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EDWARDSBURG — Citizens joined the Edwardsburg Village Council at the Village Hall on Monday for its regular monthly meeting. 

Two hearings took place, one for a public hearing on Special Assessments, allowing citizens with unpaid fees added to their tax bills to speak on the matter. Of the 71 special assessments given out, no property owners chose to speak to the council. The second was for the legally required Public Hearing Truth in Taxation, which allows the village to avoid the Headlee Rollbacks and maintain the same millage rates as in the past. No commenters appeared for the hearing. The Truth in Taxation resolution was approved later in meeting

Some in attendance spoke during the Public Comment section of the meeting, requesting details on the possibility of rental fees for the new park pavilion, speaking in support of a sidewalk connecting to the new library, and requesting markers at Gunn Park indicating the dividing line between private property and the park.

Initial discussions about rental fees and agreements for the new pavilion were discussed later in the meeting. It was noted that any such fees would only be in the case for those who would want to reserve the pavilion, as it is otherwise available to anyone for free. Council members discussed the possibility of requiring a small deposit to assure anyone reserving the space would properly clean and maintain it. The council chose to table the discussion, allowing more time to gather information and find comparable agreements in other municipalities.

It was also noted that barriers or markers of some sort are being considered as Gunn Park is improved.

During the Parks discussion, it was also reported that the village had been approached by someone interested in renting out kayaks. The Parks board is also seeking pricing for docks in the park.

Village President Dennis Peak also made a point of thanking the Lions Club of Edwardsburg and the many other volunteers and donors for their contributions to the new pavilion at Gunn Park.

The Council also responded to the concerns raised about the library sidewalk, reporting that the library plan includes one up to their property line. Any further connections would need to be considered as the project progresses.

Peak took time to voice his appreciation for the Department of Public Works, noting that their work often goes on behind the scenes. He highlighted a recent water break that DPW managed and repaired over the course of an entire day, immediately following a full day and night of work on flushing water systems. He also thanked them for their work in hanging the veteran banners on Main Street.

“We appreciate your guys’ expertise and everything you do,” Peak said.

The school athletic banners that once hung on Main Street will now have a home on Section Street. The Athletic Boosters requested assistance from Village DPW in hanging them going forward, which was supported by the council and village employees.

The first phase of testing is complete at the new iron filtration plant, with clean samples returned. The plant is ready to go online, pending state approval. State officials will visit next week, though the timeline for full approval is unknown.

An invoice of $3,601 was approved for work done on the previously mentioned broken water lines in the business plaza behind Huntington Bank on M62. It was noted that, after the repair, it was realized that the pipes were actually private property. The village hopes to work with the owners to recoup the cost.

Also approved were purchases on water testing equipment, portable speed bumps for Washington Street, an additional outdoor trimmer, and a camera system for the well fields. $2,500 of the $3,452 for the camera system will be covered by a grant.

The Edwardsburg Branch of the Cass District Library is seeking donations and offering naming opportunities. More information is available at facebook.com/CassDistrictLibrary.

An ordinance meant to “regulate disturbances, fights, quarrels, loitering, and other such unlawful

behaviors” was approved. The ordinance is identical to that of Ontwa Township and had been requested by the Chief of Police.

The Chamber of Commerce will again provide tumblers for graduating students, though they are in need of additional donations to cover the cost. Those interested in donation can reach out at admin@edwardsburgchamber.org.

The next Village Council Meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, June 17 at the Village Hall. The Planning Commission will now be meeting at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month.

The Memorial Day Parade was announced and will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27.