Supervisor Hudak outlines April 9 Canton Township Board actions on sidewalks, water rates and community programs

Supervisor Anmar Graham Hudak summarized key actions from the Canton Township Board of Trustees' April 9 meeting, including a presentation on the township's Sidewalk Gap Program, approval of new water and sewer rates effective May 1, and a series of contract approvals and grant-backed projects meant to improve parks and job training opportunities.

Hudak, introducing the highlights in a recorded supervisor summary, said the Sidewalk Gap Program aims to create a more connected, pedestrian-friendly community by filling missing sidewalk segments and expanding the trail system. "The Board of Trustees have set a goal for a connected community that is pedestrian friendly by filling sidewalk gaps and expanding the trail system," he said, and directed listeners to the township website for the full program report.

On utilities, Hudak said the board approved new water and sewer rates for the 2024 fiscal year; the change will appear on customers' bills beginning May 1. "I'm very happy to report that the increase is less than .2% to the user," he said. The summary provided no vote tally, mover/second or additional rate breakdowns.

The board also approved an agreement with Hazel Coffee to operate a township work-study program for special-needs youth and young adults, and for participants described in the meeting as people of color and youth from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Hudak said the program will provide hands-on job training and practical experience; the transcript did not specify participant counts, program duration or funding details.

Trustees approved a contract change request for OMM advisers to provide engineering and planning services for the initial phase of the township's town square project. The revised scope, as described in the meeting summary, includes conceptual changes, updates to lighting standards, a water-feature scope, additional parking elements and assistance with property acquisition. The summary did not list contract amounts.

The board approved reconstruction of a storm-damaged shade structure at Heritage Park, with Hudak saying the cost will be reimbursed by the township's insurance provider. Separately, the board approved a purchase order with Koli Nursery for tree-planting services; Hudak said the township received a $20,000 matching grant from the U.S. Forest Service to reestablish tree canopy in Heritage Park and Griffin Park.

Finally, trustees approved an amendment to a Partners in Architecture contract to add geotechnical analysis for the construction of Fire Station 4. The summary did not provide the amendment cost or schedule.

Hudak closed by noting these are highlights and inviting listeners to watch the full board meeting on the Canton Community Television YouTube channel for more detailed discussion of any item.