Advertisement

The result of this was the adoption of the village budget, which occurred during the councilÕs Feb. 19 meeting.

"As a village, we are in good shape. We do have to be cautious because of state funding uncertainties, but we are still in pretty good shape for the coming year," village President Larry Eckhardt said.

Eckhardt also said personnel wage increases were held at two percent.

In other business, members heard police chief Robert Clark review statistics that included 54 reported events, 35 of which the Central Lake Police handled, including 20 traffic stops.

Clark also also presented police training issues discussed at a recent county Law Enforcement Awareness meeting, and informed the board of three new 800 megahertz radios to improve communications in the village.

Members also:

¥ Established the village's zoning ordinance, following the hiring of Janet Person as Person received approval from the Bellaire Village Council to accept the position, as long as it does not conflict with her duties there. She brings a wealth of experience to the job, and Eckhardt expressed his support for her addition to the staff. Person stated it was her intention to turn permit requests around efficiently and accurately.

¥ Approved the increased office lease of $4,000 per year with the township. The village has a mutually beneficial relationship with Central Lake Township that includes fees and service trades. The township had asked for no increase in the lease fee for 10 years.

¥ Learned of state grant money , which must be matched locally, available for village improvements. The grants can be as much as $20,000 and used for curbs, sidewalks, lighting or other enhancements. After a review with representatives from Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, it was determined there really isnÕt an applicable project to take advantage using such a grant, and the village would have difficulty matching the funds. However, board members said community suggestions are welcomed.