Monthly Archives: June 2006
June 27, 2006
The meeting of the Barry County Road Commission was called to order at 8:00 A.M. by Chairman Willcutt.
Members present: Willcutt, Dykstra, Pashby and Managing Director Brad Lamberg.
The agenda for June 27, 2006 was approved.
The minutes of June 13, 2006 were approved as read by the Secretary.
Motion by Commissioner Dykstra seconded by Commissioner Pashby to approve the payroll for payment.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
CHECK NAME AMOUNT
Barry County Road Commission $86,748.16
Motion by Commissioner Dykstra seconded by Commissioner Pashby to approve the bills for payment.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Check Name Amount
19565 ANDY PRICE $15.00
19566 LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC $179.18
19567 MICHIGAN CHLORIDE SALES LLC $15,921.66
19568 NAPA AUTO PARTS $326.79
19569 ROGER PASHBY $455.45
19570 WYOMING ASPHALT PAVING CO $5,007.17
19572 MICHIGAN CHLORIDE SALES LLC $39,743.52
19573 AFLAC $290.80
19574 REGIONS INTERSTATE BILLING $199.68
19575 ALLTEL $111.40
19576 ALRO STEEL CORPORATION $1,196.10
19577 AMERICAN MESSAGING $23.92
19578 APEC $1,852.50
19579 ARISTOCHEM, INC $42.03
19580 ASR CORPORATION $90.00
19581 BARRY COUNTY LUMBER $126.97
19582 BLUE CARE NETWORK $14,944.62
19583 BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD $1,317.54
19584 BRUCE GUTHERIDGE $127.15
19585 CARLETON EQUIPMENT CO $27.86
19586 CHARLTON PARK $100.00
19587 CONSUMERS ENERGY $515.90
19588 DORNBOS SIGN & SAFETY INC $113.55
19589 DUTHLER TRUCK CENTER $440.80
19590 EAGLE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY INC $270.00
19591 FIDELITY INVESTMENTS $5,877.64
19592 FIDELITY INVESTMENTS $375.00
19593 FREEPORT NEWS/GEIGER PRINTERS $73.00
19594 CHRIS BEBEAU BCRC $183.61
19595 HASTINGS ACE HARDWARE $330.41
19596 JENNIFER MATTHEWS $133.52
19597 JERRYS TIRE SERVICE $4,259.94
19598 KENT OIL COMPANY, INC. $1,216.15
19599 LAKELAND ASPHALT CORP $1,098.60
19600 LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC $311.39
19601 LIQUID DUSTLAYER INC. $43,220.81
19602 LJ FLUID POWER INC $98.00
19603 M&K QUALITY TRUCK CENTER $331.16
19604 MARK BISHOP $1,505.60
Check Name Amount
19605 MEEKHOF LAKESIDE DOCK INC $102,683.87
19606 MICHIGAN CAT $225.51
19607 MICHIGAN CHLORIDE SALES LLC $7,224.52
19608 MICHIGAN COMPANY INC $97.08
19609 MODEL COVERALL SERVICE $39.08
19610 NAPA AUTO PARTS $86.81
19611 NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS $341.08
19612 PROFESSIONAL BENEFITS SERVICES $2,484.00
19613 PURITY CYLINDER GASES INC $216.86
19614 QUALITY STAFFING SOLUTION $1,093.76
19615 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS INC. $1,506.00
19616 RATHCO SAFETY SUPPLY INC. $22,770.00
19617 RIETH RILEY CONSTRUCTION CO $155.10
19618 ROAD EQUIPMENT PARTS $424.11
19619 ROB GARRETT $108.04
19620 ROBERT RICHARDSON $198.48
19621 S A E INDUSTRIES, INC $31.78
19622 SITE PRECISION INC $30.00
19623 STATE SPRING ALIGNMENT & BRAKE $3,027.59
19624 THERMO KING MICHIGAN INC $191.13
19625 TRUCK & TRAILER SPECIALTIES $14,728.00
19626 UNITED SIGN COMPANY $31.82
19627 VESCO OIL CORPORATION $598.50
19628 WYOMING ASPHALT PAVING CO $31,712.91
Grand Total: $332,460.45
Motion by Commissioner Pashby seconded by Commissioner Dykstra to accept the Resolutions from Hastings, Baltimore, and Maple Grove Townships.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Hastings Township Resolution
Motion Wilder, second Bassett, to conduct the following in 2006:
All the alternative recommendations (River, Sager, River,
Campground and Brookfield) $59,475
All the gravel requests $14,685
All suggested line painting $ 1,089
Two double applications of 26% dust control $20,800
$96,049
Baltimore Township Resolution
The Baltimore Township Board passed a resolution on June 13, 2006 to appropriate $4,590 to slag seal 1.08 miles of Sager Road, slag seal 2.29 miles of Brogan Road for $19,500.
