Wayne Township (May 1)

Members present: Supervisor Frank Butts, Clerk Kurt Reich, Treasurer Judith Fusko, and trustees James Griggs and Frank Maley. Members absent: None.

Treasurer’s report: The treasurer reported the following changes to the township accounts: general fund balance: $414,327.93; receipts: $10,183.49; expenditures: $54,412.99; new general fund balance: $370,098.43; fire department fund balance (includes sinking funds): $79,637.07; receipts: $34,920.09; expenditures: $28,811.37 ($20,000.00 transferred to fire sinking fund); new fire department fund balance: $105,745.79; trust and agency accounts (property taxes, special assessment, and fire escrow) balance: $41,223.23. Motion by Reich to accept the Treasurer’s Report as printed, supported by Griggs. Motion carried.

Payment of bills: The board agreed to pay for the township’s list of bills, plus an additional $700 to reimbursement Township Supervisor Frank Butts for a recent fire safety education dinner. Motion by Fusko, supported by Griggs. Motion carried.

AEP franchise agreement: The board approved an ordinance, O-17-05-01, in support of a new power franchise agreement with Indiana and Michigan Power (AEP), in the event that AEP approves the ordinance. Motion by Maley, supported by Fusko. Roll call vote. Yes: Unanimous.

Printer repairs: The board approved up to $200 of repair work to township Treasurer Judith Anne Fusko’s printer. Motion by Reich, supported by Maley. Motion carried.

City Council (May 8)

Members present: Mayor Don Lyons, Mayor Pro Tem Leon Laylin, Councilmembers Charles Burling, James Dodd and City Clerk Jane Wilson. Members absent: Councilmembers Lori Hunt and Bob Schuur. Staff: City Manager Kevin Anderson and Finance Director Becky Grabemeyer.

Events: The Dowagiac City Council approved the Lions Club’s annual White Cane Week. Motion by Burling, supported by Lucas. Motion carried.

Depot Drive task force: The council approved an agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation authorizing City Manager Kevin Anderson to act as signatory for all documents necessary for the repaving of Depot Drive downtown. Motion by Dodd, supported by Laylin. Yes: Unanimous.

Mutual aid agreement: The council approved a mutual aid agreement with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi to cross deputize Dowagiac and tribal police officers. Motion by Laylin, supported by Lucas. Yes: Unanimous.

Local paving projects: The council approved a contract with Reith-Riley Construction for $85,252.20 worth of repaving to several city roadways. Motion by Burling, supported by Dodd. Yes: Unanimous.

Special assessments: The council approved special assessments on select city parcels, in the amount of $10,339.28 for the abatement noxious weeds and grasses;  $6,275.63 for urban blight; and $12,844.54 for unpaid utility bills. Motions by Burling, supported by Laylin. Yes: Unanimous.

Payment of bills: The council approved the payment of $174,326.30 worth of bills and $220,177.35 worth of payroll, for a total of $394,503.65. Motion by Burling, supported by Dodd. Yes: Unanimous.