Raisin addresses trash problem, retires K-9 unit

At the Monday Raisin Township Board of Trustees meeting, Raisin Township Police Chief Kevin Grayer communicated to the board that two people have been caught dumping items along Academy Road, a popular spot in the county for people to discard trash. Grayer said that one person was caught after items with his address were found by Raisin Township Police Department Sgt. Randy Escott in October. The man was contacted and came back to the dumping site where he cleaned up more than what he had dumped. In November, Grayer had a similar occurrence going through trash. The other man had moved out of the township and was fined for dumping. In the spring of last year, a group of community members got together to clean up the site. “I feel it’s not fair that they’re spending their time and weekends... and basically nothing’s happening,” said Grayer, adding that the township police are proactively trying to patrol the area. “As everyone knows, it’s hard to be in two places at one time.” Grayer said that the police department has spoken to residents in the area and asked them to be vigilant. He added that another cleanup is likely needed this coming spring. At the Monday meeting, Grayer also communicated to the board that the township’s K-9 unit, Mace, has began having issues with his hips and that taking him out of service for a few weeks did not help. Grayer asked the board to retire Mace and have him stay with Escott, noting Escott would resume all responsibilities of the dog. This is something the township has done in the past. “Is there any plans to replace Mace,” said trustee Tom Hawkins.“At this time, we are not looking to get back into the K-9 service,” said Grayer. “At this point, we are not looking to replace the K-9 unit on the Raisin Township Police Department.” The Adrian Police Department and Lenawee County Sherriff’s Office both have K-9 units that are on call, along with units in Monroe and Jackson that are available, according to Grayer.Jim Manley, of the Parks Committee, discussed with the board the committee’s plans for the upcoming year with the reduced budget of $2,500. There will be four movies in the park, which, according to Manley, cost about $500 each. The township will continue to offer refreshments free to attendees. The trunk-or-treat will happen on Halloween from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event cost $200 and the remaining funds will be used to advertise the events in the area.Manley hoped that the board of trustees would possibly increase the Parks Committee’s budget so it could host its music in the park event and a kickball event for small children. Each would cost approximately $2,500 and $1,500, respectively, according to Manley. Manley also asked if a trustee would attend the Parks Committee meeting. “I think that communication with the trustee board is just really critical for us,” Manley said.Trustee Debra Brousseau had expressed interest in attending at a previous meeting, but was absent from Monday’s meeting. Russ Mead, a Budget Committee member told the board that for 2014, preliminarily, the township had a surplus of approximately $41,000 with the fact the township had allocated $200,000 toward road repairs, bought two police vehicles and financed a fire truck purchase. During public comment, Road Committee member Steve McGee asked the board if it would add the Road Committee to the agenda to receive Road Committee reports in the future. “It only makes sense,” said McGee. In other business, the board: • Appointed Thomas VanSickle to the planning commission position vacated by Palmer when he was appointed supervisor. • Made a $63,456.11 amendment to the 2014 budget. The funds came from the township’s contingency fund. • Set a meeting with the Lenawee County Road Commission for Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m.

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