Dorr Twp. officials racing to use it or lose ARPA fund

The Dorr Township Board is trying to avoid consequences of a potential “use it or lose it” federal revenue sharing program.

The intention now is to spent about $200,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act money before the end of the year. The intention also is to spend almost all of it on costs for the move into the new township hall at the former Crosswinds Church further east on 142nd Avenue.

The board spent more than two hours going over details of handling needs and projects. One on hand, there is the drive to use it or lose it and another to avoid getting the best deal.

Perhaps the biggest debate at Thursday night’s meeting was getting a price for repairs and paving for the parking lot. Supervisor Jeff Miling clearly was in favor of hiring Jody Schaendorf and Black Gold in Dorr, insisting about the $69,000 estimate “Nobody is going to beat that price.”

Trustee Dan Weber agreed, saying. “And we’re running out of time (to spend the money).”

Trustee John Tuinstra, however, said if the board granted Black Gold’s bid, it would violate the policy of insisting on at least three bids.

So Tuinstra agreed to seek at least two more bid before the board makes its decision.

Trustee Chandler Stanton asked colleagues, “Why do we need to have a parking lot that big?”

Clerk Debbie Sewers replied, “For elections.”

Stanton said he didn’t see the wisdom in enlarging the parking lot to accommodate an event that occurs only once every two years.

The board grappled with other needs for the new hall, including doors, a generator ($60,000 to $65,000), an electronic sign, and remodeling a new small room for the assessor for not more than $12,000.

The board also agreed to pay up to $8,500 for repair of a water leak in the basement of the current township hall and have the maintenance department do the work.

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

• Was told by Fire Chief Gary Fordham the department has just received a replacement grass truck from the Grandville Fire Dept. With only 50,000 miles on the vehicle, it will replace the old unit that is more than 25 years old.
• Learned from Fordham the department through late October has handled almost 400 calls, most of them medical, and already has broken the old annual record of 266.
• Was told by Amanda Winters that Christmas in the Park will have its third annual event on Saturday, Dec. 7. She added that the Township Board may have to appoint at least three seats on the Parks Commission because she is a write-in and there is only one candidate otherwise on the ballot.
• Learned from Clerk Debbie Sewers that 1,568 absentee ballots were sent out for the Nov. 5 general election and early voting begins Saturday, Oct. 26, for nine straight days, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.