POKAGON — Monday’s meeting of the Pokagon Township board opened with citizen concern for the road and speeding conditions of Barron Lake Road in Dowagiac.

Sylvia Phillips, resident of Dowagiac and Barron Lake Road, expressed unease concerning the high-speed conditions surrounding the intersection of Barron Lake Road, Pokagon Highway, and the railroad tracks which cross through. Phillips reported multiple incidents in which she almost became involved in a crash because of excessive speeding and lack of signage, all of which had happened within the last week.

“I just think we could make the area safer.” Phillips said. “There are children, animals and elderly who could be affected by drivers speeding.”

After speaking with road commissions manager/engineer, Joseph Bellina, and police chief Tom Jacobs, Phillips has requested a speed study be conducted, though if the decision is made to carry through the request, the average speed found will be implemented.

Along with this, Phillips has suggested posting more signs indicating the speed along the road, and extending the yellow lines past Walter’s Way.

Contracts authorizing construction and repair for various roads were signed by the entirety of the board. Work will be done on multiple roads including Township Line, Creek Road, Chapel Road, Indian Lake Road, Beeson Street, Dewey Road, Peavine Street, Anderson Road and Pokagon Highway.

In other business:

• Clerk Renee Meiser announced the school election, to be held on May 8 and conducted with new voting equipment which operates an electronic ballot through a touchscreen device. Because of this, Meiser requested space for new election equipment be made through the purge of old and unused computer equipment.

• Meiser also announced the search for a deputy clerk, stating that anyone with an interest in local government is welcome to apply. If interested, contact Meiser or visit the Pokagon Township Building for more information.

• A resolution to allow supervisor Linda Preston to run as a participating plan board member for the Michigan Township Association. Preston would represent the district, including the counties of Allegan, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren.

County Commissioner Clark Cobb reported that the district audit is complete, and that despite rumors, the township is standing strong fiscally.

“It doesn’t get any better than this financially,” Cobb said.