Summary
The Elmwood Township Board met on February 10, 2025, approving the consent calendar and several new business items, including a fire/EMS billing agreement, updated Harbormaster wage scale, a Par Plan grant resolution for fire station safety equipment, and payment of invoices totaling $235,388.88. The township's longtime law firm, Young, Graham, and Wendling, is transitioning its municipal clients to Bauckham, Thall.
Public Comments
Eric Currin spoke during the initial public comment period; no details of his remarks were recorded, though Supervisor Shaw later referenced public feedback regarding whether the township would plow the Cherry Bend Trail, indicating this had been raised as a concern. Chase Pasicznyk spoke during extended public comment at the end of the meeting; no specifics were recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Supervisor Shaw reported that funding has been secured for the Cherry Bend Trail, though the township is still pursuing additional funding sources to close remaining gaps. He clarified that the township does not currently intend to plow the trail but is open to doing so, and plans to go door-to-door to explain the trail project to residents.
Infrastructure Projects
Marina: Supervisor Shaw reported that helical pier work has delayed the marina project, pushing the completion date to July. He discussed a potential shower solution for slip holders, proposing a partnership with a nearby gym at $35.00 per month per slip holder for shower and workout access, as a possibly cheaper alternative to a shower trailer; a daily fee for transient boaters may also be explored with the gym owner. No decision was made. The Board also reviewed a SkyWeb quote for marina Wifi but tabled the discussion due to high costs, to be revisited at a future meeting.
AT&T Lease Renewal: AT&T's representative indicated the company would need to seek alternate sites if the township did not renew now, rather than waiting further years. MOTION BY TRUSTEE LAUTNER, SECONDED BY TRUSTEE DON GALLAGHER TO ACCEPT THE AT&T LEASE RENEWAL (outcome of vote not specified in the minutes).
Other Business
Attorney Bryan Graham announced his retirement and introduced Catherine Kaufman of Bauckham, Thall, the municipal firm assuming the practice's township clients at the same rates for the first year; Graham will remain through May to assist the transition. The Board adopted the MMR Intercept Agreement for ALS/BLS billing with Elmwood Fire & Rescue, unanimously. The Personnel Committee's recommended wage scale for the Harbormaster was adopted unanimously. Fire Chief Keith Tamps requested support for a Par Plan grant application to fund light curtains for truck bay doors, replacing failing air hose systems; Resolution 2 of 2025 was adopted 7-0 by roll call vote.
Financial Summary
The Board approved payment of invoices totaling $235,388.88 (motion by Trustee Darga, seconded by Clerk Preston, passed unanimously). No specific dollar figures were given for the Par Plan grant or AT&T lease renewal.
Action Items
- Supervisor Shaw to continue pursuing funding sources for the Cherry Bend Trail and to conduct door-to-door outreach with residents.
- New DPW Director Noah Karberg to meet with Supervisor Shaw this week regarding transition.
- Supervisor Shaw to follow up with the gym owner regarding a shower/workout pass arrangement for marina slip holders and possible transient daily fees.
- Marina Wifi (SkyWeb) proposal tabled for further Board discussion at a future meeting.
- Attorney Bryan Graham to remain through May to assist with transition to Bauckham, Thall.