We will split the cost of crushed on Butler Road West of North Avenue and from M-37 to Bird Road at $550 and $715 respectively. We will allocate $9,645 to the Road Commission to use at their discretion. Baltimore Townships total expenditure is $35,000.
The Baltimore Township Board also approved two applications of dust control (26%) to be applied to the 44.8 miles of township roads.
Maple Grove Township Resolution
After discussion at the regular monthly board meeting of the Maple Grove Township Board held on June 7, 2006 with four of five board members present, motion made by Susie Butler 2nd by Jim Heyboer with all ayes, the board approves the additional road project for the summer of 2006.
Assyria Road – 3.59 miles M-66 to townline slag seal $33,290
Dave Bursley, Woodland Township Supervisor talked with the Board on the seasonal part of Davenport Road.
Motion by Commissioner Willcutt seconded by Commissioner Pashby to set September 21, 2006 for Public Hearing on disposition of the seasonal part of Davenport Road at 7:00 P.M. at the Woodland Township Hall.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Rob Richardson discussed equipment with the Board.
Motion by Commissioner Dykstra seconded by Commissioner Pashby to extend the M & K Quality Truck Sales 2005 bid of $89,160 for a 2008 Volvo Cab & Chassis. It is agreed that M & K can demonstrate the truck for a period of approximately four months.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Motion by Commissioner Dykstra seconded by Commissioner Pashby to take sealed bids for a 2006 Ford F250 Super Cab 4 x 4 Pickup with a minimum bid of $22,000.00.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Motion by Commissioner Dykstra seconded by Commissioner Pashby to cancel the July 11, 2006 regular board meeting.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Motion by Commissioner Dykstra seconded by Commissioner Pashby to authorize Lakeland Asphalt material cost increase over their original bid price.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Unit
Price Increase
Bituminous Mixture 3C $33.00 $42.50
4C $34.00 $43.50
13A $30.00 $39.50
36A $30.00 $39.50
Denny Zoet and David Low with Western Michigan Snowmobile Council discussed the widening of the proposed bridge over the Thornapple River for a multiple use trail.
Motion by Commissioner Pashby seconded by Commissioner Dykstra to include the Western Michigan Snowmobile Council in the planning of a multiple use trail/widening of the proposed bridge on the Finkbeiner/Crane Road project.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 A.M.
_________________________________ __________________________________
Chairman Secretary
June 13, 2006
The meeting of the Barry County Road Commission was called to order at 8:00 A.M. by Chairman Willcutt.
Members present: Willcutt, Dykstra, Pashby and Managing Director Brad Lamberg.
The agenda for June 13, 2006 was approved.
The minutes of May 16, 2006 were approved as read by the Secretary.
Motion by Commissioner Pashby seconded by Commissioner Dykstra to approve the payroll for payment.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
CHECK NAME AMOUNT
5/30/06 Barry County Road Commission $84,891.72
6/13/06 Barry County Road Commission $87,537.41
Motion by Commissioner Dykstra seconded by Commissioner Pashby to approve the bills for payment.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Check Name Amount
19425 BLUE CARE NETWORK $16,970.46
19426 CHRIS BEBEAU BCRC $175.81
19427 NAPA AUTO PARTS $644.66
19428 PROFESSIONAL BENEFITS SERVICES $2,346.00
19429 WYOMING ASPHALT PAVING CO $4,945.15
