Holland village council has approved an increase in the amount they pay Springfield Township for fire and EMS service.
At the September 3 meeting, council considered a request made several months ago by the township to increase the payment for services rendered.
The township fire department cited cost increases and asked the village to pay more than what they agreed to by the contract, which runs through 2035.
Council agreed to gradually increase the amount annually, and this year will make a one-time payment of $200,000, which includes the $163,000 annual fee to be paid at the contract due date.
Each year thereafter, the amount paid will increase by 3 percent.
Library Expansion
Council heard from Toledo/Lucas County Library representatives Michael Graybeal, director of operations, and Kathy Selking, director of development, affinity and events.
They offered to answer any questions regarding the proposed Holland branch library expansion, which will require a portion of Strawberry Acres Park to be deeded to the library.
They will need about 50 feet of park land to the west of the library for a parking lot, which will mean the loss of 15 to 20 trees.
The new design places the majority of the 6,850-squarefoot addition on the west side of the building behind the current structure which faces McCord Road.
Council agreed to gift the land to the library providing they agree to replace a minimum of 20, six-foot trees at locations in the village as designated by council within one year after the expansion project is complete.
Graybeal thanked council. “We really appreciate this and are very excited about the project.”
He noted construction is contingent upon passage of a bond issue on the November ballot.
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Approved the purchase of a 2025 Dodge Durango from Charlie’s Dodge for the police department at a cost of $44,993.
In a related matter, council authorized the purchase of lighting equipment from P&R Communications for $8,667.
•Set a public hearing for 6 p.m., Tuesday, October 15, in the council meeting room to consider amending the contract with Springfield Township for the joint economic development district.
If approved, the amendment will allow the township to extend the boundaries of the existing JEDD to include a business on Airport Highway and another on Eber Road.
Councilman Mike Bettinger expressed concern that expanding the boundaries represents “taxation without representation.”
Mayor Ryan Spangler pointed out that the village is landlocked so this is the only way to garner more revenue. “This is to our betterment as well,” he added.
•Heard from administrator Bob Bethel that the Kipling and Springfield Drive project is scheduled to begin this month.
•Discussed a correspondence the village received from the Holland-Springfield- Spencer Historical Society, in which the group announced plans to disband the society.
Karla Miller, historical society president for 18 years, is resigning and so are her board members.
“I hate to see this historical society end with us, but we need some younger folks to step up and take on the challenge to keep preserving the history of the area,” Miller wrote.
Bethel said he spoke with Miller and other volunteers and suggested they hold a meeting of the whole to determine whether any member is willing to step up and take over leadership of the society.
•Paid bills totaling $80,788.
The next village council meeting will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, September 17, in council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
~Jane Maiolo
