MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to approve the meeting minutes of April 8, 2008 as presented, second by Jim Rickli.

Attorney: Attorney Kelly Page reported that there is no appeal date yet set for the Hughes appeal. In regards to a question posed by Marv Flick at the last meeting, in regards to approval of minutes, Kelly did not know of a pending question as the question was not relayed to him, but, procedurally the meeting minutes should be approved by the PC (in regards, specifically, to recommendations) before it is sent on to the Township Board for recommendation. Sending things on to another board prematurely is not recommended, procedurally.

Supervisor Stiles concluded by sharing that Larry Hummel of the Road Commission will be on the agenda for the June Township Board meeting.

 Supervisor Doug Stiles reported of the aging condition of the shutters at the Historic Township Hall building. He feels these need to be repaired, as there are many upcoming events scheduled there. He will get two (2) quotes and report back to the board. He also expressed that there is excessive paperwork in the Trustee’s office, which needs to be cleaned up. Doug gave an update on the new cemetery signs, etc... previously requested. The Historical Hall sign has been reconstructed and has the correct phone number, and is now up. Almena and Covey Hill cemetery signs have been updated and has been approved per Jo Burns on behalf of the cemetery board. He reported that the 4-H held their livestock, etc...auction at the grounds of the Historic Township Hall, which was not a very big success. Supervisor

1- Paul DeYoung - Candidate for Van Buren County Register of Deeds

Candidate DeYoung spoke regarding his candidacy for County Register of Deeds, residing at 35491 CR 665, lives in Waverly Township, has been married for 15 years with 5 kids. He would like to upgrade technology and ensure adequate storage.

Treasurer Wayne Nelson asked for unanimous consent to allow recent arrival to the meeting, Carol Moteka (Current Register of Deeds), appointed in September after serving as Chief Deputy to recently retired Mark Smith, to speak at this time, as well. She has worked at the Register of Deeds office for 21 years. Her main goal is to protect and guard the privacy of the residents of Van Buren County, but is planning future state-of-the-art upgrades.

2- Resolution to support Application for Bridge Rehabilitation

After reviewing the resolution, in regards to the bridge on old M-43, it was decided to table this resolution of support until Mr. Hummel, of the Road Commission attends the Township Board meeting next month. They will have questions to him before the next board meeting to allow for response time. The resolution would be for grant support to assist in replacement of the bridge, which would make the county eligible for up to 95% of the total, the remaining 5% would be funded locally, splitting the cost between the road commission and the townships involved. This was tabled until the Mr. Hummel of the Road Commission attends next month.

3- Road Report - Dave Sager gave an overview of the proposed road work for this fiscal year for Almena Township. The road committee consisting of the following people: Dave Sager, Doug Stiles, Marv Flick, and Jim Manning. They have recently traveled all the roads throughout the township, and have come up with a list of maintenance/paving for roads throughout the township. They have a work total of $337,225.40. They would like to do more work but are limited by the funds available. $40,000 has been allocated by the county which does not come through the township. A list of roads to have work done this fiscal year was given. Marv Flick mentioned a road grinding technique, in which it is then reapplied for a new surface that would possibly be a future consideration for roads, if a good base coat is present.

Inquiry was made in regards to the potential health risk of the dust control substance, the resident requesting a MSDS sheet stating the components used. Larry Hummel of the Road Commission will be questioned regarding this at the next board meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1- Review and approval of April bills from 3-12-08 to 4-8-08.

A question arose regarding two almost identical payments both made to Field Plumbing and Heating for nearly the same amount, off by .10 cents. The Treasurer will need to research this, and defer approval another month, but it appears this bill was possibly paid twice, one amount was the wrong amount. This billing period happens to overlap both fiscal years, which could indicate part of the problem.

OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT- Five (5) minute limit

ADJOURNMENT