Spring Arbor Township Board Minutes: May 9, 2005

The regular meeting of the Spring Arbor Township Board was held Monday, May 9, 2005, at 7:38 p.m., with the following members present: Supervisor Will DeGraaf, Clerk Randi Holthouse, Treasurer Gloria Melchiori, Trustees Marston Fortress, Troy Ganton, Patricia Short and Brent Williams.   The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Supervisor DeGraaf.

Guests were: Steve Brigham, Denise Tomasello, Linda Burchell, Tony Migaldi, Scott Burns, Stan Lyon, Earl Habecker, Jim & Lori Fay, Eleanor Johnson, Mary Frey, David C. Miller, Barb Pohanka, Tim McEldowney, Pat Sprague, Steve Lazaroff, Becky Cunningham, Shar Fortress, Todd Zeller, Judy Reynolds, Mike Justian, Cody Justian and Ron Robart.

Public Comment:   Public comment opened at 7:40 p.m.

Judy Reynolds, County Commissioner, informed the board that the county is starting a three-year strategic planning process, that they are working on the budget, arrearage plans are available for individuals working with Friend of the Court, a safe food handlers class has been presented by the Health Department, and the grant has been awarded to the sheriff’s department to update the radio system.

Ron Robart, township resident, stated he had just returned from the Phillippines and appreciates what a nice place we have to live.   He expressed concern over the number of garbage companies that pick up trash in our community, and questioned if we could have an ordinance to regulate trash containers left by the road.

Earl Habecker, township resident, stated a number of people were in attendance at the meeting to support the resolution for the King Rd. Water Project.   He expressed his appreciation of the efforts of the township board.

Stan Lyon, township resident, stated that this is the best place in the world to live, and he appreciates having the choice to choose who picks up his garbage.

Public comment closed at 7:45 p.m.

Expenditures.   Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Holthouse to approve the following expenditures for April 2005: General Fund expenditures #42033-42092 totaling $38,750.32; Fire Department Fund expenditures #42033-42091 totaling $7,759.43; Street Light Fund expenditures totaling $2,916.74; Building Inspection Fund expenditures totaling $7,179.57; Sewer Receiving Fund expenditures of $0.00; Sewer O & M Fund expenditures totaling $48,699.53; and Water O & M Fund expenditures totaling $28,905.95.   Roll call: 7 yes.

Consent Agenda.   Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Ganton to approve the following items under the consent agenda consisting of the regular meeting minutes of April 11, 2005,   the financial report for April 2005, Sewer & Water Committee minutes of March 21, 2005, Park Committee minutes of March 31, 2005, April 14 & 21, 2005, Planning Commission minutes of April 5, 2005, and Senior Center Advisory Board minutes of April 20, 2005; carried.   The financial report showed the following balances as of April 30:

General Fund Cash                                                           $154,720.09

Certificate of Deposit                                                           19,206.86

Fire Operations Cash                                                           99,856.93

Fire Operations CD                                                            136,808.34

Street Light Fund                                                               13,420.73

Public Improvement Fund                                                       5,902.01

Building Inspection Fund                                                      55,118.01

Falling Waters Endowment Fund                                                653.84

Falling Waters Endowment Fund CD                                       13,250.88

Sewer Funds                                                                 1,290,530.00

Water Funds                                                                    172,118.41

Trust & Agency Funds                                                                0.00

Current Taxes                                                                         (11.00)

REPORTS:

A.   Police and Fire Report.   There were 23 medical rescue runs, two fire alarms, one mutual aid call, 16 fire runs, and no carbon monoxide incidents, bomb threats or Hazmat responses during April.   Police statistics include: 174 complaints, 12 accidents, 44 tickets, 26 verbal warnings, six arrests, no semis ticketed and 15 back-up calls to other departments. 

Chief Ratkiewicz was unable to attend the meeting; Chief McEldowney reported for him.   Two subjects have been arrested by the Michigan State Police in connection with several break-ins that occurred in Jackson County, of which some were in Spring Arbor Township.   The State Police believe they may be responsible for over 200 break-ins; property from a break-in on Cox Rd. was recovered.   Also, the Spring Arbor Police Department received an award for Respect For Law Day.

