Sumpter Twp. passes new ordinance to get access to meters

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor
Sumpter Township has been unable to get access to water and sewer meters at three parcels in the township, so a new ordinance passed at the Aug. 27 meeting will give the township some muscle.
The ordinance states access shall be given to service the meters or a person could be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
In other business at the Aug. 27 meeting, the township board:
• Passed a resolution increasing rubbish rates from $21.30 per single residential household per quarter to $22.50 per quarter. The resolution also increased meter service charges to Augusta/Exeter Township customers;
• Approved the supervisor’s appointment of Ryan Kern of Hennessy Engineering as the hearing officer of the Sumpter Construction Board of Dangerous Buildings;
• Approved moving four financial accounts from JP Morgan Chase to Comerica Bank because Chase had charged high rates, according to Treasurer John Morgan;
• Approved expanding and improving the beach area at Banotai Park at a cost not to exceed $5,500 paid through the Wayne County Parks Grant;
• Approved purchase from Kay Parks Recreation of six, six-foot wood picnic tables for pavilions and three pedestal grills for $2,418, paid through the Wayne County Parks Grant;
• Learned there have been a number of complaints on dogs on the beach and in the water at Banotai Park, although they are banned from these areas to keep the beach pristine. The police are making a half dozen passes a day or more in the park and will give zero tolerance to offenders. Also, those going beyond the markings in the water will be cited;
• Heard Supervisor Johnny Vawters say four bid packages have been taken out by possible bidders for roof bids for the community center. He said a big portion will be paid by federal Community Development Block Grant funds;
• Was informed the Fire Department Chicken Broil will be from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8, at the fire hall and the Don Rochon Car Show and Demolition Derby will be Sept. 15 at the community center fairgrounds;
• Heard Mary Ann Watson name all the medal winners from Sumpter Township in the recent Western Wayne County Senior Olympics. Kit Dewyer, who won a gold medal for her cookies in the Olympics, brought a pan of the nutty, chocolatey recipe to share with those at the meeting. Watson thanked those grandmothers from the township who bought their grandchildren to do volunteer work at the celebratory luncheon at Belleville High School;
• Heard Trustee Bill Hamm complain that although they have paid a person $800 to get the beavers out of Banotai Park he wanted to know how many did he actually get. “What time is the time up for catching beavers?” asked Supervisor Vawters, tongue firmly in cheek. Trustee Alan Bates said he would call the beaver trapper and ask for an update. Bates said the man was paid half, some $450, because that’s what he wanted, with the balance after he is done. He caught six beavers last year;
• Heard resident Mary Ban remind the board that the district library board continues to meet at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month, in conflict with the Sumpter Township regular meetings. She encouraged the board to take the work of the district library seriously and go to its meeting, after the township meeting, on Sept. 10 and definitely to the Oct. 2 meeting when the different sites for a proposed new library will be discussed; and
• Heard resident Kay Brainard ask about the oil testing by Savoy Oil around the township. Virginia Belinski said the company has done some testing, but so far hasn’t found oil. “They’re going to ruin our water,” said Brainard, referring to the many wells in the township.