Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met on April 8, 2024, with Supervisor Jeff Shaw presiding and all members present (Chris Mikowski, Terry Lautner, Dave Darga, Kyle Trevas, Jordan Gallagher, and Connie Preston). The Board approved the consent calendar, scheduled public hearings and a special meeting, appointed a Master Plan selection committee member, discussed a cell tower request, and approved additional paving costs for Brewery Creek. The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either the initial Public Comment period or the Extended Public Comment period at the end of the meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Trevas asked whether a hawk crossing signal was included at the crossing for the park and marina; Supervisor Shaw confirmed one was included. Clerk Preston reported that the Little League license for the park has expired and will be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Infrastructure Projects
Engineer Garth Bogart of Wade-Trim reported the trail survey is being scheduled. Marina bids came in within the expected range, with the low bidder being the only one to include money-saving alternates; an alternate sheet pile option could save $25,000 to $30,000. A special meeting was scheduled for April 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. to consider awarding the marina contract and hiring a harbormaster (motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Trevas, passed unanimously).
A cell tower request was discussed involving a company seeking to lease a 75’ x 75’ area on the Township’s Brewery Creek property for a wireless communication facility. The Board reached consensus for Supervisor Shaw to look further into the matter; no vote was taken.
Regarding Brewery Creek parking, Engineer Bogart explained additional pavement removal and replacement would be needed, costing the Township $7,640.00, with original pavement removal covered by a blight grant. Improved grading to direct water to retention ponds was also discussed. Motion by Trustee Lautner, seconded by Trustee Gallagher, to approve the $7,640.00 for additional pavement removal and re-surfacing passed unanimously.
Other Business
The Board scheduled Road Maintenance Districts public hearings on annual adjustments to the special assessment roll for May 13, 2024 (motion by Clerk Preston, seconded by Trustee Trevas, passed unanimously). Clerk Preston was appointed to the Master Plan RFP selection committee, with Trustee Dave Darga as alternate (motion by Trustee Lautner, seconded by Trustee Trevas, passed unanimously). The Personnel Committee reported it was not yet ready to recommend a harbormaster candidate, despite having strong applicants.
Financial Summary
Clerk Preston presented the first quarter revenue and expenditure report. The Board approved payment of invoices totaling $228,412.11 (motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Trustee Trevas, passed unanimously). Additional Brewery Creek paving costs of $7,640.00 were approved, with original pavement removal costs covered by a blight grant.
Action Items
- Supervisor Shaw to further investigate the cell tower lease request on the Brewery Creek property.
- Special meeting scheduled for April 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. to consider the marina contract award and harbormaster hiring.
- Road Maintenance Districts public hearings scheduled for May 13, 2024.
- Personnel Committee to continue reviewing harbormaster applicants and bring forward a recommendation.
- Parks and Recreation Committee to review the expired Little League park license.