Chief McEldowney reported that four candidates for the fire department have completed their Firefighter I and II training, as well as four other firefighters that moved up to the second level.   The goal of the fire department is to eventually have all firefighters at the second level.   The annual Pancake Breakfast was held last Saturday with approximately 800 citizens attending.   The department is thankful for the great support from the community.

Motion was made by Holthouse and supported by Fortress to accept the police and fire reports; carried.

B.   MTA E-News for May 2005.   The MTA E-News for May 2005 included information about possible revenue sharing cuts, Subdivision Development Ordinance, State of Michigan Telephone Directory, new IRS regulations, SET Levy, database of illegally dumped trash, upcoming workshops and how to E-mail the MTA.

C.   Supervisor’s Report.   Advised the board: of the status of ongoing projects; of the recent revenue sharing payment; of a request for a Renaissance Recovery Zone; of the Liquid Dust Control Program agreement; of the County’s decision regarding joint health insurance; of bids received for the King Rd. Water Project; of recommended sewer purchases; of a funding request by MDOT for the Emerson Rd. Project; and, of a public hearing for the Jackson Community Comprehensive Master Plan.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

A.   Park Committee Recommendation.   Motion was made by Short and supported by Ganton to accept the recommendation of the Park Committee and allow the West County Little League to use the concession stand at Gallagher Park for May and June of 2005 at no cost providing they accept the responsibility for the clean up of any litter from their concessions; carried.

B.   Rehmann Robson Audit.   Motion was made by Short and supported by Holthouse to approve the agreement letter with Rehmann Robson for the 2004-05 audit at a cost of $5,000, plus up to an additional $2,000 for the GASB 34 conversion of the financial statements.   Discussion was held.   Trustee Short expressed concern over using the same auditing firm for a number of years.   The board members questioned what the additional amount was for and how many hours were required to produce the statements.   After discussion, Short withdrew her motion with support from Holthouse.   Motion was then made by Williams and supported by Short that we request Rehmann Robson for a detailed explanation of the number of hours required to perform the audit and what their hourly rate is, for both the regular audit billed at $5,000 and the financial statement conversion billed at $2,000; carried.

C.   Resolutions to Approve Renaissance Recovery Zone.   Stephen Lazaroff, President of Diversified Precision Products, addressed the board.   Mr. Lazaroff discussed the recent legislation passed to help create Renaissance Recovery Zones designed to help the tool and die industry in Michigan remain competitive.   There are 12 zones available this year, and the first part of the process is to have the local government give their approval.   Pat Sprague, representing Wardcraft, stated that the companies work together to combine resources, such as greater purchasing power.   The advantage to the businesses included in the Recovery Zone are the elimination of some of their property taxes.   The amount affecting the Township for Diversified and Wardcraft would be approximately $3,600.

Motion was made by Short and supported by Ganton to approve the Resolution requesting that the State of Michigan designate Diversified Precision Products as part of a Renaissance Recovery Zone for a period of fifteen (15) years.   Roll Call: 7 yes.

Motion was made by Williams and supported by Fortress to approve the Resolution requesting that the State of Michigan designate Wardcraft as part of a Renaissance Recovery Zone for a period of fifteen (15) years.   Roll Call: 7 yes.

D.   Liquid Dust Control Agreement.   Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to approve the 2005 Liquid Dust Control Agreement with the Jackson County Road Commission for $580.00; carried.

E.   Resolution #3 to Approve King Rd. Water Project.   Motion was made by Holthouse and supported by Fortress to approve Resolution No. 3 for the King Rd. Water Project.   Roll Call: 7 yes.

F.   Sewer Purchases.   Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Fortress to approve purchases for the sewer system at a cost of $14,727.00.   Roll Call: 7 yes. $4,300 is for aerator work at the lagoon and $10,427 is for a generator at the Willoway Lift Station.

G.   MDOT Request for Funds for Emerson Rd./M-60 Project.   Representatives from MDOT explained why the cost for the Emerson Rd./M-60 project increased from $100,000 to $144,000.   Increases are due to added costs of purchasing real estate, water drainage around the intersection, relocation of the fire hydrant, oil prices, right-of-way additional costs, hot-mix asphalt prices, new culvert, and curb and gutter to bring the intersection up to standards.   The MDOT representatives stated that the project will happen at their discretion.   Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Fortress to approve a township expenditure of $8,000 to contribute to the Emerson Rd./M-60 project.   Roll Call:   5 yes, 2 no.

