Fire, road millages to be on Summerfield ballot
This year, the fire and road millages in Summerfield Township are due to expire.

“We will put them both on the August ballot, just like they have been in the past,” said Summerfield Township Supervisor Zelda Lucas. “I would like to see the road millage increase, but I don’t think it’s going to happen. The public doesn’t understand the difference between local and county roads. They see us improving one road, and they want to know why we aren’t doing something on a busier road, but that’s a county road and we can’t. Still, one mill is better than nothing, and it takes the full four years of the road millage to get one mile of road paved.”

Treasurer Joan Wiederhold reported she is finished collecting this year’s taxes and is ready for the annual audit. Total funds now in Summerfield Township accounts is $1,655,772.61. Total taxes collected for the township were $82,978.52; collected for the road fund, $82,573.34; and for the fire fund, $165,162.94.

Township board members discussed the need for a burn ordinance. Summerfield Township Volunteer Fire Department has been called out on several “wild goose chases” because there was no burn permit requested, and someone reported a fire, not realizing it was a controlled burn. There also are other people who burn yard waste and other items on windy days and cause grass fires. There have been 10 grass fires so far in April.

“One guy has caused three fires in three years, and never gets a permit,” said Mrs. Lucas at the Monday, April 19 board meeting.

Jim Seegert was appointed to head the township cemetery committee. Residents are needed to serve on this committee, which will plan for the cemetery expansion. The plans will include the location of roads, the types of headstones allowed, the possibility of adding a mausoleum, and whether to let non-township residents purchase plots, at an increased fee.

The board approved a lot split for Montry property, under the name of Barda, who are relatives trying to settle the estate. The house and five acres was split off, leaving 35 acres of farmland as one parcel.

The board approved a one-year contract to provide fire protection for the City of Petersburg, at a flat rate of $12,000 per year, plus $250 per rescue or fire call in the city.

Board members held off approving a contract for chloriding the roads by the Monroe County Road Commission (MCRC). The quote was $46,000 but board members have questions about using a “brine solution,” and they want to make sure the roads are graded once for spring and again for chloriding.

“I think the grading has been all jumbled into one contract,” said Trustee Bob Ignatowicz. “A lot of times we are not getting the extra grading, and the holes come back too quick.”

The board reviewed information from the MCRC about replacing a culvert on Wells Road between Morocco and Cortz, but made no decision. The township’s share would be $4,895; the MCRC would pay about $9,000 and Ida Township about $4,900.

Board members discussed how galvanized pipe was used under the road instead of concrete on Todd Road, and that material won’t last as long. The board was concerned that inexperienced MCRC crews were using up the contingency fees in extra labor costs.

The board is looking into purchasing a digital camera for the ordinance officer at a cost of about $130; and a computer program to make official township identification badges.

Summerfield Township is investigating creating a website so residents and others can access the zoning ordinances online. Cost is estimated at $300 for a set up fee and $60 per month for maintenance.

Letters will be sent to three residents who are possibly violating the home occupation ordinance. They will be asked to apply for a permit.

The township will work on clarifying criteria for people to serve as an alternate for the Board of Appeals. No employee of the township can serve in this capacity.

The next Township Board meeting will be Monday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m. The early start time is because the engineering firm of Wade-Trim will have a representative at the meeting to discuss updating the Township Master Plan.