02-22-2018 Hartford directs medical marijuana dispensary to location near Ely Park and Family Dollar

HEAVY RAINS AND SNOWMELT earlier this week caused widespread flooding throughout the area, which in turn resulted in some school and business closings. With more rain forecasted, the water levels in rivers and lakes will continue to rise through the weekend. Flaherty Park on Mill Creek in Watervliet was entirely flooded to the parking lot by Wednesday morning. For more information on the flooding, see the Police Report on Page 6. (TCR photo by Karl Bayer)

City of Hartford directs dispensary next to Ely Park

By Jon Bisnett

The Monday, February 19 meeting of the Hartford City Council had nothing on the agenda in regard to the only pending applicant for a medical marijuana dispensary in the city. Then Med-Leaf investor and spokesperson Doug Von Koenig addressed the meeting in regard to the recent receipt of a communication from City Attorney Harold Schuitmaker recommending 309 West Main as an acceptable and compliant alternative to the property Von Koenig has already purchased at 11 West Main. Last month 11 West Main was deemed by the attorney to violate the 500’ from a church rule contained in the medical marijuana business ordinance. The 309 West Main site is adjacent to the existing Family Dollar variety store. It is within at best a couple hundred feet of the newly acquired expansion of the city’s only public park slated to receive new children’s playground equipment later this year. Even long-time Hartford residents might ask where exactly is 309. The answer, the building is embedded between Family Dollar and Smith Lumber, being currently visible only in a bird’s eye satellite view on Google. With no separate front entrance currently, the face is obscured by the Family Dollar façade. If they were to proceed, Med-Leaf and Family Dollar would appear as a 2-store strip mall of sorts.

Von Koenig questioned the wisdom of this new recommendation. In earnest pursuit of seeking to be a good neighbor in development of their business Von Koenig asked several times if there is anything else that might preclude the 309 West Main site. He posed the question to the council multiple times, are they really sure they would rather have the business located next to the park rather than consider a variance on the former MacKinder Law Office at 11 West Main.

City Manager Yemi Akinwale responded that there should be no issue since the attorney has cleared the address for compliance. Akinwale said Med-Leaf needs to amend the application with the new address at which point the new site will be reviewed by police, fire and the Building Inspector, then on to the Planning Commission and back to the Council.

Von Koenig then produced a transcript of a Herald-Palladium article dated January 16, 2018 quoting Akinwale as stating that the sole applicant would be in the building two doors over from City Hall at 11 W. Main St. and that the property meets the requirements of 1,000’ from a school and 500’ from churches with it being 570’ away from the nearest church.

Akinwale denies making the specific statement as reported in the H-P supported by Mayor Rick Hall who says, “Sometimes these newspapers get ahead of themselves…”

The Tri-City Record reported that meeting in similar fashion with less detail in regard to the measurements, but with the clear impression from Akinwale that the application had indeed been vetted by Akinwale and was headed to the Planning Commission.

Von Koenig said he attended the Planning Commission meeting only to find the application had been stopped dead by the determination from the City Attorney who measures 11 W. Main at just at 392 feet from the nearest church and as such, non-compliant.

Von Koenig, himself a member of the Zoning Board of Lincoln Township, again asked the council what makes more sense; forcing his business to set up next to a city park and playground, or to use the council’s powers to take exception with the Shuitmaker opinion and grant a variance to the ordinance to allow Med-Leaf to operate discretely at 11 W. Main in the best interest of all aspects of community sensitivities and public safety.

As it stands Akinwale holds firm on the City Attorney opinion, and denies the H-P article as inaccurate, while Von Koenig will pursue the backup plan of a lease negotiation with the owners of 309 W. Main. Von Koenig again reiterated his desire to simply work this out to the best interest of all concerned.

Communications

Joint Annual City/ Township Fire Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m., February 21 at the Fire Station; March Board of Review will take place March 20, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. on the 21st; Van Buren Sportsman’s Club Annual Easter Egg Hun, March 24, 1:00 p.m. in Ely Park

Police Report

Chief Tressa Beltran presented a written report detailing activity of 740 duty hours with 20 foot patrol hours which included 136 actions for the month of January, resulting in 20 arrests including five felonies.

