Both Lowell City Council and the Lowell Township Board held meetings Monday evening. Fewer than 10 people attended the 24 minute City Council Meeting. The Lowell Township Board meeting was almost an hour in length and attended by 12 people.
Lowell City Council Approves Budget
After having a work session the beginning of May there was little additional discussion regarding the budget prior to unanimous approval. There were no resident comments during the public hearing. Councilmember Hodges remarked a lot of work went into the budget and Mayor DeVore thanked staff for making explanation of the budget simple.
Part of the approved budget is a wastewater and water fund increase. Wastewater readiness to serve will go from $22.60 to $23.27 and the consumption rate will go from $3.74 to $3.85. Water fund’s readiness to serve will go from $22.91 to $23.59 and the consumption rate will go from $2.25 to $2.31.
During council comments Councilmember Teelander also indicated Lowell Light & Power is reviewing rates and an increase could be coming. More information will be provided in the next couple of months. The Lowell Light & Power budget has been approved by its board and will be presented to council in the coming weeks.
Lowell City Temporary Sign Discussion
Temporary signs advertising jobs, yard sales, and sports sign ups were discussed at Coffee with Council earlier in the month, however a different sort of temporary sign was brought up during the meeting. Feather signs or flags shaped like a feather are considered temporary in nature if they have advertising wording on them. City Clerk Sue Ullery presented a concern about businesses using this type of sign without first seeking a permit from the city. They fall under the temporary sign definition and only one such sign can be displayed per parcel. There is also a 60 day limit per calendar year for this type of advertising.
Council directed City Manager Mike Burns to check with the Planning Commission regarding the issue and whether or not an ordinance amendment is needed.
City Manager Report
During his report City Manager Mike Burns indicated he will have a meeting with Lowell Energy AD (LEAD) and Lighthouse regarding the biodigester this week. Talks continue and progress is being made.
Chief Bukala is still on paid administrative leave. Soon information regarding the case will be turned over the prosecutor and be reviewed.
During a meeting with some members of the Lowell Area Recreation Authority (LARA) it was determined a Committee of the Whole meeting would be needed with the LARA Board and City Council to discuss trails. There will be a move to have trails fall under LARA’s operation. Plans for extending the LARA trail from Gee Drive to M-21 continue to move forward.
Lowell Township Board Approves Ordinance
After months of discussion and split votes by the Planning Commission the Lowell Township Board approved Ordinance 01-2017 which allows the establishment of churches in a commercial district. The vote passed 4-0 with Township Board Supervisor Jerry Hale recusing himself from the vote.
Kent County Drain Commission Seeks Funds for New Tiles
Ken Yonker from the Kent County Drain Commission spoke about the need to replace drain tiles on Cascade Road near Morse Lake. It appears work has not been done in this area in more than 30 years. He asked the Lowell Township Board to petition to replace the drain tiles. After this he would come back and ask for the township for funds.
The cost of the tile replacement will be approximately $100,000 up to half of which could fall to the township. Board Member Vander Ziel stated “I agree it needs to be done, I may not agree on how it gets done.”, referring to the type of materials, and cost therein.
The area of road encompasses about 20 parcels of land. If the tiles are not replaced there could be flooding on Cascade Road.
Miscellaneous Tidbits
Monica Burtt has been hired as the new Township Clerk replacing the now retired Linda Regan. Burtt, a Lowell resident, previously worked with Plainfield Township.
A vote establishing compensation for Lowell Township residents appointed to certain boards passed. Those serving on LARA, Fire Authority, and Lowell Cable TV boards will receive $75.00 per meeting.
Fire Authority Update
Both Jim Hodges on Lowell City Council and Carlton Blough on the Lowell Township Board provided an update from the Fire Authority. The latter was not in attendance at the township meeting but provided notes which were read by Jerry Hale.
It was determined that each government entity would determine if board members for various groups would receive compensation. This is what prompted the above change for some Lowell Township board members.
In a 4-2 vote by the Fire Authority those with a conceal carry will be allowed to have a personal weapon while on the job. The conceal carry holder will be responsible for any liability.
Meeting Information
The next City Council meeting will take place in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall on Monday, June 5 at 7pm. Meeting minutes and agendas can be found on the city’s website. And meetings can be viewed on the city’s YouTube channel. Or check in with Lowell’s First Look after each meeting for a recap of what happened.
The next Lowell Township Board meeting will take place on Monday, June 12 at 7pm at the Lowell Charter Township Hall.
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