Dorr Twp. Board deciding how to spend ARPA funds

The Dorr Township Board has not yet formally met to discuss how to spend money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), but Thursday night agreed to requests from the Fire Department and Parks and Recreation Board.

Fire Chief Gary Fordham asked for up to $125,000 in ARPA funds to buy 10 air packs and 10 hand-held thermal imaging devices for the department to help find victims inside a house ablaze.

Meanwhile, the Parks and Rec Board anticipates about $200,000 in funding for repairs and improvements at the parks just west of the downtown on 142^nd Avenue. Some facilities are in such poor condition that Parks Board members have been discussing the possibility of razing.

Trustee John Tuinstra wholeheartedly supported sending money to the fire department.

“I like the idea of supporting the fire department and their attempts to save lives,” he said.

Treasurer Laurie Perry said there have been other requests for ARPA funds, but they currently are on the back burner.

Trustee Chandler Stanton said he’s disappointed the board hasn’t gathered collectively to establish policy on spending the $830,000 in ARPA funds, which were granted near the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, much like declaring a disaster and getting federal funding support.

Amanda Winters, representing the Parks and Rec Commission, introduced what she hopes is the newest member, Lee Bernell, but his appointment hasn’t been formally accepted by the board. Supervisor Jeff Miling promised that will be done at the board’s September meeting.

Winters pointed out that the Parks and Rec Commission has been one member short for just about all of this year.

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

• Adopted a resolution for an ordinance amendment to rezone property owned by Charles Tjepkema from agricultural to rural estates to accommodate his sons’ plans to build houses on two lots.

• Was told by Library Director Jeff Babbitt that this year’s summer reading program had a record number of participants and 80 youngsters completed the entire program. He also said Bruce Bendel has been appointed to the vacant Library Board seat.

• Learned from Fordham that the fire department is handling just about the same number of calls as a year ago.

• Confirmed that the top two road projects in the township next year will be the reconstruction of 138^th Avenue and repaving of 16^th Street from 142nd Avenue to 140^th Avenue.