19430 ADVANCE NEWSPAPERS $186.90
19431 AIS CONST EQUIP CORP $772.88
19432 ALRO STEEL CORPORATION $222.28
19433 ARISTOCHEM, INC $654.92
19434 BARRY COUNTY LUMBER $428.22
19435 BEAVER RESEARCH COMPANY $2,177.50
19436 BEN’S TECH SUPPLY $153.79
19437 BRANDY CASEY $453.00
19438 BRIAN HEATH $115.72
19439 BURKEY SALES & SERVICE $193.78
19440 CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS $234.50
19441 CONSUMERS ENERGY $2,400.09
19442 CRAIG HAMILTON $95.40
19443 CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING $185.64
19444 DANIEL PRICE $25.50
19445 DORNBOS SIGN & SAFETY INC $218.73
19446 EAGLE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY INC $300.00
19447 EYE & ENT SPECIALISTS $75.35
19448 FIDELITY INVESTMENTS $5,797.68
19449 FOX FORD $65.51
19450 CHRIS BEBEAU BCRC $380.04
19451 GUARDIAN ALARM COMPANY $23.92
19452 HASTINGS ACE HARDWARE $326.86
19453 JAS NETWORKS INC $128.30
19454 JDE EQUIPMENT COMPANY $524.70
19455 JENSEN BRIDGE AND SUPPLY $1,954.26
19456 JERRY HALL’S SEPTIC SERVICE LLC $240.00
19457 JERRYS TIRE SERVICE $2,545.76
19458 KENT OIL COMPANY, INC. $22,362.25
19459 LAKELAND ASPHALT CORP $1,443.60
19460 LIQUID DUSTLAYER INC. $9,973.48
19461 M&K QUALITY TRUCK CENTER $17.80
19462 MEEKHOF LAKESIDE DOCK INC $24,552.27
Check Name Amount
19463 MICHIGAN CAT $97.63
19464 MICHIGAN CHLORIDE SALES LLC $20,686.03
19465 MODEL COVERALL SERVICE $39.08
19466 NAPA AUTO PARTS $118.88
19467 NEAL’S TRUCK PARTS $1,165.39
19468 QUALITY STAFFING SOLUTION $1,738.18
19469 QUILL CORPORATION $581.44
19470 RIETH RILEY CONSTRUCTION CO $3,357.00
19471 ROAD EQUIPMENT PARTS $855.30
19472 S A E INDUSTRIES, INC $286.99
19473 VERNS REPAIR & SPORT $25.10
19474 THE WOLVERINE COMPANIES $570.35
19475 WONCH BATTERY COMPANY $424.10
19476 WYOMING ASPHALT PAVING CO $8,481.04
19477 JENSEN BRIDGE AND SUPPLY $10,608.84
19478 MICHIGAN CHLORIDE SALES LLC $16,961.15
19479 NAPA AUTO PARTS $348.34
19480 WYOMING ASPHALT PAVING CO $6,163.69
19481 ADVANCE NEWSPAPERS $133.50
19482 AFLAC $132.00
19483 AIS CONST EQUIP CORP $37.39
19484 ALEXANDER HAMILTON INSTITUTE INC $38.25
19485 ALEXANDER WALDEN $552.54
19486 ALFRED MARTZ $138.28
19487 ALRO STEEL CORPORATION $598.26
19488 BARRY COUNTY LUMBER $18.87
19489 BERT KEELER $380.00
19490 BESCO WATER TREATMENT INC $69.25
19491 BETTY MOORE $138.28
19492 BILL SEIF CHEVROLET-BUICK INC $35.88
19493 BRAD LAMBERG $665.28
19494 CARPENTER GRAVEL INC $194.70
19495 CHARLES BENEDICT $276.54
19496 CITY OF HASTINGS $373.24
19497 COLWELL EQUIPMENT CO.INC. $85.75
19498 CONSUMERS ENERGY $18.17
19499 CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING $7.69
19500 DIC CRAVEN $276.54
19501 DORNBOS SIGN & SAFETY INC $632.40
19502 DUANE WINDES $14.49
19503 DUTHLER TRUCK CENTER $124.48
19504 FERRELLGAS $116.58
19505 FIDELITY INVESTMENTS $7,024.67
19506 GAYLORD PENNINGTON $276.54
19507 GERALD CISLER $552.54
19508 HASTINGS ACE HARDWARE $99.94
19509 HASTINGS BANNER $86.62
19510 HASTINGS REMINDER $79.38
19511 HELP NET $347.87
19512 HOWARD HOSTETLER $828.54
19513 HUGH MCPHERSON $138.28
19514 IKON OFFICE SOLUTIONS $430.84
19515 JACK KINEMAN $552.54
19516 JDE EQUIPMENT COMPANY $342.65
19517 JERRY HALL’S SEPTIC SERVICE LLC $160.00
19518 KENNETH HURLESS $552.54
19519 KENNETH PRANSHKA $552.54
19520 KENT OIL COMPANY, INC. $22,233.60
19521 KENDALL PRANSHKA $138.28
19522 KETCHUM MACHINE CO $350.00
19523 LAKELAND ASPHALT CORP $5,434.20
19524 MARK WEEKS $28.63
19525 MAXI MUFFLER PLUS $218.90
19526 MCRCSIP $50.00
19527 MEEKHOF LAKESIDE DOCK INC $14,580.45
19528 MICHIGAN CAT $353.03
19529 MICHIGAN CHAMBER SERVICES $167.50
19530 MICHIGAN CHLORIDE SALES LLC $8,575.86
