Myths, Misconceptions, or Misrepresentations

Myth #1: The current building cannot be added onto without bringing everything up to code- The building inspector, Tony Gagliardo, has repeatedly instructed Elk township residents that only what is changed will have to be brought up to date--why are we taking one person's word for truth? Tony may be reached at 745.2722

Myth #2: The current building cannot support the load on the floors- Three local contractors assessed the building inside and upside and outside and downside. They did not come to a consensus as to the structural viability of the building, but two employees from a reputable architectural firm did spend 7 hours inspecting the building (including pictures from the crawl space) and found it to be worthy of an addition, and mentioned that it had 35-50 years of useful life left in it--again why are we taking one person's word for truth? Dean DeKryger of DK Design may be reached at 779.4002

Myth #3: The current building's occupancy rate is less than 30 people with all the weight in the building now-where is this figure coming from? In speaking with a retired fire marshal from Kalamazoo, and DK Design's office, seating for meetings (chairs only) would need 7 square foot/person. This leads me to believe with a footprint of 33x22 foot(current township hall), even with the filing cabinets and desks and tables taken into account, we should be able to fit 50 chairs in any meeting--why are we taking one person's word for truth?

Myth #4: The fire regulations do not allow for more chairs set up-WHAT? Exactly where is this info coming from? See above Myth #5 for a fire marshal's perspective--and why are we taking one person's word for truth?

Myth #5: The proposed project is considered to be a mixed use project by Lake County, and therefore, is not a Class C commercial building project-not supported by the Lake County Building Dept or the aforementioned architectural firm. This building proposal may be a mixed use proposal, but it is still a commercial building subject to commercial codes and regulations.--why are we taking one person's word for truth?

Myth #6: One or two members of a township board can decide to spend $155,000 without a vote of the taxpayers-by law a majority of a township board must vote during a scheduled meeting after a motion or resolution has been made. This must be a matter of public record and documented as such. It is true, however, that the board of a township may vote by majority to spend $155,000 on anything they deem worthy, and unless the voters use their power of referendum or (heaven forbid) recall, there is not much that can be done after the fact.