Spring
Arbor Township Board Meeting 06.12.06
The
regular meeting of the Spring Arbor Township Board was held Monday,
June 12, 2006 , at 7:01
p.m. , with the following members
present: Supervisor Will DeGraaf, Clerk Randi Holthouse, Treasurer
Gloria Melchiori, Trustees Marston Fortress, Troy Ganton and Brent
Williams. Trustee Short arrived at 7:04
p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance
was led by Supervisor DeGraaf.
Guests
were: Judy Reynolds, Thomas Wilson, Shar Fortress, Pat Rombyer,
Stan Lyon, Earl Poleski, Tim McEldowney and Russ Ratkiewicz.
Public
Comment: Public
comment opened at 7:02 p.m.
Judy
Reynolds, County Commissioner
, reported that as of the end
of May, there were 18 potential foreclosures on property in Spring
Arbor
Township
. Many activities are planned
for the county parks this year at Cascades
Park
in the band shell and at the
falls. She also discussed the tornado siren warning system, and
reported that the bond rating for the county may be upgraded over
the next year. Dust control applications were started last week
in the county, and Farm fest will be held on September
16, 2006 .
Thomas
Wilson announced that he is running for Circuit Court Judge and
is endorsed by retiring Judge Nelson. He has been working with
Judge Nelson on different programs and asked for support for the
position.
Earl
Poleski announced his candidacy for County
Commissioner
in the 5 th District which
covers a portion of Spring
Arbor
Township
, and he commented that he
would be available if anyone had any questions.
Public
comment closed at 7:15 p.m.
Expenditures.
Motion was made
by Fortress and supported by Williams to approve the following expenditures
for May 2006: General Fund expenditures #43417-43513 totaling $74,951.48;
Fire Department Fund expenditures #43418-43510 totaling $26,855.38;
Street Light Fund expenditures totaling $3,078.02; Public Improvement
Fund Expenditures totaling $31,131.02; Building Inspection Fund
expenditures totaling $5,304.68; Sewer Receiving Fund expenditures
of $99.23; Sewer O & M Fund expenditures totaling $80,177.87;
and Water O & M Fund expenditures totaling $39,989.00. Roll
call: 7 yes.
Minutes.
Motion was made
by Ganton and supported by Short to approve the regular board meeting
minutes of May 8, 2006 ;
carried. Motion was made by Fortress and supported by Short to
approve the special board meeting minutes of May
22, 2006 ; carried.
Consent
Agenda. Motion
was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to approve the following
items under the consent agenda consisting of the financial reports
for May 2006; general ledger report of revenues and expenditures
for May 2006; Park Committee minutes of April 13, 2006, April 27,
2006, May 11, 2006 and June 7, 2006; Recycling Committee minutes
of May 4, 2006 and May 25, 2006; Senior Center Advisory Board minutes
of May 10, 2006; Fire Board minutes of May 16, 2006; Zoning Board
of Appeals minutes of May 25, 2006; and Planning Commission minutes
of June 6, 2006; carried. The financial report showed the following
balances as of May 31:
General
Fund Cash
$135,077.00
Certificate
of Deposit
176,367.27
Fire
Operations Cash
9,120.76
Fire
Operations CD
368,855.42
Street
Light Fund
13,371.66
Public
Improvement Fund
(18,384.52)
P.I.F. Certificate of Deposit
30,049.35
Building
Inspection Fund
(4,726.07)
Falling
Waters Endowment Fund
0.00
Falling
Waters Endowment Fund CD
29,661.30
Sewer
Funds 1,367,778.71
Water
Funds 316,692.98
Trust
& Agency Funds
0.00
Current
Taxes
(12.00)
REPORTS:
A.
Police and Fire Report.
There were 36 medical rescue runs, three fire alarms, two mutual
aid calls, three fire runs, one bomb threat and no carbon monoxide
incidents or Hazmat responses during May. Police statistics include:
180 complaints, eight accidents, 41 tickets, 24 verbal warnings,
eight arrests, no semis ticketed and 23 back-up calls to other departments.
Chief
Ratkiewicz reported that the last month was busy, including one
serious accident on M-60 that required a survival life flight.
He complimented the responding fireman for the extrication of the
individual from his vehicle. He also investigated a bomb threat
at Western High
School on May 26; they currently
have a suspect and evidence is being analyzed at the Michigan State
Police Crime Lab. The new patrol car has been received and he
is working with Fritz Advertising to have the decals put on. The
Chief also attended the Senior Awards Night at Western
High
School where he made a presentation
to a WHS senior for a citizenship award. Chief Ratkiewicz also
discussed the “No Passing On The Right” signs that have been installed
along M-60, noting that the warning period has now passed and they
are writing tickets for individuals that pass on the right. The
ticket would be three points on a driver’s license in addition to
a $105.00 fine.
Chief
McEldowney reported that they also had a busy month with a lot of
medical runs occurring this time of year. They had a structure
fire on Riegel Rd.
that resulted in a loss, but the home on the property was saved.
