By By EMILY DREITZLER / Niles Daily Star
NILES - From one local police officer saving the life of a Niles Township resident to frequent reminders of today's election, the Niles Township meeting on Monday night covered a variety of topics.
The meeting started out with a reminder of the election today with polls open until 8 p.m. regarding the continuation of the Niles Township Police Department hinging on the community's response in favor or against a 2-mill tax levy for four years. The tax levy would help with equipment needs, the cost of training officers, and escalating health care benefit costs and liability issues.
Next, Mike Wood, interim police chief and representative on behalf of Niles Township and the local police departments, presented Officer Dan Nelson with an award for his courageous efforts in saving the life of a local resident.
On July 15, Officer Nelson responded to a call on Bond Street, in Niles, and found the victim unconscience after choking on an object which still remained lodged in the victim's throat. Officer Nelson implemented a series of abdominal thrusts to the victim and was able to unlodge the object in the victim's throat. The victim immediately became coherent and was walking by the time the paramedics arrived thanks to the heroic efforts of Officer Nelson.
The board of trustees next discussed the resignation of Linda Casperson as office personnel. Although Casperson is resigning, she will still continue her of duties with the Planning Commission, ZBA, and Building Board of Appeals.
The board set the dates for three public hearings regarding an amendment on behalf of Modineer IFT, an appeal by Scare Inc., and road improvement on 17th St.
Modineer IFT is asking to amend the application that was originally presented to the board. The original article stated that Modineer would receive a tax abatement of $5,241,600 and provide 122 jobs. Modineer has exceeded the original cost, according to the state, by $720,219, but has provided 146 jobs within the community. The public hearing is set for Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.
Scare Inc. would like to appeal citations they received last August. A public hearing regarding their appeal is set for Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.
A public hearing was also set for Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. regarding the road improvement of 17th St. in Niles.
Next on the agenda was consideration of the request of residents of Harrah Road to have the road paved. The board granted permission to cost out the project with the Berrien County Road Commission. This is the first step in determining the cost of the project.
To conclude the meeting, Trustee Ronald Goodwin made a statement reminding community members that the election is vital and "If the mileage is accepted, as well as keeping the police department, it would free up several thousand dollars previously used for the police department to be used for other projects within the community."
Township Clerk Marge Durm-Hiatt concluded the meeting stating, "Don't forget to vote."