Spring Arbor Township Board Minutes: December 29, 2003 (Special Meeting)

A special board meeting of the Spring Arbor Township Board was held Monday, December 29, 2003, at 7:00 p.m., with the following members present: Supervisor Will DeGraaf, Clerk Randi DeVries, Trustees Marston Fortress and Brent Williams.   Absent: Treasurer Gloria Melchiori and Trustees Troy Ganton and Patricia Short.

Guests: Dick Greenslade and Russ Ratkiewicz.

There was no public comment.

The purpose of the meeting was to receive budget presentations from various township departments.

NEW BUSINESS:

A.   Budget Presentation from Fire Department.   Chief Greenslade presented information regarding several items he would like included in the next fiscal year budget. They included identification flags for fire hydrants totaling $2,300.00 (150 @ $15); a generator estimated at $25,000.00; a tank and motor for the grass truck estimated to cost around $3,000.00; and an exhaust system installed in the fire station at a cost of $45,000.00.

B.   Appointment of New Volunteer Fireman.   Chief Greenslade recommended that Sean Patrick Duffy be appointed to the fire department. Mr. Duffy has been previously trained in Grand Rapids, has all of his required shorts, is trained in medical and also has worked as an auxiliary police officer. Motion was made by Williams and supported by DeVries to approve the appointment of Sean Patrick Duffy to the fire department as a volunteer fireman; carried.

C.   Budget Presentation from Police Department.   Chief Ratkiewicz presented information regarding several items he would like included in the next fiscal year budget. They included two Taser Guns, with accessories, at a cost of $2,700.00; a sensor for OUIL enforcement at a cost of $450.00; a portable radio estimated at $770.00; and new bullet proof vests with accessories at a cost of $970.00.   Chief Ratkiewicz also informed the board that there may be a grant available next year to cover 50% of the cost of the vests. The board members discussed the possibility of budgeting for one Taser Gun, and applying the balance of the cost of one Taser Gun towards the purchase of additional vests. Concern was expressed regarding safety as a factor in purchasing additional vests beyond what was presented.

Adjournment.   Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Williams to adjourn at 8:21 p.m.