Spring Arbor Township Board Minutes: July 14, 2003

The regular meeting of the Spring Arbor Township Board was held Monday, July 14, 2003, at 7:30 p.m., with the following members present: Clerk Randi DeVries, Treasurer Gloria Melchiori, Trustees Marston Fortress, Troy Ganton, Patricia Short and Brent Williams. Absent: Supervisor Will DeGraaf. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Clerk DeVries. In the absence of the Supervisor, motion was made by Fortress and supported by Ganton to have Clerk DeVries chair the meeting; motion carried.

Guests were: Dick Renner, Barb Pohanka, Becky Cunningham, Chad Greenslade, JJ Asbury, john Rule, Ken Rule, Scott Greenslade, Tim McEldowney, Stan Lyon, Russ Ratkiewicz and Dick & Barb Greenslade.

Public Comment: Public comment opened at 7:33 p.m. There was no public comment.

Minutes. Minutes of the regular meeting of June 9 were approved on motion by Ganton and support by Williams; carried.

Financial Report. The financial report for the month was received on motion by Fortress and support by Williams, showing the following balances as of June 30:

General Fund Cash                                $ 8,400.27
Certificate of Deposit                            195,532.30
Fire Operations Cash                              16,199.50
Fire Operations CD                               183,000.00
Street Light Fund                                    8,332.06
Public Improvement Fund                       (22,197.23)
P.I.F. Certificate of Deposit                   270,706.55
Building Inspection Fund                          36,316.06
Falling Waters Endowment Fund                       8.15
Falling Waters Endowment Fund CD           12,186.38
Sewer Funds                                     1,312,389.34
Water Funds                                        184,598.65
Trust & Agency Funds                                    0.00
Current Taxes                                              0.00;
motion carried.

Expenditures. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Fortress to approve the following expenditures: General Fund vouchers #39378-39460 totaling $68,085.65; Fire Department Fund vouchers #39379-39493 totaling $35,050.64; Street Light Fund expenditures totaling $2,651.82; Public Improvement Fund expenditures totaling $22,760.17; Building Inspection Fund expenditures totaling $5,096.85; Sewer Receiving Fund disbursements of $52,403.75; Sewer O & M Fund expenditures totaling $53,925.69; and Water O & M Fund expenditures totaling $4,933.91. Roll call: 6 yes. Treasurer Melchiori discussed an overage in the budgeted amount for processing the grant application for the water expansion project. Two bills received put the project over by $1,730.76. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Short to pay the two bills referenced. Roll Call: 6 yes.

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:

Policy & Communications. Motion was made by Short and supported by Ganton to approve the minutes of the May 7, 2003 meeting of the Policy & Communications Committee; carried. Trustee Short reported that the web site is coming along, and is showing good progress.

Senior Center Advisory Board. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Melchiori to approve the May 20, 2003 meeting of the Senior Center Advisory Board; carried. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to approve the June 17, 2003 meeting of the Senior Center Advisory Board; carried. Trustee Short suggested that activities at the Senior Center should be advertised on the township web site.

Planning Commission. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Short to approve the minutes of the June 3, 2003 meeting of the Planning Commission; carried.

POLICE/FIRE ACTIVITY:

Police and Fire Report. There were 31 medical rescue runs, four fire alarms, two mutual aid calls, 20 fire runs, and no carbon monoxide incidents or bomb threats during June. Police statistics include: 145 complaints, 13 accidents, 20 tickets, 10 verbal warnings, four arrests and six back-up calls to other departments.

Chief Ratkiewicz reported that the new police car is now in service. He was able to obtain one of the new mobile data computers for the new car and is testing it out. He reported on the public safety officials meeting held last Thursday and the concerns expressed by the people that attended. Trustee Short asked about the distances between the speed limit changes on M-60 in the Spring Arbor area.

Chief Greenslade also attended the public safety officials meeting and demonstrated the new thermal imaging camera. The fire department also participated at the Learning Fair held at Spring Arbor University. The department has had to respond to several structure fires and was also called to assist Blackman Township on a Hazardous Material call.

