Spring Arbor Township Board Minutes - May 14, 2007 

The regular meeting of the Spring Arbor Township Board was held Monday, May 14, 2007, at 7:00 p.m., with the following members present: Supervisor Will DeGraaf, Clerk Randi Holthouse, Treasurer Gloria Melchiori, Trustees Marston Fortress, Troy Ganton and Brent Williams. Absent: Trustee Patricia Short. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Supervisor.

Guests were: Earl Poleski, Stan Lyon, Kyle Huss, Russ Ratkiewicz, Tim McEldowney, Steve Johnson and Gary Trobeck from Burnham & Flower, and Geoffrey Lansky from Ted Hartleb Agency.

Public Comment: Public comment opened at 7:01 p.m.

Stan Lyon, Township resident, asked about the agenda item of Faith Haven Nursing Home for a potential sewer line connection and whether or not it would be discussed at the Sewer & Water Committee meeting.

Earl Poleski, County Commissioner, informed the board that the county is working on new bids for indigent defense; that the Commission has approved a purchase agreement for the airport land; that JTA is not pursing a millage request at this time; that the Commission is continuing to hold meetings for their strategic planning process; that they are still investigating the road commission and awaiting a report from the Administrator; and, he presented information regarding a hazardous waste collection day and a car seat program.

Kyle Huss, 6440 McCain Rd., addressed the board regarding a noise issue from his neighbor’s property and their flock of peacocks. The Supervisor responded to Mr. Huss noting that the issue was with the Township Attorney and we are waiting for a legal opinion.

Public comment closed at 7:15 p.m.

Expenditures. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to approve the following expenditures for April 2007: General Fund expenditures #44822-44905 totaling $69,316.05; Fire Department Fund expenditures #44826-44904 totaling $26,457.95; Street Light Fund expenditure #44835 totaling $3,517.10; Building Inspection Fund expenditures #44823-44901 totaling $1,677.39; Sewer O & M Fund expenditures #44846-44902 totaling $62,192.12; Water O & M Fund expenditures #44860-44902 totaling $34,074.42; and Historical Fund expenditure #44855 totaling $1,108.00. Roll call: 6 yes.

Minutes. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Fortress to approve the regular board meeting minutes of April 9, 2007; carried.

Consent Agenda. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Ganton to approve the following items under the consent agenda consisting of the financial reports for April 2007; general ledger report of revenues and expenditures for April 2007; Senior Center Advisory Board minutes of April 10, 2007; Recycling Committee minutes of April 10, 2007; Zoning Board of Appeals minutes of April 19, 2007; and Planning Commission minutes of May 1, 2007; carried. The financial report showed the following balances as of April 30:

General Fund Cash                            $9,742.46

Certificate of Deposit                       270,874.34

Fire Operations Cash                           6,648.88

Fire Operations CD                           512,653.93

Street Light Fund                              14,332.38

Public Improvement Fund                           0.00

Building Inspection Fund                         643.44

Falling Waters Endowment Fund            (1,108.00)

Falling Waters Endowment Fund CD       32,000.16

Sewer Funds                                 1,235,270.39

Water Funds                                    297,041.35

Trust & Agency Funds                                0.00

Current Taxes                                         14.69;

carried.

REPORTS:

A. Police and Fire Reports. There were 25 medical rescue runs, four fire alarms, three mutual aid calls, 12 fire runs, and no carbon monoxide incidents, bomb threats or Hazmat responses during April. Police statistics include: 147 complaints, eight accidents, 35 tickets, 16 verbal warnings, five arrests, one semi ticketed and 15 back-up calls to other departments.

The Chief of Police reported that the month of April started out slow, but picked up in the middle with several breaking and entering crimes. A strong-armed robbery occurred on April 11, two daylight breaking and entering crimes occurred on April 16 and another daylight breaking and entering occurred on April 26. Through investigative work and working with Blackman Township Public Safety, the police department was able to identify several suspects and make arrests. The department is also receiving a grant from the Sheriff’s department for approximately $2,000.00. Chief Ratkiewicz also attended a luncheon the first part of May; the speaker discussed the top things that students can get in trouble for comparing the 1940’s to today’s situations. He is also working with the local school districts on safety programs and lockdown drills.

