Q. 2008-07-08 July 8th Twp RegularA. TOWNSHIP BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JULY 8, 2008
The Almena Township Board met at the Township Hall. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Supervisor Stiles.
Roll call: Marv Flick, Jim Rickli, Jim Manning, Wayne Nelson, Jerry Lentz, and Doug Stiles. Clerk Jo Burns was absent. Attorney Kelly Page was also in attendance.
AGENDA APPROVAL:
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to approve the agenda as presented, second by Jerry Lentz. Motion approved.
MEETING MINUTE APPROVAL:
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to approve the meeting minutes of June 10, 2008 as presented, second by Marv Flick. Motion approved.
PRESENTATION /APPROVAL OF BILLS:
MOTION: Motion by Wayne Nelson to approve bills from 6/11/2008 to 7/8/2008 in the amount of $45,463.88, second by Jerry Lentz. Motion approved.
REPORTS:
Commissioner: Jim Ray, in attendance, announced that Al Svilipe has been appointed, as the newest member of the road commission for the Almena/Antwerp Township area. He has been asked to attend three (3) meetings per year (minimum). North Point Conservation Easement has been established, it will be preserved as is, permanently, due to donations.
Al Svilipe, introduced himself. He has been a resident of the county for nearly 30 years, and is thrilled to be a part of the road commission. There was brief discussion between himself and the board, he will be in touch with Supervisor Stiles.
Sheriff’s Dept: Deputy Stickels presented his report; there were 81 calls for service, with 116 units dispatched.
LIMITED PUBLIC COMMENT: None
REPORTS:
Treasurer: Wayne Nelson reported that tax bills have been sent out with no problems.
Zoning Administrator: Bruce Dean of AGS, reported that a letter has been sent to the owner referencing the ordinance for outdoor assembly in regards to the recent large gathering hosted by the renter. This was a big issue last weekend by which the township received many calls; it affected many area neighbors.
Township Board Meeting Minutes - July 8, 2008 Page 2
Attorney: A memo prepared by Kelly Page regarding conditional rezoning was presented for review, as shared by Marv Flick. He explained that the PC, upon review, has decided to leave the conditional rezoning language in the proposed zoning ordinance draft until after the open house so that members of the public can review, and a decision will be made following the open house. It is a good tool to have available in certain very specific situations.
Planning Commission: Township Board Liaison, Marv Flick, reported that the consensus of the PC seems to be two(2) acre splits throughout the township, including 165 ft. of frontage. It was also announced that there will be an Open House at the Almena Township Hall on Monday, September 8, 2008 at 6:00 p.m., with a presentation to be made at 6:30 p.m. led by Professional Planner, Greg Milliken.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Larry Hummel, Van Buren County Road Commission.
The General Manager of the Road Commission was in attendance. He explained the road millage renewal will be on the August 5th ballot, very important. Mr. Hummel again shared that Al Svilipe is the newest member of the Road Commission, who has been assigned the Almena Township area. He suggested also contacting Lynn Boitnott, the Northern District Maintenance Supt. with township problems/complaints. He noticed that the Township has recently approved the purchase of vacant delinquent property, which can be used by the road commission in possible realignment or restructuring around the curve of CR 653 to the north, he thanked the township. He shared that the DEQ and the Paw Paw River Watershed program are working toward restoration. The old M-43 structure resolution has been submitted for grant dollars towards the project. He noticed the township board had not approved the resolution for consideration of the grant, and further explained the reasoning for the grant is that the substructure has a crack under it, which appears to be the only problem, and reason for the repair.
Mr. Hummel explained that seal coating, for Almena Township, will begin the first part of August. A question was asked regarding the MSDS sheet on the dust control, as to what is contained within the dust control. Mr. Hummel answered that he is not required to have that information on hand.
2. Associated Government Services Contract -
Bruce Dean present, as well as Bert Gale, President of AGS. He briefly detailed his proposed amendment to the AGS agreement as proposed. He explained that there has been no increase since 1993. They began service for the township with building, mechanical and plumbing permits, then added electrical permits, in addition to zoning, land division, and ordinance enforcement over the years. This will be a 2 ½ % increase per year over a 15 year period. The memo presented details the history and pay increases with all the proposed increases/changes.
The Township Board will take time to review the literature, as this will affect all the residents of the township, and hold a special meeting with Bruce Dean of AGS also attending, sometime this month.
MOTION: Motion by Jim Manning to table the decision on the contract for AGS until the board has time to review the document and to schedule a special meeting prior to August 12th, second by Marv Flick. Motion passed.
Township Board Meeting Minutes - July 8, 2008 Page 3
Bruce Dean shared that there will be no extra charge to the township itself. Wayne Nelson shared that there is substantial reserve in that fund. The township could subsidize an increase.
Attorney Kelly Page offered some feedback. He feels anytime he has ever dealt with that establishment they are always prompt on return calls, produce quality work and are very efficient and knowledgeable about the zoning ordinance; highly recommended.
This will be reviewed and decided at a special meeting in July.
3. Approval/Disapproval of Transfer of (in stock) Heritage Glen Class C Liquor License with Dance-Entertainment Permit -
The resolution was reviewed by Attorney Kelly Page, which looked sufficient.
