12-21-2017 Coloma Township Board to ask for additional millage for police department; will also look

Coloma Township Board to ask for additional millage for police department; will also look at $300.000 annual contract with City

By Annette Christie

After taking two months to think it over, the Coloma Township Board decided to ask voters for their support of an additional 2-mil public safety millage.  The township currently has one millage of 4.75 for public safety that expires in 2020.

Police Chief Jason Roe first presented a very detailed and thought out public safety millage proposal for the Coloma Township Board at their October meeting.

The Coloma Township Police Department was founded in 1969 and was initially a part-time department until the mid-70s when it became a full service 24/7 department.  The cost of providing the police services was funded through the general fund until 1979 when due to public outcry, a special police millage was approved. The first police millage passed by a nearly two-to-one margin.

In 1992, a millage increase was necessary.  Initially, it was not approved by voters.  Due to public response, it was placed on a second ballot and then passed.

The separate police and fire millages have joined into a public safety millage with the police department receiving 83% of it. The two departments have operated through the millage funds coupled with general fund money.

The public has supported the public safety millage at the polls every four years since 1992.

Other factors have affected the incoming funds of both the general fund and the millage funds; the general funds due to the decreased revenue sharing and the millage funds because of decreased taxable values which the millage rate is based on.

While the township and the police department has made concessions such as consolidating positions and pay freezes for the police department they will not be able to sustain.  Based on budget projections, the projected revenues will not meet the projected expenses by the 2018/2019 budget year under the current funding model in place.

Roe recommended a proposed millage increase that would make both the police and the fire departments sustainable and would provide a long-term solution. Roe states, “The data shows that due to several factors, most of which are out of township and police department control, it will be necessary to seek additional millage funding to sustain the current Coloma Township Police Department professional service levels.” Roe said that the additional millage funding will allow the police and fire departments to continue to at least the next 30 years.

While the board seemed in support of asking voters for the additional millage, how much to ask for and what the City of Coloma pays kept popping up.  The City of Coloma pays $300,000 annually for police services coverage in their area, or 1/3 of the police department budget.  Roe estimates that 30 – 40% of their calls are in the city, however, that doesn’t necessarily mean they spend 30-40% of their time in the city.

Trustee Bryan Duffield stated, “If we don’t do something we will lose our police department,” with Roe adding, “in a slow, painful death.”  While Duffield was in support of the 1.5-increase, he questioned whether it was high enough.  “It is the minimum if you ask my opinion,” Roe answered.

Trustee Matt Moser stated, “We need to have a contract with the city that reflects that they are paying their fair share.”  Trustee Rob Harper pointed out, “Whether they pay or not, we need an increase.”  Supervisor Ken Parrigin added, “Things were different when we took it over, the city doesn’t have any extra money, maybe they need to look at a police millage.”

Roe reminded the board that having a full-time police department helps everybody and while it may assist the city residents, it also is beneficial to all of northern Berrien County as the various police departments are back up to each other, including those that come into the township to help when needed.

The board voted to put the issue on the ballot in August.

Part of the millage discussion turned to the township’s unfunded liability that due to federal regulations is now detailed in the annual audit. While the union police employees’ retirement is funded, the non-union employees’ retirement is only funded at approximately 50%.

The township put a committee in place to look at the options.  Their legal counsel provided a memo to the township board which included options such as changing the plan or changing the contribution.  “I’m not suggesting that we take anything from anyone that has earned it, but if we don’t change the plan, if we do nothing, the unfunded liability will only get worse,” Moser said.

Moser recommended that the township have a study completed that would detail their options and was in favor of more than one study if it gave them those choices.  The board voted to give authorization to the committee to move forward and report back to the board.

NEW HARTFORD MAYOR RICK HALL takes the oath of office, sworn in by City Clerk RoxAnn Isbrecht to begin City Commission proceedings Mon-day, December 18. A full gal-lery was on hand to wish the veteran Commissioner and for-mer Mayor Pro Tem well on his first night in the seat of Mayor. Commissioner John Miller was unanimously selected as the new Mayor Pro Tem, while Immediate Past Mayor Ted Johnson was also on hand to thank the City for the privilege of over three decades in office and to hand Mayor Rick his key to City Hall; what Johnson re-ferred to as the “real key to the city.” (TCR photo by Jon Bisnett)

Mayor Rick Hall sets goals for City of Hartford

By Jon Bisnett

Monday December 18 marked a new era in Hartford City government as newly elected Mayor Rick Hall took the oath of office. Incumbent Commissioners Dennis Goss and Terry Tibbs were also sworn in alongside newly elected Commissioner Helen Sullivan.