Beltran verbally reported in detail regarding a possible threat to the school which had been reported to a teacher from another student who viewed a questionable Snap Chat post. After thorough investigation it was determined that the post, which indicated some precipitous event, was nothing to do with violence. It was the author’s excitement that he was going to ask a girl out and was “couldn’t wait as what was going to happen at school tomorrow…”

Beltran said considering events of late, better safe than sorry certainly applied. She reported police would be present at Hartford High School on Tuesday, February 20 to quell any fears that may have been spread by rumor and social media.

Ordinance Officer Report

A written report from Ordinance Officer Jim Coleman noted just five property inspections for the month of January. Blight postings for the month totaled 30 violations resulting in 30 follow-ups.

Fire Report

Chief Rob Harting was on hand to report the Hartford Joint Fire Department responded to 42 calls in the month of January, including 31 Rescue/ Medical Calls and no structure fires.

Ambulance Report

Medic 1 Annual Report is available at the City Clerk’s desk. Calls numbered 20 for ambulance and 20 for wheelchair in the prior month. The Medic 1 Service Agreement with the City of Hartford ends midnight February 28, 2018.

Pride Care Ambulance will take over City service going forward with no interruption.

Public Works

Superintendent Dan Staunton was present to answer questions on his written report noting a full slate of snow removal and salting of city streets and sidewalks.

Four water turn-offs and three turn-ons took place for the month. The city pumped 5.904 thousand gallons.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

Plant Operator Tom Strand submitted a written report that all State of Michigan reports for the month have been filed. Strand reported routine tasks, and a switch in chemicals has brought the plant back within specifications for Phosphorus and Fecal Coliform.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Pam Shultz presented a written report for the month January with expenses in the amount of $141,953.14 with nothing remarkable.

City Manager’s Report

City Manager Yemi Akinwale reported the Pride Care Ambulance contract is revised and ready for Council approval. Two small changes included local first responder reimbursement per call and the commitment of Pride Care to purchase one Lucas Chest Compression device to be on permanent loan with local HJFD Medical First Responders. Going forward Pride Care Ambulance will seek to develop a local physical presence with a building most likely located near I-94.

1 East Main

Low bidder has been vetted via references obtained through Wightman and Associates. The contractor has filed for a demolition permit and awaits the official bid award to schedule a start date. A pre-demolition meeting including Mayor Hall, Manager Akinwale and Pitsch Construction representatives will take place to address any remaining details.

Hartford Public Schools

Akinwale and Mayor Hall were invited to the School Board meeting to hear intentions of the board to embark on a marketing campaign that targets not just Schools of Choice, but the community as a whole. Committees will meet and more information will be forthcoming.

Marion Avenue Property

Akinwale brought up the subject of city property located behind 210 Marion Avenue. The site is a flag lot of roughly nine acres. Some have made inquiries as to possible sale of the property. Akinwale plans to get with the City Assessor for an approximate value as a starting point of reference and bring the information back to the council.

WWTP Assessment Proposal

Akinwale has received a proposal from Infrastructure Alternatives as recommended by Wightman and Associates. Since recent chemical changes at the plant have produced immediate results, Akinwale wishes to delay any action on the $7,500 assessment proposal until the end of the fiscal year to push costs into the new budget.

Old business

The final draft of the Pride Care Ambulance contract will be on the agenda for approval at the coming business meeting.

New business

The Council gave unanimous approval to appoint Bob Winchester as Electrical Inspector. With the approval a void is created causing the City to now seek a qualified candidate for the Deputy Inspector position Winchester formerly held.

Unanimous approval to award the demolition bid of 1 East Main to the firm of Pitsch Construction of Grand Rapids with the low bid of $54,975.

Commissioners John Miller and Frank Dockter were absent on the evening.

