PP Township approves new hires for senior center

By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer

PAW PAW – At the Sept. 12 Paw Paw Township Board meeting, township officials gave an update and approved new hires for the Paw Paw Township Senior Center.
Township Treasurer Lisa Zinkil presented the board with an update on the Paw Paw Township Senior Center. She said the township has inked a 15-month lease with Freshwater Community Church, Paw Paw, from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023, for $2,084 per month. The senior center will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Zinkil said Gary Schanz is being considered as the new Senior Center director, working four days a week. In addition, a cook and an office assistant are planned to be hired for the senior center, each working three days a week.
Board discussion on hours and rate of pay, as well as benefits for the new senior center staff members were approved, including three positions: director at $41,600 salary for 32 hours per week; assistant director, $18 per hour for up to 28 hours per week; and a cook at $15 per hour, up to 28 hours per week. All will receive the same benefit package as other township employees. The hire date was Sept. 12.
The board held discussion on getting reorganized and having the senior center up and running by early October. Meal prices for township residents and non-residents were also discussed.
Following an earlier public hearing, the board approved an aquatic plant control project for Lake Cora, the estimate of project costs, review of project plans, review of petitions submitted for the project, and the establishment of a special assessment district for that project.
The proposed new special assessment project will be three years, 2022 – 2024 inclusive.
Township Deputy Supervisor Tom Palenick, who also serves as township cannabis coordinator, discussed reasons why the assistant cannabis coordinator salary should be increased. Trustee Fran Sanders questioned why her cannabis work is worth more than other responsibilities. The board approved a pay rate of $20.50, with Sanders casting the lone “no” vote.
Stull also said that he has received complaints about political booths being located on township property during the Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival held earlier this month.