Hartford Twp. water main extension work began in September

Board passes resolution opposing Michigan House Bill 5120 that takes away local control

of renewable energy facilities

Van Buren County Commissioners and public safety departments were in attendance at the Hartford Township Board meeting on Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Hartford Township Hall, to provide current activity to the board members.

Hartford Fire & Rescue

Hartford Fire and Rescue Department Chief, Robbie Harting gave his report that included the scheduled fall events.

A Car Seat Check was conducted Sunday, Oct. 22 by SafeKids Greater South Haven in association with Bronson Hospital. Children had to be present and buckled in their seat to be checked, expecting parents were invited to attend as well. All parents and caregivers were taught about proper installation. Sometimes a replacement is the best option.

The department’s Spooktacular event was on Halloween, Oct. 31, 5 to 8 p.m. Hartford Firefighters Association offered games, prizes and festive snacks.

Committees and reports

Treasurer Starner offered appreciation to the help they received from a few members of the fire department. They helped stand the flag pole at the Old Pioneer site, upright again.

Two zoning requests were filed in August, for a shed and a deck.

Public is asked to note that there are permits required for outdoor events.

Van Buren County Road Commissioner Rick Boze and Van Buren County Commissioner Mike Chappell updated the board on county business.

Water Main Extension

The official start date of the work on the extension project was last month, Monday, Sept. 11. There was an Open House scheduled for Oct. 16 at the Van Buren ISD Conference Center in Lawrence, at 490 S. Paw Paw Street.

Resolution of Opposition

Hartford Township Board, along with numerous other municipalities in the county have passed resolutions “Opposing legislation to preempt local control for the siting and permitting of utility-scale renewable facilities including solar, wind and large-scale battery storage facilities.” Specifically, this is in relation to House Bill 5120.

This bill has the jurisdiction of the planning, siting, and permitting of these large-scale projects being held by the Michigan Public Service Commission, a governor-appointed board. The concern is that having this level of impact on the community left in the hands of a non-elected commission gives the people little to hold them accountable for and makes the projects something that may or may-not be in the best interest of the community or the local economic scope.

Next meeting

Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at the Hartford Township Hall. Public is welcome.