Watson Township got some welcome news Thursday night from consultant Jay Eveland that plans for cleanup of the old dump site near 12th Street will be under the umbrella of Allegan County’s Brownfield Redevelopment program.

The township originally was making plans to apply for a loan from the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), but after Eveland had a meeting with Dan Wedge she was told the effort would be taken under the auspices of the Brownfield Redevelopment program, which is expected to save a lot of money.

Supervisor Kevin Travis said it was his understanding that state and county offices were impressed with Watson’s willingness to have Fleas & Vandebrink do a $14,000 study of contamination of water wells in that area, determine that no residences were negatively impacted.

It was mentioned when Trustee John Caras announced the Planning Commission has completed work on an updated master plan and a new parks plan for the Seven Generations Park at M-222 and 20th Street.

The board approved the draft of the plans and scheduled a public hearing on them for 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at the township hall.

Caras said he hopes to have both plans ready by Feb. 1 for consideration of grants. He added there may be a need to establish a three-member Parks Committee.

In other business Thursday evening, the Township Board:

• Was told the township budget fund balance is at $431,000, about 120% of yearly expenditures and made minor budget adjusts to brings some funds up to speed.
• Learned from Treasurer Stephanie Caulder that there now is $101,856.21 left in the fund from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
• Approved payment of $18,879 to Bernie Haul Away of Martin for the fall cleanup at the township hall and recycling site.
• Approved the bid from Scott Langlois of ATS Enterprises for $2800 for the snow plowing season and $140 per event for salting this winter at the township hall and fire station.
• Adopted a resolution supporting the county clerk, register of deeds, drain commissioner and treasurer objections to having the four offices moved out of the county building in Allegan to the Dumont Lake government complex.