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Residents press board to lower Welch Road speed; resident raises $948 ambulance billing concern
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Summary
During public comment several residents called the 50-mph speed limit on Welch Road a safety hazard near trail crosswalks and emergency runs; a resident reported a $948 ambulance invoice and concern about being asked for a Social Security number, and the supervisor said the Township covers ambulance costs after insurance.
Three residents used the public-comment portion of the Feb. 10 meeting to press the board about public-safety issues on Welch Road and to raise a private billing concern.
Renee Jasgur, of 2625 Welch Road, said the 50‑mph speed limit is ‘‘too high’’ and a hazard at trail crosswalks. Cori Esterline, who says she travels Welch Road several times daily, told the board the speed limit endangers people at trail crosswalks and when emergency vehicles exit the fire station. Margaret Rathje said drivers are not pulling over for emergency vehicles and urged trimming bushes that block sightlines near pedestrians.
Resident Joseph Rimarcik described a Jan. 4 medical emergency and said he received an invoice for $948 from a third-party administrator (EMS/MC) for ambulance service; he said the company asked for his Social Security number and he did not want to provide it. Rimarcik asked whether the Township contracts with that billing firm and whether some cost could be absorbed from Township revenues. Supervisor Larry Gray responded, “The Township covers the cost after medical insurance pays their portion of the service.”
Trustees did not take immediate action on speed-limit changes or specific billing practices during the Feb. 10 meeting. Trustee Robert Long noted that the Michigan State Police set speed limits at the request of the Road Commission for Oakland County; further follow-up on sightlines, signage and coordination with RCOC and MSP was discussed as likely next steps.