Three Oaks Village Council approves Industrial Development District

NEW BUFFALO LIBRARY PROGRAM TO SHARE HISTORY OF NATURE WRITING

Wendy Jones, director of environmental education at the Bubolz Preserve in Appleton, Wisconsin, will discuss the history of nature writing in a program at New Buffalo Township Library at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21.

Jones is a frequent speaker at the Friends of the Library’s Community Forum lecture series. Her energetic and knowledgeable presentations have made her a Forum favorite.

“Nature writing has been a distinct tradition for over 200 years,” Jones said, “with journals, essays and books describing personal encounters with the outdoors, the interconnection of all living things, the solace and healing spirit to be found in nature, and human responsibility to take care of Planet Earth.”

Among Jones’ selections are writings of George Catlin, William Bartram, Ursula LaGuin, Charles Darwin, and Henry David Thoreau.

Jones will be presenting live via Zoom on the library’s screen. New Buffalo Township Library is located at 33 N. Thompson Street in downtown New Buffalo. The Community Forum programs are free and open to all.

In accordance with current CDC guidelines, use of face masks is optional. — STAFF

Three Oaks Village Council approves Industrial Development District

Following a brief public hearing, the Three Oaks Village Council approved a request for an Industrial Development District (IDD) for Journeyman Distillery at their meeting Wednesday, June 8.

Speaking on behalf of the distillery, Cathy Tilly, director of business development at Cornerstone Alliance, explained the business plans to add a bottling factory and rickhouse (for storing and aging barrels) on the property. She said the approval will not change the current zoning, but the State of Michigan requires an IDD prior to beginning a project in order to request a tax abatement for the land.

An IDD is part of a tax incentive that entitles a newly-built facility to apply to be exempt from real and property taxes for a limited period approved by the local government. Journeyman has not applied for an exemption so far and Tilley said approving the IDD did not obligate the village to grant an abatement. She also said if there was an abatement request, all impacted entities would have an opportunity to speak at a hearing.

Prior to the council vote, former village treasurer Lois Jones asked if the proposed project would qualify for an IDD, noting the state’s description of qualifying structures listed facilities for manufacturing or processing by chemical change. Tilley said the state included the bottling process as a manufacturing process.

After the council reconvened the regular meeting, village manager Dan Faulkner updated the council on the village’s efforts to identify the source of high waste levels in the village sewer system. The high-strength waste sampler approved at the May council meeting has been taking samples at the village wastewater ponds and Faulkner said Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels have dropped from readings of 800-900 mg/L to roughly 450 mg/L, but are still above the state’s limit of 300. Council member Tyler Ream asked if the village could sample from other locations to pinpoint the source of the high levels. Faulkner said the initial samplings were being done at the ponds in an effort to detect a pattern to the output, but levels remained fairly consistent. He said once the second sampler arrives, the water department will be able to collect samples at locations throughout the village.

Later in the meeting, Faulkner informed the council the consumer confidence water report is complete and will soon be printed. Faulkner said there will likely be a need to replace lead service lines over the next 20 years.

Theresa Schmaltz is officially the village treasurer. Schmaltz was hired as administrative assistant and utility billing clerk and has transitioned into additional duties. At the May council meeting, Faulkner recommended appointing her to treasurer.

The council also prepared for Flag Day celebrations set for June 11 and 12, officially approving the Saturday night fireworks display at the fields near the American Legion Hall. Village President Rich Smith said both the police and fire departments had approved the plans.

In addition, the Council approved closing North Elm Street and portions of adjacent side streets starting at noon Sunday, June 12, for the annual Flag Day Parade.

As part of Flag Day preparations, the Department of Public Works has been cleaning up. Faulkner reminded residents that yard waste must be left at the curb and branches must be bundled and no more than four feet long.

The council still has not made a decision regarding the proposed purchase of the village administrative building at 21 N. Elm Street, but Faulkner said Berrien County is preparing a purchase agreement for the village to review.

During public comments, Berrien County District Court judge candidate Paul Jancha introduced himself to the council and audience members. Jancha is currently chief public defender and is running unopposed to replace judge Dennis Wiley, who is retiring.

In committee reports, councilmember Tyler Ream told the council the Parks and Recreation Board is continuing to work on the five-year master plan. He praised chair Lindsey Clement for her work gathering more than 250 public surveys to use as part of the plan.

He also presented the council with samples of planned signs to post rules in the village parks. Ream said in compiling the rules, the board realized there is no village ordinance regarding park hours. He said the board recommended the council create such an ordinance so police can enforce the time restrictions.

Colleen Froehilch’s term on the Downtown Development Association has expired and, on the DDA’s recommendation, the council appointed to the empty seat.

In her report on the DDA, Colleen Newquist said the DDA recommended the council establish clearer guidelines on short-term rentals in the village. One suggestion was setting districts where rentals would be allowed. Village attorney Charles Hilmer said a district could possibly be created if it was justifiable on a basis such as protecting property values.

Newquist also announced the village’s new website is up. One of the goals for the redesign was to make the site easier to navigate and Newquist said she welcomes feedback to further improve it.

The village’s annual audit has been delayed due to scheduling issues, Faulkner said, and he asked councilmembers to let him know their availability for a Saturday meeting.

BY THERESE DONNELLY