Hamilton Board Hears of Policy, Roads, Park

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Staff Writer

HARRISON – The first Hamilton Township Board meeting of the year saw four members present: Supervisor Gerald Tom Vaughn, Clark Andrea Wallace, Treasurer Denise Goodenow and Trustee Mike Iutzi. Trustee Mike Conway was absent, but monitored the meeting by muted cell phone.

The Board approved its agenda and the December meeting minutes, then moved on to guests.

First up was County Commissioner David Hoefling who provided a brief update on the most recent meeting of the Clare County Board of Commissioners, citing one of its most important actions as establishment of a new policy regarding the Fund Balance. He said that 40% would now be held, with 2% available for improvement projects. The first project eyed is replacement of rotted-frame windows in the Clare County Building with more energy efficient ones. Hoefling said that project is expected to cost about $130,000. He also shared his traditional joke of the day: “Why doesn’t anyone hear on New Year’s Eve? Because it goes in one year and goes out the other.” Chuckles filled the room, and Supervisor Vaughn said he thought that may be the funniest one of Hoefling’s joke he had heard yet.

Next, Clare County Road Commissioner Bill Simpson also provided a somewhat brief update, noting officers had been elected and Karen Hulliberger was still the chair. He said the state still had not figured out road funding and that no monies would be coming to the road commission until March. He also spoke of the many recent icing events and tree cutting, and the fact that the CCRC’s salt barn was already half used up, which is unusual so early in the winter season.

Simpson also reported on progress at the new CCRC building project, saying it was going “pretty well” and that drywall was being hung, with the main garage roof expected to be done that week. He further stated his pride in the CCRC staff and employees for being named Employer of the Year, adding that Dewayne Rogers, managing director, would be traveling to Lansing in April to receive an award from the governor.

When questioned about the gas station/party store near the road commission, Simpson said that had come to a halt when they had cut some trees that were not theirs. “When we get the check I’ll take a picture of it,” he said.

Third to the podium, Amy Wright provided an update on the park project, noting the status of funding, construction, and the availability of benches [the color choice now being a light sand and green with black supporting legs]. She informed that each of the all-weather resin benches, as a package deal from the provider, includes all materials and engraving for the cost of $1,000. It is expected to begin with six benches, two of which have already been purchased by residents.

As part of the discussion, it was explained that the former Amble School playground equipment which had been purchased from Harrison Community Schools had lacked some necessary structural components and that Trustee Iutzi was working on fabricating what was needed to make the equipment useable. That equipment also had to be moved due to inadequate supporting soils, so it will no be situated in a different location and will be under-strewn with rubber mulch.

The two pavilions have been finished, thanks in large part to the dedication of workers who erected tents against the weather to complete installation. The amphitheater and playground work will follow in the spring.

A grand opening was discussed to provide a kick-off in the community, complete with ribbon cutting – hopefully in mid-May.

It should be noted that of the four Spark Grants awarded in Clare County, the one for $$906,200 received by Hamilton was by far the largest. Others included City of Harrison $757,500; Hayes Township $722,500; and Lincoln Township $772,700.

Old Business included Policies 7 and 8, and the board moved to adopt Policy 7, with Policy 8 to be considered next month.

Under New Business, the Board moved to:

-Approve Resolution 2026-001 increasing election worker pay from $12 to $15/hour, and election chair pay from $14 to $16/hour.

-Approve use of a Hall Rental Checklist and Condition Inventory Form to be completed pre and post event, including release of security deposit.

-Approve Michigan Township Association Board of Review training Feb. 11 at Soaring Eagle at a cost of $100.

-Approve Clerk’s attendance March 17 at the MTA Capitol Conference at a cost of $100.

-Approve the transfer of funds from ICS to Park.

-Approve the transfer of funds from Park to General.

-Allow Clerk to contact the township’s attorney to authorize Road Millage Renewal verbiage [all the same as previous four years].

-Authorize the auditor’s release of information.

-Approve budget amendments for elections and township’s half of improvements.

At the close of the meeting Vaughn lauded the CCRC’s work in recent storms.

“Your guys have done a great job during these storms.”

Simpson responded, saying that cohesion of departments: fire, sheriff, CCRC, etc., enabled a smooth operation.

The Board meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at Hamilton Township Hall, 3042 Rodgers Ave.