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CASSOPOLIS – The Cassopolis Village Council discussed balancing resources and infrastructure maintenance with village growth at their regular monthly meeting on Monday.

Residents of the village raised concerns about village infrastructure during the public comment portion of the meeting, including addressing problems with potholes on village streets and water runoff. Later in the meeting, Trustee Jim Pedersen shared concerns about runoff and protecting the lake as the village continues to grow and evolve.

“We have to be mindful of that precious resource,” Pedersen said.

Village staff reported that they are aware of a sinking storm drain at Broadway and Water Streets. They also reported an additional sewer pipe break, part of an ongoing problem that staff is investigating.  It was also reported that maintenance for the Little League park was scheduled to be complete by May 5.

The council unanimously approved collected invoices totalling $343,255.36. Trustee Jeanne Makay asked for clarification on several expenses before the vote, including making certain that expenses for Stone Lake vegetation control were paid by the Stone Lake Improvement Board, as opposed to the Village, and verifying the outside funding for a recent economic cooperation trip by a Michigan delegation, including village staff, to the Middle East. Later in the meeting, Trustee Asali Kelly also referenced the trip, requesting the council receive more details, including costs, prior to such projects in the future.

Chairman of the Stone Lake Improvement Board, Ted Gogol, reported that a weed survey of the lake would be conducted on Tuesday, May 6, giving the board the data needed for making treatment recommendations for the upcoming warm seasons and before the June Beach Bash event. During the report, Trustees Pedersen and Kelly questioned the board’s lack of in-person meetings. Gogol reported that the board has historically approved measures such as treatment via email and meets once a year for an in-person meeting.

The council approved the first reading of the Site Condominium Development Ordinance, with Makay, Pedersen, and Kelly all voting against it. Pedersen expressed concerns about the negative impact of condo developments.

Village Manager Emilie LaGrow later clarified in a call that the ordinance is a method for land division in the housing project at the Don Horne Park Neighborhood and does not indicate that a condominium development is coming to Cassopolis.

“There are different ways that you can subdivide land in the state of Michigan,” she explained. “The Land Division Act allows for you to create a subdivision one way or you can create condo docks, which is another way to divide land. It doesn’t mean condos are going in.”

The second reading of the ordinance will take place as part of a special meeting, along with the council workshop meeting at 6 p.mm. Monday, April 28.

The next Cassopolis Area Utilities Authority meeting will take place at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21.