Watson Township hired its third zoning enforcement officer in a little more than a year by appointing James Davis to the position Thursday evening.

He succeeds Evan Stuart, who was hired last summer for the part-time post to supplement his duties as a road patrol deputy, succeeding Marnie Mills, a retired Kent County Sheriff’s deputy. The job pays $25 an hour for up to 20 hours a week.

Davis just moved into the township, is an Army veteran and has been a part-time reserve deputy with the Kent County Sheriff’s Department. He was recommended by the two previous zoning officers.

He will begin duties next month.

In other business at Thursday’s meeting, the Watson Township Board:

• Adopted the new master plan after receiving an affirmative recommendation from the Planning Commission. The new plan will cover the years 2023 to 2028.
• Was told by Trustee John Caras that the Planning Commission is considering a request from James Riemersma for a special use permit to mine gravel at 1943 122nd Ave. The site currently is not in use. The permit would be for 10 years on a 32-acre location.
• Closed two accounts with PNC Band and authorized Treasurer Stephanie Caulder to get the best bid for them from either United Bank or Huntington Bank.
• Learned that the new fire truck from Hopkins Township, which will be housed at the Watson station, will cost $654,594. Watson’s share of the cost will be $177,000.
• Agreed to a one-year increase in its support for the Wayland Area Emergency Services from $11,000 to $14,182.
• Scheduled a workshop on the 2023-24 fiscal year budget for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.