Casco Township Board of Trustees: December 16, 2024

The Casco Township Board convened on December 16 with newly elected Trustee Mary Campbell and Clerk Rachel Ridley joining re-elected Treasurer Kenny Clevenger, Supervisor Allan Overhiser, and Trustee Dan Fleming. Highlights from the regular board meeting of December 16, 2024:

Planning Commission: Trustee Dan Fleming reported that the commission prefers to tweak the original plan and rejected much of the initial chapters of the updated draft Master Plan.

Parks and Recreation: Paul Macyauski reported an updated quote from Land Resource Engineering for drawings suitable for securing soil erosion permits. The Board approved further action with this firm not to exceed $11,000. This allows the committee to make additional progress on restoring access to the beach from the Casco Township Nature Preserve. The Parks and Recreation Committee is also exploring sources of funding ranging from donations from residents to grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Senior Services: Linda Teeter reported that the Casco Senior Program is transitioning from being run by Casco Township staff to the Senior Services of Van Buren County. Upcoming programs beginning January 6 at the Casco Township Hall include exercise, lunch (Thursdays only) and another activity. She also stated that if at least five residents wanted to attend programming at the VBSS main location in South Haven for a few hours, Star Bus transportation could be arranged. Supervisor Overhiser thanked Mary Campbell and Celia Kuick for their work with Casco seniors over the past few years.

South Haven Area Water Sewer Authority (SHAWSA): Allan Overhiser reported that Covert and Palisades (Holtec Nuclear Power Plant) may join SHAWSA as the plant is seeking to be served by a sewer line from South Haven. If this occurs, Covert Township would have a seat on the SHAWSA board.

Zoning Board of Appeals: The recent request brought by the Armstrongs for a variance on Beach Dr in Miami park was not approved. The desire was for a variance to construct a home 10' from the road for view purposes.

Old Business:

Allegan County Test Well: Allegan County seeks to construct a test well on the SHAES property on 66th St to monitor the level and health of the aquifer. This would provide baseline information. The well would transfer to SHAES.

In discussion, Fleming cited the existence of well logs and expressed reluctance to give government agencies additional data because of "what they may be obligated to do with it."County Commissioner Lubbers, who was familiar with this project, stated that the test wells were focused on the quantity of the aquifer rather than the quality, which is already monitored through agricultural test wells. Lubbers stated that the sites were developed by geologists and spread throughout areas of the County, starved for water or not. Overhiser spoke to the value of having facts about the water supply to inform decisions when developments are being considered. Decision made to accept the Test Well at the SHAES site, in a 3-2 vote with Overhiser, Ridley, and Campbell voting yes; and Fleming and Clevenger voting no.

Payroll Service: Clerk Rachel Ridley reported that she researched several payroll services and offered ADP at a yearly rate of $5003.08 or Envision at $2920. Envision is based in Saugatuck and also specializes in smaller municipalities. The Board selected Envision.

Black River Park Lots: No bids were submitted for these miscellaneous parcels owned by the Township, all of which are landlocked.

New Business:

MNRTF grant: The Board approved the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant extension to the end of January 2025.

Clerk as Notary: Rachel Ridley, new Clerk, will become a notary to serve Casco residents.

Casco Township Facebook Page: Clerk Ridley will establish a Facebook page for the Township to use for quick announcements and other outreach. The comments feature will be disabled.

Trustee's Request for Office Hours: Mary Campbell stated that during her campaign, residents asked for more communication. She would like to hold office hours at the Township from 10:30 to noon on Tuesdays. In discussion, because the Township can be busy at this time with building and zoning matters, the senior services office was suggested as a good location if the open space is too crowded. Campbell's request was approved.

Schedule of meetings for 2025: The Board will continue meeting on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in 2025, with the exception of January. The January meeting will be held on Tuesday January 21 as Monday January 20, 2025 is both Dr. Martin Luther King Day and inauguration day.

Appointments:

Planning Commission: Kelly Hecker and Greg Knisley were reappointed to 3 year terms. Dan Fleming will continue to be the representative from the Board of Trustees.

ZBA: Alex Overhiser was appointed and Mary Campbell is the Trustee representative.

Parks and Recreation: Debbie Weaver and Don Kuick were reappointed to 3 year terms and Paul Macyauski was named to the open seat. Mary Campbell is the Trustee representative.

Board of Review: Matt Hamlin, Mary Tobin, and David Campbell were reappointed to two year terms with Alex Overhiser as alternate.

Road Committee: Monty Brenner was reappointed to serve and Allan Overhiser continues as a representative from the Board of Trustees.

Fennville District Library: Marilyn Jessup will serve an additional term

SHAES: Allan Overhiser will represent Casco Township.

SHAWSA: Allan Overhiser will continue and Ron Wise will serve until next year.