Having no further business, Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. The council next meets for the monthly business session on Monday, January 26.

na dispensary in the city. Then Med-Leaf investor and spokesperson Doug Von Koenig addressed the meeting in regard to the recent receipt of a communication from City Attorney Harold Schuitmaker recommending 309 West Main as an acceptable and compliant alternative to the property Von Koenig has already purchased at 11 West Main. Last month 11 West Main was deemed by the attorney to violate the 500’ from a church rule contained in the medical marijuana business ordinance. The 309 West Main site is adjacent to the existing Family Dollar variety store. It is within at best a couple hundred feet of the newly acquired expansion of the city’s only public park slated to receive new children’s playground equipment later this year. Even long-time Hartford residents might ask where exactly is 309. The answer, the building is embedded between Family Dollar and Smith Lumber, being currently visible only in a bird’s eye satellite view on Google. With no separate front entrance currently, the face is obscured by the Family Dollar façade. If they were to proceed, Med-Leaf and Family Dollar would appear as a 2-store strip mall of sorts.

Von Koenig questioned the wisdom of this new recommendation. In earnest pursuit of seeking to be a good neighbor in development of their business Von Koenig asked several times if there is anything else that might preclude the 309 West Main site. He posed the question to the council multiple times, are they really sure they would rather have the business located next to the park rather than consider a variance on the former MacKinder Law Office at 11 West Main.

City Manager Yemi Akinwale responded that there should be no issue since the attorney has cleared the address for compliance. Akinwale said Med-Leaf needs to amend the application with the new address at which point the new site will be reviewed by police, fire and the Building Inspector, then on to the Planning Commission and back to the Council.

Von Koenig then produced a transcript of a Herald-Palladium article dated January 16, 2018 quoting Akinwale as stating that the sole applicant would be in the building two doors over from City Hall at 11 W. Main St. and that the property meets the requirements of 1,000’ from a school and 500’ from churches with it being 570’ away from the nearest church.

Akinwale denies making the specific statement as reported in the H-P supported by Mayor Rick Hall who says, “Sometimes these newspapers get ahead of themselves…”

The Tri-City Record reported that meeting in similar fashion with less detail in regard to the measurements, but with the clear impression from Akinwale that the application had indeed been vetted by Akinwale and was headed to the Planning Commission.

Von Koenig said he attended the Planning Commission meeting only to find the application had been stopped dead by the determination from the City Attorney who measures 11 W. Main at just at 392 feet from the nearest church and as such, non-compliant.

Von Koenig, himself a member of the Zoning Board of Lincoln Township, again asked the council what makes more sense; forcing his business to set up next to a city park and playground, or to use the council’s powers to take exception with the Shuitmaker opinion and grant a variance to the ordinance to allow Med-Leaf to operate discretely at 11 W. Main in the best interest of all aspects of community sensitivities and public safety.

As it stands Akinwale holds firm on the City Attorney opinion, and denies the H-P article as inaccurate, while Von Koenig will pursue the backup plan of a lease negotiation with the owners of 309 W. Main. Von Koenig again reiterated his desire to simply work this out to the best interest of all concerned.

Communications

Joint Annual City/ Township Fire Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m., February 21 at the Fire Station; March Board of Review will take place March 20, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. on the 21st; Van Buren Sportsman’s Club Annual Easter Egg Hun, March 24, 1:00 p.m. in Ely Park

Police Report

Chief Tressa Beltran presented a written report detailing activity of 740 duty hours with 20 foot patrol hours which included 136 actions for the month of January, resulting in 20 arrests including five felonies.

Beltran verbally reported in detail regarding a possible threat to the school which had been reported to a teacher from another student who viewed a questionable Snap Chat post. After thorough investigation it was determined that the post, which indicated some precipitous event, was nothing to do with violence. It was the author’s excitement that he was going to ask a girl out and was “couldn’t wait as what was going to happen at school tomorrow…”

Beltran said considering events of late, better safe than sorry certainly applied. She reported police would be present at Hartford High School on Tuesday, February 20 to quell any fears that may have been spread by rumor and social media.

Ordinance Officer Report

A written report from Ordinance Officer Jim Coleman noted just five property inspections for the month of January. Blight postings for the month totaled 30 violations resulting in 30 follow-ups.

Fire Report

Chief Rob Harting was on hand to report the Hartford Joint Fire Department responded to 42 calls in the month of January, including 31 Rescue/ Medical Calls and no structure fires.

Ambulance Report

Medic 1 Annual Report is available at the City Clerk’s desk. Calls numbered 20 for ambulance and 20 for wheelchair in the prior month. The Medic 1 Service Agreement with the City of Hartford ends midnight February 28, 2018.

