APRIL 8, 2008
The Almena Township Board met at the Township Hall. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor Doug Stiles. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Supervisor Stiles.
Roll call: Marv Flick, Jim Rickli, Jim Manning, Jo Burns, Jerry Lentz, Wayne Nelson (arriving slightly late), and Doug Stiles.
Attorney Gary Stewart was in attendance, as well.
AGENDA APPROVAL:
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to approve the agenda,
second by Jim Manning.
Motion passed.
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL (March 11, 2008):
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to approve the meeting minutes of March 11, 2008 as presented,
second by Jim Rickli.
Motion passed.
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL (March 27, 2008) Budget meeting:
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to approve the budget meeting minutes of March 27, 2008 as presented,
second by Marv Flick.
Motion approved.
Correspondence and Announcements: Clerk Jo Burns shared many items of correspondence, some of which follow. The township recently received the 1867 deed to the church property. The building was built by funds received from various individuals, the main mover and shaper was Lowell Teague., but the land was donated by Bonfoey. He left his government pension to them.
There are upcoming seminars coming regarding the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MZEA) regarding updated changes to Michigan zoning.
There will be an election meeting Thursday April 17 @ Paw Paw Township from 9-12 and 1-4 for Clerks.
BS&A Software training is being offered.
There will be a logic and accuracy training scheduled soon, as there will be a May 6 school election, and there is still the possibility of a July Democratic primary for Michigan and Florida.
REPORTS: Deputy J. Stasienko of the
Van Buren County Sheriff Department presented his report, indicating their office received 70 calls with 76 units responding. Speed control devices were inquired about, of which Deputy Stasienko responded to contact his Sergeant to inquire.
County
Commissioner, Jim Ray, shared there will be a public hearing on April 9 at 4:15 p.m. at Judge Buhl’s Chambers in the courtroom (due to space) regarding appointing two (2) new commissioners to the board. He also reported that the Conservation District Easement (North Point Sand Dune) in South Haven will remain as is, in its natural state forever, with restrictions. The Barking Dog ordinance is pending, currently. Jim additionally shared that there are no incentives for the individual townships to adopt.
Presentation and Approval of Bills -
Treasurer Wayne Nelson that there were a few unusual expenses. The water damage at this town hall building and the repairs and wind damage to the pavilion, totaling $8,000 is being reimbursed by the Insurance Company.
MOTION: Motion by Wayne Nelson to approve bills, including gross payroll in the amount of $24,282.27,
second by Jim Manning.
Motion approved.
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF BILLS WILL BE REDONE AT THE MAY 13, 2008 REGULAR TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING DUE TO INADVERTENT LACK OF ENTIRE BILLING INFORMATION.
LIMITED PUBLIC COMMENT: None
REPORTS:
Treasurer: Treasurer Wayne Nelson has no report due to the fiscal year ending the previous week. The field auditing work is scheduled for July 9, 10, and 11. It must be scheduled for three (3) days, instead of the usual two (2) due to new standard requirements. Explanation of daily financial processes should be expected, which is routine. He explained that someone will need to be here to answer questions on a normal off day, Thursday, which will be determined by staff.
Planning Commission: Trustee Marv Flick, Township Board liaison, questioned the board as to their feelings regarding 5 acre minimum requirement per parcel within the township to the north (mostly north of M-43); their feeling of lowering the minimum acreage requirement to 2 or 3 acres. There was mixed responses among the board. Marv Flick explained the reasoning for the questioning is due to the current zoning ordinance rewrite process.
Bob Henson questioned what the people of the township want, based on the previous survey, follow their responses.
Attorney: Attorney Gary Stewart reported on the Hughes appeal. Their office is still waiting for the scheduling of the oral argument; they are anticipating possibly early summer.
Supervisor: Supervisor Doug Stiles reported on the water damage at the township, upon which service was rendered by Serve-Pro with high power dryers being applied for 72 hours straight, to dry, steam clean, and re-dry. Also, Field Plumbing has repaired the problem which resulted in the flooding. He summarized that there was wind damage to the roof, soffit and fascia on the pavilion at the historical township parking, which has been repaired. Both claims for the water and wind damage have been submitted to the Insurance Co., for reimbursement.
Jeanne and Dave DeRyke have cleaned the landscaping area to the west and immediate south of this building and applied the rubber mulch, which looks very nice, and will finish the rest this weekend, weather permitting.
The exterior faucets will be uncovered at the end of the April.
Doug reported that the receptionist has completed the census, requested by the census bureau, which was a lengthy process, taking approximately 105 hours.
The Township clean up day will be Saturday, April 26 from 8-2 at the Historic Township Hall, the dumpsters will be delivered on the 23rd and will be picked up at 2:00 on the 26th (directly following the clean up day), to avoid the long pick up period of last year.
Cemetery signs must be updated, Supervisor Stile has a meeting tomorrow in regards to new signs and to receive an estimate. He hopes they will be up by Memorial Day weekend.
There will be a 4-H Auction on April 19 at the Historic Township Hall. The township will need to have their proof of liability insurance prior to any sales.
NEW BUSINESS
Marv Flick had a question for the attorney regarding the legal requirements of meeting minute approval. Attorney Gary Stewart will check into the rules regarding this. It is the feeling of some that it would move things along a little faster, the political arena seems slow.
OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT - Five (5) minute limit.
Gary Yack, 30th St. questioned the amount of unlicensed vehicles allowed on one’s property. The answer is one.
ADJOURNMENT -
MOTION: Motion by Jerry Lentz,
second by Jim Manning.
Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
