New Buffalo City Council amends Chapter 18 of Code of Ordinances; Addresses water rate increase

Local Government Meetings

New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN FLANAGAN City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS to be determined NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD PETE RAHM, MICHELLE HEIT, JUDY H. ZABICKI, PATTY IAZZETTO, JACK ROGERS Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM

NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD CHUCK HEIT, PRESIDENT HEATHER BLACK, VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HASKINS, TREASURER LISA WERNER, SECRETARY JOYCE LANTZ, TRUSTEE FRANK MARGRO, TRUSTEE PATRICIA NEWSTON, TRUSTEE CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, BILL MARSKE Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MARY ROBERTSON, CLERK DEBORAH LINDLEY, BLAKE O’HALLORAN, JAMES BRACEWELL, PETER DOERR, PAUL LEONARD, JR. MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

New Buffalo City Council amends Chapter 18 of Code of Ordinances; Addresses water rate increase

BY THERESE DONNELLY

The New Buffalo City Council had a second reading of one amendment, but postponed the first reading of another, at its Monday, Oct. 17, meeting.

An amendment to Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances requires property owners who regarding the grant. In a separate action, Watson recommended using a Grant Anticipation Note connected to the EDA award to draft a Request for Proposal (RFP) for further financing the project. The council approved the recommendation. repair more than 30% of a building’s floor area to repair any damaged sidewalks adjacent to their property. Mayor John Humphrey said the ordinance is only for existing sidewalks in disrepair and does not require property owners to install sidewalks where none currently exist.

The council removed from the agenda the first reading of an amendment to Chapter 19 of the Code of Ordinances, pending further research. The proposed amendment would reduce the late fee for water bills and ready-to-serve fees from 10 to 2%.

Changes to water rates have brought concerns from water customers. Speaking for St. Mary of the Lake Parish and School, Glenn Kaminski asked the council for clarification regarding a steep increase in the school’s water bill. He said the most recent bill was significantly higher than average and was higher than would be indicated based on new rates posted on the city’s website. Humphrey said costs had increased based on meters, stating that 5/8 size meter had historically not been fully charged, but City Manager Darwin Watson would meet with Kaminski to go over the bill.

Also addressing the council, resident Mick Lantis said he spent months getting conflicting information and instructions regarding his short-term rental and could not get responses via email or phone.

“I want to follow the rules,” he told the council. “And I want to be treated by the rules.”

Improvements along the city shoreline continue. The council approved a payment request from TJM Services LLC in the amount of $169,865.10 for work on the dune walk. Watson said there is still a punch list to address before the project is complete. Council member Mark Robertson said he had noticed improvements to the site

“There are still some things that need to be addressed as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

The council also voted to accept a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Authority. Watson explained the $941,383 grant was awarded for the Municipal Marina Expansion project. Councilmember Lou O’Donnell abstained from the vote, noting he had not attended the special meeting The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is requiring further sediment samples along the Whittaker Street seawall before the city continue with its joint permit application for construction work for bank stabilization, flood mitigation and a broadside dock. The samples will cost $22,700. Councilmember Roger Lijewski noted it was necessary in order to move forward with the work. O’Donnell abstained from the vote. The council approved the purchase of software and equipment for a citywide camera system. Police chief Rich Killips explained the city currently has surveillance cameras at certain locations, including the public beach and city hall; however, he called the system “ragtag,” with no connection between the different location cameras. Killips said the cost of IT support to maintain a network had prevented creating one system but the new IT contract will allow the city to establish a system and add new locations as needed.

When asked about how the $15,000 will be funded, Killips said the cost will be divided among the departments that will benefit from the system, including the police and park departments.

The October meeting was the last one for councilmember Lou O’Donnell, whose term is ending. The council presented him with a plaque in recognition of his years of service to the city. Watson expressed his appreciation for O’Donnell’s support when Watson was hired.

Robertson, Nicholas Holevas, Mick Lantis, Jennifer Parello and Vance Price are on the ballot for the two council seats.

The council also heard from Paul Steven Jancha, who is running unopposed for the position of Fifth District Court Judge. Jancha is currently chief public defender of Berrien County.

The council adjourned into closed session to speak with legal counsel regarding trial and settlement strategy for current litigation and made no motion on the matter when they reconvened into the open meeting.

PAWS FOR HUMANITY HOSTING FALL FEST THIS WEEKEND

Paws for Humanity will be hosting its second annual Fall Fest from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at 14671 Three Oaks Road in Three Oaks.

The afternoon will include tours of the sanctuary and a chance to meet the animals; hayrides; games; crafts, including pumpkin painting; a scavenger hunt; pizza and baked goods from area restaurants and bakeries; coffee and cider; and a doggie costume contest at 3 p.m.

