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ÒI am sure there is not a person on this board who doesnÕt believe in the worth and value of Little League, but when our auditor and the lawyers of the Michigan Township Association come to us with the news that it is unlawful for us to donate money to it, there is not much we can do,Ó Bean said.

He said he would check one more time with legal sources, but stressed, Òour Little League and its organizers should be prepared and expect we will not be able to provide them with financial support until further notice. If there is a way we can do it we will.Ó

A second threat to tradition came when trustee Bill Gadwau reported he would attend the district meeting of the Michigan Township Association. In the midst of all the stateÕs efforts to balance budgets it has been suggested by some legislators township governments be abolished and be included in county management.

Central Lake Township is fortunate that.Gadwau sits on the board of directors of MTA, and has been able to monitor these efforts closely. ÒThe association has hired two more lobbyist to fight this move,Ó he said. The association is extremely concerned with a lack of control and even a loss of services that would certainly result from counties taking over township responsibilities. Gadwau will report on his meeting next month.

In other business, members:

¥ Learned surveying is close to completion allowing for installation of new fencing around the cemetery. ÒThat fence will be up shortly, and it will look very sharp, a real nice addition,Ò according to Gadwau. On the topic of the cemetery, the board also accepted bids for mowing, trimming and fertilizing that amounted to $8,775.

¥ Paid invoices amounting to $17,766. This included the final payment to the fire department architect. Fire Chief Bill Chapman expressed satisfaction with the architectÕs work; ÒHe has done what we expected and more,Ó he said.

¥ In the facilities report, Gadwau said all hall ductwork has been cleaned in response to a citizen inquiry. A check for black mold revealed the building has none, and is in perfect condition. Also included in the report was the plan to install a couple of windows in the back of the building for the village offices and those of the assessor.

¥ Addressed the countyÕs master plan with Commisioner Eugene Dawson. He reported there is a concern stemming from the terminology, Òmaster planÓ by many that this extensive document is a precursor to county-dictated zoning. Dawson alluded to legal backing as well as his knowledge and experience with the process and the people involved in the composition of the plan that this just is not the case. He did all he could to allay a distrust that seems to exist of the countyÕs motives. He said one of the primary reasons for having a master plan is it is almost always required if the county is to receive any grant money. ÒThat grant money is essential to our countyÓ, according to Dawson Bean expressed his satisfaction with what he has seen of the plan.

¥ Learned clerk Judy Kosloski has received the school election ballots. The ballot shows two candidates, Frank Verellen and Neil Rogers, running unopposed.

¥ Learned the townshipÕs next meeting will be May 16.