with Berrien County Corporate Counsel James McGovern and in November Burhans filed a Freedom of Information request for any current and proposed contracts between Berrien County Road Commission and Bainbridge Township.  Court documents state that various documents purporting to set forth a contract and/or work order and future projects was provided.