Ortonville – Village council members say it’s a ‘win-win’ situation, but Village Manager Paul Zelenak remains uncommitted.
“We still need to look at the facilities,” said Zelenak “Tonight we’re still looking at the concept approval.”
After one-on-one conversations with Zelenak about constructing a storage shed on village property, Township Supervisor Ron Lapp requested village council consideration of the project.
“What I’m asking for is approval of a 22-by-24 foot poll barn, at no cost to the village,” said Lapp.
“We would build it to store recreational equipment, then give it to you in lieu of rent for the property, in 12 to 15 years,” said Lapp.
“You’re looking at a 25 year building and right now we’re leaving soccer equipment out in the winter. “
Recently the township sold a village home on Cedar Street. Up until the sale the garage was being used to store Brandon Township Recreation equipment.
“If I thought we could have bull dozed the Cedar Street property and built the shed there we would have, but that’s not fair to the village because you need that property back on the tax roles,” said Lapp. “And we need the storage space.”
At the same time the township is planning to build a recreational park on Seymour Lake Road, which would include storage facilities. Park construction, however, will not be complete for several years. Until then the equipment is homeless.
“We need to really look at it for future site plans, ” Zelenak told the council “we haven’t discussed surveys or the work to be done.”
“We are looking at potentially adding a lean-to on the property for the street sweeper.”
Existing utility line placement on the property is a concern to Zelenak, who also suggested relocation could be a costly expense to the township.
Village President Sue Bess said she is not opposed to the concept but wants to be sure the shed will fit within the DPW property without imposing on the crew.
“The DPW qualification is my first priority,” said Bess.
“I throughly support Brandon Recreation but we’ve got to find something that will fit both.”
Lapp will present building plans to the village council at a future date, not yet scheduled.