Board OKS meeting schedule, tax exempt ordinance

Union Township approves multiple new business items at December Board of Trustees meeting .

he meeting took place on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. and could be viewed via Zoom or attendees could listen to the meeting over the phone.

One of the items included approving the proposed schedule for 2021 Board of Trustees meetings which was approved unanimously by the Board.

According to an action request form from Township Manager Mark Struldreher, “Scheduling and noticing the annual meeting schedule alerts the citizens when Board meeting will be held. Additionally, adopting and posting the meeting schedule is required as part of the Open Meetings Act.”

Then a second reading and adoption of the new Tax Exemption Ordinance was approved unanimously by the Board. A first reading was held at the Nov. 24 Board meeting.

According to an action request form from Struhldreher, “the proposed new Tax Exemption Ordinance was developed following evaluation of the existing tax exemption ordinances and PILOT program by Township staff in consultation with the Township Attorney. The proposed ordinance reaffirms the Township’s commitment to encouraging development and rehabilitation of housing units for low income persons and families.”

Also, the ordinance adds more annual information and financial reporting requirements, standardizes submittal deadlines for

annual service charge payments and associated documentation, and establishes provisions for adoption of a resolution for each eligible housing project by the Board of Trustees.

With the approval of the Tax Exemption Ordinance, the board also unanimously approved the adoption of separate resolutions to reaffirm the continuing eligibility for four housing projects for a tax exemption and annual service charge payment in lieu of taxes under the new Tax Exemption Ordinance.

These housing projects include the Arbors at Eagle Crest Phase II housing project, the Springbrook Townhomes ( Phase I) housing project, the Springbrook Townhomes Phase II housing project, and the Cranbrook Senior Village housing project.

According to an action request form from Stuhldreher, “adoption of each of the proposed resolutions is necessary to fully implement the new Tax Exemption Ordinance and to maintain the current tax exempt status of the Arbors at Eagle Crest Phase II, Springbrook Townhomes (Phase I and Phase II), and Cranbrook Senior Village housing projects.”

Later the board unanimously approved the bid from Konwinski Construction Inc., in the amount of $103,724.00 for the completion of code related, exterior, and interior improvements for the Phase I Jameson Park Improvements Project and authorize the Township Manager to sign the agreement.

According to an action request form from Public Services Director Kim Smith, “the proposed improvements to Jameson Park will improve the overall safety in the park, provide additional recreational opportunities, and enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the park. Specific improvements to Jameson Hall modernize the facility, and improve the usefulness and safety of the hall as a polling location and meeting space.”

Phase I Construction is projected to begin in Winter or Spring 2021.

For more information, visit uniontownshipmi.com.