Guests

 Terry Tibbs spoke as representative for Van Buren County Senior Services seeking a ¼-mil renewal on the August ballot, plus an additional 1/4-mil. The millage supports services throughout the county including meals and senior activities along with aids to seniors such as construction of ADA compliant ramps to private homes. Tibbs noted that 92% of their funding goes directly to the benefit of seniors with only an 8% cost of administration.

Communications

 City Hall will be closed December 25, 26, 29 and the 1st of January in observance of Christmas and the New Year holidays.

Mayor’s goals & comments

 Mayor Hall began his first formal meeting by assigning what he called “homework” for the commission who were tasked to bring any and all ideas to the January workshop to make improvements to the function of the city. He gave the example of the 7:30 meeting time… “Should we go with 7:00 instead? Now is the time to reevaluate our process.”

Additionally Hall wants to address absenteeism in a “Play for Pay” program whereby the commissioners vote to determine excused absences at any given meeting. An unexcused absence will deduct from the annual compensation paid to the commissioner in question.

Hall plans to work with the Police Department to develop an anti-drug program within the schools. Hall also plans on adding a Deputy Building Inspector, adding signs to alert motorists of the presence of horse drawn buggies, and to explore the possible locations of hitching posts on city owned parking lots. Additionally Hall would like to explore the clearing of trees along the I-94 exit ramps.

Police Report

 Chief Tressa Beltran presented a written report detailing activity of 720 duty hours with 20 foot patrol hours which included 120 complaints for the month of November, resulting in 11 arrests including four felonies.

The department is accepting cash and toy donations for the annual “Shop with a Cop” program benefiting underprivileged children.

Ordinance Officer Report

 A written report from Ordinance Officer Jim Coleman noted five property inspections for the month of November. Blight postings for the month totaled 23 violations resulting in 23 follow-ups.

Fire Report

 The Hartford Joint Fire Department responded to 29 calls in the month of November, including 23 rescue/ medical calls and three structure fires, with Assistant Chief Kevin McGrew reporting.

Ambulance Report

 Medic 1 Board Representative Pete Sinclair submitted a written report of 42 calls for the month of November with 19 being ambulance calls and 23 were wheelchair transports. No response times or Priority I/II call breakdown were provided.

Public Works

 Superintendent Dan Staunton was present to answer question on his written report noting standard maintenance tasks, the conclusion of fall leaf pickup and the installation of holiday decorations. The start of winter snow removal has officially begun with salt supplies in great shape thanks to a mild November.

Two water turn-offs took place with one new service turn-on. The city pumped 5.286 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. Strand reported routine tasks, while noting multiple out of range violations in the ongoing issue of the new ultraviolet disinfecting system failure to perform as planned.

The report struck a nerve with the commissioners, frustrated at the round-robin communications from Wightman and Associates and various consultants that have been engaged since the plants upgrades went online. Strand contends the UV system is inappropriate for the plant’s configuration. Commissioner Ron Burleson was quite adamant saying, “This has to come to a head…” and questioning, “…So we just wasted our money?” The city manager assured that both Wightman representatives and Strand would both be present at next month’s meeting to address the issues.

Treasurer’s Report

 Treasurer Pam Shultz presented a written report for the month November in the amount of $372,040.17.

City Manager’s Report

Ambulance Service RFP

City Manager Yemi Akinwale reported only one respondent to the Request for Proposal for the replacement of Medic 1 Ambulance Service. Despite more than a half-dozen services who sought copies of the RFP, the lone proposal came from Pride Care Ambulance. The proposal now goes back to committee for review before the commission will act to approve.

1 East Main

 De Lisle and Associates LTD have completed their Asbestos Assessment. The assessment will be added as a condition of the demolition bid RFPs.

Redevelopment Ready Community

Akinwale is recommending a resolution supporting the Michigan Economic Development Corporation program that may aid the city in securing financial assistance in redevelopment of the downtown business district.

36 West Main

 The City Manager further recommends the denial of a request from His Place Cathedral of Faith for a tax exemption on the property at 36 West Main Street. The church already owns two exempt buildings in the business district.

Deficit Reduction Plan

 The Treasury Department required the city in 2015 to file a plan to eliminate the deficit in the city’s water budget. Although greatly improved, the budget still remains unbalanced requiring an updated filing of the reduction plan.

Old Business

 Immediate Past Mayor Ted Johnson read a letter into the record sincerely thanking all who have worked with him throughout his over 30 years in city government. Johnson concluded with his formal resignation from the Fire Board.

New Business

 Under new business the RFP from Pride Care Ambulance was officially forwarded to committee for opinion.

