Because of the recent spate of reports of water contamination in Otsego Township, Watson Township officials want to warn local residents about such possibilities near the old Watson-Martin dump.
Though former Township Clerk Kathy Pardee noted the site had been capped more than 30 years ago, Township Supervisor Kevin Travis said he intends to send a letter to residents with assistance about information from the Allegan County Health Department. Residents near the former dump site who have any concerns will be encouraged to contact the health department.
He also intends to let Martin Township Supervisor Glenn Leep know about the situation.
Trustee Michelle Harris, however, asked, “By us initiating this, are we opening ourselves up to a lawsuit?”
Trustee Chuck Andrysiak responded, “I’d rather the people about this. Our job is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of this township.”
Allegan County Commissioner Gale Dugan said, “We should let the people know they have a way to check their wells, with the help of the health department.”
Travis said, “Not everybody knows about this (potential situation), especially the people who have moved into the township.”
Ken Pardee, from the audience, said. “You’d think if this was a problem, somebody would have found out by now.”
In other business at Thursday night’s meeting, the Watson Township Board:
• Decided to have the culvert near M-222 and 21st Street repaired instead of paving roads for the next two years.
Treasurer Sue Jones said County Road Commission Engineer-Manager Larry Brown told her four years ago the culvert was dangerously close to collapsing.
Travis said, “When a culvert fails, the closed road signs go up.”
Cost has been estimated at $175,000, but the township will be able to handle it in the next two years.
• Was told by Trustee Chuck Andrysiak, the board’s liaison with the Planning Commission, that a special use permit was granted last month for expansion of 20 sites at the Schnable Lake campground. It was reported this will be the last expansion at the property.
• Was told by Dugan that Allegan County adopted a new fiscal year budget of about $31.5 million, down from last year’s that was $32 million. County employees will get a 1.5% pay increase.
• Approved the snow plowing bid of $2,600 for the season from ATS Enterprises and Scott Langlois.
• Learned from Andrysiak that Don Bailey has resigned his seat on the Planning Commission and anyone interested in succeeding him may check out the township’s web site.
• Was pleased to see the new carpeting and new blinds in the meeting room at the township hall.
