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EDWARDSBURG — The Village Council of Edwardsburg met Monday at the Village Hall for their regular monthly meeting.=

The council continued discussion regarding possible rental fees for use of the new shelter at Gunn Park after bringing back additional research. Trustee Hughes put forth the idea of offering rentals for full or half days, with the possibility of charging $100 and $50 respectively, with village residents only paying $75 and $40. The council also discussed requiring a $100 cash security deposit for renters, a signed waiver, and limiting rentals to those 21 years or older. They also discussed expectations for renters, such as clean up after use and the person renting being required to be at the event. No decisions were made at the meeting.

Library Director Barbara Gordon spoke at the meeting to discuss the ongoing construction of the Edwardsburg Branch of the Cass District Library. She announced that the library would be launching a donation program intended to raise $500,000 to go toward the new building’s expenses, including construction, landscaping, and furniture. The library is partnering with the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation for the effort. She also noted that the construction is currently running about six weeks behind due to recent weather.

The long-delayed iron filtration plant is likely to go online in the month, with state inspections complete and final retesting in the works. The plant will help to remedy rust-colored water for residents, though it was noted that iron may still be seen for 4-6 months once the plant is fully implemented as the system is cleaned out. Village staff will complete multiple flushes this year to help expedite the process.

The council approved several expenses, including requesting that Cass County painting crews repaint center and fog lines on Section Street at a cost of no more than $1000. Also approved was $495 for a new tire and tie rod for a dump truck, $230 for the repair of a trimmer, $1500 for the removal of a fallen tree on Jefferson Street, $400 for paint supplies for relining roads, and $932 for the temporary use of a communication device used as a stopgap while new antennas were installed.

Village staff are still reviewing options regarding the use of temporary speed bumps on Washington Boulevard after receiving feedback from residents. No additional speed bumps are likely to be installed and the existing one will come out in the fall as planned, with the village still working on a long term plan to satisfy concerns of residents while creating a safer roadway.

The Village’s Annual Audit was announced for the first week in August. The council’s next regular meeting will take place on Monday, August 19th at 7pm. It was also announced that another tournament would be taking place at the Edwardsburg Sports Complex this weekend, which may lead to slower traffic.