Hopkins Township, the Village of Hopkins, Allegan County Sheriff’s Department and Hopkins Public Schools are being invited to cost share in having a full-time police officer in the community.
Deputy Tracey Keefauver was selected in March 2023 for school resource officer at Hopkins schools through a grant from the Office of School Safety to allow for the addition of a school resource officer.
As the SRO for at the past three years, she has assisted the district to ensure the physical safety of individuals in its schools, has helped to develop and update safety procedures, emergency operations plans and implement best practices. She also has educated students in law-related topics and provided staff with safety training.
The SRO position is partially supported by the FY23 grant funds awarded by the State of Michigan and administered by the Michigan State Police.
However, Township Treasurer Eric Alberda told board colleagues Monday night that the grant will expire next February and four local government entities will be asked to share the costs in having her work in 6he community on a more permanent basis.
Hopkins has not had a local police officer since grant funding for Rachel Sadowski dried up almost a decade ago.
The Township Board took no action on the proposal.
In other business at Monday’s meeting, the Township Board:
- Was told that it may be asked to share with the village costs for new park playground equipment because it has deteriorated.
- Learned by Chuck Wamhoff that the Planning Commission is working on a proposed ordinance regulating solar panels and batteries.
- Heard Supervisor Cade Bolser praise the performance of new cemetery sexton Nicole Stafford. “She’s doing a phenomenal job keeping records up to date.” He said.
- Agreed to spend up to $2,000 on a new updated master plan by Professional Code Inspections.
- Went on record as supporting creation of an Ag Preservation Commission to protect farm land and wildlife from development.
- Acting as a special election commission approved appointments of workers for the Nov. 4 millage election.