A discussion of hitching posts accommodations for Amish residents took place. It is the understanding of the city that Chemical Bank and Harding’s are considering the same. Recommendations will be brought back to the council including perhaps a combination bicycle/ hitching post installation in the city’s public parking lots.

Commissioners reviewed and unanimously approved the Fee Schedule for the city notably including a new provision for the Application & Permit for a Medical Marijuana Business in the amount of $5,000 (non-refundable). The MMB license itself is just $5, same fee as a rummage sale permit.

Resolutions

 In a roll-call vote, the commission unanimously approved: Resolution 2017-13 – West Main Tax Exemption Denial; Resolution 2017-14 – MEDC Redevelopment Ready Community Support; and Resolution 2017-15 – Deficit Elimination Plan Update.

Having no further business, Mayor Hall adjourned his first official meeting at 8:22 p.m. The council next meets in the New Year for a workshop session on Monday, January 15.

BEST DECORATED… The Watervliet Christmas committee has announced the winners of the Best Decorated House con-test for 2017. Pictured is the winner of the first place award, $100; the home at 2743 N. M-140, sub-mitted by Linda Scott. Winner of the second place award, $50 B&B Outlet gift certificate, is the home at 716 Richard Ave., submitted by Ti-na Kibler Admave. Winner of the third place award, a $20 gift certificate to Mill Creek Charlie’s is the home at 7604 Red Arrow Hwy., Lot # 115 submitted by Joyce Burgess Lindemann. Best decorated house entrants to the photo contest were voted on by Facebook visitors.

Hometown Holiday Happenings…

FLOWER DELIVERY… Paw Paw Lake Rotary donates poinsettias to the North Berrien Senior Center in Coloma for their annual Christmas lunch.  The seniors’ names are entered into a door prize drawing and the lucky winners get to take the poinsettias home. Pictured here accepting the delivery is Sue Dahlquist, Director of North Berrien Senior Center, with Ron Clark, Paw Paw Lake Rotary member. The Rotary has made this donation for many years.  Paw Paw Lake Rotary Club meets on Wednesday’s at Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet at 12 noon.

Holiday Bake, Craft and Gift sale at Lakeland Hospital Watervliet today; Holiday Gift Shop open Saturday

Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet Auxiliary will host their annual Holiday Bake, Craft and Gift Sale on Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Classroom C.

Featured will be homemade baked goods, candy and last minute gifts. Also available for purchase are raffle tickets for a chance to win wonderful door prizes.  Ticket holders need not be present to win. All proceeds from Auxiliary fundraisers benefit our local Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet.

In addition, the Auxiliary will open Park Bench Gift Shop, located at Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet on Saturday, December 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Christmas & New Years Mass schedule at St. Joseph Catholic Church

4th Sunday of Advent (Sunday Obligation)

Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017 5:00 p.m. Mass and Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 8:30 a.m. Mass

Christmas Obligation Masses

Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 Vigil of Christmas 5:00 p.m. Mass; Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 Midnight Mass 12:00 a.m. with carols starting at 11:30 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Mass

New Years

Saturday and Sunday Dec. 30 & 31, 2017 – regular schedule Sat. 5 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Monday, January 1, 2018 Solemnity of Mary 12:00 p.m. Noon Mass

Come and spend Christmas with us! St. Joseph Catholic Church, 157 Lucinda Lane in Watervliet.

Watervliet Free Methodist Church Candlelight Communion Dec. 24

Sunday, Dec. 24 – 10:30 a.m. Worship Service (no Sunday School) and 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion

Sunday, Dec. 31 –   9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages and 10:30 a.m. Worship Service

The public is invited to all services. Watervliet Free Methodist Church is located at 7734 Paw Paw Ave. in Watervliet. Call 269-463-8280 for more information.

Senior Services

Hartford United Methodist Church

Senior Services of Van Buren County has announced all activity centers are closed for the holidays for the week of December 24 to December 30, 2017.

North Berrien Historical Museum children’s winter program “Snow Birds”

On Saturday, Dec. 30 from 1:00-2:30 p.m., the North Berrien Historical Museum, 300 Coloma Ave. in Coloma will host a free kid’s program about snow birds.

Flock on over to the North Berrien Historical Museum during mid-winter break for a fun afternoon about birds! Learn all about the birds that live in Michigan and what they do for the winter from a Sarett naturalist, meet Cookie the barred owl, and make a pinecone bird feeder to put out for the birds in your backyard.

This free program is designed for children ages 6-12 and their families. For questions, contact the museum at (269) 468-3330 or by email to kristen@northberrienhistory.org.