Sherwood Township hears fire, road and finance updates; residents press for repairs

Sherwood Township heard multiple operational updates and resident concerns at its Oct. 3 meeting, including a fire-department briefing, financial figures, infrastructure repairs and public comments about local roads.

Fire Chief Jeff Smurr reported two calls for the month of September (a smoke investigation and a car accident) and three trainings, including an all-day water-rescue training attended by three firefighters. Smurr described a request for rumble strips on the approach to the M-66/M-60 intersection to improve driver awareness; Supervisor Aaron Robbins said the county road commission has been contacted and is considering the request but had not reported progress.

Treasurer Dale Marie Brubaker reported a general-fund balance of $254,342.89 and an ARPA balance of $82,351.58. Brubaker said summer taxes can still be paid at the township office (330 unpaid at the time) with late fees, and that 122 trash cards had been sold, matching last yearat this point.

Clerk Marjorie Whitcomb said gas and fuel tank projects were completed with new lighting and a new diesel pump and gauge; a fence still needs repair. She also reported that Lucas Cronkhite is installing the required election drop box and is doing cemetery headstone foundations for the fall and repairing two broken headstones at Blossom Cemetery. Whitcomb urged residents to serve as election workers for three 2024 elections and noted the township will participate in county early voting at the Derth Center.

During public comment, residents raised concerns about the condition of Oliverda Drive, the quality of dust-control work performed over the summer, and the condition of Thrams Road; Robbins said he would speak with Jay Miller about road repairs. The board moved to pay bills (motion by Robbins, second by Brubaker) and to adjourn (motion by Robbins, second by Whitcomb); both motions were recorded as passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

The minutes include no detailed roll-call vote tallies for the motions described above.