The subject of water dominated the business of the Leighton Township Board Thursday evening.

The board tabled a request from Michigan Geological Survey program to conduct a survey on water tables near the fire department’s Green Lake station. The geological group, associated with Western Michigan University, said it would absorb the costs itself and it would work with water not drinkable.

Township board members said they were hesitant until they could show the proposal to Township Attorney Cliff Bloom.

The board was visited by Chris Machiela, drain maintenance specialist with the Allegan County Drain Commission, who announced he will seek the Republican Party’s nomination for Drain Commission in the primary election in August 2024. Current director Denise Medlar plans to retire at the end of next year.

Machiela was asked by Township Supervisor Steve Wolbrink about excess water that seeps into the wastewater treatment plant in Moline when there is a heavy rain.

Leighton has received notice that drain maintenance work will be done soon at the Moline and Harvest Meadows Drains.

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

• Approved right of way requests from Verizon Metro and AT&T Metros for rights of way to allow for installation of fiber optic cable. “It’s improving our broadband infrastructure,” explained Wolbrink. 

• Tabled a proposal to pay Steve and Becky Deer about $500 a year, plus receipts, for the work they do at Lakeside Park on Green Lake.
• Was told by Fire Chief Matt Weston that the department is running 63 calls ahead of last year after seven months.
• Learned there were only two building permits issued for residential homes in July. For the year to date, there have been 28 permits at an average value of $360,921.
• Adopted an amendment to the local marijuana ordinance, which only changes some wording and definitions.
• Learned that the most recent six-month check from the Gun Lake Casino as part of the compact totaled $17,510.