Dorr Twp. road projects for 2022 outlined for board

EDITOR’S NOTE: The road estimates mentioned in this story actually are for the year 2022, not 2021. Treasurer Jim Martin said, “This is due to a backlog of 2020 projects that were delayed by Covid-19. (There are) No new construction projects for Allegan County in 2021.

“The Citizens’ Road Committee will instead be concentrating on re-paving of existing roads, to be chosen at the CRC (Road Committee) meetings in October & November — both scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.”

Dorr Township Treasurer Jim Martin Thursday evening presented his Township Board colleagues about plans for local road projects beginning in 2022.

A special Citizens Roads Committee has been studying which roads need to be rebuilt in the township. The projects are funded by a special annual three-mill levy approved by local citizens.

Martin said the top priority for 2022 is spending an estimated $568,398 for rebuilding 16^th Street south from 142^nd Avenue to 140^th. Second priority is 140^th east to 14^th, with an estimated cost of $339,547. The third is 140^th west to 21^st Street for $484,287.

Costs were estimated as well for several other projects down the road, including 138^th Avenue, 141^st Avenue and 21^st Street.

Martin acknowledged that the price tag seems high, but that’s because the west portion of the township has a lot of peat bogs.

In other business Thursday, the Township Board:

• Was told by Clerk Debbie Sewers that 1,400 citizens already have requested absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 general election. “That’s been challenging,” she commented. “They come in every day… It’s a lot less expensive if they (voters) show up at the polls.”
• Adopted a resolution supporting a county-wide ORV ordinance. It was reported that at least a dozen other local municipalities have adopted similar resolutions calling for the county to enforce an ordinance for all 24 townships in Allegan County, though the County Board of Commissioners oppose it.
• Learned from Martin that the latest state revenue check Aug. 31 was for $94,000 while the expected amount was $112,000. He noted the state may reduce revenue sharing by as much as $600,000 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Approved the inter-local agreement for recycling for the next 10 years.
• Renewed its insurance agreement with ECM/Ted Hartleb Agency for $34,999 and about $1,000 for cyber insurance.
• Adopted a proposed ordinance amendment setting requirements for single- and two-family residences setbacks.
• Learned that the Dorr, Hopkins and Henika libraries are cooperating in an effort to make Wi-fi Internet connections more easily accessible for students.