The Lowell Charter Township Board of Trustees had its regular meeting on Monday, December 19th. Two members were absent.
Among the agenda items discussed were: reappointments of board appointees, zoning ordinance amendments, and finding quotes for replacing picnic shelter roofs. There was also discussion about the new fire truck that was purchased for the Lowell Area Fire Department. The township will begin paying for the truck by at least February, but production of the fire truck is behind schedule because of a “labor shortage.”
Ordinance Regarding Private Signage on Township Property
This was the second reading of a proposed ordinance. It would require that people receive a permit if they want to place a sign on township property.
There was some discussion of the limitations of the ordinance and how it would affect the ability of people to place signs on township property during elections. “We had people…setting up
tables and all kinds of signage during elections,” one trustee noted. “They can stand there and hold a sign as long as they observe the required distance away from the polling place.”
The ordinance draws a distinction from setting up tables and having large signs in places like parks, cemeteries, etc. “People were getting carried away,” according to one trustee.
This ordinance adoption was agreed upon unanimously.
Board Appointments Unanimously Approved
Several people were unanimously approved for reappointment to township boards.
James Foerch, Nancie Mathews, and Sandra Graham were unanimously reappointed to the Board of Review, which hears appeals for property tax assessments. Their new terms will end on Dec. 31, 2024.
Another reappointment was Bill Genovich to the Planning Commission. His new term will expire on January 18, 2026.
Adoption of Zoning Ordinance Amendments for Campgrounds
The current township campground and RV zoning ordinance is mostly focused on tents and RVs. The Planning Commission, at its last meeting, recommended an ordinance, that would allow for rustic and glamour camping.
There was discussion about the language referring to “glamping” (glamour camping). “It is tents built on platforms,” one person explained.
These campgrounds are often run by companies. They have large tents that may have a “queen bed” or propane heaters and other kinds of amenities. “It is like a hotel room” yet the person is still outdoors. Even though this is more popular out west, there are glamping set-ups in Michigan.
Most of the discussion focused on ensuring the glamping operations conform to existing Kent County regulations and Department of Natural Resourcse regulations. After discussion, this ordinance was adopted unanimously.
Adoption of Zoning Ordinance for Storm Water in PUDs
Much like the previous ordinance, this ordinance is about adapting a currently existing ordinance. This one focuses on Storm Water Management Facilities, and the recommended change also came from the Planning Commission. It suggested that the zoning ordinance should conform to Kent County requirements addressing storm water.
Even though the storm water management language only currently applies to PUDs (planned unit developments), a question was raised about including residential areas as well. “It should apply to all zoning districts,” one trustee said.
The ordinance amendment was not adopted since it was decided that the language might need to be changed. The board will revisit this at the next meeting.
Quotes for Replacing the Roofing at Park Picnic Shelter
The township needs to re-roof the picnic shelter at the South Grand River Riverfront Park. Two bids were received for the work:
- S&T Metals: $15,460
- RBC Construction: $12,946
RBC is substantially cheaper than S&T Metals, and there was a concern that S&T Metals had been overbooked in the past. The RBC bid was accepted and approved unanimously.
First Look at Proposed Budget
The Lowell Township Board was provided a first look at the proposed 2023-2024 budget. Among the recommendations is a cost-of-living increase in salaries and an extra $1,000 for the treasurer and clerk. This is due to the amazing work that the treasurer and clerk do.
A vote on the budget is not expected until February, however.
The next regular meeting of the Lowell Charter Township Board is Monday, Jan. 16, at 7pm.
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