H.   Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan.   Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Melchiori to authorize the Supervisor to vote on the Jackson Community Comprehensive Plan at the public hearing scheduled for May 26, 2005, if a majority of the board members are not in attendance; carried.

I.   Conditional Use Permit - Greenbriar Land Dev. (C05-2, 000-12-09-400-001-14).   Trustee Fortress explained why a Conditional Use Permit was requested for this property, and what the owners would be doing.   Motion was made by Williams and supported by Ganton to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approve the Conditional Use Permit requested by Greenbriar Land Development for parcel #000-12-09-400-001-14 (C05-2) with the conditions specified by the Planning Commission; carried.

J.   Request for Use of Township Hall - JCC Board.   A request was received from Jackson Community College for the use of the township hall to communicate with township residents.   Motion was made by Short and supported by Williams to grant the request of Jackson Community College and their board members to use the township hall at no charge; carried.

K.   Solicitation on Township Property.   The board members discussed solicitations by outside groups on township property and questioned whether the practice should be allowed.   It was suggested that a legal opinion be obtained.   Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Holthouse to table any action until we have a legal opinion; carried.

L.   Retirement of Jim Cox.   Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Holthouse to have a plaque made for Jim Cox who is retiring from the Township Parade Committee; carried.

M.   Recycling Jackson.   After viewing a presentation earlier in the evening from Recycling Jackson, the board members discussed the possibility of expanding a service to the township.   Motion was made by Short and supported by Ganton that the Supervisor appoint a committee of citizens with two board members and that they report back to the August meeting with their recommendation; carried.   Troy Ganton and Randi Holthouse will be the two board members serving on the committee.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Building Permit Report.   The report of building permits issued during the month of April showed new homes and miscellaneous permits for a total value of $515,000.00.

Assessing/Building Report.   During the month of April, two new home permits were issued, for a total of 23 this year.   A barber shop has opened at Village Crossing, and a permit has been issed for a credit union at Village Crossing.   The equalization report has been approved by the County and has been forwarded to the State.

Planning Commission.   Unapproved minutes of the May 3 meeting of the Planning Commission included a site plan review of Stone Ridge Development, a rezoning request by Kowach and a Conditional Use Permit request from Greenbriar Land Development.

Z.B.A. Meeting of May.   The Zoning Board of Appeals had one variance request in May.   V05-2, Melvin Turk, for a 25' side yard variance and an 18' rear yard variance.

Washington Report.   The Washington Report for May 2005 covered various topics.

Par-Plan Newsletter.   The Par-Plan Newsletter highlighted events at the MTA annual conference.

Senior Center Newsletter.   The Senior Center Newsletter dated May 1, 2005 was received.

CORRESPONDENCE:

Police Dept. Commendation - Respect For Law, given by The Optimist Club of Jackson.

Thank-you letter to the police department from Larry & Julie Wirebaugh.

Thank-you letter to the police department from Gail & Ron Childs.

Thank you letter to the Township Board from the Senior Center for making trips available.

Project Review Notice regarding upcoming road projects in the county.

Project Review Notice regarding a grant application for the Michigan Theatre.

Letter from Comcast regarding a change in prices for the remote.

PUBLIC/BOARD   COMMENT--GENERAL:          Public comment opened at 9:40 p.m.

Supervisor DeGraaf.   The Supervisor updated the board members on the search for an Assessor.   Ads will be placed in magazines and the Citizen Patriot.

Trustee Fortress.   Trustee Fortress discussed part of the process that the Master Land Use Committee went through to communicate with area business people.   A suggestion had been made to start up a local “Chamber of Commerce” or similar business organization.   Fortress asked that the issue be put on the agenda for the next regular board meeting.   He also asked about a trash can ordinance.

Clerk Holthouse.   Clerk Holthouse reported that the Park Committee raised approximately $4,600 from their fundraiser.   The event seemed to be recieved well by those who attended and was a social event for the community.