June Casco Township Board updates

The Casco Township Board of Trustees June meeting, held on June 15, was dominated by updates from service providers and committees.

Deputy Hoyt warned against financial scams and asked residents to report them.

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) Chief Brandon Hinz reported that the department responded to 29 calls in Casco Township during the month of May, including 19 emergency medical calls and 10 fire-related incidents.

The SHAES annual pancake breakfast generated approximately $6,500 through donations, while organizers of a recent event at Lake Arvesta donated $10,000 to SHAES in appreciation for emergency service support.

Other recent activities included participation in mental health awareness initiatives, a Van Buren ISD mock disaster exercise, joint lifeguard training with the South Haven Police Department, and emergency helicopter operations following a serious traffic accident near Culver's.

Hinz noted that roughly 30 percent of emergency calls result in transportation to hospitals outside the immediate area.

SHAES plans to participate in the June 27 ribbon-cutting celebration at the Casco Township Nature Preserve.

Bob Sherwood, Casco representative to the Fennville District Library (FDL) Board, reported that the free lunch program sponsored through Feeding America is underway at the library. The program serves youth ages 18 and under. Two varieties of shelf-stable lunches are available daily. Sherwood reported that 72 meals had been distributed during the program's opening weeks.

The library's Summer Reading Program has attracted approximately 230 participants of all ages. Participants can earn prizes as they complete reading goals throughout the summer.

The Friends of the Library will also dedicate a memorial porch in honor of longtime board member Dennis Martin during a ceremony scheduled for June 27.

Clerk Rachel Ridley reported that Township Board meeting minutes will now be automatically posted to the Township website as the Township transitions to using new software for this purpose.

The new Township Hall south entrance is now the primary entrance to the building and the east doors will be locked. The FDL book drop box can still be accessed in the east foyer.

Casco Township Hall has a new entrance, on the south side, with a receptionist in the lobby

Supervisor Overhiser presented the financial report as Treasurer Kenny Clevenger was absent. Fund balances are as follows, rounded off: General fund, $1.325M with a $200k CD; Roads, $1.187M with a $200k CD; Fire, $649k with a $200kCD; Police, $131k; Parks, $186k; Cemetery, $92k; Seniors, $56k; and collected tax, $401k.

More than 150 Short Term Rental registrations have been processed this year, including 58 submitted through the online portal. Property owners have generally been more timely in completing registrations.

The program has generated approximately $57,000 in registration fees. Septic inspection requirements continue to receive significant attention as properties change ownership. SHAES has raised their rates for inspections of STRS, from $100 to $150.

Trustee Dan Fleming reported that the Planning Commission is reviewing Township regulations governing minimum house sizes. Fleming asked about the reasons for the current minimum size of 1000 square feet. He read a letter from resident Peter Brown who is seeking to build a smaller home on his parcel. Brown argued that smaller homes are more energy efficient, affordable, and suit smaller family sizes.

Supervisor Overhiser answered that earlier regulations were adopted during the 1980s in response to concerns about the placement of older mobile homes on small lots, rented out, creating a "slumlord" situation that was difficult for the Township to manage.

Trustee Mary Campbell reported that the Parks Committee started work on updating the Township's Parks and Recreation Plan with leadership provided by consultant Pam Blough. The committee is working on an updated survey of residents.

The committee is also examining ways to address trash issues at the Nature Preserve. A possible "pack in, pack out" approach may be adopted. This would involve removing all trash receptacles and instructing visitors to remove their own trash.

The Township reviewed proposals from Edgewater Resources and selected one at the cost of $12,275 for additional review and survey work to secure additional federal grant funding for the proposed beach access restoration at the Casco Township Nature Preserve.

The South Haven Area Water/Sewer Authority (SHAWSA) continues to conduct smoke testing to identify potential illegal connections to the sanitary sewer system. The testing is intended to locate infiltration sources such as sump pumps, footing drains and roof drainage systems that may be improperly connected to sanitary sewers.

The utility is also completing a cost-of-service study, distributing annual drinking water quality reports to customers and reviewing policies related to water fluoridation.

Casco will participate in the National Night Out with an event at Station 1 on 68th St S. of 109th Ave

The Casco Township Senior Advisory Committee continues planning for the community's National Night Out (NNO) event at Fire Station No. 1 on Tuesday August 4, 5:30 pm. The Senior Advisory Committee is collaborating with Senior Services of Van Buren County to create and publish a guide that lists and describes services available to Casco seniors.

The Casco National Night Out will be listed in the National database of NNO events. Hotdogs, popcorn, and ice cream sundaes will be available. Attendees will be encouraged to provide information about their own history in Casco Township, as an example of one planned activity. Station 1 is located on 68th St, south of 109th, immediately south of the Casco United Methodist Church.

A recent Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held for two neighbors who sought to replace their outdoor decks without changing any dimensions prompted Trustee Dan Fleming to ask if this could have been done without the expense of a meeting. Supervisor Overhiser proposed that an action like this could be added to the Zoning Administrator's Administrative powers.

The Township Board held a special meeting following the regular meeting to review and approve the 2026-2027 budget. The budget included an additional $385 to cover projected expenses for the National Night Out; staff salary increases tied to the consumer price index (CPI) and the hiring of the receptionist; and increased expenses for election mileage and staff.

Four millages are up for renewal in August, with millage rates unchanged: two road millages, senior services, and parks and recreation.

Township Grants Manager Julie Cowie reported that a $20,000 grant request was submitted to the Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF) for the Beach Access project. A grant of $500 was awarded to the Township by ACCF for the Ribbon cutting event scheduled for June 27.

Dave Campbell asked if there had been any progress in audio quality issues impacting board meetings. Supervisor Overhiser received the name of a consultant to contact about the situation.