19531 MICHIGAN CONTRACTOR & BUILDER $169.00
19532 MICHIGAN COMPANY INC $164.36
Check Name Amount
19533 MIDDLEVILLE-CALEDONIA SUN & NEWS $104.60
19534 MODEL COVERALL SERVICE $39.08
19535 MUNICIPAL WORKS $190.00
19536 NAPA AUTO PARTS $444.52
19537 NORMAN JACK LENZ $690.54
19538 PATRICIA WOLF $328.44
19539 PAUL PRANSHKA $552.54
19540 PENNOCK HOSPITAL $599.00
19541 PHIL BENDER $170.00
19542 POSTMASTER $132.00
19543 QUALITY STAFFING SOLUTION $1,486.66
19544 QUILL CORPORATION $270.69
19545 RICHARD RAYMOND $276.54
19546 ROAD EQUIPMENT PARTS $78.45
19547 ROBERT BAINES $276.54
19548 ROBERT NAGEL $604.71
19549 ROBERT RUSSELL $276.54
19550 ROBERT SLOCUM $689.72
19551 STANDARD INSURANCE CO. $457.86
19552 STATE WIRE & TERMINAL $134.09
19553 SUE HUEBNER $40.00
19554 THERMO KING MICHIGAN INC $122.20
19555 TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPANY $80.64
19556 TRUCK & TRAILER SPECIALTIES $164.87
19557 USPS-HASLER $150.00
19558 VALLEY INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, INC $414.14
19559 VESCO OIL CORPORATION $3,350.82
19560 WASTE MANAGEMENT OF MI $130.74
19561 WAYNE ROUSH $552.54
19562 WILCOX PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LLC $1,413.00
19563 THE WOLVERINE COMPANIES $112.59
19564 WYOMING ASPHALT PAVING CO $3,707.25
Grand Total: $264,410.21
Motion by Commissioner Pashby seconded by Commissioner Dykstra to accept the Resolutions from Thornapple, Hope, Maple Grove, and Rutland Townships.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Thornapple Township Resolution
Patterson Road 1.98 Mile 108th Street to Mill & Fill $22,700
30′ Wide 144th Avenue & Slag Seal
Patterson Road 1.51 Mile 144th Avenue to Mill & Fill $17,500
30′ Wide 141st Avenue & Slag Seal
Green Lake Road 1.99 Mile Cherry Valley Road to Slag Seal $16,915
To Patterson
Dust Control Using 26% Solution
23.82 Miles two applications at same time Not to exceed $16,000
Road Gravel Not to exceed $12,000
Total $85,115
Hope Township Resolution
At the May 8, 2006 regular meeting of the Hope Township Board of Trustees made the following additional decisions concerning Hope Township Gravel and Paved Roads.
- 300′ Ashby Road at M-43 Highway; Grading, Prime and Triple Seal at a cost of $5,500.
- 500′ Anders Road at M-43 Highway; Grading, Prime and Triple Seal for at a cost of $8,000.
- Brogan Road from Cedar Creek Road East to Town Line; 1.5″ Overlay & Slag Seal. Conditional on Baltimore Township doing their Township portion. At a cost of $29,665.
- Cloverdale Road from M-43 to Cedar Creek Road. Only if Baltimore Township does not do their section of Brogan. Slag Seal at a cost of $28,900.
- Orchard Road from Eddy Road to Kingsbury Road; Crack Seal at a cost of $1,360.
- Otis Lake Road from Keller Road to Mullen Road; Slag Seal at a cost of $9,350.
- Gravel Road requests totaling $25,960.
All costs with just Brogan: $79,835.
All costs with just Cloverdale: $79,070
Maple Grove Township Resolution
After discussion at May 3, 2006 board meeting with five board members present, Motion by Doug Westendorp supported by Susie Butler to
1. Allow road gravel to be spread as per road report for a total of $16,500
2. Lawrence Road slag seal – Assyria Road to town line, 2.82 miles $23,970
Total $40,470
Motion carried with all ayes.
Assyria Road project is still being discussed with options.
Rutland Township Resolution
WHEREAS, the Township Board is authorized to determine road projects to be completed within the township, and
WHEREAS, the Township Board has determined the following paved road projects for fiscal year 2006:
No paved road projects for 2006.
