Jack Sipple, perhaps the longest serving elected official in Allegan County, is stepping down as Martin Township trustee after 55 years.

“I’ve enjoyed myself on here,” he said, “but it’s time to step down.”

Simple, who first joined the board after appointment by Supervisor Bert Schipper in 1969 to serve out the remainder of an unexpired term, said in his letter of resignation Wednesday night that concerns about his health also played a role in his decision to call it quits, effective March 31.

Supervisor Glenn Leep said Sipple did a lot more than just serve the board. He performed physical tasks on behalf of the township outside of attending meetings.

The supervisor said to Sipple, “You’ve seen quite a few come and go.”

The Township Board will have to appoint a trustee to succeed him between now and November, but the seat will be open in the Aug. 6 primary election to determine who will serve after November.

In other business at Wednesday evening’s meeting, the Township Board:

• Awarded the low bid of $19,660 for lawn care for the cemeteries, township hall and library to Legacy, which had the contract last year.
• Was told by Clerk Jennifer Wharton that 44 took part in the new early voting option of nine days in February, 184 voted by absentee ballot and 167 showed up at the polls on Election Day Feb. 27.
• Awarded the low bid of $15,975 from Arnsman Septic Service of Hopkins to handle the driveway at the new cemetery.
• Noted the annual trash pickup day will be Saturday, May 18, in downtown Martin.
• Heard Supervisor Glenn Deep opine that the roads in the township are in terrific shape. “When you are blessed with good weather, you get good roads in March.”