The role of Wayland Area Emergency Services (WAEMS) in the community was a prime focus of the Marin Township Board’s attention Wednesday evening.

The ambulance service gave up its use of an apartment in the downtown, noting its didn’t need to use it once during 2023. The Township Board agreed to let WAEMS vacate the premises, saving the service rent of $100 per month for all of the coming year.

Martin Fire & Rescue Chief Kurt Knight then suggested the facility be used by a sheriff’s deputy, especially since the board agreed to a request from the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department to use a parking slot at the JC Wheeler Library parking lot.

In a related matter, it was pointed out that Martin Township’s contribution to WAEMS, a non-profit, will be $17,617 for the coming year.

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

• Awarded the bid of $19,000 per application for dust control to Southwest Michigan Dust Control.
• Accepted a bid of $41 per block for the sale of cement blocks.
• Approved payment of $250 for mold inspection of the library, but noted the problems were fixed when the humidifier was repaired. Nonetheless, the library was approved for an air duct cleaning.
• Agreed to have paving done this summer on 122nd Avenue to 7th Street.
• Learned from County Commissioner Gale Dugan that Randy Rapp will serve as acting health commissioner until a full-time person can be found.    Former County Health Director Angelique Joynes resigned last year.
• Also learned from Dugan that the sheriff’s department has purchased a high-definition camera and installed it along M-89 between Otsego and Plainwell. The idea is to catch more speeders and shoplifters by more positive ID of license plates.