Total Paved Road Expenditures $0.00
WHEREAS, the Township Board has determined that the State of Michigan pays no property taxes on State Land in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area:
WHEREAS, the Township Board has decided that no Township Funds will be expended on the maintenance of any gravel roads that run through the Yankee Springs Recreation Area unless they are inhabited by our residents.
WHEREAS, the Township Board has determined the gravel road projects for fiscal year 2006:
3,636 Cubic Yards crushed gravel @ $5.50/ yard $19,998.00
Rutland Township Resolution Cont.
Distributed on roads listed in the gravel road recommendation with the exception of the following roads:
Any and all roads in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area not inhabited by township residents.
Total Gravel Expenditures $19,998.00
WHEREAS, The Township Board has determined the chloride application project to be at a cost of $22,926.00:
1st application @ 26% to be applied after the Barry County Road Commission has graded the roads smooth and asked not to pull shoulders prior to this application.
1st application total $11,463.00
2nd application @ 26% to be applied after the Barry County Road Commission has graded the roads smooth and asked not to pull the shoulders prior to this application.
2nd application $11,463.00
Distributed on the roads listed on the chloride recommendation with the exception of the following roads:
Any and all roads in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area not inhabited by township residents.
Total Chloride Application Project $22,926.00
WHEREAS, the Township Board has determined the following roads have the centerline and edge lines painted:
Cook Road CL Paint $264.00
Iroquois Trail CL & EL Paint $1,577.00
Tanner Lake Road CD & EL Paint $2,240.00
Total Painting Projects $4,081.00
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Rutland Charter Township Board does hereby authorize the road projects as listed.
Total Road Expenditures $47,005.00
Motion by Commissioner Dykstra seconded by Commissioner Pashby to change the existing Yield Sign to a Stop Sign at the following location:
Road Name Intersection Plat Name Township
West Bound Ottawa Trail at Jeanne Drive Al-Gon-Quin Estates Rutland
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Motion by Commissioner Pashby seconded by Commissioner Willcutt to approve the installation of a new Stop Sign at the following location:
Road Name Intersection Plat Name Township
North Bound Springview Court at M-37 Hwy Glass Creek Estates #2 Yankee Springs
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt & Pashby
Nays, None
Abstain, Dykstra
Motion Carried
Motion by Commissioner Pashby seconded by Commissioner Dykstra to accept the Scodeller Construction Crack Sealing proposal extension from June 10, 2002. Price of $1.125 per lb minimum of 14,000 lbs.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Motion by Commissioner Willcutt seconded by Commissioner Pashby that if a contractor or private individual grades a gravel road to the Road Commission’s specifications the Road Commission would prime and triple seal the road.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt & Pashby
Nays, None
Abstain, Dykstra
Motion Carried
Motion by Commissioner Dykstra seconded by Commissioner Pashby to request reimbursement in the amount of $10,000.00 for payments made during the period of July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006 to a licensed professional engineer employed by this commission in accordance with Section 12(2) of Act 51, as amended.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Willcutt, Dykstra, & Pashby
Nays, None
Motion Carried
Emily Strow talked with the Board concerning damage to her vehicle done on Yeckley Road that was denied by the insurance pool.
Motion by Commissioner Willcutt to pay ½ of a $583.58 estimate from L & S Service for damage to Emily Strow’s vehicle. There was lack of support, motion denied.
Motion by Commissioner Pashby seconded by Commissioner Dykstra to pay the $583.58 estimate from L & S Service for damage done to Emily Strow’s vehicle.
ROLL CALL: Yeas, Pashby & Dykstra
Nays, Willcutt
Motion Carried
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 A.M.
_________________________________ __________________________________
Chairman Secretary
June 10, 2006
PRELIMINARY PUBLIC HEARING #2
PROPOSED NEW THORNAPPLE RIVER BRIDGE AND IMPROVEMENTS TO CRANE ROAD AND FINKBEINER ROAD IN THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP,
BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Commissioner Don Willcutt invited the audience to participate in the pledge of allegiance. The public hearing was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Commissioner Don Willcutt in the Thornapple-Kellogg High School Auditorium. Commissioner Dave Dykstra is excused from this public hearing. Commissioner Willcutt introduces Commissioner Roger Pashby and explains the guidelines for this public hearing, stated a notice was posted in the appropriate time frame.
Willcutt asked to hear from those who OPPOSE the proposed project.
