Officer Klynstra honored for life-saving actions by Three Oaks council

AThree Oaks officer was honored during the Three Oaks Village Council meeting Wednesday, Nov. 10, for his recent life-saving

actions.

During a presentation, police chief Carl Krause said officer Jacob Klynstra responded to an emergency call at Journeyman Distillery, where he found a man unresponsive, with others performing CPR. Krause said Klynstra used an automated external defibrillator on the man, who was transported to an area hospital and later received heart surgery. Krause read letters of thanks from both the man and his wife, thanking Klynstra for his actions. Johanna Welter of Journeyman added her thanks as well.

Klynstra received a lifesaving certificate and pin at the meeting for his actions.

During the meeting, Village Manager Dan Faulkner presented a letter of resignation from village treasurer Melodie Culverhouse. In Culverhouse’s absence, clerk Cindi Moynihan has been handling treasurer responsibilities, with former village treasurer Lois Smith assisting on a part-time basis. Faulkner said a search committee will review new treasurer candidates.

Due to the increased workload, the village staff did not have enough time to include a list of bills and invoices to be paid in the council packet. The council voted to approve the consent agenda without these items, and after discussion with Moynihan, set a special meeting for Nov. 11 to review and approve the bills. The quick scheduling was deemed necessary as Moynihan stated she would not be in the office the week of Nov. 15 to write checks, and some of the organizations charge “heavy penalties” for late payments.

A second special meeting will take place Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in the village hall to discuss correspondence with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) regarding the village’s water treatment system.

During the November regular meeting, the council approved Faulkner’s recommendation to increase the salaries for the administrative staff and police department personnel. Faulkner said the increases were part of the budget. Increases for the Department of Public Works and Streets Department are scheduled for the December meeting.

The annual Snowflake Stroll is set for Nov. 27 in the downtown. Village President Richard Smith said the marching band is unavailable for this year’s parade, but there will be new attractions, including ice sculptures. This year’s stroll will run from 2 to 8 p.m., with the parade stepping off at 5 p.m. on Maple Drive and making its way to Watkins Park, where the tree lighting will take place after dark. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children in the pavilion.

This year the DDA has donated lights for the gazebo in Dewey Cannon Park, along with a temporary sign.

The council approved a payment of $2,500 to Abonmarche Engineering for additional costs associated with paving work on Michigan Street. Engineer Jason Marquardt explained to the council that Abonmarche had provided services not outlined in the initial contract and the payment was for expenses associated with the additional work.

At the recommendation of councilmember Tyler Ream, the council approved a $300 contribution to the community garden for planned repairs to garden beds. Ream said the DDA had made a separate contribution and the garden is considering increasing its fees next year to cover costs.

In a separate green effort, Ream said the Parks and Recreation Board is teaming with the Harbor Country Rotary Club to create Happy Little Tree program, which will encourage residents to plant trees. The village currently reimburses residents up to $50 if they plant a tree from a pre-approve list. Under the new program, Ream said, the Rotary will help cover any remaining purchasing cost. Councilmember Joe Hinman reported that the DDA is looking for a new manager for the summer farmers market and is accepting applications.

Inspection of water lines earlier in the year revealed a line with lead levels above the state’s actionable level. Faulkner told the council that as of January 2022, it will be the municipality’s responsibility to replace lead lines from the water main to within 18 inches of a residence or the first valve. Accordingly, the council authorized $5,000 towards line replacement. Councilmember Steve Graziano said the identified lines need to be replaced right away, but asked if future funding was available for any additional replacements. Faulkner said the village’s asset plan is nearly ready to submit to the state, and that will make grant applications possible.

Recent hydrant flushings revealed four hydrants on the south end of the village in need of repair or replacement. Faulkner told the council that, due to age, replacement parts are no longer available for some of the hydrants. The council approved the purchase of four hydrants from East Jordan Hydrants in the amount of $11,104.61.

The Hickory Street bridge is due for its biennial MDOT inspection Nov. 19. Faulkner said it is already listed for potential preventative maintenance and the inspection will determine what that maintenance will be.

The council voted to approve the three-year state audit, running from 2021 through 2023.

The council appointed Dave Thomas, Chris Brooks and Tim Jarrett to the Construction Board of Appeals, reappointed Tina Olson and Steve Diller to the Planning Commission, Joan Brown and Lindsey Clements to the Parks and Recreation Board and Mike Kennedy to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

In his manager report, Faulkner told the council the village had received approval to install a paved walkway along U.S. 12 from village limits to Three Oaks Ford, 6736 US-12.

Prior to adjournment, councilmember Coleen Newquist asked Chief Krause if anything could be done about speeding vehicles on North Elm Street. Krause said the department has been handling increased calls but patrols when they can.

Addressing the council during public comment, Nick Sayers of Highway Horticulture said he was disappointed that his organization’s application for a marijuana dispensary was not considered at the recent special meeting to approve license applications. Sayers said his organization had spent thousands of dollars and many hours working on their application and asked for clarification on why it was not considered.

BY THERESE DONNELLY

During a presentation, police chief Carl Krause said officer Jacob Klynstra responded to an emergency call at Journeyman Distillery, where he found a man unresponsive, with others performing CPR. Krause said Klynstra used an automated external defibrillator on the man, who was transported to an area hospital and later received heart surgery. Krause read letters of thanks from both the man and his wife, thanking Klynstra for his actions. Johanna Welter of Journeyman added her thanks as well.