Consultant: Haring can support wastewater plant

Matt Whetstone | Cadillac News Baker College President Bob VanDellen addresses the Haring Township Board of Trustees Wednesday during a special meeting to discuss the feasibility of a wastewater treatment facility.

CADILLAC - Although it may be a difficult path in the short term, Haring Township Trustees are moving ahead with more definite plans to construct a wastewater treatment facility.

Gary Voogt, an engineering consultant from Moore and Bruggink, told the seven-member board, “yes,” a wastewater plant is economically feasible and would work. Simply put, Voogt said the township can construct a facility to serve Baker College and several other users in that area for $3.3 million in two to two-and-a-half years.

Baker, meanwhile, is seeking municipal water and sewer service in order to accommodate its expanding campus. Simply put, the college needs the services and it needs it soon.

Baker has already withdrawn a 425 agreement that would transfer it to the city of Cadillac while the township explores the feasibility of the utility. Campus President Bob VanDellen said a timeline for service in the fall of 2008 doesn't work.

VanDellen expects to speak with YMCA officials, who are planning a joint venture to construct a facility with Baker, and then resubmit his 425 request.

“They need to digest all this information,” VanDellen said. “My concern is timing.”

Still, township trustees clearly spoke in favor of the need for a facility to protect its land and residents from transferring to the city via a 425 agreement or annexation.

“I really think if we're serious about this, we've got to keep pushing,” said Clerk Andrea Hofstra.

“Without a plant, this is all eventually going to be the city of Cadillac,” said Trustee Brian Jankowski.

Voogt presented the township with a list of items it needs to address, including changes in utility policies. Voogt believes the township can create extra revenue to help make bond payments. He also outlined plans to service Baker and surrounding residences with municipal water for $2.2 million.

Several township residents spoke both about the need for a facility and concerns they may have if one is constructed.

Stan Fawcett said he knows of a number of businesses that have constructed wells in the past few years. If water and sewer service was mandated, the owners would be caught paying twice. Fawcett did say he has some ideas that could lower the costs of the system and he would be willing to share advice with the board.

The township plans to hold a work session on the matter in the near future.

mwhetstone@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)