Julie Ackerson, 12081 Gackler Road, Middleville (795-3233) states she was shocked to learn of the proposed route on Finkbeiner Road and puzzled as to why another bridge and road is necessary. She feels it would be less expensive to build a “net” over the town or emergency shelters west of the bridge. She has driven through Middleville on her way to work for 30 years and has never encountered any delays or traffic jams. She feels the whole project is unnecessary. The road goes to nowhere and Bradford-White’s trucks would not be helped. She is strongly opposed to the proposed project.
The following letter was read and presented by Ms. Ackerson
When I first heard about building a new bridge across the Thornapple, building a new road to the bridge, and choosing the route from Whitneyville to Patterson on Finkbeiner Road, my first reactions were shock, surprise, and puzzlement. I thought why do we need another bridge, why do we need another road, and why would you choose a route from Whitneyville to Patterson on Finkbeiner Road?
I was determined to keep an open mind about this project and I put a lot of thought into it making observations as I daily drive the current Main Street corridor across the bridge as I go to and from work in Hastings.
After much thought, my conclusions are still shock, surprise, and puzzlement, why do we need another bridge, why do we need another road, and why would you choose a route from Whitneyville to Patterson on Finkbeiner Road?
First, the argument for needing another bridge across the Thornapple seems to stem from the possibility of a flood washing out the bridge or an accident occurring on the bridge that would prevent emergency vehicles getting to the other side of the bridge. This reason is akin to building a net over the town in case Chicken Little notices the sky over Middleville is falling. In fact, it would probably be less expensive to build a net over the town than to build a new bridge and a new road. The likelihood of a flood or the sky falling is about the same. If you really do feel a route across the bridge could be compromised in an emergency, it really would make more sense to build another emergency building on the west side of the river. It could be build on the Faro Pizza building site and could provide emergency services to those on the west side of the river in the event of a bridge collapse or an accident on the bridge. Or a new emergency building could be built on the old Baby Bliss site. Then, the problem of a pizza emergency would be eliminated as there would be a pizza place on both sides of the river. Building a second emergency building and equipping it would be less expensive than building a bridge and a road.
Second, another road is unnecessary. Middleville is already close to being a ghost town. As I said earlier, I have driven through Middleville to work on both ends of rush hour traffic. I have done this for thirty years. I have never, in my recollection, waited for more than one red light at the intersection of Main Street and Broadway. Once from the light to Grand Rapids Street I passed only one vehicle – a John Deere tractor. The downtown area pretty much consists of two pizza parlors, two t-shirt stores, a bar, and a stagecoach with a fence around it. What would happen to the few businesses in
Middleville if traffic were diverted from Main Street? We should be trying to attract people to the village not trying to keep them away from it.
Third, why choose the route from Whitneyville to Patterson on Finkbeiner? Even though this a moot question because, bottom line, this whole project is unnecessary and a colossal waste of money, the real question here is why destroy more farmland and quiet, beautiful county living for people for a road that goes nowhere. Traffic going east would be stopped at Whitneyville and traffic going west would be stopped at Patterson. I doubt if few travelers would use the new road. It goes nowhere. Bradford White probably thinks it would benefit them as their trucks going west would not have to stop at the light on Broadway, or the stop sign on Cherry Valley. However, on the new route, the trucks would have to stop at M-37 with no light, Cherry Valley, and probably Schad Road. This project wouldn’t even help Bradford White. Each of these intersections would become more dangerous.
I strongly oppose the building of a new bridge across the Thornapple and the building of a new road to the bridge using the Finkbeiner Road corridor. You just can not justify going ahead with this project.
Julie Ackerson
12081 Gackler Road
Middleville MI 49333
269-795-3233
Veronica Scofield was present to speak for Doris Squire of 9225 Finkbeiner Road, Middleville. She stated the proposed route would go through the Squire’s horse pasture and will affect wetlands. She noted that horses have been lost in the bogs in this area. She fears the route would put the Squire’s farm out of business, that it is too expensive and is not the best placement for a new road. She states it would make more sense to rebuild the existing bridge. She understands there are federal monies available to replace bridges but asked if there is money available to acquire the necessary land.
(Willcutt responds they are not far enough along with this project to survey the route, and that the Road Commission has funds to acquire property.)
Mary Ackerson, 425 Taffee, Hastings (948-9603) stated the proposed road goes to nowhere and that country roads are not meant to be turned into a major truck route.
Willcutt asked to hear from those in FAVOR of the proposed project.
