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THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022
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he Village of Three Oaks is narrowing down possible sources for nondomestic use of its wastewater system following a program to test samples at nine locations throughout the village. Analysis indicates industriallevel waste is entering the system from the north end of the village. At the village council’s April 13 meeting, Mary Nykamp of Wightman and Associate told the council that numbers indicate an unidentified release at the start of the sampling period causes a surcharge that caused backflow into other areas of the wastewater system. While the issue seems to be coming from one source, she said, because the village does not supply water to sewer customers north of Kruger Road, it is difficult to determine the source of the wastewater. Nykamp told the council that if the village is able to identify the source of the release and work with the users to bring levels down, the village may be able to avoid needing to create an Industrial Pretreatment Plan (IPP) for the state. When asked by the council, Nykamp said she could not speculate on what caused the surge. She said levels dropped after the first few days of sampling, possibly because the source of the discharge noticed the sampling trucks in the area and ceased discharge. Further investigation will need to be done to determine how many properties near the impacted line are connected to the village wastewater system.
Three Oaks Village narrowing down sources for nondomestic use of wastewater system BY THERESE DONNELLY
Later in the meeting, Three Oaks Village Manager Dan Faulkner informed the council he had identified two candidates for the water superintendent position. Both have relevant experience, he said, but one has experience in IPP management and the other has treatment licenses. The council instructed Faulkner to tender an offer letter to the candidate with IPP experience, with a contingency that the candidate obtain relevant licensing within 365 days of hire. During the meeting, the council approved the vacating of an alley, which had been discussed at previous council meetings. The council also welcomed Theresa Schmaltz as the new utility billing clerk for the village. The council further discussed the possibility of acquiring the building at 21 N. Elm Street, which currently houses the village administration offices, as well as a State Farm Insurance office. The building is currently owned by Berrien County, which has offered to sell it to the village for a nominal amount. After gathering quotes, Faulkner told the council it would take several thousand dollars for repairs and needed upgrades to the building. One major issue is asbestos in the basement. Faulkner said he had not been down to inspect it himself due to safety requirements, but a professional in protective gear had evaluated it. Councilmember Steve
Graziano noted the costs might not be burdensome over time, if the village can acquire the building under market value. He said that while he is not interested in “flipping” the property, the village would have the option to later sell if costs for renovation and upkeep proved to be too much. He suggested speaking to board members with a real estate background to find an approximate value for the building. The council also pondered the potential future of the building, and the village offices, if the county sells to another party. Faulkner said he would ask county officials what possible plans were if the village declines their offer. Flag Day Weekend will be June 11 and 12. The council approved a request from organizers to close streets for the Sunday parade, as well as the Saturday 5k route. All closures were approved pending review by police chief Carl Krause. In a separate action the council approved a request from Krause for the purchase of firearms for the police department. Krause explained that the state firearms program the department had been using has been discontinued so he located a firm with a representative in Buchanan. After credit for trading in old firearms, the department will purchase five new handguns, four holsters and tactical lights, practice ammunition, and duty ammunition for $846.30. The council approved a purchase up to $1000.
As part of an annual requirement by the Michigan Department of Transportation, the council approved an MDOT performance resolution that establishes the right of way along the state highway for utilities. On the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals, the council approved two zoning ordinance amendments that will amend or remove verbiage to clarify the ZBA’s criteria for the approval or denial of a variance. Sections of side streets in the village are slated for resurfacing work. The council approved a $64866.50 bid from Reith and Riley to resurface Cherry Street between Buckeye and Butternut streets, the Tulip Street extension and Nels Drive. Councilmember Colleen Newquist asked if the village should go for competitive bid on the project before accepting Reith Riley’s bid. Village attorney Charles Hilmer said while it is village policy to seek multiple bids, it is not required.
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he submitted bid expires April 26 and Graziano noted construction costs are continuing to rise. The council agreed to accept the single bid, with Newquist stating she would like to observe policy in the future. After some discussion, the council approved the addition of a spring holiday for village employees. The new holiday will follow the county pattern of falling on Good Friday every year. Newquist expressed concerns over attaching the date to a religious holiday, but
councilmember Tyler Ream said in addition to no business happening at the county level, River Valley School District is closed on Good Friday, so the employee holiday will help employees with children avoid childcare issues. Faulkner said some duties, including water department monitoring, cannot be skipped and employees who are required to work will receive holiday pay plus hourly pay. The Planning Commission is making recommendations to the council regarding a shortterm rental policy. As liaison between the commission and council, Newquist reported that at this time the commission does not recommend setting a limit on the number of shortterm rentals registered in the village, but does suggest raising the annual registration fee and standardizing the renewal date. The council took no immediate action but did discuss the impact short-term rentals could have on housing options. Ream stated even without short-term rentals, affordable housing is an issue and second home owners who do not rent out their property play a large part in the market. The Parks and Recreation Board is conducting a survey as part of its joint master plan with Three Oaks Township. A link to the survey is available from the village Facebook page and paper copies are available at village hall during business hours. Councilmember Joe Hinman reported the farmers market has already received more than 20 applicants.