The Fire Chief reported that a medical first responder training class is being held at the fire station this evening; the departmental goal is to have 100% compliance within the department in this area. He participated in April with the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church to help prepare their disaster manual, along with the Chief of Police. The Fire Chief is also working with Trinity Lutheran School on fire safety drills as well as Western School District. The new generator was installed in April and is working well. He reported that their annual pancake day was a huge success and they appreciated the wonderful community participation; they served around 900 people and raised around $4,000.00.

Trustee Ganton invited the Chiefs to attend the last scheduled parade meeting being held on May 23, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.

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

B. Building Permit Reports. The report of building permits issued during the month of April showed two new homes and miscellaneous permits for a total value of $390,000.00. Last year in April, one new home permit was issued. A report showing the new home permits for the prior year was also included. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Fortress to receive the building permit reports; carried.

C. Supervisor’s Report . Advised the board: of recommended dates for the sewer rate increase to be effective in 2008 and 2009; of a field usage agreement; that the lagoon building roof has been repaired and working on obtaining bids for the senior center roof; of a potential request for Faith Haven Nursing Home (Sandstone Twp.) to connect to the sewer system; and, of his recommendation for a committee appointment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

A. Sewer Rate Increase Effective Dates. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Ganton to approve a July 1 effective date for the sewer rate increases scheduled for 2008 and 2009; carried. Discussion was held regarding language to notify customers of the increase. Trustee Fortress stated that it was the intention of the Sewer & Water Committee for the sewer customers to receive something that would notify them of the increase, i.e., “ . . . based on an analysis of the operating expenditures of the sewer system the Township Board has approved the following rate increases effective . . . ”. Treasurer Melchiori stated that she is planning to send postcards with the information to save money.

B. Computer Purchase for Deputy Clerk. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Holthouse to approve the purchase of a computer for the Deputy Clerk based on the quote from Dell at $1,021.44. Roll Call: 6 yes.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Field Usage Agreement. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to approve the field usage agreement as prepared by the township attorney; carried.

C. Committee Appointment. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to approve the appointment of Jim Dark as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals; carried. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Melchiori to approve the following reappointments:

Greg Scholl, Electrical Board of Appeals, 3-year term expiring 3/31/2010,

Robert Shearer, Mechanical Board of Appeals, 5-year term expiring 6/30/2012,

Craig Withrow, Park Committee, 3-year term expiring 5/31/2010,

Jack Ripstra, Park Committee, 3-year term expiring 5/31/2010,

Robert Shearer, Plumbing Board of Appeals, 5-year term expiring 6/30/2012,

Robert Shearer, Rental Inspection Review Board, 3-year term expiring 3/31/2010,

Robert Boss, Rental Inspection Review Board, 3-year term expiring 3/31/2010,

Dennis DaPra, Historical Fund Committee, 3-year term expiring 6/30/2010,

Charles Kuntzleman, Public Safety Board, 5-year term expiring 6/30/2012;

carried.

D. Liquid Dust Control Agreement with JCRC. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Holthouse to approve the liquid dust control agreement with the Jackson County Road Commission for gravel roads in the Township. Roll Call: 6 yes.

E. Recreational Vehicle Parking for SAU World Meeting. Supervisor DeGraaf informed the board that the University had requested parking for recreational vehicles at the Gallagher Park parking lot but due to language in the Zoning Ordinance we would not be able to allow it. He stated that they are looking at using the Somerset campground.

F. Library. The Supervisor reported that the original location planned for the library in Harmony Park would not work due to setback issues. He suggested a different location in the park; the matter is referred to the Park Committee for a recommendation.

G. Insurance Renewal. Representatives from the Ted Hartleb Agency and Burnham & Flower were in attendance at the meeting to present their insurance products for the property and liability coverage for the Township. A half hour was allotted for each presentation; the insurance representatives left after the presentations. There was discussion among the board members.

Trustee Ganton left the meeting at 9:35 p.m.

Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to renew with Burnham & Flower (extend the renewal date) and that the Township will engage either Jack Voss or Jack Smith to assist us in the analysis of these two bids and to have the Supervisor appoint three people to a committee to evaluate what the insurance professional comes up with and to make a recommendation back to the Township Board; carried.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  Township Law Newsletter.

  Project Review Notice.

  Letters from Comcast.

  Tribute to June Dodd.

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

There was no public comment.

Adjournment. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m.; carried.