Niles Twp. hears more road complaints

Published 9:12 am Wednesday, June 3, 2015

The Niles Charter Township Board of Trustees fielded complaints about the condition of a portion of Bond Street and approved a per-parcel assessment for ambulance services in the township at Monday’s regular meeting.

Clerk Terry Eull said several residents spoke out about the poor condition of Bond Street between US-12 and Fort Street.

Eull said the board informed residents that the agency responsible for maintaining roads in Niles Township — the Berrien County Road Commission — plans to grind up the road this year and seal the road in 2016.

In anticipation of more questions about roads, Eull said the board would invite Louis Csokasy, the managing director of the road commission, to its June 15 meeting. However, Csokasy will only be invited if there is enough public interest. Residents are encouraged to contact the township hall if they would like to see Csokasy at the next meeting.

Also Monday:

• The board approved a $20 per parcel assessment to pay for services from Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service. The assessment, which applies only to improved parcels, is the same as last year.

• The board placed a municipal lien of just more than $6,500 on a property at 1002 Herbert St. Eull said the city demolished the building earlier this year and that the lien would be used to recoup the cost of demolition.

• The board contracted with Dave Davis, of Niles, to mow several township parks and cemeteries this summer for $4,500. Davis submitted the low bid.

• The board approved a $50-per-hour contract with Douglas Freeman to mow noxious weeds this summer on properties identified by code enforcement.

• The board accepted Andy and Judy Hartman to the township’s volunteer fire department.