The department held their training at Spring
Arbor
University
with 71 firefighters attending
representing several different area fire departments. Chief McEldowney
reported that it was a great learning experience for everyone that
attended and they will be better equipped to deal with a situation
like this. He then discussed a disaster training exercise that
will take place in Maryland
during the month of August.
Several people from Jackson
County
will be attending and Chief
McEldowney was invited to attend also. Cost to the Township would
be approximately $95.00 for food.
Motion
was made by Ganton and supported by Fortress to accept the police
and fire reports; carried.
B.
MTA E-News for June 2006.
Received the June issue of the MTA E-News. Received additional
information from the 2006 Capitol Conference.
C.
Building Permit Reports.
The report of building permits issued during the month of May showed
new homes and miscellaneous permits for a total value of $671,000.00.
Mr. Renner reported that two new home permits were issued in May,
for a total of 13 this year. He plans to have the allocation amount
for the Building Department finalized before he leaves at the end
of June.
D.
Supervisor 's Report .
Advised the board: of the status of ongoing projects and zoning
violations; of his recommendation to pay the attorney fees related
to the King Rd. Water Project Tax Tribunal case; of language to
include with building permit applications regarding radon testing;
of various board and committee appointments/reappointments; of his
recommendation to sell the township police car on e-bay; of the
need for a copy machine in the office; that the fire truck would
be picked up for repairs by West Shore with a planned return within
30 days; and, of his recommendation to hire a person to replace
Dick Renner as the Zoning & Building Administrator and to include
benefits with the position. The Supervisor also noted that Calvary
Apostolic Church plans to have their fence installed by the end
of June. He also informed the board members that there would be
a retirement luncheon party for Barb Pohanka on Thursday, June 29,
2006 .
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS:
NEW
BUSINESS:
A.
August FEMA Training.
Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Short that the Township
pay the $95.00 food cost for the FEMA Disaster Training in August
2006 and to approve having the Fire Chief attend the training; carried.
B.
Sale of Township Police Car.
The Supervisor suggested that the Township sell the oldest
police vehicle on e-bay. Motion was made by Fortress and supported
by Williams to sell the police car on e-bay. Discussion. Williams
asked for the cost of the fees associated with selling an item on
e-bay; the Supervisor did not know what the costs would be. The
Supervisor was asked to investigate the costs and return to the
board with the information. The motion was not voted on.
C.
King Rd. Water Project – Attorney Fees.
Motion was made by Short and supported by Ganton to pay the attorney
fees from the Tax Tribunal case from the Water Operations &
Maintenance fund. Roll Call: 7 yes.
D.
Policy for Radon Retrofit Installation Permit.
Motion was made by Short and supported by Williams to approve the
following language to be included in with building department applications
regarding radon retrofit installation: “Radon Inspections for
Existing Homes: A permit is required for the inspection of a radon
evacuation system installed in an existing house. The inspection
only covers the proper installation of the system; it does not include
a test to determine the radon level in the house. The owner or
occupant is responsible for any test to determine the radon level.”;
carried.
E.
Board & Committee Appointments/Reappointments.
Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Williams to approve the
following appointments and/or reappointments:
Const.
Board of Appeals, Ron Schaub, five-year term expiring 1/31/2011
,
Sewer
& Water Committee, Marston Fortress, three-year term expiring
2/28/2009 ,
Sewer
& Water Committee, James Buck, three-year term expiring 2/28/2009
,
Elec.
Board of Appeals, Larry VanBlarcum, three-year term expiring 3/31/2009
,
Mech.
Board of Appeals, Jack Ripstra, five-year term expiring 6/30/2011
,
Planning
Commission, Richard Roth, three-year term expiring 2/28/2009
,
Planning
Commission, Roy Holton, three-year term expiring 2/28/2009
,
Planning
Commission, Carl Jacobson, three-year term expiring 2/28/2009
,
Planning
Commission, Dave Herlein, to fill a term expiring 2/28/2007
,
Plumbing
Board of Appeals, Jack Ripstra, five-year term expiring 6/30/2011
,
Region
II Representative, Marston Fortress, three-year term expiring 2/28/2009
,
Rental
Inspection Review Board, Tom Zeller, three-year term expiring 2/28/2009
,
Sewer
Board of Review, Tom Zeller, three-year term expiring 3/31/2009
,
Zoning
Board of Appeals, Allan Short, three-year term expiring 2/28/2009
,
Historical
Committee, Troy Ganton, two-year term expiring 6/30/2008
,
Historical
Committee, Becky Cunningham, three-year term expiring 6/30/2009
,
Historical
Committee, Dennis DaPra, one-year term expiring 6/30/2007
,
Master
Land Use Plan Committee, Carl Jacobson, three-year term expiring
1/12/2009 ,
Master
Land Use Plan Committee, Earl Poleski, one-year term expiring 1/12/2007
,
Master
Land Use Plan Committee, Al Short, two-year term expiring 1/12/2008
,
Fire
Board, Will DeGraaf, five-year term expiring 6/30/2010
,
Fire
Board, Marston Fortress, five-year term expiring 6/30/2011; carried.
F.
Building & Zoning Administrator Position.
