“We can work it out” — The Beatles

The Martin Township Board and Allegan County On Point program representative Gina Berry are trying to work out a potential problem with the mother of a developmentally disabled student.

The board Wednesday night fielded a complaint from Watson Township resident Chenaan Eastman, who claimed Wheeler Public Library is discriminating against her daughter, who is handicapped and can’t read or write by barring her from the facility.

Eastman said the sheriff’s department told her of the ban, noting that library personnel were uncomfortable and even afraid of the girl’s presence. There also were concerns the girl may demonstrate disruptive behavior. She indeed did call the library 26 times in one day.

Eastman told the board she may seek an attorney to file a lawsuit claiming discrimination, but Township Trustee John Schipper tried to dissuade her by saying going to court would be costly for both sides. He suggested the problem be worked out privately by the two sides.

Township Supervisor Glenn Lee told Eastman they should let Berry and library and county mental health officials come to some kind of agreement.

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

• Learned from Ambulance Board representative Sarah Lynema that Wayland Area Emergency Services is asking for an increase of 9 percent in financial support and acknowledged employees this year each will get an 8% raise. She said the ambulance service handled 4,175 calls in fiscal year 2022-23.
• Awarded the bid for lawn mowing services for the township hall, JC Wheeler Library and three cemetery sites to Legacy Lawn and Snow for $13,795. Eight bids were opened.
• Agreed to pay $19,000 this year for dust control with an option for a second application.
• Agreed to the appointment of Treasurer Sue Tiemeyer to the village’s Memorial Day Parade Committee.
• Learned that curbside recycling costs per household will almost double, from $2.26 to $4.05 per week.