Wales Twp. OKs accessibility fee assistance, pursues walking path grant

WALES TWP. — Making a home safer for a young man who uses a wheelchair and pursuing an accessible walking path were among the matters addressed by the Wales Township Board at its Oct. 6 meeting.

The board approved covering up to $1,562 in permit and inspection fees for a family building an addition to better accommodate their son. The project would include an accessible bathroom and living quarters above an attached garage, helping the family manage transfers and protect him from the weather.

The family described the difficulty of navigating a home that was not designed for wheelchair access, along with the financial challenges of making the improvements.

“We’re not here for a handout. We’re here for a hand up,” one family member told the board.

Supervisor Liz Masters emphasized that the assistance would cover fees while keeping the required permits and inspections in place.

“We want it to be safe. That’s the whole point,” Masters said.

Board members discussed how the fees are distributed to inspectors and the township, as well as potential costs and precedent for future requests. The approved assistance has a $1,562 cap and does not include the refundable $500 surety bond.

The board also approved applying for grant funding toward an accessible walking path at the township park. Masters reported that community surveys showed support for a trail, and representatives of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County had visited the park to discuss possibilities.

The proposed quarter-mile path would follow the perimeter of the existing park, including the pollinator fields, with connections to existing recreation areas. Preliminary discussions included crushed limestone for much of the trail and a short concrete section near the front.

The estimated project cost is $75,000 or less. The township plans to seek $40,000 through the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Fund, leaving up to $35,000 to be covered through township funds or other sources. The Community Foundation may also help identify additional grants or donors.

Masters cautioned that funding is not guaranteed.

“These are all grants. We can be turned down. Nothing’s carved in stone,” she said.

Board members discussed construction materials, costs and future maintenance before approving the grant application. Final plans would still need to be developed.

The meeting began with a public hearing on the Goodells and Lambs lighting district assessments. The board later approved the annual assessment resolution, which covers existing street lighting in the two districts. The charges will appear on winter tax bills for 71 property owners in Goodells and 30 in Lambs.

The board increased the new-address application fee from $35 to $60, effective immediately. Of that amount, $40 will go to the person assigning the address and $20 will remain with the township to cover administrative work. Members discussed the time involved in reviewing property information, measuring driveway locations and allowing address numbers for possible future property splits.

Administrative Assistant Jan Stine’s hourly wage was increased from $18.48 to $20. Board members praised her workload, dedication and assistance to residents and township officials. The increase applies to her administrative assistant duties; deputy pay remains unchanged. Members also discussed revisiting a schedule for employee raises.

During department reports, officials raised concerns about incomplete information from the Emmett Fire Department, which can delay or prevent billing for eligible calls involving nonresidents. Residents support fire protection through a millage, while nonresidents may be charged a per-use fee.

The discussion also included the need for clarification on a reported bonfire incident before determining whether it could be billed as an illegal burn. Masters said she would contact the department to discuss the reporting concerns.

Masters reported that the township still needs a code enforcement officer. Fall road grading and chloride work have been completed, with annual chloride expenses coming in under budget. The Parks Road cross tube was also replaced at no cost to the township through the St. Clair County Road Commission.

Trustee, Assessor and Planning Commission member Carly Kimmen-DeMil reported that a corrected Comcast internet contract had been submitted and that work on the township’s data center ordinance was nearing completion. The next Planning Commission meeting is 7 p.m. Oct. 20.

The board postponed consideration of large-scale solar building permit fees until November so members could review the existing solar ordinance and its fee provisions.

Members also approved a county ambulance millage distribution agreement confirming that the funds will be directed to the township’s contracted ambulance service, currently Richmond Lenox EMS.

A public accuracy test of election equipment is scheduled for 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at the township hall. Early voting will take place at Kimball Township from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1. Polls for the Nov. 3 general election will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Wales Township Hall.

The next regular township board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 10, a week later than usual because of the election.