The Supervisor recommended that the Township hire a new Building
& Zoning Administrator person to replace Richard Renner who
is retiring at the end of June. His recommendation included providing
a benefit package for the position and a starting hourly wage of
$14.00. Discussion was held among the board members. Motion
was made by Short and supported by Fortress that the Township give
the Supervisor the latitude to hire a person with an hourly wage
range of $10.00 to $14.00 dependent upon their experience, and that
they work 20 hours per week and that the position may or may not
have benefits, depending on the person, and that the Supervisor
bring back to the Board his recommendation and qualifications of
the candidate. Roll Call: Yes: DeGraaf, Fortress, Ganton,
Short. No: Holthouse, Melchiori, Williams.
G.
Park Committee Reappointments. Motion was made
by Ganton and supported by Williams to approve the recommendation
of the Park Committee and reappoint Todd Zeller and Mark Dowley
to the Park Committee with three-year terms expiring on May 31,
2009; carried.
H.
Approve Bid to Keith Bushouse for Pavilion Floor.
The Park Committee had requested bids for the flatwork on the pavilion
floor in Harmony Park. Four bids were received with the low bid
from Keith Bushouse at $2,240.00. The Park Committee recommended
that the Township Board award the bid to Mr. Bushouse. Motion
was made by Ganton and supported by Short to approve the bid from
Keith Bushouse at $2,240.00, contingent on receiving proof of insurance.
Trustee Fortress asked if Dysert Flatwork was asked to bid on
the project; the Clerk indicated that Jack Ripstra had obtained
the bids and she was unaware if Dysert Flatwork had been contacted.
Trustee Ganton withdrew his motion. Motion was made by Fortress
and supported by Short that we pay a maximum of $2,240.00 to get
the floor finished at the park and that we want to see proof of
insurance, and that we also ask Dysert Flatwork to submit a bid
and if they can beat the price, then we will award them the contract.
Roll Call: Yes: Williams, Ganton, Melchiori, Short, DeGraaf,
Fortress. No: Holthouse.
I.
Approve Purchase of Picnic Tables & Grills (Harmony Park).
The Park Committee presented a recommendation and
request for approval to purchase concrete picnic tables from Arbor
Stone, two handicap accessible picnic tables and two grills from
Midwest Recreation Products, and also concrete for the pavilion
floor. Total project cost is $10,389.89. Trustee Williams offered
to check with another concrete company to see if a lower price could
be obtained for the concrete. Motion was made by Holthouse and
supported by Williams to approve the purchase of 12 concrete tables
from Arbor Stone, two handicap accessible picnic tables and two
grills from Midwest Recreation Products, and the required amount
of concrete for the pavilion floor, not to exceed $10,389.89.
Roll Call: 7 yes. The Supervisor suggested that six-bag mix
concrete be used.
J.
Resignations. Motion was made by Short and supported
by Fortress to accept the resignations of Cheryl Goodwin as Deputy
Clerk effective June 30, 2006, David Evans as Planning Commission
member effective June 7, 2006 and Richard Renner as Building &
Zoning Administrator effective June 30, 2006; carried.
K.
Recommendation of Three-Year Auditing Commitment.
The Clerk provided information listing the bids from six different
auditing firms. Motion was made by Short and supported by Fortress
to have Rehmann Robson be our auditor for three years. Short withdrew
her motion. Motion was made by Ganton and supported by Melchiori
that we stay with Rehmann Robson. Ganton withdrew his motion.
Motion was then made by Fortress and supported by Short that we
engage Rehmann Robson for a three-year period, paying $6,300 in
the first year, $6,550 in the second year, and $6,800 the third
year, and that within the next week, representatives from the Township
sit down with Rehmann Robson and discuss what additional services
they might provide to us; carried.
L.
Post Office. Motion was made by Fortress and supported
by
Williams that we spend $500.00 to paint the Post Office. Roll
Call: 7 yes.
M.
Budget Amendment. Motion was made by Holthouse
and supported by Ganton to approve the following budget amendment:
Revenue, 245-000-675.300, Contribution to New Park, Increase by
$6,827.50 Expense, 245-756-974.000, Parks/Improvements, Increase
by $6,827.50;
Roll Call:
7 yes.
N.
Chain of Command. Motion was made by Short and
supported by Williams that the Clerk be the spokesperson for the
Township in the absence of the Supervisor; carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Various newspaper articles.
Thank you notes.
Project Child Safe Award to Police Department.
Project Review Notices.
Comcast letter; change in pricing list.
PUBLIC
AND/OR BOARD COMMENT: Public
comment opened at 8:56 p.m.
Tim McEldowney . Tim reported that the
Fire Department raised about$9,000 in their second annual golf outing
fund raiser for the American Cancer Society.
Judy Reynolds. Judy Reynolds reported
that delinquent property taxes are up approximately $1,000,000 throughout
the County.
Supervisor DeGraaf. The Supervisor informed
the Board that the Township would need to replace the Sexton as
he is retiring; he feels that he has found a qualified replacement.
Public
comment closed at 8:59 p.m.
Adjournment.
Motion was made
by Ganton and supported by Short to adjourn the meeting at 8:59
p.m.; carried.
Randi
Holthouse, Township Clerk
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