MOTION: Motion by Wayne Nelson for approval of the resolution for approval of transfer of (in stock) Heritage Glen Class C Liquor License with Dance-Entertainment Permit, second by Marv Flick.
Roll call vote:
Marv Flick - yes Wayne Nelson - yes
Jim Rickli - yes Jerry Lentz - yes
Jim Manning - yes Doug Stiles - yes
Motion passed by a 6-0 margin.
Other Business: Consideration of request by James Sumner to propose hiring by the Township of Jason Lee, step-son, to fill in for Jim Sumner until he is able to return to work due recent knee surgery. He will be paid out of the wages for Jim Sumner. After much discussion, a motion was made.
MOTION: Motion by Marv Flick to make Jason Lee an employee of the township, temporarily, to do the work of James Sumner until he is ready to return to work per with doctors permission, with an increase of $20 per cutting per cemetery (an increase of $40), second by Jim Manning. Motion passed.
Jason was told to come to the township to fill out the necessary paperwork required before beginning any work, and to bring proof of citizenship and a picture id.
4. Resolution to Set Alternate July and December Board of Review Dates -
MOTION: Motion by Wayne Nelson to approve the resolution that authorizes the Township Supervisor to set the dates and times for the July and December Board of Review Dates, upon consultation with the Township Assessor and members of the board of review, second by Doug Stiles.
Roll call vote:
Marv Flick - yes Wayne Nelson - yes
Jim Rickli - yes Jerry Lentz - yes
Jim Manning - yes Doug Stiles - yes
Motion passed by a 6-0 margin.
Township Board Meeting Minutes - July 8, 2008 Page 4
It was the consensus of the Township Board to reconsider the resolution to approve the application for local bridge funding for the structure that carries old M-43 over the Paw Paw River originally viewed at the May 13, 2008 regular board meeting.
MOTION: Motion by Marv Flick to accept the resolution for approval of the application for local bridge funding for the structure that carries old M-43 over the Paw Paw River, on July 8, 2008 (originally dated May 13, 2008), second by Jim Rickli.
Roll call vote:
Marv Flick - yes Wayne Nelson - yes
Jim Rickli - yes Jerry Lentz - yes
Jim Manning - yes Doug Stiles - yes
Motion approved for the resolution.
Supervisor’s report: Doug Stiles reported that the Assessor and assistant are visiting properties, possibly without the property owners knowing who they are. Doug suggested possibly the township providing a sign for the assessor/assistant to place in the yard. It was the consensus of the board that the assessor should provide his own sign.
Doug mentioned that the Alltronics system in place at the township uses specific memory batteries, and it has come to his attention that no replacement batteries have yet been purchased. It is recommended that batteries and backup batteries be replaced every three (3) years. It was the consensus to purchase the memory battery and the back-up battery.
The new stand-up voting booths have arrived, they are in the Trustees office and are ready for the August 5 primary.
He reported of the recent graffiti damage spray painted on the front of the historic town hall. Paint was purchased and Dave DeRyke spray painted over the damage. Thanks go to him.
Terminex has been contacted for an ant problem, they have proposed a price for pest control for both buildings (current township hall and historic township hall ) at $984.55/yr. There was a question about including the previous township hall building. Doug will ask Terminex to inspect that building.
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to accept the contract for Terminex to perform pest control for the both township buildings on ground, every month for 12 months for the price of $984.55, second by Jim Rickli. Motion passed.
Wayne suggested getting a report on the chemicals used by Terminex.
Doug has received a proposal for additional street lights from Consumers Energy.
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to accept the proposal of Consumers Energy to install two (2) additional street lights at 31st St./M-43 and 32nd St./M-43 for a total of $200, second by Marv Flick. Motion passed with a 5-1 vote. Jim Rickli voting no.
In regards to the outdoor assembly on 22nd St., the Sheriff’s Department is handling the situation. Almena Township does have an ordinance that addresses outdoor assemblies. All the information has been taken to the prosecutor. There were 500 people in attendance. The landowner must comply with the ordinance if the renters continue to have further events there.
Township Board Meeting Minutes - July 8, 2008 Page 5
OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT:
Brian Schluttenhofer, CR 653, questioned why the township is still working with AGS. He also expressed that he does not want the assessor to come onto his private property without his permission.
There was another question regarding the MSDS sheet on the dust control (basically what is in it). Attorney Page answered that the Road Commission is not required to have that information on file, but could possibly direct you as to where you could look for that information.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Motion to adjourn by Jim Manning, second by Doug Stiles. Motion passed. The regular meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
ALMENA TOWNSHIP
Sandra B. Rickli, Recording Secretary for Clerk Jo Burns
cc: Township Board (7)
Planning Commission (7)
ZBA (5)
Attorney Kelly Page
AGS
Chuck Eckenstahler/Greg Milliken
Jeannette Dusseljee
Jan Quearry
Jenny Parish
Township Board Meeting Minutes - July 8, 2008 Page 6
ELECTION COMMISSION MEETING:
The Election Commission meeting began at 9:20 p.m.
Roll call: Doug Stiles, Wayne Nelson. Absent: Jo Burns.
It was the vote of Doug Stiles and Wayne Nelson to approve the appointment of the election inspection chairperson and inspectors, as per the list developed by the clerk, and to set the public accuracy test for Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.
Nothing further before the board, the meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
