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CASSOPOLIS — The Cassopolis Village Council welcomed members of the new Miss Cassopolis Court at their July meeting on Monday. Village President David Johnson presented certificates to the Second Runner-Up, Madison Conner and the First Runner-Up, Miranda Knepple, and presented a certificate and trophy to Caitlin Jones, who won both Miss Congeniality and Miss Cassopolis 2024.

The Village Council also approved two agreements, one for the annual renewal of Property and Liability insurance and the other with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees through 2027.

Several trustees raised concerns during the meeting about a variety of subjects, including cemetery maintenance and possible water run-off problems on Lake Shore Drive. Department of Public Works Superintendent and Street Administrator Ben Anderson reported to council the maintenance schedule for the cemetery and indicated he would speak to his workers to assure proper upkeep.

The topic of meeting minutes and agendas was brought up, with trustees citing concerns about the structure of both. Minor changes were made to the June minutes to indicate that public comments listed reported what was said, not necessarily the truth of matters. The council discussed assessing the keeping of minutes and the structuring of agendas as a possible topic at a future workshop meeting.

Trustee Pedersen reported on a recent visit by Jo Latimore, Director of the Michigan Clean Water Corps. Pedersen and Latimore toured Stone Lake, taking samples of weeds. They found no invasive species during the visit and saw no evidence of milfoil in the swimming area. The visit and monitoring was at no cost to the Village.

Trustee Luckey requested clarification on the village position regarding the allowance of off-road recreational vehicles in the village. Additional discussion will take place with the Planning Commision.

Trustee Kelly requested clarification on the policy regarding village inspectors who also own property. Village Manager Emilie LaGrow stated that multiple inspectors are used and are substituted by another when a conflict of interest might arise.

Trustee Makay spoke regarding grants potentially available to business and property owners, wanting to assure they were aware of them when needed for building repairs.

The next Cassopolis Rock the Block event will take place on Saturday, July 13th. The event at Stone Lake Beach will feature live music, food trucks, and a beer garden. A second event is scheduled for Saturday, August 17.

The council Workshop Meeting for July was canceled. The next Cassopolis Area Utilities Authority Meeting will take place at 3:30 p.m. Monday, July 15th at the Village Hall. The August Regular Village Council Meeting will take place on Monday, August 12th at 6pm at the Village Hall.