Coloma Township Board addresses on-going Paw Paw Lake SAD project

Coloma Charter Township Board met on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023 at the Coloma Charter Township Hall. This month’s meeting focused on updating the community on several on-going projects in the township.

Paul Hausler, Water Resources Practice Leader from Progressive AE, who gave an in-depth overview of Progressive AE’s involvement in the Paw Paw Lake SAD project at the September meeting, provided a progress report on the Oct. 3, 2023 meeting with Spicer engineering. Hausler also offered more information on the planned stormwater improvements and water quality monitoring/ nutrient loading models for Paw Paw Lake. Hausler will be providing monthly progress reports on the project, followed by a comprehensive presentation in the spring.

New ordinance officer introduced to the community

Township clerk, Sheila Hickmott presented Chris Gage as a candidate for the position of Charter Township Ordinance Officer. Coloma Charter Township Police Chief Wes Smigielski introduced Gage at the meeting and shared that he is well qualified to handle the ordinance issues in the township. The board approved hiring Chris Gage as the new ordinance officer.

Proposed future drainage project presented

Berrien County Drain Commissioner Chris Quattrin and Spicer engineer, Larry Protasiewicz presented information concerning drainage issues which create flooding in the area of Big C Lumber on Red Arrow Highway. The problem has existed for some time and needs to be addressed. Both Quattrin and Protasiewicz explained that their study of the drainage problem indicates that a branch needs to be added to the Howe, Ryno, and Worden drain #242.

Drain Commissioner Quattrin asked the board to pass a resolution so that the county can take the necessary steps to move forward with the project. The board unanimously approved the resolution for the project.

Short term rental issue resolved

The final draft of the short term rental ordinance has been finalized. The updated ordinance defines a short term rental to be a term of 29 days or less and addresses the registration process and procedures for the property owner before advertising or renting a dwelling. The ordinance states specific guidelines of violations, consequences, and revocation of the property owner’s registration.

After considerable discussion a motion was made by the board to approve the new short term rental ordinance as written. The motion was approved and the new policy will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

The short term ordinance is available on the Coloma Charter Township website.

Upcoming events

North Berrien Historical Museum will be hosting their annual Holiday Open House at the museum Dec. 8-10. More details will be available on the museum’s Facebook page.

North Berrien Community Development reminded the community that everyone is invited to the “Trunk or Treat” event at the Salem Lutheran Church activity field on Saturday, Oct. 21 from 2-4 p.m. More information is available on their Facebook page.

North Berrien Community Development and the Coloma-Watervliet Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a “Business Recognition Night” on Tuesday, December 12, from 5-7 p.m. downstairs at The Friendly Tavern.

Committee report

Trustee Bryan Duffield reported that the Interlochen and Johnson roads paving project has been completed, but the Boyer Road project mentioned several months ago has been postponed until spring.

Public comments

Tony Bertuca mentioned that the Berrien County Board of Commissioners recently stated that they are against legislation that would strip local governmental control of solar/wind power. Bertuca asked the board if they had received information about proposed legislation concerning solar/wind power.

Mary Harrison, Coloma library director, reminded Coloma Township residents of the solar eclipse on Saturday, Oct. 14, and distributed special eyewear for viewing.