Pride Care Ambulance will take over City service going forward with no interruption.

Public Works

Superintendent Dan Staunton was present to answer questions on his written report noting a full slate of snow removal and salting of city streets and sidewalks.

Four water turn-offs and three turn-ons took place for the month. The city pumped 5.904 thousand gallons.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

Plant Operator Tom Strand submitted a written report that all State of Michigan reports for the month have been filed. Strand reported routine tasks, and a switch in chemicals has brought the plant back within specifications for Phosphorus and Fecal Coliform.

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Pam Shultz presented a written report for the month January with expenses in the amount of $141,953.14 with nothing remarkable.

City Manager’s Report

City Manager Yemi Akinwale reported the Pride Care Ambulance contract is revised and ready for Council approval. Two small changes included local first responder reimbursement per call and the commitment of Pride Care to purchase one Lucas Chest Compression device to be on permanent loan with local HJFD Medical First Responders. Going forward Pride Care Ambulance will seek to develop a local physical presence with a building most likely located near I-94.

1 East Main

Low bidder has been vetted via references obtained through Wightman and Associates. The contractor has filed for a demolition permit and awaits the official bid award to schedule a start date. A pre-demolition meeting including Mayor Hall, Manager Akinwale and Pitsch Construction representatives will take place to address any remaining details.

Hartford Public Schools

Akinwale and Mayor Hall were invited to the School Board meeting to hear intentions of the board to embark on a marketing campaign that targets not just Schools of Choice, but the community as a whole. Committees will meet and more information will be forthcoming.

Marion Avenue Property

Akinwale brought up the subject of city property located behind 210 Marion Avenue. The site is a flag lot of roughly nine acres. Some have made inquiries as to possible sale of the property. Akinwale plans to get with the City Assessor for an approximate value as a starting point of reference and bring the information back to the council.

WWTP Assessment Proposal

Akinwale has received a proposal from Infrastructure Alternatives as recommended by Wightman and Associates. Since recent chemical changes at the plant have produced immediate results, Akinwale wishes to delay any action on the $7,500 assessment proposal until the end of the fiscal year to push costs into the new budget.

Old business

The final draft of the Pride Care Ambulance contract will be on the agenda for approval at the coming business meeting.

New business

The Council gave unanimous approval to appoint Bob Winchester as Electrical Inspector. With the approval a void is created causing the City to now seek a qualified candidate for the Deputy Inspector position Winchester formerly held.

Unanimous approval to award the demolition bid of 1 East Main to the firm of Pitsch Construction of Grand Rapids with the low bid of $54,975.

Commissioners John Miller and Frank Dockter were absent on the evening.

Having no further business, Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. The council next meets for the monthly business session on Monday, January 26.

Watervliet Pharmacy to open downtown in March

By Lynn Mainwaring-Attila An exciting new business is primed to open on Watervliet’s Main Street offering old time services not seen in more than a generation. Businessman and Registered Pharmacist Bhavesh Patel plans to open Watervliet Pharmacy March 2018 in building space next to the Sidetrack Café. This new kid on the block will provide a reconnect between Tri-City patrons and pharmacy services abandoned when Mainstreet Pharmacy closed its doors in 2013.

All prescriptions written by a qualified physician will be available to residents in Watervliet, Hartford and Coloma, plus, an option to have needed medications delivered to their home within a 25-mile radius of the store. For clients having difficulty organizing a multitude of daily medications, the pharmacy will sort each day’s assortment and bubble wrap monthly requirements at no additional cost. There will be no drive-up service window on the building, but ample municipal parking promises easy store access, Patel pointed out. He reports all licensing and permits have been secured and final negotiations with licensed pharmacists interested in manning the store are underway. Also, local construction talent has been hired for renovations and building code upgrading. Watervliet Downtown Development Association has agreed to supplement 50% of the rent for the new business for one year. There are no tax break agreements, grants or matching grants pending with the City, nor in the future, according to Patel. He acknowledged he would not be aiding owners of the Side Track Café in their quest to renovate roof and infrastructure both businesses appear to share from the Main Street view and declined to disclose how much money he is investing in the project. Marketing Manager Alona Hayden clarified Watervliet Pharmacy will be a “preferred pharmacy” offering a lesser co-pay with most insurance plans. Medicare and Medicaid patients will receive the same low co-pay offered at any other pharmacy. Over the counter needs such as cold and flu medications, analgesics, first-aid and diabetic supplies will be available. Watervliet Pharmacy will join the family of seven pharmacies owned by Patel in Michigan and South Carolina

