Dorr Township Parks Commission member Amanda Winters told the Township Board some good news and some bad news Thursday evening.
First the good news:
The resurrection of the Christmas in the Park celebration Saturday, Dec. 4, was a big hit. Winters said the event attracted more than 1,000 people. She had high praise for colleagues on the commission and support from the Dorr Business Association.
Now the bad news:
The persistent problem of vandalism returned earlier this month, as the North Park Pavilion bathrooms were victimized, just like last summer. The bathrooms, as a result have been shut down, at least until the beginning of next year.
On a more optimistic note, Winters reported the six cameras installed at the park now are up and running again, so chances of catching future wrongdoers have increased greatly. Last July two boys were apprehended for malicious destruction of property because they were caught on camera.
Winters said the commission continues to operate with just four members, one shy of the desired number. She asked the board if it would be inappropriate to have her husband appointed, but received no answer.
In other business Thursday night, the board:
• Agreed to offer a $50 per meeting stipend to the representatives of Dorr Township serving on the board for Wayland Area Emergency Medical Services, the same as other local officials on boards and commissions. Trustee John Tuinstra was chosen, along with citizen Lance Bowman, who has extensive emergency experience with the Wyoming City Fire Department. They succeed Penny Post and Fire Chief Gary Fordham.
• Listened to a presentation from Lori Antkoviak from the Safe Harbor Children’s Advocate Center, who suggested some of Dorr’s American Rescue Plan funds be used to help the service move into a new facility on Sherman Street in Allegan. She said more than a million dollars already have been raised, but the goal is $1.8 million.
She talked about the agency services for abused and neglected children and noted, “We offer services to kids that no one else does in Allegan County.”
• Was told by Supervisor Jeff Miling that the Gun Lake Tribe presented the township with a check for $18,385 as part of the casino revenue sharing compact.
• Noted that a metal welcoming sign donated by Windscapes Landscaping of Burnips has been placed in the community.
• Was told by Miling that state revenue sharing payments have been showing an increase of more than $47,000 over what the township has budgeted.
• Decided to pull its certificate of deposit (CD) from Huntington Bank and place the $164,915 with Lake Michigan Credit Union, which Treasurer Myrna Marr said offers a much better interest rate.
• Learned from Fordham that the township fire department has handled 262 calls thus far this year, which compares to 176 in all of 2020.
“Last July two boys were apprehended for malicious destruction of property because they were caught on camera.”
What was the outcome? Did they do community service, parents or dirtbags pay for damage? Who are these criminals?
Cheers!!