JACKSON – Members of the governing body are leaving it up to residents to decide if the township should increase its annual open space tax.
During a recent Township Council meeting, Vice Council President Andrew Kern explained the move saying, “tonight we have on our agenda a resolution to add a public question to the ballot in November to increase the open space fund to allow us to use those funds for historical preservation as well as farmland preservation which currently has not been approved.”
Kern, who serves as the chair of the township’s parks and recreation committee added, “this 2020 council has been clear since the beginning – it is our intent to continue in a big way our open space policy and Jackson’s commitment to protect Jackson’s unique environment.”
In 2004 residents voted to increase the open space tax from 1.5 cents to 3 cents per $100 assessed value, he said. In 2010, there was a recession, so the Council at the time lowered the rate from 3 cents to 2 cents.
He added that technically since voters had approved the 3 cent rate in 2004, council could vote by resolution to restore it back to the 3 cent rate.
“However, given the time that has past, we would prefer to put it before the voters and let them tell us if you are in full support of giving us increased ability for historical preservation like Rova Farms that the township purchased last year for something that we can utilize and be proud of,” Kern said.
He added, “it is council’s intent to show residents between now and November how we are going to spend our open space funds on properties that are in line with protecting the environment and stopping overdevelopment.”
The council unanimously voted to approve the resolution which will add the ballot question to the November ballot.
During that session Township Clerk Janice Kisty also reminded residents who had not sent back their 2020 census forms to do so.
“For anyone who has not completed the census you can do so online at 2020census.gov and please know your information is completely confidential and it is very important for everyone to do so we are counted in the census,” Kisty said.
Approved resolutions included the purchase of five Ford Escape vehicles in the amount of $127,480 from Winner Ford for the township’s building department and code enforcement office.
A contract to Mazza Recycling Services was also approved for the disposal of certain types of recyclable waste. Another contract was awarded to the same firm for the sale of scrap metal.
5K Planned
In other news, Jackson Boy Scout Troop 204 member Gavin Hughes, 15, made a presentation before the governing body during the public comment period of the meeting. He outlined his Eagle Scout project called “Eagle First Responders 5K” that will include a 5-kilometer run/walk and a one mile fun run on the morning of Aug. 29 at Johnson Park.
“I am organizing a 5K run for my Eagle Scout project. This will honor all first responders and Jackson Mills Volunteer Fire Company Station 54. The event will take place on Aug. 29 at Johnson Park and I plan to create a scholarship for a Jackson student who plans to go into first response,” the scout said.
The scout thanked members of council, Business Administrator Terence Wall and members Joe Anderson from the Recreation Dept. for their assistance in being able to plan the event. “I am looking for help with running this event and for runners and walkers,” he added.
Those seeking to support his project and to support the benefit for the Jackson Mills Volunteer Fire Co. Station 54 can sign up or sponsor the race by visiting EagleFirstResponders5K.com or e-mail Eagle5Krace@gmail.com. Gavin gave out fliers to the audience during the meeting and one was posted to the bulletin board in Town Hall.
“I think that is a great event that you are planning. Becoming an Eagle Scout is a great accomplishment,” Council President Alex Sauickie said.