$11,450 of $100,000 state grant was spent on Paw Paw River cleanup in Coloma and Watervliet; Group seeks annual funds from local governments for maintenance

By Annette Christie In June of 2016 it was announced that the State of Michigan was going to provide a $100,000 grant to help clear debris in the Paw Paw River water trail and provide access sites for canoes and kayaks. The grant, which was awarded from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, provided the funding through the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission for the local communities. It was to be used for opening up the Paw Paw River water trail from Paw Paw to Benton Harbor. The 62-mile water trail begins in Waverly Township in Van Buren County and flows through Berrien County converging with the St. Joseph River just above its mouth at Benton Harbor. The Paw Paw River offers a scenic view to kayakers or canoeists through heavily wooded areas. Currently there are 22 access points where paddlers can get on the river, including the Maple Lake Dam, the Paw Paw River campground, and Watervliet’s Hays Park. Access points are also available in Benton Harbor-St. Joseph near the Harbor Shores development. Marcy Hamilton with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission verified that of the total amount spent, $11,450 was spent on the approximate 12.5 miles in Coloma and Watervliet from County Line Road to Bundy Road. In addition, funding was spent on access signs. Hamilton said that the remainder of the funding will be used in the spring of 2018. Once the weather breaks Hamilton said that they will scout the river to determine where the needs are.

Local efforts provide additional funding Not wanting to wait for the State of Michigan funding to be available, a group of individuals formed the “Friends of the Paw Paw River” group in an effort to raise funding at the local level in addition to establishing a plan to address continued efforts in the clearing of the Paw Paw River. In July 2016, Rick Rasmussen was working with many volunteers and businesses to secure the funding and the work needed. In October of that year, Rasmussen said that with the $7,000 that was raised privately, a company was brought in to work on the area of the Paw Paw River between Watervliet and Coloma. He said the company worked for four days at $1,500 a day. The company worked on opening, clearing, and removing logs and debris from various areas in the river. Rasmussen said then that the work they did was worth every penny and that at that time they were able to open nine sites from Watervliet to Coloma. As Rasmussen speculated in the beginning of this effort, long term financing will be needed to maintain a navigable waterway on the Paw Paw River. Just this month, he has begun speaking to the local municipalities about the need and asking if it could be figured into their budgets going forward. Coloma Charter Township seemed in agreement with funding $5,000 at their February 2018 monthly meeting. Watervliet Charter Township will discuss the funding during their budget cycle. The cities of Coloma and Watervliet will be approached as well.

Watervliet Township will consider adding river cleanup funding to budget

By Annette Christie The Watervliet Township Board heard a presentation from “Friends of the Paw Paw River” at their Monday, Feb. 19 meeting. Rick Rasmussen told the board that continued efforts to keep the Paw Paw River free from debris would be an ongoing effort that would require funding. Rasmussen had been at the Coloma Township Board meeting last week and received a consensus to support the efforts financially. Efforts last summer to keep the river clean resulted in its growing popularity and bringing kayakers and canoers to the area. “The old days of you and I, a six pack, and a chain saw are gone,” “The old days of you and I, a six pack, and a chain saw are gone,” Rasmussen told the board. He was one of the drivers in a fundraising effort last summer that made it possible for a company to come in with the large equipment needed to do it quickly and professionally. The Watervliet Township Board will be considering the request at their budget hearing scheduled for March 21, at 3:30 p.m. Paw Paw River County Park moving forward Berrien County Commissioner Dave Vollrath announced that the plans for the Paw Paw River County Park are moving forward and the bid for the work has been awarded. TJM of Allegan will be performing the work to establish the park that will feature a kayak/canoe launch, access to the island, viewing stations, and an improved parking area. While the lowest bid came in $90,000 over the budgeted amount, Vollrath said Berrien County will be funding the balance of the project out of the Parks budget. The next regular meeting of the Watervliet Charter Township Board is Monday, March 19, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.