By Bruce Rolfe

The Climax Village Council appointed a new trustee to a vacant position at its regular meeting March 19, but also learned the treasurer will be resigning at the same meeting.

The Council unanimously appointed Alyssa Schwili to a vacant trustee position. The vacancy was created when former Village president Jim Cummings read a letter of resignation February 6 and appointed former trustee David Miller as interim president at the February 20 meeting.

Miller said Bill Lewis and Roger Smith also expressed interest in being appointed to the vacant trustee position.

Miller nominated Schwili to the vacant position and the Council unanimously approved a motion made by Kenney and seconded by Chaney.

The Village president seat Cummings held is up for election in November and the seat Miller held as a trustee is up for election in 2026.

The Council accepted treasurer Brenda Borden’s letter of resignation effective May 31, 2024 at its March 19 meeting. Borden said she would help train and assist the new treasurer setting up the 2024 village tax database as well as help with the July 1 water billing for a reasonable hourly rate.

According to Village Council minutes, Borden was appointed to the treasurer position by the Council in September, 2011 with an official start date of Oct. 1, 2011.

After the Council hires a new treasurer, Administration and Employee Relations Chairperson Denise Kenney recommended the Council vote on an hourly payment for Borden to train the new employee.

The Council discussed the idea of training a deputy treasurer as a back up.

Tree on North Main Street scheduled to be removed

The Council approved an estimate provided by Wayne Tree Service to remove a tree in the village right of way at 150 North Main Street. Department of Public Works Manager T.J. Gibson said the tree removal company identified the tree as dying. The owner of the property alerted the Council about another older tree just north of the one scheduled to be removed, that is also in the village right of way, that needs to be trimmed or removed. Gibson secured estimates from Wayne Tree Service to remove both trees and they totaled $8,500. The tree removal company told Gibson the cost to trim the second tree would almost reach the cost to have it removed. Gibson said the tree removal/trimming budget for the 2023-2024 budget has been exhausted and requested the council address the concern early in the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget. The Council determined because there are other trees in the Village that may need to be removed or trimmed in the next fiscal year budget, an estimate of $3,500 to remove the tree on the south side of the property at 150 North Main Street was approved. The estimate to remove the other treet was $5,000.  

Council approves bid to demolish house on West Maple Street

After reviewing bids from Linsley Excavating for $26,300 and Robert Bailey Contractors, Inc. out of Kalamazoo for $13,500, plus $1,500 to remove the septic tank, the Council accepted the bid from Robert Bailey Contractors, Inc. to demolish a house at 329 West Maple Street. Clerk Linda Coburn said there is currently no money in the budget for demilition but a category can be added and the council determines the amount of money can be put in the category. A judge ordered the council could proceed with the demolition. The property owner still owns the property, however the Council will place a lien on the property until the cost for demolition is paid back to the Council or the Council will recoup the cost of demolition when the property owner sells the property.

Railroad Quiet Zone expected to be discussed at April 2 meeting

Larry Bowron of OHM Architects, Engineers and Planners of Kalamazoo, plans to attend the April 2 village council meeting to discuss a Railroad Quiet Zone and answer questions the council or audience might have. OHM’s proposal is $4,238 for feasibility and estimated cost to construct the railroad quite zone at the Maple Street and Main Street crossings in the Village of Climax. Costs for the final design, bid documents, and construction administration services are not included in the proposal.

In other items covered at the March 19 meeting:

• Public Works Manager T.J. Gibson said he and DPW employees Forest Cope and Kevin Leach are replacing the Welcome To Climax frame and sign on the east side of the Village. He asked the Council to consider replacing the other three frames and signs entering the village because they are getting old.

• Gibson said a new light pole and light has been installed in the Village Park near the tennis and basketball court.

• The Council approved three percent cost of living raises to the clerk and treasurer effective April 1, 2024. Administration  and Employee Relations Chairperson Denise Kinney also
requested the Council consider a resolution to be voted on at the April 2 village council meeting.

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