Summary
The Elmwood Charter Township Board held a special meeting on March 27, 2024, chaired by Supervisor Jeff Shaw with all members present. The Board approved several infrastructure, marina, and personnel items, including engineering work for the Cherry Bend Trail, asbestos remediation at the marina, a new marina management software system, a wage scale for marina and grounds staff, and a security camera contract with Michigan Broadband.
Public Comments
No public comments were made at either the opening or closing public comment periods.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Garth Bogart of Wade-Trim presented a proposal for a topographic survey ($9,800.00) and preliminary (30%) design engineering ($70,000.00) for the Cherry Bend Trail, intended to improve the township's chances of receiving TAP Grant funding. The proposed route would run along the south side of Cherry Bend Road from M-22 to Pickwick, up Pickwick, onto Claremont behind Thompson Surgical (using an existing easement), and across Avondale Lane into Cherry Bend Park. The Board unanimously approved both the survey and design work, and separately voted unanimously to fund the work using ARPA funds.
Infrastructure Projects
Mr. Bogart reported that removal and storage of extra light poles at Brewery Creek, along with possible old pavement removal, would be covered by a Blight Grant. The Board voted unanimously to allow Basch to remove the light poles and relocate them to the old fire station property.
Regarding the marina, Bogart reported that asbestos remediation is required in one of three buildings slated for demolition at the old Harbormaster building. The Board unanimously approved a Mid-State bid of $3,400.00 for asbestos removal, citing cost savings and contractor availability concerns.
Supervisor Shaw presented a marina management software proposal from Dockwa, which would allow online slip payments and improve transient slip income. The Board unanimously approved the Dockwa contract at $8,000.00 per year.
The Board also discussed the harbormaster hiring process, agreeing by consensus that the Personnel Committee would interview candidates and present the top two to the full Board.
Other Business
Fire Chief Tampa requested funding to replace the department's Imagetrend reporting software with ESO, requiring $7,000.00 in additional funding. The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 6 of 2024, a budget amendment resolution, by a 7-0 roll call vote.
The Personnel Committee recommended a new wage scale for marina and buildings/grounds employees, starting at $16.00 per hour; the Board approved this unanimously.
Supervisor Shaw presented a Michigan Broadband proposal to install two security cameras and related cabling for $1,900.00 in labor and equipment, plus $57.00 per month for monitoring (currently provided free). The Board unanimously approved the contract.
Financial Summary
- Cherry Bend Trail: $9,800.00 for topo survey; $70,000.00 for 30% design engineering; funded via ARPA funds.
- Brewery Creek light pole removal: covered by Blight Grant funds.
- Marina asbestos remediation: $3,400.00 bid accepted from Mid-State.
- Fire Department ESO software: $7,000.00 additional funding approved via Resolution 6 of 2024 (7-0 roll call vote).
- Marina/Buildings and Grounds wage scale: starting wage set at $16.00/hour.
- Dockwa marina software: $8,000.00 per year.
- Michigan Broadband security cameras: $1,900.00 for labor/equipment plus $57.00 per month for monitoring.
Action Items
- Personnel Committee to interview harbormaster candidates and present top two to the Board.
- Fire Chief Tampa to proceed with ESO software purchase using approved budget amendment funds.
- Wade-Trim (Garth Bogart) to proceed with Cherry Bend Trail survey and design engineering.
- Basch to remove and relocate light poles from Brewery Creek to the old fire station property.
- Mid-State to begin asbestos remediation at the old Harbormaster building.