With less money expected for the 2006 Community Development Block Grant Funds than last year, the Springfield Township Board decided how to disperse the approximate amount of $33,214 on Nov. 10.
The board chose to distribute the maximum allowed for public service totaling $14,946.30 which is 45 percent of the total allocated funding.
Supervisor Collin Walls confirmed the board looked to distribute the funds to four categories:
?$3,000 to services for the disabled
? $2,500 to provide social and recreational activities for adults with disabilities
?$3,000 for battered and abused spouses
? the remaining balance of for public service estimated at $6,446.30 went for emergency services.
The remaining of the Community Development Block Grant Funds, $18,267.70, was for road maintenance in low to moderate income areas.
Walls said the West Ellis, Bigelow, Oakhill (between East Holly Road and Dixie Highway) and Rattalee Lake (between Dixie Highway and I-75) roads are targeted for improvements.
Five applicants requested funding for the Public Services portion:
? Springfield Township Library? $4,000 to purchase additional audio books for sight-impaired patrons.
? Kaleidoscope Foundation? $4,500 to provide social and recreational services to disable adults and seniors.
‘Neighbor For Neighbor ? $7,000 to provide housing and utility assistance for the residents of the community.
? Haven ? $2,500 to provide crisis counseling and education to stop violence to community residents.
? Holly Area Youth Assistance ? $1,000 to be used for summer camp or skill building activities.
Springfield Township received $39,017 for 2004 and $36,904 for 2005 in Community Development Block Grant Funds, said Walls.
The Community Development Block Grant Funds must be used to benefit low and moderate-income populations, prevention or elimination of slum and blighted conditions or to meet an urgent community need. According to Collin Walls there was a $2,500 minimum allocation.
In other news, the board appointed William Champion to complete the remaining balance on Chris Moore’s term on the planning commission.
The board also agreed to pay $8,000 for upgrades being made to the Oakland County Sheriff’s substation located in Colombiere on Big Lake Road. According to a memo from Township Supervisor Collin Walls to the board, the contribution makes up about half the estimated cost to Colombiere, which is a reasonable investment considering the township has not paid any money for using the sub-station in 30 years.