Steve Williams of Williams & Works Engineering, 5490 Ottawa Avenue NW (224-1500)
(engineering firm for the Village of Middleville) advised that the Village has done a good job of maintaining the bridge, but the bridge deck is in poor condition. The 65 ton limit on the existing bridge is due to cracks and exposed reinforcing steel. The cement is sprawled, cracked and leaking and the bridge will continue to deteriorate. He states it is essential to replace the bridge.
Derk Hatley, 112 Millpond Drive (795-3127) lives in a new townhouse by the river. He feels a new bridge to divert the truck traffic will be an asset to future downtown development. He asked if the schedule for replacement can be moved up.
(Willcutt responded that the schedule cannot be faster.)
Rod Kenyon states he is a lifelong resident of Middleville and very proud of the village. He stated that in 1948-49 there was a flood which resulted in one foot of water over the bridge. At that time it was said that water pressure moved the bridge one-half inch.
He feels that removing heavy truck traffic will increase the life of the old bridge and, although the road goes to nowhere, in time it will connect with a major road/highway.
Don Boysen, 5100 Squire Lane (795-3915) advised he is speaking on behalf of Emergency Services as they were not able to attend this hearing. He read a letter which emphasized that
having one bridge over the river raises concerns about what would happen if the bridge couldn’t be used and essential emergency services were compromised. A new bridge would enhance their ability to provide adequate response time and protect the well being of the community.
The following letter was read and presented by Mr. Boysen.
Public Hearing 6-10-06
I’m Don Boysen, 5100 Squire Lane, Middleville Phone 795-3519
I’m also the supervisor of Thornapple Township, but I appear here this morning as a spokesman for the Thornapple Township Emergency Services. The Chief and the Deputy Chief of the Department are both unable to attend this hearing and I’ve been asked to represent the Service and outline their observations about the proposed project.
The keyword for all emergency services – whether police, fire or ambulance – is response time to an incident. Getting there with the proper resources in both personnel and equipment is of primary importance in saving lives and property.
With one bridge in Middleville over the Thornapple River, TTES has long been concerned about serving the community – the entire community – if that bridge were compromised in some way. As has long been pointed out, the minutes to takes to utilize the bridge at Parmalee or Irving if the Middleville Main Street Bridge could not be used, would be potentially devastating.
At the time the Township and Department was contemplating a new fire and ambulance station, many sites were considered. A new station either east or west of the river revealed just how important it is to be able to cross the Thornapple River with fire trucks and ambulances – to say nothing for the ability of our on-call volunteers to reach the station in a timely fashion.
The proposed bridge in alignment with Crane/Finkbeiner Roads would greatly improve TTES’s ability to serve both sides of the Thornapple River in our community. If, as it has been reported in these hearings, the Main Street Bridge must be closed for a period of time for replacement, a close-by crossing of the river would greatly affect TTES’s ability to provide adequate response times in our service area.
It is, therefore, the feeling of the Thornapple Township Emergency Services command people, that the proposed additional bridge and highway would greatly benefit our ability to protect the well being of the people of our community.
Lon Myers is a lifelong resident of Middleville and President of the Village Council.
He feels it is important to create an alternative route to increase viability of the downtown area.
Willcutt asked to hear from those who are NEUTRAL (neither opposed
nor in favor) of the proposed project.
Lucinda Ward, 5011 Whitneyville, inquired about the subterranean soil on the proposed route. She feels it may be difficult to establish footings, etc. She asked if other sites have been considered, and states she is basically opposed to the project.
(Willcutt advised feasibility study has not been done and it could affect the decision of where to place the road.)
Willcutt asked if anyone wanted to speak regarding the proposed project. There were no further public comments.
Willcutt stated the public hearing is closed and the Road Commission Board will at this time consider any motions.
Board deliberated for several minutes reviewing previous minutes as well as those from today’s meeting.
Motion by Willcutt to move to the design phase for the proposed new Thornapple river bridge and improvements to Finkbeiner and Crane roads in Thornapple Township, Barry County, Michigan, with concurrence by the Village of Middleville and Thornapple Township. Pashby supports the motion. Discussion. It was explained that this motion would serve as a go ahead to the design of this project – nothing more. All ayes. Motion carried.
Willcutt called twice for any further comments by anyone wishing to comment on the proposed project.
Willcutt noted that additional hearings will be held after the design is complete.
Pashby advised residents can get on a mailing or e-mail list and receive updates on the project’s status.
Meeting declared adjourned at 10:38 a.m.
