The Lima Township Board met on Monday, May 11 with only a few people in the ience.
Michael Purdy opened Catered Coffee in the Oak Tree Plaza on Old US 12 just west of I-94 last summer (see story), and as part of his promotion for the business, has used six banner signs to announce his presence, three along Old US-12, and three along I-94.
Purdy, however, never received a permit from the township for the signs, and was asked to take the signs along Old US-12 down.
The issue came before the Lima Township Board, and after some discussion, the board unanimously moved that Purdy be allowed to display his signs along Old US-12 for 30 more days, and the signs along I-94 for 60 more days.
Purdy also has the permission of the property owner to display his signs along I-94.
Bruce Connell has decided to retire as the Chelsea Area Construction Agency (CACA) Building Official as of May 31, and has recommended that he be replaced in the interim by current Mechanical Inspector Danny Henson, until a permanent replacement is chosen.
Connell has been with CACA for 15 years and stated in his letter to the board that he is willing to stay on as Plumbing Inspector, as well as a back-up Building Inspector.
Township Supervisor Craig Maier extended the township’s thanks for Connell’s long service with CACA, and wished Connell the best in his retirement. The board unanimously approved a motion to approve Connell’s recommendation of Henson, and pass this recommendation from the township on to the CACA board.
In other news, the board moved to extend the township’s membership in the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) for one more year at a cost of $800, but Maier questioned the value received by the township.
According to the SEMCOG website, “SEMCOG supports local planning through its technical, data, and intergovernmental resources. The work SEMCOG does improves the quality of the region’s water, makes the transportation system safer and more efficient, revitalizes communities, and spurs economic development.”
During the next year, the board will determine whether membership in SEMCOG is worth continuing, as well as determine what other area townships are SEMCOG members, and whether they have received any benefits with membership.
Elizabeth Sensoli reminded residents of the partnership between the Chelsea District Library and American Legion Post 31 to honorably dispose of worn American flags. Residents can drop off their worn flags at the library, and the flags will be passed on the American Legion for proper ceremonial disposal.
Township Clerk Arlene Bareis reported that turnout for the May 5 election with just one question on the ballot was just over 30 percent.
Maier reported that progress on the Chelsea Area Fire Authority substation continues, and that interior renovation is nearing completion.
