(Publisher’s note: The possible arbitration noted in this story would go before the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC). A correction has been made to this story and we apologize for the error.)
The Sylvan Township Board met on Tuesday, June 2, and unanimously approved the final site plan for a new Verizon wireless communications tower to be erected off M-52, just south of the Chrysler proving grounds.
The tower will be just shy of 200-feet tall, and will not need an aircraft warning light, which is only required for structures over the 200-foot mark.
The small fenced tower compound will measure 100 feet square, and besides the tower itself, will contain an equipment shelter which will house a backup generator. The enclosure will also be surrounded by evergreens to block the view.
Verizon representative Chris Wilcox said that this new tower will do a lot to improve voice and data service in the area for Verizon customers.
Manager of Water Operations Mike Jurosek reported that the reverse osmosis membranes are currently being replaced on the township’s wells with new filters installed soon thereafter.
Trustee Kurt Kosek reported that the Chelsea Area Fire Authority (CAFA) is still involved in union negotiations, and the next meeting will take place on June 10.
“Like I’ve been saying for the last six months, I think we’re really close (to a contract). The sticking point seems to be whether or not the firefighters union will be eligible for 312 arbitration, and the only way to figure that out, is to take it to Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC), and go through an arbitration hearing there,” Kosek said.
He said that if the matter is taken before MERC, the process could take another two to three months. Until the union contract is resolved and approved, the 2015-16 CAFA budget is still not set.
According to the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) website, Public Act 312 of 1969 prevents emergency service workers such as police and firefighters from striking, and stated that a panel of arbitrators would ultimately determine a final and binding decision on lingering contract disputes.
In other news, the scheduled June 17 meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals has been moved to June 24.
The board also unanimously approved Danny Henson as the interim building inspector for the Chelsea Area Construction Agency (CACA) following the May 31 retirement of Bruce Connell.