Admission is $5 for the afternoon. Kids 5 and under free.

Because of the variety of activities, all dogs must be on a leash and comfortable in social settings. Dogs are not allowed on the tour of the sanctuary, so please plan accordingly.

This is a fundraising event for the general care of the sanctuary animals. Paws for Humanity is currently home to nine alpacas (five additions this year), a Quarter horse, three miniature donkeys, six goats, ducks, chickens, cats and three Great Pyrenees dogs being socialized to be the Sanctuary Guardians (brought to Paws for Humanity in August of this year)

Paws for Humanity is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to provide sanctuary and support for animals and people alike, allowing for each to heal the other. — STAFF

Three Oaks Village Council approves purchase of village admnstration building

In the final regular meeting before Election Day, the Three Oaks Village Council voted to purchase the village administration building at 21 N. Elm Street from Berrien County.

The village currently is a tenant in the building, which previously housed a branch of the Berrien County Health Department. Village Manager Dan Faulkner told the council the county has no plans to return the health department. Earlier in the year, the county had offered to sell the building to the village for a “nominal amount.” The council discussed the offer over several meetings, but held off on a decision while research was done on the cost of needed repairs and operating expenses and alternative office locations if the county sold to a third party.

At the Oct. 12 meeting, Faulkner presented the council with a report of projected costs for anticipated work, including parking lot repairs, drainage excavating, asbestos removal and future utility bills.

Council member Tyler Ream noted the village does not need to immediately act on the removal of asbestos, which has only been found in the unused basement.

The council voted 4-1 to approve the purchase, with village president Richard Smith casting the dissenting vote.

The council held a public hearing regarding an application from Green Oaks Cultivation for a marihuana license to operate a microbusiness at 300 E. Ash Street.

Addressing the council, applicant Michael Morse explained current regulations limit micro-businesses to 150 plants, but the state may increase that limit. He said the business will aim for a higher-end clientele and will have an attractive appearance. When asked by councilmember Steve Graziano about smells affecting neighbors, Morse said his primary job is in HVAC systems and the building will have a system to monitor air quality and minimize smells and pathogens.

Morse said that state laws currently would not allow a micro-business to take in marijuana flowers from other cultivation sites but they may procure concentrates or edibles. He said expected changes in those laws may allow micro-businesses to take flower from larger cultivators.

After the public hearing, the council discussed the application but several members expressed concerns that the information provided in the initial application did not match current paperwork. A primary concern was clarification on building ownership, as the newest information indicates Green Oaks will lease rather than own the property.

The council agreed to table the matter until their November meeting in order to get more information.

Following a brief discussion, the council approved a $3,000 bonus for Faulkner. Smith noted that Faulkner, who did not receive a raise last year, “has done more for the village than the village residents realize.” He noted Faulkner has helped plow streets and has assumed water department responsibilities while the village seeks a new water supervisor.

Mary Nykamp of Wightman and Associates gave the council a short update on the village wastewater sys tem. She said the overall system is below the daily discharge limits set by the state but there are still high concentrations entering the system from the north end of the village.

“Concentration is one part of the puzzle,” she said, explaining that flow rates also play a part in the readings.

Ream asked how well the wastewater system is mapped on the north end, where the village is trying to identify the source of a high concentration discharge. Nykamp said there is no detailed map, but it is clear where the system ends and it is possible to run tests at manholes to narrow down locations. Further testing or excavating may then locate the source.

The council heard a request from The Region of Three Oaks Museum (TROTOM) to be a municipal partner to allow the museum to apply for a grant from the William J. Deputy Endowment Fund. TROTOM Board member Nick Bogert explained the museum is raising funds to purchase an inventory software program to better organize exhibit items. He said the museum is also preparing a donor campaign to build a storage structure.

The council approved the purchase of a new copy machine from Parrett Company to replace the current machine, which Faulkner said has stopped working and will be difficult to repair. They also approved a one-year agreement with Edge IT to provide IT services to the village police department. Police chief Carl Krause said the department has been using the company for several years without a contract but this year the company is asking for one.

Faulkner said the village has received a grant to do necessary repairs work on the Hickory Street bridge over the train tracks. He said work will likely begin in 2025, as the village will need to coordinate with Amtrak.

Reith Riley was awarded the bid for paving work on three blocks of Tulip Drive.

BY THERESE DONNELLY

LETTERS TO THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES:

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New Buffalo Times

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

MANY THANKS...

