“Deal or No Deal.”
Instead of a prime time TV game show, it appears to be the latter option for the surprising proposal for extension of sewer from Dorr Township to Hopkins Township along 12th Street just west of the U.S.-131 expressway.
Though the Dorr Township Board Thursday night appeared to be ready to schedule a public hearing on a “425 agreement” between the two municipalities, the proposition fell into the category of “no action” after considerable discussion and debate.
After statements of support from Hopkins Township Trustee Bob Modreske and Watson Township Supervisor Kevin Travis, Byron Center Realtor Brian Silvernail presented his case to the contrary. Silvernail insisted he would be all for Dorr and Hopkins doing business if it was the better deal, but he laid out a number of objections.
He said he represents 13 property owners on the land stretching from 135th Avenue south to 130th, amounting to 75% of the acreage. The group signed a petition back in January 2020 to ask the Michigan Boundary Commission to permit the City of Wayland to annex the 26 properties and let those not interested to opt out.
The real estate salesman said too many of the property owners were not made aware of Hopkins’ proposed 425 deal with Dorr. He added that there’s been too much reliance on expensive attorneys drawing up an arrangement, but not enough attention being paid to what the affected property owners want.
Hopkins Township Supervisor Mark Evans said the city levies a tax of 16 mills while township assesses only one mill, so the costs differential should be noted.
Silvernail countered that Dorr only offers sewer, but not water. Furthermore, the city includes fire and police protection.
Silvernail further asserted, “The whole reason (for the proposal with Dorr) is to delay or stop what we are doing.”
There is a “he said, she said” component to the controversy. Evans said he attempted to make a cost sharing arrangement offer to the city, but received no response. Wayland City Manager Josh Eggleston insisted it was the other way around.
“I was at Hopkins last night (Wednesday) and set the record straight. We asked for a formal offer nine to 10 months ago and received no response. I don’t believe it would represent the city well if I presented an initial offer of what we are willing to give up.”
Silvernail added, “Nothing was ever asked for (from Hopkins Township) until we asked for annexation.”
However, Hopkins officials maintained a 425 with Dorr would provide revenue while the property owners would get less expensive sewer services.
Hopkins last year established the stretch along 12th Street as a Downtown Development to set up a way to capture money to pay for utilities.
Eggleston said, “My position remains the same. The city will look at any growth options being presented to us, but this growth will not be done at the expense of the existing tax base or at great financial risk to the city…
“The city will welcome new property if that is truly the desire of the property owners. We will be forthright with the costs to the property owners.”
Dorr Township Clerk Debbie Sewers finally said, “I feel like we’re getting into a cat fight that we don’t want.”
Silvernail reiterated his comment that if Dorr can give Hopkins Township a better deal in a 425 agreement, he would be happy to run with that option instead.
Regardless, the Township Board dropped a proposal just to table the issue, and decided to take no action.