Village of Hesperia

The meeting included the approval of the agenda to include an Old DPW Ford Truck item. Key discussions focused on the annual audit for FY 2024/2025, which resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion. Committee reports addressed the Finance & Personnel recommendation to move a seasonal DPW employee to part-time status with a wage increase to $15.50 and the addition of three vacation days, as well as upgrading department cell phones. The Police Chief reported on enforcement activities, compliance status, and joining new consortia for training. The Zoning Administrator noted ongoing property ordinance violations and court hearings. The DPW Supervisor reported the D.W.S.R.F. project is 45-50% complete, awaiting electrical lines to bring the Water Filtration plant online, and detailed upcoming street paving schedules. Council voted to select Alternative 2 for a project requiring fish passage designation and approved the funding pursuit. Public comments centered on service line installation progress, fence damage near a clear vision area, and water safety regarding chlorine levels.

Key discussions included setting the agenda and approving previous meeting minutes from Work Session and Regular Council Meeting held on November 10, 2025, as well as approving November invoices totaling $81,764.85. Announcements featured a presentation by Girl Scout Troop #8303 regarding a tornado safety plan. Committee reports covered employee evaluations, changes to the Employee Handbook section on sick pay, a review of proposed ordinance changes, and an update on the dam rehabilitation feasibility study, noting plans to apply for grants for the next stage. The Police Chief provided operational statistics, reported on policy reviews, and confirmed NIMS/FEMA compliance. The Zoning Administrator reported on inquiries and outgoing bids for a clean-up project. The DPW Supervisor reported on ongoing infrastructure projects during winter, including service line work and Iron Removal plant operations. The council adopted two resolutions: Resolution #2025-17 to amend the Equipment Fund budget to purchase a snow plow using funds from scrapped equipment, and Resolution #2025-18 to amend the Parks budget. They also adopted changes to the Employee Handbook regarding sick leave benefits. Finally, the council discussed the employment status of school crossing guards pending review by the village attorney.

The agenda was set and public comments were addressed regarding an inquiry about naming a drain on McLaren Lake Road, which was determined not to be an official village drain. Key financial actions included the approval of numerous payments for general invoices and specific project invoices related to the D.W.S.R.F. and C.W.S.R.F. projects. Committee reports noted a meeting regarding invoices and a discussion with American Classic Dumpster, and an ongoing effort to contact an AT&T representative regarding lease terms. The Police Chief's update was provided by the President, noting an interview for a part-time position. The Zoning Administrator reported on inquiries, issued permits, a compliance complaint resolved by moving a fence by June 15, 2026, and provided an annual overview for 2025. The DPW Supervisor reported on garage cleaning, inventory, progress on the water project, winter road conditions, and the purchase and preparation of a new dump truck. In miscellaneous discussions, the President provided updates on the Water Filtration plant construction, noting 70% completion of water mains and 50% of service line replacements, with the project expected to conclude in the fall of 2026. Testing is underway to address issues with roads paved the previous fall. Furthermore, the council discussed options for the property at 9 W. Michigan and plans for utilizing a $600,000 EPA grant specifically for PFAS-related water department improvements.

The Work Session focused primarily on options for the rehabilitation of the Hesperia Dam and associated fish passage requirements. Representatives from GEI Consultants presented three main options for the dam structure, with associated costs ranging from $15.9 million to $18.7 million. Discussions included the consideration of fixed labyrinth weirs versus straight crests with gates, and the necessity of a debris boom. Two options for a fish passage were presented, both costing $1.5 million, with one contingent on property owner permission, and both designed to stop sea lamprey passage. The impact of one option on the swimming area was noted. The discussion concluded with plans to target ecological stewardship grants and collaborate with Great Lakes Fishery Commission representatives regarding sea lamprey control and potential cost-sharing for the fish passage.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Key discussions involved updates on the intercounty drain matter, with the assurance that follow-up would occur after consulting the County Drain Commissioner. The Technology Committee planned a meeting regarding phone system options. The President addressed the street clearing schedule, noting the streets were cleared early Monday following a decision not to clean them on Sunday, February 11th. The Finance Committee held a meeting but made no budget recommendations, passing out budget packets for review until March 1, 2018. The Police Chief provided his report, detailing calls, arrests, citations, and ordinance violations. Updates on DPW included the installation of a Variable Frequency Drive in pump #3 and discussions regarding an estimate for water tower cleaning and inspection, with consideration given to involving local fire departments for a training exercise. New Business included scheduling a Public Hearing for the Proposed 2018/2019 Budget for March 12th at 7:00 PM and the approval of a motion to split the Old Mill Campground into two parcels.