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Budget Amendments. Motion was made by Short and supported by Fortress to approve the following budget amendments:
Revenue, 101-000-676.001, Law Enforcement Training Funds, Increase $250.00
Revenue, 101-000-690.000, Miscellaneous, Increase $500.00
Expense, 101-301-960.001, Law Enforcement Training Expense, Increase $750.00
Revenue, 101-000-605.000, Right of Way Fees, Increase $1,018.60
Expense, 101-510-930.000, Public Works, Maintenance, Increase $1,018.60
Expense, 101-965-999.000, Transfer out Appropriations, Increase $11,597.15
Expense, 101-803-975.002, Veteran’s Memorial, $4,053.55
Expense, 101-803-975.003, School House Restoration, $7,543.60
Revenue, 705-000-690.000, Miscellaneous, Increase $11,597.15
Expense, 705-803-930.000, Hist Comm., Maintenance, Increase $11,597.15.
Roll Call: 6 yes.

B. Zoning Amendments. Motion was made by Short and supported by Ganton to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance amending Article V, Section 5.25 regarding Sexually Oriented Businesses. Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Ganton to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance amending Article II, Section 2.2 regarding Additions to Definitions. Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance amending Article IV, Section 4.5, line 15. Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Short and supported by Melchiori to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance amending Article V, Section 5.26 regarding Open Space Preservation. Roll Call: 6 yes.

C. Fire Department Insurance Renewal. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Ganton to renew Plan 1 for the fire department accident insurance and to have Jack Voss review the material regarding Plans 1, 2 and 3. Roll Call: 6 yes.

D. Conditional Use Permit - Spring Arbor University. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approve the Conditional Use Permit request from Spring Arbor University for parcel #000-12-16-301-012-00 for the addition planned for the field house; carried. Trustee Short recused herself.

E. Conditional Use Permit - Spring Arbor University. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approve the Conditional Use Permit request from Spring Arbor University for parcel $000-12-16-376-009-01 for the construction of a clock tower; carried. Trustee Short recused herself.

F. Rezoning Requests - Spring Arbor University. Twenty-five rezoning requests were considered from Spring Arbor University. Trustee Short recused herself from discussion and voting. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Fortress to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-151-003-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-301-001-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Ganton to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-301-002-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-301-003-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Ganton to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-301-004-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-301-007-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Fortress to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-326-009-01 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) and Agricultural (AG-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Melchiori and supported by Ganton to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-351-023-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) and Highway Service Commercial (C-3) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-351-024-00 from Commercial (C-1 and C-3) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-351-025-00 from Commercial (C-1 and C-3) and Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Fortress to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-351-029-00 from Highway Service Commercial (C-3) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-351-038-00 from Highway Service Commercial (C-3) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-353-002-01 from General Commercial (C-2) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Fortress to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-376-014-00 from General Commercial (C-2) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-376-015-00 from General Commercial (C-2) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Ganton to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #165-12-16-351-030-00 from General Commercial (C-2) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Ganton to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #165-12-16-351-031-00 from General Commercial (C-2) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Melchiori and supported by Fortress to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #165-12-16-351-032-00 from General Commercial (C-2) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #165-12-16-351-033-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Ganton to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #165-12-16-352-010-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Fortress to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #165-12-16-352-012-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 5 yes, 1 no. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Fortress to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #202-12-16-377-007-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 5 yes, 1 no. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-16-351-030-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-21-102-019-05 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) and Local Commercial (C-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and approve the rezoning request for parcel #000-12-21-102-019-07 from Industrial (I-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes.

G. Rezoning Request - Donna & Roy Meador. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and rezone parcel #165-12-16-352-008-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes.

H. Rezoning Request - Duane & Jaclyn Skene. Motion was made by Short and supported by Williams to accept the recommendation of the Planning Commission and County Affairs and rezone parcel #000-12-16-301-008-00 from Suburban Residential (RS-1) to Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Roll Call: 6 yes.

I. Fire Equipment Committee Appointment. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to appoint Dick Greenslade, Will DeGraaf, Marston Fortress, Stan Lyon, Tim McEldowney, Brent Williams and Tim Woolworth to a task force for the purpose of reviewing the purchase of the contemplated fire truck and that the task force report back to the board with their recommendation, and once the delivery is complete the task force will be dissolved; carried.

J. Salary Increase for Fire Chief. Motion was made by Williams and supported by Fortress to approve a salary increase of $2,000.00 for the Fire Chief. Trustee Short stated her dissatisfaction with the lack of the survey in the board members packets. Treasurer Melchiori discussed an increase in taxes received from the fire millage. Trustee Williams felt the increase was appropriate for the extra hours that the Fire Chief puts in outside of his working hours. Clerk DeVries stated that a performance appraisal should have been done in considering a salary increase. Motion carried.

