By Lisa Carolin
After many years of trying to decide whether or not to put more money into Lima Township’s existing town hall, the Lima Township Board approved purchasing a new piece of property where a new township hall is planned to be built.
The board unanimously approved a resolution at its Aug. 13 meeting to purchase real estate known as 11516 Jackson Road from the Robert VanSchoick Estate/Graceyland Properties, Inc. for $420,000.
The property already includes Fire Station No. 2. It is just shy of 16.5 acres.
“Our goal as a township board is to construct a new facility in that area and provide more than sufficient parking for any election we might have,” said Lima Township Supervisor Craig Maier, who said as many as 100 vehicles could be able to park there.
There have been accidents at the current town hall during elections because of a lack of parking.
The $420,000 will come from Lima Township’s general fund. Suggestions were made during the meeting by board trustee Duane Luick to make some of the money back by selling some acreage from the newly purchased parcel. Another suggestion was to sell the 1.8 acres where the current town hall is located.
Luick, along with a few residents, asked that there be a public meeting before the decision to purchase the property be made. Board trustee Don Laier felt strongly that no more time be spent discussing the topic. Maier agreed and said that Lima Township has the right of first refusal on the property.
Chelsea Area Fire Authority Chief Rob Arbini spoke at the meeting and said he is in favor of the location. When he was asked about CAFA making the purchase, Arbini responded that CAFA does not have the money to do so and does not want to get into the business of owning fire stations.
At this point, Lima Township will spend $500 for an earnest agreement contingent on both a survey and title search.
In other action, the board approved a Flex E 2 percent COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) benefit increase effective 1/1/2019 for a one-time, 2-percent increase for retirees. It will cost the township $3,460.
In other business, Luick expressed concern about getting funding to pay for the replacement of the Liberty Road Bridge. Maier said that county engineers determined that the entire structure needs to be replaced, and it will cost close to a million dollars to be paid for by the Washtenaw County Road Commission, the county, and the township.
During public comment, Tom Bourque introduced himself. He is running to be 14A District Judge against incumbent Judge J. Cedric Simpson. Bourque is part of an Ann Arbor law firm and has been a lawyer for 37 years. He encourages voters to learn more about him at his website, votetombourque.com.
The Lima Township Board of Trustees meets next on Sept.10.
