Emmett Twp looks to create park usage policy 

EMMETT TWP. — A heated discussion surrounding usage of Emmett Township’s new park bubbled over at the board’s Sept. 9 meeting, as trustees look ahead at devising a park use policy.

The township received two written complaints regarding noise involving weekly car shows and gatherings at the park, and residents have voiced concerns during public comment at board meetings over noise. 

Numerous car show participants also attended, who maintained that noise on site was limited to cars passing by, honking horns or revving engines.

The township does not have a noise ordinance in place, nor the means to enforce one, township officials said. 

Instead, the township park committee will devise a policy, have it sent to the township lawyer for input, and rules should be in place by next car show season. The township board will have the final say in adopting that policy. 

As of now, the only policy regarding park use is that the park is off limits after dusk. 

Odds and ends

• The board moved forward with executing a five-year plan alongside the township’s chosen engineer, BMJ Engineers & Surveyors Inc., to consider options in expanding the township hall. 
• The board also approved procuring a refurbished AED machine for $1,174.85. 

— Max Kappel is a reporter covering local government and agriculture for The Yale Expositor and is a Report for America corps member. Report for America recruits, places and supports talented journalists in local newsrooms across the United States. Make a tax-deductible donation to support his work and Report for America will match it dollar for dollar. Go to: tinyurl.com/2s372ebu.