Summary
The Elmwood Township Board held a special meeting on March 4, 2024, chaired by Supervisor Jeff Shaw, focused primarily on marina-related infrastructure. The Board approved funding for an asbestos and paint inspection ahead of marina demolition bidding, discussed restructuring the harbormaster position, reviewed a security camera quote, and considered salvaging light poles from the Brewery Creek parking lot.
Public Comments
Public comment was opened with speakers Jeff Krumm, Eric Currin, and Jennifer Berkey listed, though their specific remarks were not detailed in the minutes. A second public comment period included input from an individual identified only as Slip Holder #165, with no details on the substance of the comment recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Discussion covered restructuring the harbormaster role. The Board considered making the position seasonal and hourly rather than year-round and salaried. If seasonal, a full-time building and grounds maintenance employee would take over monitoring the bubblers. Treasurer Chris Mikowski reported researching software to manage seasonal slip contracts and stated there would be no issue handling those contracts. The Board reached consensus to advertise for a full-time seasonal harbormaster at an hourly rate of $25.00 to $30.00.
Infrastructure Projects
The Board approved a motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee Trevas, to spend $3,785.00 from the Marina Fund for an asbestos and lead paint inspection needed before bidding on marina building demolition; the motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Wade Trim engineer Garth Bogart explained the inspection was needed so contractors could include removal costs in their bids.
Supervisor Shaw presented a Michigan Broadband quote of $1,900.00 plus a $57.00 monthly monitoring fee to complete security camera installation at the marina. It was unclear whether the $1,900.00 covered the cameras themselves or whether those would come from Elevate Net; Shaw agreed to seek clarification.
Regarding the Brewery Creek parking lot, Shaw explained the light poles were costly and could be salvaged for parts rather than disposed of per the original contract. T. Basch quoted $3,250.00 to remove concrete from the pole ends and haul them to the old fire station for storage. Mr. Bogart suggested contacting the grant coordinator to determine if the Brownfield grant could cover the salvage cost, and he agreed to make that contact.
Financial Summary
- $3,785.00 approved from the Marina Fund for asbestos/paint inspection.
- Harbormaster position proposed at $25.00 to $30.00 per hour if made seasonal.
- $1,900.00 quote plus $57.00/month for security camera installation and monitoring.
- $3,250.00 quote from T. Basch for light pole salvage and storage, pending possible Brownfield grant coverage.
Action Items
- Supervisor Shaw to obtain clarification on whether the Michigan Broadband quote includes camera costs.
- Mr. Bogart to contact the grant coordinator regarding Brownfield grant funding for pole salvage.
- Township to advertise for a full-time seasonal harbormaster position.