Two drains on Park Road are getting emergency repairs in Bainbridge Township costing $22,886
The Bainbridge Township Board of Trustees held their monthly meeting on Nov. 13, 2023 at the Bainbridge Township Hall. The meeting was called to order by Township Supervisor, Andrew Gardner. It began with the ringing of the bell and the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. After no public comments about the agenda items, the approval of the agenda was accepted and the meeting was underway.
Township drains
Under new business on the agenda, the board received two notices per the new Michigan Law that affected Chapter 280, Section 201, of the Drain Code of 1956. It now reads:
“Sec. 201. (1) At least 7 days before entering property for any excavation or tree removal to be performed under this chapter, the drain commissioner or drainage board shall mail notice of the expected entry by first-class mail to the property owner.”
Because of this new law, the township was informed that within the drain right-of-way located at 1451 S. Park Road the Brandt & Dix #80 Drain will be worked on.
Due to a recent field study, it was found that emergency repairs are needed specifically addressing the significant flooding that still seems to be a problem in that area. The flooding is endangering the stability and safety of that portion of South Park Road. Not to mention the possibility of a septic field failure of a nearby landowner. Therefore, the emergency repairs that are needed, would be to remove and replace the field tile under the road, remove and replace the existing catch basin on the west side of the road and finally, assess any septic backup to the neighboring property.
The other notification was for the Briet #63 Drain that is also experiencing significant flooding in part of Park Road. The tile failure under this portion of the road has led to an embankment collapse, which caused closures to the southbound lane. The needed repairs for this section of Park Road will also include removing and replacing the field tile under the road, removing and replacing the installing catch basins on both sides of the road, and reconstruction of the collapsed embankment.
These emergency repairs, along with other drain maintenance will cost the township $22,886.04.
Additionally, in other new business the board approved a new fee schedule for 2023-2024 and made some minor budget amendments.
Treasurer’s Report
Nancy Weber presented the treasurer’s report for October. The Township Board approved the paying of bills for a total of $146,782.44 for the month. In her report, Weber noted there were some expenses needing to be noted to account for such high expenditures. These include $50,271.00 for road construction expenses and $22,886.04 for drain expenses, $27,424.25 for fire department expenses, $18,519.21 for ambulance expenses, and the Master Plan Update cost of $2,792.84.
Police and Fire Reports
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department submitted the statistics for September 2023. The report reflected that there were 35 complaints worked in the township with eight tickets issued and one arrest.
Benton Charter Township Fire Department had two incidences within the township. On Oct. 23 there was a vehicle accident with a tractor on East Napier and on Oct. 31 there was a call for a house fire on Empire Avenue.
Sister Lakes Fire Department reported only one assist to the incident that transpired on Oct. 31 where there was a house fire on Empire Avenue.
Medic 1 Ambulance had no report.
Other reports
At the board meeting, the board discussed and approved the Assessor’s report submitted by Scott Anderson. Anderson has been entering data for the new parcels and construction from this year. His report also reflected that he attended the required continuing education classes for his current position.
The Building and Zoning report submitted by Ross Rogien showed nine permits totaling $1,582.88 for the building department and three Zoning permits totaling $500 for October.
The Mechanical Activity Report by Ken Jewell reflected an income of $490 for three permits and the Plumbing Report by Ken Benjamin had two permits issued for an income of $503.
Ron Kettlehut, the Electrical inspector for the township, issued five permits totaling $1,477.
All reports were approved as presented.
Public Comment
Worney Skidmore from the North Berrien Senior Center updated the Board on how the Center is serving Bainbridge Township and the community.
Having no other business, the board thanked all guests for coming to the meeting and adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Comments