The Watson Township Board Thursday night moved to repair and build roads, discussed clearing dead trees from the Seven Generations Park and to permit ORVs on all township roads.

The board agreed to spend $240,000 to reconstruct 12th Street from 122nd to 124th Avenue and its section of 24th Street from M-89 to 112th Avenue, sharing a project with four area townships, at an eventual cost (before paving) of $360,000,

Supervisor Kevin Travis stressed that Watson will be able to pay over several years and it has $200,000 in its dust control fund and $288,000 in its road fund, not to mention even more in its fund balance in the general budget.

None of the work will start before 2025.

The board also adopted an ordinance amendment that will allow expansion of off-road vehicles (ORVs) use to all roads in Watson. The board last month was deadlocked on the proposal and tabled it. After more examination it was approved.

There had been concerns about a minority of ORV users tearing up the roads because such an ordinance is difficult to enforce. However, it was noted that the majority os lawful users could be called on to police such situations.

Travis said, “It makes sense In other business to have a legal way to do these things.”
Treasurer Tera Davis said as many as 14 other townships in Allegan County already have approved the proposed ordinance amendment, first championed by County Commissioner Scott Beltman of neighboring Hopkins Township.

The Township Board tabled a request to clear dead trees and branches from the trails on Seven Generations Park near M-222 and 20th Street.

At first, it appeared a bid of $17,000 from Bradley Holden would handle the chores, but several board members insisted that at least one more bid be solicited.

“It (the bid) seems high, but there’s a lot of work there,” said Trustee Michelle Harris.

Travis said he’d hate to delay for very long because Martin High School’s cross-country team would like to use it for home meets.

The township likely will use money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to pay for the project.

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

• Agreed to let Travis contact Boniface to get cost estimates for repairing a couple of compression units for heating and cololing at the township hall. Because of the issues, the meeting had to be moved temporarily to the fire barn.
• Adopted an amendment to the zoning ordinance to place a six-moth moratorium on applications for private roads until the Planning Commission can make rules compatible with the master plan.
• Agreed to pay up to $1500 for troubleshooting repair on two exterior cameras.