Coloma Charter Township Board gives go ahead on bid solicitation for water project; kayak launch coming to AEP park on the river

Coloma Charter Township Board centered on finalizing on-going projects and making plans for completion in the new year during their Wednesday, Dec. 13, meeting.

Alan Smaka, engineering consultant, presented the board and community with information concerning the current status of the water project. Smaka shared that plans have been reviewed and the process of obtaining bids from contractors is the next step. He asked the board to authorize the bidding process. The board unanimously approved Smaka’s plans as presented and authorized him to obtain bids for the project by the February board meeting.

Coloma Public Library facilitates a PBS event

Mary Harrison, Coloma library director, shared that the Coloma Public Library was selected as a site for the “Iconic Michigan” pilot project from the Michigan Learning Channel and PBS. The Coloma library hopes to partner with a collaborative teacher and students at Coloma Junior High/High School in 2024 to feature the history and significance of notable places in the communities of Coloma, Coloma Township, Hagar Township, and Bainbridge Township.

Committee reports

Coloma Township Police Chief, Wes Smigielski reported that Officer Drew Wagner is recovering from being shot in the line of duty in November and wanted to express his thanks for the community’s support to Officer Wagner and his family.

Mikki Swisher from the Planning Commission shared that the commission is in the process of reviewing all current township ordinances, such as fences around vacant lots, shipping containers being used for storage, and attached garage sizes that affect the property values in the township.

Plans for new ambulance facility uncertain

The original plan to construct living quarters and an ambulance garage in Hagar Township at the North Berrien Fire Station seems to still be in the planning stage. Currently, ambulance service from Medic 1 is operating smoothly from the Coloma city fire station.

Grant funds have been secured for the new kayak launch

Coloma Charter Township has received a $25,000 grant from American Electric Power to be used for a planned kayak launch at the AEP park area on the Paw Paw River. Matching funds from the township will be used for the kayak launch purchase that was approved at the Nov. 4, 2023 meeting.

New resolution approved

Clerk Sheila Hickmott presented a resolution to adopt the 2023 Poverty Exemption and Policy Guidelines that would provide a property tax exemption for the principal residence of persons who by reason of poverty/low income are unable to pay their property taxes. The board unanimously approved adopting this resolution.

Broadband internet update

Dave Vollrath, Berrien County Commissioner for District 1, shared with the board that the broadband service expansion process is making good progress. In the near future broadband service will be available to all residents who currently do not have service.