Martin Twp. told WAEMS to buy 2 new ambulances

Wayland Area Emergency Services is buying two more ambulances despite the recent financial hardships caused the Covid-19 crisis.

Sarah Lynema, who represents Martin Township on the Ambulance Board, told township officials Wednesday night that the two vehicles, which will cost about $170,000 apiece, are sorely needed and WAEMS will find ways to scrape up the money to pay for them.

Lynema added that Prairieville Township has approached WAEMS about serving that area, but she said the board declined. She explained the service is being stretched thin as it is and, “Our response time wouldn’t be that great.”

In other business Wednesday night, the board:

• 

  Agreed to engage the secondary legal services of Watson Township Supervisor Kevin Travis. Township Attorney Jeff Sluggett of Kalamazoo will continue as Township Attorney, but Travis will be contacted to handle smaller legal matters.

When asked if there could be a potential conflict of interest, Supervisor Glenn Leep said Sluggett would be used.

• Was told that a Martin Hometown Day is being planned under the leadership of the Clippers Café. Included in the celebration July 10 will be a morning car show, food and drink, a Myron Elkins music concert, a “water war” between firefighters and a variety of small town activities.
• Adopted the 2021-22 fiscal year budget with a projected $384,585 in revenue and expenses, and a fund balance at about $172,000. A Truth in Taxation hearing was held before adoption in order to capture an additional $30,502 that otherwise would have been rolled back under the Headlee Amendment.