Coloma Charter Township Board met on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the Coloma Charter Township Hall. Township Supervisor Ken Parrigin called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Jen Schreier, Glad-Peach Festival President, shared a few of the changes in the festival this year. The Glad-Peach Festival will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 31 and August 1, 2026 only. There will not be events on Sunday this year.

Schreier thanked the Coloma Charter Township Board for their support last year and approached the board to consider giving financial support to the event this year. The board unanimously voted to contribute $2,000 dollars again this year. More information is available on Facebook or on the website www.gladpeachfest.com.

Coloma Community Schools Superintendent Dave Ehlers was at the meeting to discuss the Zero Mill Bond. He explained that the May 5, 2026 bond proposal is aimed at improving the Coloma Community Schools infrastructure with no net increase in the current millage rate. The bond proposal focuses on needed safety, security, and improved learning spaces for Coloma’s students.

Ehlers provided everyone at the meeting with a comprehensive overview of the key details of the 2026 bond proposal and explained key projects would be funded. Superintendent Ehlers stressed that all of the new projects are much needed and would ensure that costly repairs in the future would be avoided. More information is available at www.ccsbond.com.

Departmental updates

Trustee Bryan Duffield shared that the Coloma cemetery is in good shape and will soon be ready for spring mowing.

In addition, Duffield reported that plans for upgrading the dugouts at Washington Park have been changed. Instead of a major painting project as initially planned, the baseball association only wants the cement blocks sealed this year. He also said the kayak launch at AEP Park will be installed soon.

Tracy Tavolacci reported that the joint fire board committee is in the process of selecting a new fire chief for the North Berrien Fire Rescue to replace Michael Mattix, who is retiring at the end of August. The fire board will meet again next week. The plan is to interview internal candidates first and have a new chief hired by August 1 so that the incoming chief can work with Chief Mattix through the month of August.

Matt Quinn from Great Lakes Rescue shared that there were 42 emergency medical service (EMS) responses in Coloma Township during March. Eight responses were Priority I, 32 were Priority II, there were two fire standby calls, and two vehicle crashes. The average response time for Priority I calls was 4:30 minutes and an average of approximately 5:30 minutes for Priority II calls.

The Little Free Library box at the township hall will be getting a “facelift” soon according to Mary Harrison, Director of the Coloma Public Library. She reported that The Little Free Library box will be repainted soon to make it more attractive to visitors.

North Berrien Community

Development update

Chana Kniebes reported that the St. Patrick’s Day parade and activities were a great success in spite of the chilly weather. Kniebes expressed her appreciation to all those involved in the festivities, but especially to the Coloma Public Library for offering a book sale, the North Berrien Historical Museum for hosting a scavenger hunt, and to the local businesses who supported the St. Patrick’s Day activities.

Chief Smigielski commended

Officer Hess for handling the

recent Amber Alert incident

Coloma Township Police Chief Wes Smigielski was pleased to share that due to the diligence of Officer Riley Hess a potentially tragic outcome was averted. Officer Hess discovered the car described in an Amber Alert out of Iowa. Thanks to Officer Hess the suspect is in custody and the young girl has been reunited with her family.

Chief Smigielski reported that there was a significant increase in police activity in March. The department investigated 227 complaints, made four felony and 16 misdemeanor arrests during the reporting period. Officers made 31 traffic stops and issued 11 citations during the month.

Paw Paw Lake Improvement is getting ready for lake treatments

Trustee Duffield shared that the Paw Paw Lake Improvement website has been updated and provides information about the treatments that are scheduled this spring. The Phoslock treatment is planned for mid-April. According to Jim Hoadley, the biochar bags should be placed in the designated areas in May.

Community updates and

public comments

Bob Orsi of the Paw Paw Lake Association shared that the association district will be installing safety and no-wake buoys, plus organizing the boat wash station soon in preparation for the summer season.

Harold Bragg expressed his feelings that the Coloma community should support the upcoming Coloma Community Schools bond proposal by voting yes. Bragg stated that “better schools add more value to your home and create a better educated community that benefits everyone!”

Supervisor Parrigin adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m.