K. Historical Committee Request. Trustee Ganton presented a request from the Historical Fund Committee. The committee members found a stove from the proper era that they would like to purchase for the school house project. From an original cost of up to $2,500.00, they have negotiated the price down to $1,500.00. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Short to approve the purchase of the stove for $1,500.00 for the school house. Roll Call: 6 yes.

L. Purchase of Newspaper Photo. Clerk DeVries presented a copy of a newspaper clipping of a photo in the Jackson Citizen Patriot depicting the Spring Arbor Fire Department manning the Fire Safety House at the Learning Fair. She asked for board approval to obtain a copy of the picture and permission for use on the township web site. Motion was made by Short and supported by Fortress to authorize up to $30.00 to obtain the copy and permission for web site use. Roll Call: 6 yes.

REPORTS:

A. MTA E-News for July 2003. The MTA E-News for July included information regarding SET reimbursement forms online, revenue sharing update, State Tax Commission publications available online, emergency management training forums, Michigan Digital government Summit, legal counsel opinions, Township Governance Academy, upcoming workshops, township web sites, and how to email the MTA.

B. NATaT Washington Report. The report included information about the federal appropriations cycle, tax bill aiding states, department of homeland security, grants for firefighter programs, cleanup of leaking underground storage tanks, and wastewater security improvements.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Building Permit Report. The report of building permits issued during the month of July showed new homes and miscellaneous permits for a total value of $2,885,000.00.

Assessing/Building Report. During the month of July, permits for 10 new homes were issued, for a total of 30 this year. New home construction is up by 20%. Mr. Renner reported on a study done by a township resident, of the average home sales in the township since 1970. In 1970, the average home sale was $21,000; through July 2003, the average home sale has increased to $177,000. Developments in the township are moving along with four homes in Spring Arbor Heights now, 10 homes built in Aviara Oaks, and Village Green and Cambria with new construction planned soon.

Supervisor’s Report. Advised the board: of the status of ongoing projects; of a recommendation to establish a task force for the purpose of reviewing the purchase of a fire truck; of a recommendation to increase the salary of the Fire Chief; of a personnel change at OMM Engineering; and, of a planned blacktop approach on M-60 for Emerson Rd.

Z.B.A. Meeting of May. The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting in June had three variance requests to consider. V03-5, Terry H. Neill, variance from the side yard setback. V03-6, Robert & Tuesdae Boss, variance from the side yard setback. V03-7, Steve Ladwig & Gordon Milnes, variance from the sign size allowed on a commercial building.

Planning Commission. Unapproved minutes of the Planning Commission of July 1 included a site plan review from Village Green, two site plan reviews for Spring Arbor University (athletic facility expansion and clock tower), and a new site plan review for Village Crossing.

CORRESPONDENCE:
A thank-you note from Concord Community Schools to Chief Ratkiewicz.
A thank-you note from the Jordon’s to Officer Adams.
A thank-you note to the fire department from the Link family.
A thank-you note to the fire department for their little league sponsorship.
A letter dated 06/23/03 from Rehmann Robson regarding their array of services.
A letter dated 06/23/03 from Jeffrey Abner regarding a request for a variance.
A thank-you letter dated 07/02/03 sent to Mr. Ken Lane at The Hobbit Place for his donation.
A letter dated 07/03/03 from Burnham & Flower regarding Kemper Insurance Co.
A response letter dated 07/09/03 to Jeffrey Abner from Ruth Scott.

PUBLIC/BOARD COMMENT--GENERAL: 9:42 p.m.

Tim McEldowney. Mr. McEldowney addressed the board regarding a new home installation located on King Rd. near Chapel Rd. in which the footings and foundation do not seem adequate. Mr. McEldowney was informed that it meets State building code. The trustees requested the Supervisor to investigate with the township attorney as to how we could strengthen our building code and zoning ordinance to deter this from happening again.

Treasurer Melchiori. Treasurer Melchiori discussed the motion regarding deputy hours from the March 2003 budget hearing meeting. She stated that her understanding was that she could increase her deputy’s hours at peak times as she needed without board approval, however she was informed in the office that the motion stated she must have board approval. The board members discussed the motion and confirmed that the intent of the motion was to require board approval for extra hours. Trustee Short stated that the Policy & Communications Committee would look into the situation.

Adjournment. Adjournment at 9:51 p.m. on motion by Williams and support by Melchiori; carried.