Two representatives of the Hopkins Township Board have met once with Gun Lake Tribe officials to try to reach agreement on a cost sharing arrangement for the Nowak property near the corner of 129th Avenue and 12th Street.
However, the Township Board, in a special meeting last Tuesday, voted 3-1 to adopt a resolution to appeal the Bureau of Indian Affairs intention to permit the tribe to take that land into federal trust.
The board’s resolution declares, “…without a written agreement in place for non-gaming land between the Township of Hopkins and the Gun Lake Tribe that addresses concerns stated above, that is the equivalent to what ad valorem taxes would generate, the Hopkins Township Board direct its legal counsel to file an appeal…”
Supervisor Mark Evans Monday night told board colleagues that he and Trustee Bob Modreske have meet with tribal representatives once and “We’re not far apart, I don’t think… Hopefully we’ll be able to continue to make something happen.”
The board resolution was approved by Evans, Modreske and Trustee Chuck Wamhoff. Clerk Eric Alberta voted “no,” and Treasurer Sandra Morris was absent.
The board’s objections to the taking of the non-gaming land into a trust essentially is about the loss of tax revenue. Land in trust is exempt from taxation. Further, there was concern expressed about the tribe using roads paid for by taxpayers without sharing their cost.
James Nye, public relations specialist for the tribe, told board members about a special Indian Roads Reservation program that was used in Wayland Township to rebuild and pave a road.
“That is certainly something we would like to explore,” Nye said.
Allegan County Commissioner Gale Dugan presented Evans with a sample resolution for agreement before any land is taken into trust.
Citizen Bob Beck asked how much money the Township Board has spent on appeals as opposed to how money it is losing if the Nowak property is taken into trust.
At the same time, Hopkins Township is in legal negotiations with the Gun Lake Tribe over the way Gun Lake Casino gaming receipts are distributed to local municipalities according to the compact. The township has hired a high-powered Lansing attorney in that case.
The Township Board also is in talks with the tribe about financial support for the Hopkins Area Fire Department when it responds to issues at the Jijak Foundation property, which also is tax exempt.
In other business at Monday night’s meeting, the Township Board:
• Scheduled the annual Memorial Day ceremonies for 10 a.m. Monday, May 27.
• Approved a work order for $77,185 for road work on 13th Street between 133rd and 135th Avenues
• Approved a request for a stipend of $1,250 for one year for economic development services from Lakeshore Advantage.
Modreske said, “If we want to being more business into the community, this would be a decent way to do it.”
Alberta added, “It can be a useful resources.”
