Bertrand Township (April 20)

Building department fee schedule: The township heard from Dave Swanstrom, building inspector, about a proposed fee schedule, which included new fees and increased fees for building inspections. The board was unclear about the language of “return inspection fees,” and tabled a vote until the next meeting when Swanstrom will clarify the language for the board.

Community building window/door change order: The board voted on a $1,200 change to the work order by UltraTech. The changes are:

• All doors will have early American stain in place of the original white.

• Windows inside the hall will be filled at the top, due to outside brickmold.

• Sidelites and transom on the front will be similar to woodgrain.

Yes: Unanimous.

Buchanan City (April 10)

Wheel loader bid: City Manager Bill Marx explained that a single sealed bid was received from Affordable Asphalt to purchase the city’s 1997 Case wheel loader. The bid amount was $20,000 and $10,000 labor trade of asphalt work as recommended. Yes: Unanimous.

City priorities: Marx summarized the planning session the city hosted to develop the yearly goals for the city. The board then voted on approving the goals. Yes: Unanimous.

Summer Thrill on the Hill: Due to the canceling of the Winter Thrill on the HIll, the addition of a third day (Thursday, Aug. 3) to the Summer Thrill on the Hill was recommended. Yes: Unanimous.

Assessor search: Berrien County has decided not to renew its contract with Buchanan to provide assessing services. The contract expries in June, and the county has offered to assist in the hiring process. Marx wants to post a job listing for the role, and has already received three letters of interest. Yes: Unanimous.

Chip and seal: The city voted to chip and seal five roads: Cemetery (west) Road, the 300 block of N. Detroit, the 100 and 300 blocks of N. Cayuga, the 100 and 300 blocks of Lake and the Wastewater access road. The cost of the repairs will be $22,400. Yes: Unanimous

Milton Township
(Unofficial minutes from April 18)

Playground: The board discussed having wood chips placed around a playground equipment.  A quote was provided by Kelly Sweeney.  No action was taken.

Mother’s Day police coverage: The funding of police coverage on the Saturday and Sunday of Mother’s Day weekend, which is May 13 to May 14, was voted upon. Yes: Unanimous.

Lawn care:  The board had a discussion on the six bids received for lawn care.  Ultimately the board took no action, but  authorized Sweeney to call all of the bidders and discuss their quotes. Sweeney made a motion setting a special meeting for 7 p.m. April 24 to discuss and select a quote for lawn care services. Yes: Unanimously.

Moratorium: Trustees voted 4-1 to place a moratorium on all subdivision development until July 1, 2017. Trustees discussed that the moratorium is being put in place as a private road ordinance was inadvertently left out of the new zoning ordinance.

Domestic, sexual and abuse services: The trustees motioned unanimously to table this item.

Niles City (March 27)

Medical marijuana: Council members voted 7-1 to adopt a resolution for the development of medical marijuana facilities ordinance.

Bylaws and Citizens Guide to Historic Preservation: Approval of the adoption of Bylaws and Citizens Guide to Historic Preservation documents developed by the historic District Commission. Yes: Unanimous.

Niles Township
(Unofficial minutes from April 17)

Park board member: The topic of hiring Angela Wessel as a part-time Parks Board member was voted upon. Yes: Unanimous.

Code enforcement officer: The topic of hiring Denise Kasperzak as a part-time code enforcement officer was voted upon. Yes: Unanimous.