The Lowell Township Board of Trustees had its regular meeting on Nov. 20 and had six items to discuss then. It also met a second time last week, on Nov. 22, to select a new board member to fill a vacancy created after Steve Vander Ziel unexpectedly passed away.
Fire Chief on Leave of Absence
Before getting to business items, the board heard an update from Carlton Blough about the Lowell Area Fire Department. Blough serves as the township board’s representative on the Lowell Area Fire and Emergency Services Authority Board.
Blough noted that the Lowell Fire Department was recognized for saving the life of an engineer.
He also shared that Fire Chief Shannon Witherell had been placed on a leave of absence for a misdemeanor dated Friday, Nov. 17. According to court records, the charge is for domestic violence.
There is an ongoing investigation, and at this time, Deputy Fire Chief Cory Velzen is now acting as fire chief. A special meeting of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority Board was called to discuss the matter and vote on the paid leave. More information still needs to be gathered. Blough noted the department has enough part-time help to fill hours during the chief’s absence.
Adoption of Resolution for Verizon Right-of-Way
The first business item on the agenda was a resolution to allow Verizon access to the right-of-way for an extension of fiber along Grand River Drive.
Township Supervisor Jerry Hale mentioned, “We really have to approve it.” The state’s METRO Act dictates that telecom providers have a right to use right-of-ways, and these permit requests generally can’t be denied.
There were no potential issues noted, and the resolution was unanimously approved.
Approve Streetlight Assessment Districts (SAD) for 2023
Next, the township board approved streetlight assessments in the following districts. The costs apply to each parcel within the district.
- Stony Bluff Phase 1 and 2: $40
- Stony Bluff Phase 3: $19
- Twin Oaks Phase 1 and 2: $24
- East Gate: $35
- Whispering Hills: $15
Each of the assessments were voted on individually, and all were approved.
Discussion on Election Responsibilities and Compensation
There is so much time devoted by those helping to run the voting stations, and there was a discussion about compensating these workers. Starting in 2024, polls have to be open nine days prior to state and federal elections (including weekends). There have also been changes in the way protocols are conducted.
“They are changing the permanent ballot lists vs the permanent application lists,” Ronda Benedict mentioned. “So now people can request a permanent ballot, and we have about a thousand (people)…that we have to send the ballot to automatically.” Another issue is the amount of money diverted to postage.
There are a lot of changes that those who are running the voting stations need to be aware of. Early voting (and early voting sites) are creating a lot of concerns. “I believe we have to compensate them somehow for all of this extra time,” Hale said.
There was a motion and approval to provide an additional $3,500 per election to the clerk and deputy clerk to compensate them for the additional hours needed to to meet early voting and other state requirements.
Update on Splashpad
At its last meeting, the board gave approval to buy supplies and equipment needed to build a splash pad in the North Riverfront Park. By making the purchase this year, the township can save 7% off the cost.
However, since the township is using a state grant, the vendors used for the project need to be on an approved list. It was discovered the vendor chosen is on a national approval list but not one used by the state. The company has completed the first part of the approval process but needs to finish the second part. Apparently, it is unknown whether the state will accept the vendor for its list by 2024. As a result, the township may not be able to place an order and secure the cheaper price.
New Board Member Selected
On Nov. 22, the Lowell Township Board held a special meeting to select a new board member. Three applications were received from the following candidates:
- David Hoogenboom
- Brandon Sinclair
- Andy Vander Ziel
It was a difficult decision, Hale told Lowell’s First Look. He noted all three candidates were good choices. Ultimately, the board selected Vander Ziel to complete his father’s term since he is well-versed in the issues currently before the township. Vander Ziel’s term will run through next November.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated at 3:20pm on Nov. 28 to clarify that the fire chief is on a paid leave of absence, not an unpaid leave.
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