Cassopolis resident CeeCee Wilson made a final appeal to the Cassopolis Village Council at their regular meeting Monday night urging them not to renew fluoride treatments in city water.

Reading a statement she had prepared, Wilson said fluorinating water is medicating people against their will and a “slippery slope into socialism.”

“Don’t put a gun to our heads,” she said. “Don’t force us to drink the purple Kool Aid. Don’t be the Jim Jones of Cassopolis. Do the right thing.”

The council voted unanimously to renew fluoridation for the time being, but stated that they would like the people to vote on the issue.

The council is not legally allowed to put the issue to the people for a vote; residents would have to start a petition themselves if they want to vote on the issue.

On another debated topic, the council sent a proposal to allow village residents with two acres or more to raise chickens on their property back to the planning commission for modifications.

The planning commission had recommended an amendment that would allow residents with two acres or more to raise up to 15 hens with stipulations that included having a secured coop 15 feet away from property lines and at least 20 feet from all residential buildings. Residents wishing to take advantage of the amendment would have to renew a permit annually and neighbors would have to sign off on it.

Currently 17 parcels in the village have two or more acres, only nine of which are residential.

A resident had requested that he be allowed to raise chickens and a cow on his property, but withdrew the request for a cow. Other residents voiced concerns that such livestock would be smelly and make noise at night and said that those who want the animals should move to the country.

Also at the meeting, the council:

• Approved the purchase of two radar units for patrol cars for $2,274 and four truck bed tarps for $5,974.

• Approved the purchase of a temporary memorial sign on the basketball court at Clisbee Park to honor Dan Lee. The temporary sign, which should be in place for a dedication by the Sept.18 basketball tournament, will be replaced by a permanent memorial marker after a building by the park is torn down and a decision is made on what to do with the space.

• Approved the Chamber of Commerce as the Fiduciary on Events and the Main Street Committee and allocated $1,236 for the purpose. Since it is a non-profit, the Chamber will be able to purchase items the council cannot such as T-shirts and toys for prizes.

• Approved the closure of South Rowland Street for Cassopolis United Methodist Church’s second annual Soles for Souls 5K Run and Fun Walk. The event will take place Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the church. Participants 21 and older will receive a voucher for two free beers at the Full Bull Tavern that night. Registration can be found at CassopolisUMC.org.

• Approved hiring Bill’s Roofing to replace an awning at the municipal building for $1,200. This will be completed as part of the current contract with Bill’s Roofing to repair the roof on the building.