June 1, 2006
PRELIMINARY PUBLIC HEARING #1
PROPOSED NEW THORNAPPLE RIVER BRIDGE AND IMPROVEMENTS TO CRANE ROAD AND FINKBEINER ROAD IN THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP,
BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Commissioner Don Willcutt invited the audience to participate in the pledge of allegiance. The public hearing was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Commissioner Don Willcutt in the Thornapple-Kellogg High School Auditorium. Commissioner Roger Pashby is excused from this public hearing as he is out of the state. Willcutt introduces Commissioner Dave Dykstra and explains the public hearing guidelines, stating the intent of this meeting is to hear concerns of the public and not necessarily to answer any questions regarding that proposed project.
Willcutt asked to hear from those who OPPOSE the proposed project.
Frederick Rock, 10118 Finkbeiner Road, Middleville (795-0070) states that the project will negatively affect the environment as well as result in increased development (i.e. malls, sewers), more traffic and congestion in the Village of Middleville. He is concerned that increased truck traffic will affect the safety of school children, and increased development will create a need for more taxes (i.e. to support emergency services). The only benefit will be to developers and local government. He asked what mechanisms exist to stop the project.
Fred Rock, 9725 Finkbeiner Road, Middleville (795-9503) states it will be a detriment to the community to create a truck route from/to I-131, in essence a “route to nowhere”. He sees no advantage to Middleville residents and fears any cost overruns may have to be paid by local taxpayers. He sees no advantage for local industry since Bradford-White has been able to successfully supply and ship their products for many years. If the existing bridge in Middleville is closed for some time people can just use the Parmalee bridge temporarily. If the existing bridge is reconstructed, he requests that one lane remain open during reconstruction of the bridge so people will not have to go around.
Allyn Vandyk, 317 Edgewood, Middleville, points out that an undue burden will be placed on those who live along the proposed route (Crane Road) and is concerned about property values being compromised and potential loss of property. He feels that all the people should bear a fair percentage of the load/cost.
Willcutt asked to hear from those who are NEUTRAL (neither opposed
nor in favor) of the proposed project.
Mark Zoet, 12919 Finkbeiner Road, Middleville, does not see how the project will alleviate traffic congestion on Main Street or near the schools. He believes it will make traffic flow worse at the intersection.
(Willcutt notes this is a preliminary hearing and thanks Mr. Zoet for his input.)
Jerry McWhinney, 12051 Finkbeiner Road, Middleville (795-9490) expressed concerns about the safety of homes that are close to the road.
(Willcutt advised the design phase of this proposed project has not determined where the road should be placed and assures the public that safety is a major concern with any Road Commission project.)
Willcutt asked to hear from those in FAVOR of the proposed project.
Cathy Williamson, 419 Thornton Street, Middleville (795-9090) states she lives on the west side of Middleville and has seen what storms can do to infrastructure. She realizes there is a need for an additional access route to the west side of the village for fire and ambulances vehicles.
Eric Lannes, 200 Lafayette Street, was present to represent Bradford-White and notes that from a business perspective the proposed project is necessary. The company employs 1100 people and utilizes a significant number of trucks in its production and delivery of water heaters. He emphasized that safety is of utmost importance to the company when directing its truck traffic, and weight limitations on the current bridge prevent the trucks from using the bridge during the winter. He noted that Bradford-White may expand and feels the proposed project is good for local employers and for West Michigan.
David (last name unknown), 312 Plum, Wayland (792-2707) was present to represent the snowmobile community. He advised that many clubs favor the proposed project as there are many trails in the area. They would like to see a wider (10 foot) bridge to allow snowmobiles to access the trails. He states there are over 400,000 registered “sleds” in the state who contribute a considerable amount of money to the area.
Brandon Meiras of Williams & Works Engineers advised the existing bridge was built in 1929 and the elements have taken a toll on the infrastructure. There is cracked and spawling concrete on the underside of the bridge and this deterioration will continue. He feels it is not cost effective to rehabilitate such an old bridge or to provide for one way traffic as grade changes would be necessary. Construction of a new bridge would allow for complete shut down of the existing bridge and is important for business and commerce.
William Nelson, Managing Director of the Allegan County Road Commission, 1308 Lincoln, Allegan, was present to lend support as the proposed project would create a continuous route to M-40 and I-196 and the long-range plan is to create a Class A road to connect Barry and Allegan counties to I-131.
Willcutt called twice for any further comments by anyone wishing to comment on the proposed project.
Willcutt advised the next preliminary public hearing will be held on Saturday, June 10th at 10:00 a.m.
Meeting declared adjourned at 7:31 p.m.