Coloma Charter Township Board focuses on plans for 2024

Coloma Charter Township Board focused on improving their township and making plans this fall for future projects to be implemented in the spring when the met on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023 at the Coloma Charter Township Hall.

Water project update

Alan Smaka, engineering consultant, addressed the meeting about the overall progress concerning the current status of the water project and plans for the future. Smaka explained that current plans need to be reviewed now, bids submitted for the project by January 2024, and implemented in the spring.

The board recommended that the plans be reviewed, approved in December, and the final process started in the spring.

Coloma Public Library to host PBS event

Mary Harrison, Coloma library director, shared that the Coloma Public Library has been selected as one of only two Michigan libraries to partner with PBS Michiana to host a Family Literacy Night on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Each child attending will receive a Read, Write, ROAR activity book to take home.

The Coloma community is invited to participate in this family-friendly “Learn Everywhere Challenge.”

Committee reports

Trustee Bryan Duffield reported that the road committee has a meeting scheduled for Nov. 15 to discuss plans for road improvements in 2024.

Treasurer Jim Fulton shared that the planning committee met on Nov. 1 and addressed some revisions to the zoning ordinance, reviewed the bylaws, and made plans to update rules of the planning committee in the future.

Coloma Township Police Chief, Wes Smigielski reported that everything is running smoothly in the department. The new ordinance officer, Chris Gage, has begun handling the issue of abandoned vehicles in the township.

Court order for Johnson Road clean-up

After repeated attempts to have the homeowner clean up the property at 5877 Johnson Road Chief Smigielski reported that a judge has issued a court order for the said property to be cleaned.

Precision Cutz, LLC lawn care has agreed to do the clean up for $900. The board approved contracting Precision Cutz for the job at the cost of $900 which will be added to the homeowner’s tax bill.

Roof drainage remedy needed at the township hall

A new drain pipe needs to be installed that will prevent flooding in the township hall basement by redirecting roof runoff away from the building. A curb on the property also needs to be repaired. The township board approved funds not to exceed $6,000 to fund the drainage and curb repair project.

Grant approval for a new kayak launch

Tony Bertuca shared “good news” that a $25,000 grant from AEP has been awarded for improvements at the AEP park area on the Paw Paw River. This is a non-pay back grant that the township can utilize with matching funds.

A proposed kayak launch can be ordered from Donkersloot & Sons Marine Development Co. for the price of $36,637 if ordered now by paying one-third of the cost at this time. Bertuca asked the board to approve ordering the launch now at the price given so that it can be installed in the spring. The board unanimously approved ordering the launch.

Broadband internet opportunity for rural customers

Dave Vollrath, Berrien County Commissioner for District 1, addressed the board about broadband service becoming available to residents who currently do not have service. Funding is available to Berrien County from the state to help provide access to hi-speed internet service to approximately 850 households in more rural areas that are currently unserved.

Midwest Electric and Communications (MEC) applied for the grant to provide services in Berrien County as needed. Vollrath will be monitoring the broadband service issues and keep the community informed.