Melinda Thomas

This project plan for the Village of Maple Rapids outlines a comprehensive strategy to upgrade its water system, primarily focusing on the replacement of lead-impacted service lines to ensure compliance with drinking water standards and improve public health. Key strategic areas include water main replacement, water main loop construction, and water well development, addressing both existing infrastructure deficiencies and future needs up to 2045. The plan details technical considerations, financial evaluations, and environmental impacts, with an emphasis on improving system efficiency, reliability, and water quality for the community.

Key discussions included concerns raised by members of the Clinton Ambulance Authority regarding recent operational issues and billing challenges causing income decreases. The council proceeded with several approvals related to financing and agreements, including the approval of the DJCDC Agreement with C2Ae, contracting with Roger A Swets of Dickinson Wright as the Bond Attorney Advisor, and accepting the contract proposal from MFCI as the Financial Advisor. Approval was also given for the Village President to sign documents concerning the CWSRF project. In New Business, the council accepted the proposed 2026 wages, which include a 3% cost of living increase for DPW employees, a holiday bonus increase, and a mileage reimbursement rate adjustment to $0.44 per mile. Updates were provided on the Planning Commission schedule, the Parks and Recreation Plan submission timeline (expected by January 2026), steady Community Center rentals, and the success of the Festival's raffle fundraiser. The DPW reported on washing the water tower exterior and installing Christmas lights. The President noted the resignation of Zach Manning due to relocation, necessitating a search for a replacement council member. Budget changes for November 2025 and the 2026 Budget were approved. The board also reviewed and submitted proposed changes for the CAASA contract.

The meeting covered several legislative actions, including the approval of Ordinance #92 amending the Private Wells ordinance and Ordinance #93 amending the Sewer Connection ordinance. A resolution, Resolution 2025-11-05-2, was passed to adopt the completed Parks and Recreation Plan 2026-2031. New business involved approving an ACH and Electronic Transactions Policy and its corresponding Resolution 2020-11-05-021. Department reports included updates on bridge inspections, pothole repairs, and fire run statistics for October. The Ambulance committee motioned to share their lawyer's findings regarding billing with Essex Township.

The council discussed the resignation of a council member and appointed two new council persons. The Clinton County Commissioner discussed the county budget and a potential additional staff person for animal control. The council discussed ordinances for water and sewer, and the CWSRF project, considering potential changes to the project scope. A resident's plot plan for a fence was discussed, and a council person resigned from the Planning Commission. A 5-year Park and Recreation Plan was presented, and a public meeting was scheduled. Updates were provided on the Community Center, the festival, and fire department activities, including a recommendation to replace the CO monitor. The DPW reported on a bridge inspection and preparations for brush and leaf pickup. The council discussed combining committees and addressed a leaky hydrant. Bids were solicited for repairs on the Memorial Park Pavilion. A financial report for September 2025 was presented, and the 3rd Quarter Budget was approved. Information was sent to the attorney regarding ambulance by-laws.

The council discussed the Lebanon Township situation, planning and zoning positions, and the police report. They approved Undomestic Animal Ordinance # 89 and Nuisances ordinance # 90, and recommended Boat Shed, LLC and SmythPhillips Company dba Phillips Cider Bar & Pizzeria for Social District Licenses. Ordinances on compensation for Village Officers, sewer connection, and private wells were presented but no action was taken. The council also discussed solar utility scale systems, surveys for Parks & Recs, community center rentals, and the festival. The fire report was presented, and the council decided on a steel option for the leaf vac repair. The Verizon tower has been activated. The council discussed the Monument Stone in the park, a Public Safety Golf Outing, in-house billing, tree trimming requests, animal control administrator, the sale of property, and Angie's retirement from the Community Center.