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www.newbuffalotimes.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022
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Allen Weich installed as Chikaming Township fire chief
embers of the Chikaming Township Board of Trustees, the public, and the entire township fire department officially welcomed their new fire chief during the township’s Thursday, March 10, meeting. Board members approved accepting the employment of Allen Weich, who was sworn in as fire chief by clerk Paula Dudiak in front of an audience that also included various members of Weich’s family. Weich will officially take over as chief April 1. Weich said that’s he’s “excited to move onto the next chapter of my life.” “This is a great group of guys…I’m excited to be here, the community has been so welcoming and supportive,” he said. A Bridgman resident, Weich has a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from Michigan State University. He credited his father, who was a volunteer firefighter for Baroda Township, for getting him into the fire service. Weich, who has a paramedic license, has previously worked on different fire calls and accidents with the Chikaming Township Fire Department when he was at the Lake Township Fire Department. He added that he’s “always done something in the emergency service,” “The opportunity to switch gears and do it full time – it’s a great career, and I’m really excited,” he said. Former chief Mike Davidson, who has been full-time chief since 2008, announced his retirement effective March 31
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
last November. Speaking for the board, Chikaming Township Supervisor David Bunte said Davidson has been a “great asset to township.” “I can’t thank you enough and I know the board and the public can’t thank you enough
of .3670 mills and various miscellaneous revenues, shall total $1.02 million. Estimated road maintenance fund revenues, including a voter-authorized millage of .9851 mills and miscellaneous revenues, shall total $638,986. Estimated public
letter March 3. Per the letter, Anderson has resigned “for personal reasons” and that he’s “unwilling to serve on the park board.” Anderson’s letter said that it’s been a “privilege serving community” and that vice chair
Allan Weich is sworn in as Chikaming Township fire chief by Paula Dudiak
for everything you’ve done for all your years of service…From the bottom of my heart and ours, I really appreciate everything you do,” he said. After a public hearing (during which there were no comments from the audience) board members approved the budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, which begins April 1. Per the General Appropriations Act Resolution #03-10-22 that was adopted by board members, estimated township general fund revenues for the new fiscal year, including an allocated millage
safety fund revenues, including a voter authorized millage of 1.8716 mills and miscellaneous revenues, shall total $1.2 million. Estimated building fund revenues shall total $352,891; estimated water fund revenues shall total $2.5 million; and estimated sewer fund revenues shall total $1.2 million. Board members accepted the resignation of Arthur Anderson, park board chair (as well as to send him a letter of thanks for his years of service), effective April 30. Bunte said he received the
Jill Underhill will be acting chair until a replacement is elected.
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oard trustee Rich Sullivan said if Anderson said he’s “unwilling to serve,” then his resignation should be effective immediately. “Why is it you’re unwilling to serve for two more months – it just doesn’t make sense to me… You don’t dictate when you’re doing something,” he said, adding that there’s a second
letter that’s dated the same. Dudiak said she believes the reason is because there won’t be full quorum at the next park board meeting (which is scheduled for Monday, March 28), and they can’t vote on a replacement. Bunte said that the board’s job “at this point in time” lied solely with either accepting or rejecting Anderson’s resignation. “If we decline it, it would be a discussion as to what the next step would be,” he said, adding that they “have that option.” Park board members Sherri Curry said that she wasn’t aware that a second letter existed. “I know I’ll be asking some questions to move forward with our park board,” she said. The purchase of three portable Motorola radios for the police department in the amount of $15,999.99 was approved. Bunte said the purchase was made possible by one of their residents, Randy Berlin, who offered to donate $16,000 for the purchase price. Police chief Todd Taylor said that Berlin (whose son, Andrew, owns the South Bend Cubs), has been making donation for several years. Board members approved township assessor Toni Swisher’s annual contract, which includes a 5% increase from $75,000 to $78,750. Board members approved buying back a plot at Lakeside Cemetery for 75% of the purchase, which is $56.25. On the recommendation of the Planning Commission, a parcel combination at 15935 Lake Avenue that will make the property conforming was approved in a 3-1 vote (Liz Rettig and Bill Marske abstained).
