Highland Township Renews Contract With Huron Valley Council for the Arts

The Highland Township Board of Trustees approved a revised agreement with the Huron Valley Council for the Arts (HVCA) during their meeting Wednesday. The agreement renews the last 10-year contract, which expires on December 31, 2012.

"I think the HVCA has been a great addition to Highland Township," Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski said. "It's a great touch of culture for the community, something we all benefit from."

Pilchowski said the township and HVCA have a great relationship.

"It's important to note that while the HVCA has been at the Highland Station House, they've made improvements to the building, they pay 30 percent towards utilities and 50 percent towards cleaning," Pilchowski said. "In addition, it's a popular destination for locals and visitors alike."

Only minor changes were made to the previous agreement, Pilchowski said, including language regarding the insurance.

The board agreed, unanimously, to renew the contract.

New hire approved

The Highland Township Fire Department has been given the green light to hire a new firefighter.

According to Fire Chief James Crunk, the new hire has been interviewed and passed a background check.

The firefighter will be hired in at a rate of $12 per hour/per call, until he completes all of his fire and medical training - something that takes approximately two years, Crunk said.

Other items discussed at the meeting include:

• The introduction of a new general code of ordinances. This code is a revamped version of the previous code of ordinances. Pilchowski said the revised version gets rid of the outdated ordinances, and makes sure everything is in line with current law. The board is expected to approve the ordinances in November. A draft copy of the new ordinances can be found here.
• A fund balance policy was put in place. This policy states the township's fund balance will not drop below 40 percent of the value of the general fund. If it does, the balance will be corrected in the next year's budget. This policy was put in place at the recommendation of township auditors Plante Moran.