Hopkins Township voters in the Aug. 2 primary election will be faced with two financial ballot issues, for roads and for a new recycling agreement.
The Township Board Monday night adopted a resolution to ask for a renewal of two mills for four years for local roads and it agreed to place a request for $36 per household per year for recycling services countywide, an increase of $11 per year.
Also on the subject of roads, Township Supervisor Mark Evans told his colleagues that the Allegan County Road Commission is being asked about doing something to alleviate traffic problems at the corner of 130th Avenue and 22nd Street. Evans said it appears that there is about one accident at the corner every year and the most recent one killed longtime Watson Township farmer John Dolegowski.
Evans said the county already has placed a sign on 22nd Street warning motorists that traffic on 130th Avenue does not stop, but under consideration now as well is installation of rumble strips approaching the intersection.
Evans cautioned, “I’ve been told there is not enough traffic to warrant a four-way stop… Let’s seek their (the Road Commission’s) advice.”
Clerk Lisa Battjes said she wonders about other intersections in the township that might be just as dangerous.
“I see a lot of acci9dents at 138th Avenue and 18th Street.”
The board has agreed to wait and see what the Road Commission says.
Meanwhile, Evans told board members the township’s road fund budgeted for this year amounts to $335,000. There are plans to have work done on three culverts and two bridges and about $104,000 will be left over.
“So we’re in pretty good shape for now,” the supervisor added.
The township this year has not budgeted for gravel.