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EDWARDSBURG — Recovery from recent storm damage was discussed throughout most of the agenda at this week’s Edwardsburg Village Council meeting.

Village President Dennis Peak commented on the damage throughout the village, expressing his gratitude that the destruction, though substantial, was not worse, and thanking staff for their efforts during the clean-up.

“If you see those guys, tell them thank you,” said Peak of the staff.

Richard Low of the Department of Public Works reported on the clean up, noting that staff was on site within twenty minutes of the storm passing through. Six trees in Gunn Park were felled, though no structures were damaged. Two homes in the village were reported damaged, along with eleven vehicles. The well field experienced minimal damage, with one of the buildings losing part of the roof and a well hatch being blown two hundred yards away. The field lost power for five days, though backup generators purchased last year kept the area functioning. 

“We could not have maintained it with just tower water,” said Low. “You paid for those generators in one.”

Staff also made use of the grapple purchased last fall, expediting the clean up.

Edwardsburg Cemetery had at least twenty-seven trees down from the storm, along with damage to several stones. One older grave vault was surfaced by the storm. Low is working with health departments at the local and state level, as well as Paul Mayhew Funeral Home, to safely and properly repair the damage. He noted that special care was taken during the tree removal process, with assistance from Kachur Tree Service, to avoid disturbing graves.

“It’s been a delicate process,” said Low.

The construction site for the new Edwardsburg Branch of the Cass District Library had several trees fall, but the existing structure avoided harm.

The village continues to discuss rental fees for the Gunn Park shelter. Several members of the council expressed that the fees are meant to keep those who use the pavilion responsible for its care, but are not meant as a revenue generator. A recommendation from the Parks Boards is expected at next month’s village council meeting.

The Fire Board reported the purchase of an emergency key box that will give emergency officials access to participating commercial buildings without damage to them. Access to the box will be given to particular officials by codes, which are trackable, to avoid abuse. 

The council approved Resolution 25-02 Establishing A Public Hearing Regarding Special Assessments, required in order to give residents a chance for feedback before applying unpaid water and refuse assessments to tax bills. The public hearing will take place at 6:15pm on Monday, May 19th at the village hall.

The next regular village council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, May 19.