Manager updates: HDFA millage planning, road easements and Veterans Memorial logistics

Township Manager Mike Luce used the March 24 meeting to brief trustees on several items likely to appear on future agendas.

On public safety funding, Luce said he met with Steven Burke of MFCI to review preliminary findings about potential millage rates for the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority (HDFA). Luce said the millage would be held by the township and that he and the HDFA chief plan to meet to refine options and draft ballot language. "Once we finalize a millage rate and term, our attorney would be able to finalize ballot language in a day to meet the May 12th deadline to submit the ballot language to the County," Luce said. He recommended forming a fire station committee to evaluate renovating or replacing the current station and alternatives for a substation.

On local roads and easements, Luce said certified letters were sent to 11 property owners on Pleasant Valley regarding remaining easements needed for paving; three easements had been returned and one owner had called to support paving. He said the Livingston County Road Commission (LCRC) told township staff that funding would remain available if the project were postponed another year and that LCRC could coordinate Bergin Road and Pleasant Valley work in the same year if the township bonds for Bergin Road.

Luce also briefed the board on community events and outreach: the township will post a PowerPoint about a proposed water-rate increase on its website, Veterans Memorial Dedication Day planning was under way with donations, brick arrivals and logistics, and Large Item Clean Up Day is scheduled for May 16 at Hartland High School. Cemetery Clean Up Day was scheduled for April 10.

Trustees asked for follow-ups on a potential gravel pit and local commercial property cleanup; Luce agreed to seek updates for the next meeting.