Jennifer Antel, representing West Michigan Trails and Greenways group, gave a presentation to the Dorr Township Board Thursday night about plans to establish a commission to oversee local paved recreational trails.

Antel, mayor pro tem for the Wayland City Council, said the commission would be part of a “River to River” effort to connect a trail along the old interurban in Kalamazoo, Allegan and Kent counties from Kent Trails to the Kal-Haven Trail.

She said a regional commission is proposed to discuss where the trail should go. It would be made up of representatives from cities, townships and villages, including Dorr, Leighton, Martin and Wayland townships, and the City of Wayland.

No one is asking for any money as yet, but the idea is to have a regional authority to oversee a project for a walking and bicycling trail from Battle Creek to Mackinaw City.

Supervisor Jeff Miling said the proposed commission would act much like the Wayland Area Emergency Medical Services board for ambulance service.

Antel said the commission would not have any authority to tax for launching or maintaining the project.

She acknowledged that some people who live near the proposed trail have expressed worry about increased crime, but, “Studies have show that as soon as there is a designation as a formal trail, the crime rete (in that area) goes down.”

Antel will attend the board meeting in July and it’s possible Dorr’s two representatives will be appointed by then.

In other business at last Thursday night’s meeting, the board:

• Decided on a 4-3 vote to opt out of paying annual dues of $5,262 to the Michigan Townships Association. The four voting affirmatively maintain Dorr doesn’t get its moneysworth for its payment the state service.•
• Learned from Fire Chief Gary Fordham that activity by the department has picked up significantly of late in the wake of a very quiet period caused by then Coronavirus. The chief said there were 23 calls in June and the yearly total to date is up to 61, just 17 fewer than the same time in 2019.
• Was told by Township treasurer Jim Martin that a second township political forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, and it may be held outdoors, weather permitting, at North Park.
• Was given presentations by County Clerk Bob Genetski and Prosecuting Attorney Myrene Koch. The latter reported that meth crime statistics have been increasing in Allegan County, as have incident reports of domestic violence.
• Was told the number of public responses for the master plan survey is 407, a figure well above expectations from the Planning Commission.