ONTWA TOWNSHIP — In the first meeting of its new year, Ontwa Township Board of Trustees announced Monday night that a bid of $20,300 to remodel its office building, located off of U.S. 12, had been placed and accepted.

Described as “professional” and “prompt,” Blue Ribbon Builders will take on the project, with plans to install insulation and drywall in order to close off open and exposed areas above a lofted balcony, and to paint throughout the office.

The board searched for quite some time for contractors who would fit both its budgets and its needs, ultimately choosing Blue Ribbon.

“We know that Mike [Michael] Rinehart, who is the owner of Blue Ribbon Builders, does a real fine job for us,” said township board supervisor Jerry Marchetti. “He is certainly qualified to do a major remodeling in our township.”

The board will fund the project through a $20,000 capital outlay, though previous frugality, plus an annual $25,000 set aside makes for almost $60,000 below the set budget for the current year.

With no questions or concerns from fellow board members, Marchetti led the unanimous vote approve the plan.

Construction will begin soon, though no dates were announced.

In his monthly report, zoning administrator Leroy Krempec also addressed a possible solution to the many automobile complaints from locals.

Krempec is currently working with scrapyard companies to pick up cited vehicles that have been abandoned. Once collected, the owners will be notified and may later sign a lease to gain money back. Civilians will be provided a number to call to report abandoned vehicles.

���There are just too many junk cars lying around,” Krempec said. “A solution to this problem will be coming soon.”

When opened for comment, discussion about the maintenance and guidelines of public docks was opened once again, while Krempec assured that he had in fact already established a solution.

The docks will work off of a “first come, first serve” basis, but now, only legally able to dock a maximum of three boats at a time. The dock will also be repaired in order to accommodate the average size of three pontoon boats.

The public, though originally concerned, ultimately agreed with the plan set in place.

Reports from Trustee Jeffrey Kozinski explained the plan to implement road repairs as soon as possible.

Assurance of work to cover and fill potholes throughout the county was emphasized, along with usual street repairs and standard maintenance.

Originally setting aside $175,000, the committee only plans to use $168,700, leaving room for extra repairs if later found to be needed.

The next Board of Trustee meeting will be Monday, April 9, at Ontwa Township Hall.