New Buffalo Township and Friends of NBT Fire would like to thank everyone that helped make our first Fired Up 5K such a huge success and supporting NB Township firefighters! Thank you to our sponsors, without you we couldn’t have put this great event on. Thank you to our many volunteers who were out on the course making sure everyone was safe and cheering the participants on. Thanks to everyone who signed up, we had over 100 participants sign up! And last but not least, thank to our amazing firefighters for putting on this great event and thank you for all you do to keep us safe! Looking forward to the 2023 Fired Up 5K!! — MICHELLE HEIT, NB TOWNSHIP

SUPERVISOR

JULIE FLICK, FRIENDS OF NBT FIRE

OUTSIDE MONEY...

I recently attended the candidate forum for the New Buffalo Schools Board of Education election. During the Meet and Greet I received a handout supporting candidates Baney, GrzywaczKennedy and Tanksley. This was paid for by WTPBC, which is located in Niles, Michigan. I do not like outside money influencing New Buffalo. Is outside money paying for these candidate’s billboards and signs? I want our School Board to represent and be answerable to New Buffalo citizens, not outsideinterests.

An issue highlighted in the handout was Critical Race Theory which they consider “inappropriate for public schools.” After checking with the school district, I discovered that Critical Race Theory is NOT taught in our schools. These candidates should have researched the subject before they presented it to the public. Raising this issue seems to be a red herring in an attempt to raise people’s temperature about a factious issue.

Another subject presented in their handout is “Dangerous Changes Ahead - Title IX Proposed Changes.” I do not disagree that these changes would require careful, sensitive implementation to ensure all students are made to feel safe and comfortable. However, since our schools are required to follow the rules of Title IX, why are they raising the issue?

When I had the opportunity to discuss these issues with one of the candidates listed above he stated that if we opt out of adhering to Title IX it would not hurt the district because “we do not get much funding from the Federal Government.” This is not true. I pointed out to him that if we do not follow Title IX we could lose Federal Funds for other programs including Title Iwhich provide free and reduced school meals. During the forum it was stated that over 40% of our students receive free and reduced lunches.

I have served on school boards for 12 years. I know how important it is that the Board focuses on Real Issues, not a “stalking horse” to excite the neighborhood for no reason. It is important that the Board members are knowledgeable about its programs so they can accurately and fully weigh the consequences of any action taken.

I am concerned that the candidates Baney, Grzywacz, Kennedy and Tanksley have demonstrated very poor judgement by raising and pushing nonissues. Supporting them could seriously hurt the financial condition of the New Buffalo School District.

I urge voters to cast their ballots for Denise Churchill, Brad Brunner, Lisa Werner and Vanessa Thun. — JERROLD MARKS

IN EDUCATION...

After the public forum on October 4, the New Buffalo Teachers Association is recommending the following candidates for the four New Buffalo School Board positions: Denise Churchill, Brad Brunner, Lisa Werner

Vanessa Thun.

We believe that these candidates will help us continue to provide a strong public education for all New Buffalo Area School students. — THE NEW BUFFALO TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

THREE OUTSTANDING CANDIDATES...

In the upcoming election, residents of Harbor Country have an opportunity to vote for three outstanding individuals: Michelle Hannon, Joey Andrews, and Bart Goldberg.

Michelle Hannon is the Democratic candidate for County Commissioner from the 9th district. She is currently a member of the New Buffalo Township Parks Committee and sits on multiple local government boards. Michelle is committed to increasing goodpaying year-round jobs, increasing affordable housing, improving public transportation, increasing education and training in the skilled trades, protecting and nourishing our Lake Michigan shoreline, and ensuring that all children have an equal opportunity to experience an excellent education.

Joey Andrews is the Democratic candidate for State Representative from the 38th district. He is a licensed attorney, a policy analyst for the Michigan AFL-CIO, and a strong advocate for the needs of our coastal communities. Joey is committed to fighting for a fair economy and fair wages for local working families, supporting local businesses, protecting local control of short-term rentals, preventing further erosion and flooding of our shoreline, eliminating lead in our drinking water, protecting reproductive rights, fighting all forms of discrimination, and ensuring that all children have an equal opportunity to experience an excellent education.

Bart Goldberg is the Democratic candidate for Congress from Michigan’s 5th district. He is an attorney who is a strong advocate for finding bipartisan solutions to our nation’s most pressing problems. Bart is committed to getting inflation under control as quickly as possible, creating and sustaining goodpaying jobs, supporting local businesses, protecting women’s reproductive rights, expanding access to voting, supporting Michigan’s farmers, protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, honoring and supporting our veterans, protecting our shoreline and our drinking water, reducing health care costs, and ensuring that all children have an equal opportunity to experience an excellent education.

Each of these candidates is conscientious, passionate, and strongly committed to improving our communities, our state, and our nation. They are knowledgeable, hardworking, and willing to collaborate with anyone who is committed to constructive problem solving.

I will be voting for Michelle Hannon, Joey Andrews, and Bart Goldberg. I hope you will join me. — LARRY FELDMAN, LAKESIDE