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CASSOPOLIS — The Cassopolis Village Council met for their first meeting of 2024 on Monday. In addition to approving $192,515.28 in invoices, the council discussed various concerns of citizens and of council trustees.

Trustee James Pedersen voiced questions about Resolution 2024-1; MDOT Contract for State Street, asking about the possible cost to the Village, which was unlisted. Trustee Jeanne Makay voiced similar concerns. Village Manager Emilie LaGrowe explained that the item was just for  authorizing the signing of the contract for a previously approved project with the Michigan Department of Transportation and that it had already been financed. Bids on the project have already come in at approximately $640,000, with a Village match of approximately $200,000.  The project is scheduled to begin soon, with a required completion date of September 30th, 2024.

During public comment, the owner of an easement adjacent to village property requested collaboration with the village on maintaining the easement. They described their efforts of grading and filling potholes and indicated future plans to expand it to a full roadway to give additional access to Stone Lake.

President David Johnson noted concerns about a citizen who has experienced flooding on their property since the completion of recent street work.

Trustee Pedersen raised concerns about the legal team currently under contract with the village, requesting the opportunity to meet with them to discuss their work, particularly regarding mistakes on a memo related to village trustee membership on the Lake Improvement Board. In an effort to avoid legal fees that would come with such a meeting, LaGrowe offered to take down a list of concerns to be sent to the team. Pedersen asked  that the council discuss the severance of the business relationship at the next council workshop meeting.

The next Cassopolis Area Utilities Authority Meeting will take place at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16. The council will hold a workshop meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22. The next regular Village Council meeting will take place on at 6 p.m. Feb. 12. All meetings take place in the village.