Representatives from the Hopkins Township Board and Gun Lake Tribe of Potowatomis are engaged in negotiations to reach an agreement for tribal land held in trust by the federal government.
Supervisor Mark Evans and Trustee Bob Modreski are representing the Township Board, and there has been one meeting already.
The sessions are a response to Hopkins Township officials’ opposition to the tribe seeking to take land into a trust for its non-gaming use. Matters came to a head after the land at the Jijak Foundation site was converted to be used as a convention center and after the tribe has asked to have a 130-acre site near 129th Avenue and 12th Street to be taken into a trust.
Hopkins Township is objecting because the prcess results in a loss of tax revenue.
The Gun Lake Tribe has contended the Jijak property formerly was not on the tax rolls because it was a non-profit being used as a camp for Mel Trotter Ministries.
“Finally, at least we’re having the conversation,” Evans said of the negotiations. “It’s a huge step forward.”
The township and the Allegan County Board of Commissioners also have sent a letter containing questions for the Gun Lake Casino Revenue Sharing Board. The Township Board and county commissioners are questioning how revenue sharing money from gaming receipts are being distributed. They insist the rules established when the casino opened are not properly being followed.
Commissioner Gale Dugan told the Township Board he has received the Revenue Sharing Board’s response to the questions and commented, “I’m disappointed.”
Township officials indicated they haven’t yet seen the response.
In other business at Monday night’s meeting, the Hopkins Township Board:
• Was told by Fire Chief Tim McKinnon that the new fire truck to replace the old rescue vehicle has arrived. He is it’s a smaller vehicle than the old one, but it’s more versatile, carrying the Jaws of Life hydraulic tool and 275 gallons of water.
McKinnon said the new vehicle is designed to last between 25 and 30 years, replacing a truck for which maintenance costs were outweighing the argument for keeping it.
• Accepted the audit from Dave DeHaan of Walker, Fluke and Sheldon of Hastings, who indicated the township earned an unmodified of clear opinion.
• Was told by Evans it’s very likely that the culvert at 126th Avenue west of 14th Street will be repaired at a cost of about $40,000.
• Officially noted the board made an annual $1,000 contribution to Hopkins Area Business & Recreation for the fireworks display.
