Sue and James Keehn (center left and right) stand at the podium after being named Harrison Township’s 2024 Hometown Heroes.
By: Dean Vaglia | Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Journal | Published September 24, 2024
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — Township trustees took a step toward the inevitable at their Sept. 9 meeting by approving an engineering contract to disconnect several homes from Mount Clemens water.
The move comes after years of movement from Harrison Township’s neighboring city on plans to switch from its municipal water system to the Great Lakes Water Authority system used by Harrison Township and other communities. With those plans now in the early stages of execution, several properties on the fringes of the Mount Clemens system need to be addressed.
“Initially, when there was a previous proposal, we thought we had some condensed timing,” Township Supervisor Ken Verkest said. “(With) the latest proposal that Mount Clemens has accepted this work doesn’t have to be completed for two years.”
The line down Crocker Boulevard leads right to the Mount Clemens Water Filtration Plant, which has supplied the over 130-year-old system with water from Lake St. Clair. Along the line are 84 residences that will need to be connected to Harrison Township’s water infrastructure. Engineering firm Wade Trim was awarded a $16,900 contract to provide engineering services for the project, which it expects will take place in summer 2025 at an estimated cost of between $80,000 and 100,000.
The water plant and property are planned to be sold as part of the GLWA switchover.
Elections grant
On Sept. 9, trustees accepted an $18,000 grant from the Institute for Responsive Government for use during the current election cycle.
Funds will be used for the planning and operation of the election, with a particular focus on public notice of early voting via updated signs and mailers.
Hometown heroes
Trustees also passed a resolution honoring Sue and James Keehn as the recipients of the township’s 2024 Hometown Hero award.
The Keehns are known for their contributions to the community, including their service on the township’s Beautification Commission, and their role in bringing sculptures to the township.
“When Brian had a chance to send us the email, I was visibly excited. I thought they are the definition of Hometown Heroes,” Harrison Township Trustee Dean Olgiati said. “Every time you ask Sue and Jim to do something, they do it with a smile and never say no. I don’t know how many times I almost went off the road seeing you in those flower beds pruning them. It’s four seasons in the year and I feel guilty that I don’t do more for our community because I see what Sue and Jim do on a regular basis and it is touching. Always a smile, never expecting anything, never even asking for any type of accolades whatsoever. They truly deserve it.”
Sue and James both accepted the honors, which had been kept secret from them in the run-up to the meeting due to Sue’s role on the award’s selection committee. Jennifer Iannuzzi, director of the township’s senior center, nominated the Keehns for the award.
“We are incredibly honored to be here among so many hardworking, wonderful people who volunteer their time outside of this environment all the time even though they don’t have the time for it,” Sue said. “We are among amazing people. We have a lot of eagles here that we’re grateful to have that run our township, and a lot of great friends and beatification members and commissioners and a wonderful group of folks. Thank you so very much. We are just delighted beyond measure and so humbled by everything you do too.”