The Leighton Township Board plans to take possession of the former Happy Camper business Dec. 26 after the current occupant of the old Moline Elementary School vacates the building Dec. 22.

The board, which used $650,000 in federal America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to buy the old school from Happy Camper owner Steve Austin this past fall, will do a walk-through next Thursday.

Austin in the six years since had used the old elementary as a home and business for Happy Camper, which repaired recreational vehicles. It is adjacent to the Moline Softball Association fields.

The Wayland Union school district sold the building for $45,600 and Leighton Township bought 3.9 acres of the surrounding property for $24,000 to ensure the Moline Softball Association could continue and expand use of the softball fields already on site.

The Softball Association now will be able to take advantage of the property expansion and provide players and patrons more parking.

In other business at its meeting Thursday evening, the Township Board:

• Was told by Fire Chief Matt Weston that the new fire engine, which is expected to arrive next week, had an actual cost of $626,000, a considerable savings from the approximate $850,000 price tag that would have been assessed if it was purchased today. “We really did well by purchasing it when we did,” he told board members.
• Learned from Weston that financial contributions from the Green Lake Association of $1,500 and others, such as the recent 5K race, will go toward buying tools for use with the new engine.
• Was told by Township Treasurer Jaci Bultsma that a Zoom meeting will be held Jan. 5 to discuss a free Wellness Park grant.
• Agreed to pay Windemuller $77,320 for a backup generator.
• Was told that Michigan State Police has set speed limits for 35 miles per hour on 144th Avenue and 40 mph on 12 Street from Division to the Village of Moline.
• Approved the reappointments of Paul Hendricksma, Jennifer Ringnalda and Ken Visser to the Board of Review and Bob Skinner to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Agreed to the appointment of Thomas Snyder to a seat on Planning Commission being vacated by Harry DeHaan.
• Approved the appointment of former Supervisor Steve Deer to the Ambulance Board. One more appointment will be needed because current Supervisor Steve Wolbrink does not want to serve another term on the board.
• Agreed to pay $15,803 in what the township owes to the Allegan County Drain Commission.