WATERVLIET HOMECOMING ROYALTY… was crowned Friday during halftime of the Panthers game against Delton Kellogg. Mercede Daugherty, 17, was crowned Homecoming Queen and Tyler Brant, 17, was crowned Homecoming King. Daugherty is the daughter of Edie and Roy Daugherty. Brant is the son of Sarah and Chett Brant. The district celebrated Homecoming with an Olympic theme. Dress up days included: ‘Merica Monday, Toga Tuesday, Watersport Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, and Go for the Gold Friday. The senior class won Dress Up days with the most participation. Sophomore took second, freshmen finished third, and the juniors claimed fourth place. The junior class won the downtown busi-nesses window painting contest, followed by the seniors, sophomores, and freshman. First place in float building went to the juniors, with the senior class in second place followed by the freshmen and sophomores. The Class of 2017 was awarded an ice cream sundae party as they “Got the Gold.”
Hagar voters asked to restore Headlee Rollback and LMC millage at November 8, election
By Jon Bisnett
Hagar voters will have two local measures to consider on the November 8 ballot. Lake Michigan College seeks a Capital Millage of 0.48 mills for 10 years. The Headlee Amendment Rollback measure asks voters to restore 0.632 negative affects to the Township to the tune of roughly $60,000 in general fund revenue. Should the voters approve the measure on November 8, a homeowner with a State Equalized Value of $50,000 would pay less than $1.22 per month. The 0.632 mills would restore roughly $63,000 in the General Fund. For the past several years the Township has spent $60,000 on average for road repairs. By the same scenario of taxable value the LMC proposal would cost the resident $24 annually.
Guests
County Commissioner Bill Smith reported on the ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly revamped Rocky Gap Park. He described the site as so exceptional that three weddings have already been booked for spring of 2017. The County Budget should be completed in the next 7-10 days. Smith told of a sticking point centered on a line item for indigent defense, wherein it has been alleged that certain attorneys assigned these cases were not performing their duties per contractual standards. Smith also told of an upcoming story he expects to appear in the Herald Palladium telling the tale of a fishing trip along the Paw Paw River, by the HP staff outdoor writer. The article should help to shed even more publicity on the Paw Paw River clean-up effort.
Supervisor’s Report
Supervisor Izzy DiMaggio deferred to Deb Kavanaugh regarding the Paw Paw River group discussion of a proposed Maintenance Fund to provide relief in the event of sudden storm activity and unforeseen natural events and in addition cover administrative costs of the Berrien County Planning Commission as fiduciary. A figure of $7,500 per community has been suggested among the 16 entities involved. Kavanaugh made a motion to that effect which was unanimously approved. DiMaggio touched upon the mailer going out to residents regarding the Headlee Amendment Rollback. In closing Izzy explained the Downtown Development Authority will meet December 5 to vote as to proceed to further engage the Abonmarche firm to file a grant application for a canoe launch recreation area at the former township landfill site. The site plan is already complete making the grant paperwork no additional cost. Application deadline is April 1 of 2017 with a decision expected in late 2017 and in the case of a favorable determination the monies would not be available until sometime in 2018.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Marlene Davis presented September expenses in the amount of $66,682.67 noting a $20,000 expense to the County Road Commission as the Township’s share of work on Pier Road.
Clerk’s Report
Clerk Ian Haight reported just 6 calls for Pride Care Ambulance with an average response time of 8:19 for the month of September. Haight again reminded that the November election is coming up. He is always on the lookout for additional election workers.
Sheriff’s Department
Deputy Everly reported just 42 complaints within the township during the month of August, including seven citations and two arrests. Eight Traffic incidents were noted.
Fire Report
Fire Board Treasurer Ian Haight reported 21 runs in the month of September with 11 occurring in Hagar Township, 11 in Coloma Township and two in the City of Coloma. The purchase of the department’s new tanker truck is moving forward. The $300,000 tanker will not be completed and paid out until sometime in 2107, however the Fire Board is asking the three municipalities to consider buying the underlying $100,000 cab & chassis outright which will save several thousand in interest. A motion by Haight was approved for Hagar to pay its share, approximately $41,000, of the chassis now. The current balance of Hagar’s Fire Equipment Fund is just under $400,000. The NBJ Fire Board following the recommendation of fire consultant Jeff Swanson is now forming a local search team to be formed of two Fire Board members, a resident from each participating entity, a fireman and one or more local chiefs. Swanson firm will locate, filter and score candidates for the local team’s ultimate consideration and interviews.
Building Inspector’s Report
Supervisor DiMaggio reported on behalf of Inspector Butch Kelley, stating just five permits for $70,300 in the prior month. Kelley has a list of ordinance violations in the works including the following: 3098 M-63, 3171 M-63, 5436 Hickory, 6413 M-63 and 3068 Birch Avenue. Each has been formally cited and in some cases given extra time to comply. The board supports Kelly fully in moving on these properties by all legal means available.
Parks & Recreation
Parks Director Deb Kavanaugh reported business is winding down in the park system, will continue to provide basic trash and porta-potti services until first snow fall.
New Business
The Lake Michigan College millage proposal was presented to the board explaining the needs for infrastructure repair and replacement, security upgrades and modernization of class rooms. Results from the annual audit as conducted by Gabridge & Co. revealed the Township exceeded its liabilities at the close of the fiscal year by $3,967,081. With zero long-term debt, the amount represents an equity position equivalent to 2.3 years of operations. The Board unanimously approved Deb Kavanaugh as liaison to the local Fire Chief Search Committee. Trick or Treat hours are set for Saturday, October 29 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Public Commentary
Bill Johnson of Park Lane spoke to complain of a recent call to Pride Care Ambulance with a response time well in excess of 20 minutes. Johnson continued to describe a “laundry list” of additional issues with Pride Care at which point DiMaggio intervened, asking “Have you contacted Pride Care Director Bill Mears?” Johnson had not. DiMaggio made no apology in saying “I’ve been on this board for over 5 years and in that time we have seen two complaints come to our attention regarding Pride Care Ambulance. We cannot affect any issue if people like you don’t come forward.” DiMaggio exchanged contacts information with Johnson and will contact Director Mears for him. Having no further public business Supervisor DiMaggio entertained a motion to enter closed session for discussions with legal counsel. The Board meets next for the regular monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 14.
FLAGS A-FLYIN’… Members of the Watervliet flag corps performed with the high school band during the Homecoming parade Friday. The parade, which included floats, the Watervliet equestrian team, and public safety units started at Arclight Brewery, proceeded downtown on Main Street, and ended at the high school before the Panthers took the field for Friday night football against Delton Kellogg. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)
COLOMA WATERVLIET AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE… was pleased to have a ribbon cutting at the initial opening of Watervliet’s newest business, JnK Gift Shop. Pictured (from the left): Chamber Treasurer Linda Jackson, Chamber President Karla Smothers, Owners Jeff Little and Kris Richardson, Chamber Coordinator Chana Kniebes, Chamber VP Dave Scheuer, and Bonnie Lewis. JnK Gift Shop is located at 8273 Arnt Blvd and offers a unique selection of custom printed t-shirt and hoodies, Southwest Michigan souvenirs, gifts and more.
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