Highlights of May 19 Board of Trustees meeting

Casco Township Hall, meeting place of the Casco Township Board of Trustees

While the 7:00 pm meeting of the Casco Township Board of Trustees on Monday, May 19, 2025 was dominated by discussion of the Casco Township Noise Ordinance and an Outdoor Gathering Permit request by Daydreamer Domes (see related article), the Board covered the rest of the agenda expeditiously.

In public comment not related to the Daydreamer Domes agenda items, Chris Kleinjans, Community Impact Officer (Housing) of the Allegan County Community Foundation, shared the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment for Allegan County, Michigan produced by Bowen National Research. He stated that Allegan County is short 6,200 housing units. A significant percentage of Allegan County residents are cost burdened when it comes to housing--meaning they spend more than 30% of their monthly household income on housing. Kleinjans went on to say that Lakeshore Advantage, Allegan County's Economic Developer, reports that a lack of housing hampers economic development. Kleinjans' role with the Community Foundation is to "convene and assist" Township leadership with addressing housing concerns in their communities.

In other public comment, Trustee Mary Campbell said she received correspondence regarding bright lights at the Township Hall. While she reported it to the Planning Commission, she also wanted the Board to know so the bright lights could be better managed.

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES): Chief Brandon Hinz provided a brief report.

• All SHAES staff passed their medical exams.

• SHAES will have a donation-only Pancake Breakfast on Sunday May 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the main Blue Star Highway station in South Haven.

• Recent trainings included one on EMS, mental health, and public service; and EMS and billing.

• Currently Medicaid payments do not cover the full cost of EMS calls.

• Staff have been engaged in vehicle maintenance and new grass trucks are awaiting pickup from the dealer.

• SHAES has responded to multiple camper fires recently.

• SHAES has recently offered assistance to Ganges Fire Department.

Fennville District Library: Board member Robert Sherwood reported that the Library is in the midst of a parking lot expansion. The demolition is underway. The size of the storage unit for stormwater drainage is currently being reviewed. Patrons using the library should part on the street or in designated spaces by the Credit Union, and enter from the west side. Persons wishing to donate to the project are welcome to do so.

Clerk: Clerk Rachel Ridley presented the April 21 minutes for approval and budget amendments, all of which were approved.

Treasurer: Treasurer Kenny Clevenger reported on fund balances. He has also brought the Township into compliance for the new credit card processing option which is being widely used by STR owners registering their rentals ahead of the 2025 rental season.

ZBA: Mary Campbell reported that a recent request for a variance to build a garage was approved.

SHAWSA: The South Haven Water and Sewer Authority budget has been distributed to each municipality for comment.

New Business:

The EMC proposal for liability insurance was approved.

There have been no further changes to the draft budget.

On behalf of a resident in the South Haven Highlands subdivision, the law firm Rhodes McKee requested a ZBA hearing to seek abandonment of Madison Street. This will permit the Township to not object to a road abandonment, a decision which belongs to the Allegan County Road Commission.

Zachary Jackson addressed the Board to seek approval for what he called "Lowlight Music at the Park." He wants to bring two PA speakers and host 3 different bands providing music in a folk style at the Casco Township Nature Preserve. The event would have free admission with any tips and donations going to the artists. He would need a single electrical outlet and would install a small platform for the event proposed for June 27. This would be under the umbrella of Foundry Hall. Jackson expected about 100 people.

In discussion, the Board noted that parking is an issue at the Nature Preserve, with only 40 spaces available. Perhaps a shuttle could be utilized, with parking at the Casco Township Hall. Trustee Mary Campbell urged Jackson to consider providing music at an upcoming Open House at the Nature Preserve planned by the Parks and Recreation Committee once they have a plan to restore access to the beach. No further action was taken on the matter.

Following more public comment related to the Daydreamer Domes noise complaints and proposed outdoor gathering, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 pm.