Q. 2009-1-13 January 13th 2009 Twp RegularA. TOWNSHIP BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 13, 2009
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, Doug Stiles, Jerry Lentz, Diane Triquet, Sandra Rickli, and Jim Manning-telephonically.
AGENDA APPROVAL:
Marv Flick added road discussion under unfinished business.
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to approve the agenda as amended, second by Jerry Lentz. Motion passed.
MEETING MINUTE APPROVAL:
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to approve the regular meeting minutes of December 9, 2009 as presented, second by Marv Flick. Motion passed.
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to approve the special meeting minutes of December 18, 2009 as presented, second by Jim Rickli. Motion passed.
PRESENTATION/APPROVAL OF BILLS:
MOTION: Motion by Diane Triquet to approve bills in the amount of $65,227.82, second by Doug Stiles. Motion approved.
REPORTS:
Sheriff’s Department representative, Deputy Rod Bridgeforth, presented his report; stating they received 81 calls for service for the month of December.
Commissioner, New Commissioner, Denise Massey, sent a letter of introduction, which was read aloud at the meeting, indicating her new position as Van Buren County District Three Commissioner.
LIMITED PUBLIC COMMENT: None
REPORTS:
Treasurer: Diane Triquet shared that the total tax collection for December Winter Tax is 1,688,962.14, in addition $16,965.69 has been collected for administration fees and $7,472.43 for special assessments. A budget amendment resolution is being prepared by the Treasurer and Clerk and will be presented at the February meeting. Any board increases will need to be done by resolution by the end of February. A budget work session will need to be scheduled tonight to begin the process of preparing a new budget, which must be adopted by March 31st and a
notice published 6 days prior to the public budget meeting. Treasurer will present a report to the board regarding personal property at the February meeting. The Township Treasurer has the
obligation to pursue collection of delinquent personal property taxes which lies at the township level, unlike delinquent real property tax, which is then collected at the County level after March 31st.
Planning Commission: Marv Flick shared that they hope to have the Zoning Ordinance rewrite draft to the board within the few months.
Attorney: Kelly Page reported that oral arguments have finally been scheduled in regards to the Hughes appeal case: February 3, 2009, set to be the third case to be heard that day.
Supervisor: Doug Stiles reported that the board will begin discussing policy making, stating that all bd members should be involved in setting the policy. He believes there should be a policy committee consisting of three board members (such as the road committee and blight committee), of which he feels should be himself, the Treasurer, and the Clerk, all of which are in the office daily and easily able to meet and begin initial discussions that would all be agreed upon ultimately by the entire board. Treasurer, Diane Triquet, will be the contact person. Please have any ideas to her before the next board meeting. A few mentioned this evening were hourly wages and cemetery sexton.
Doug also reported that the reason for the lights in the parking lot to be out so much lately is due to frequent intermittent power outages, by which the lights are on a timer and the outages interupt the timers. Also reported is that two lights are in need of replacement as well.
Office furniture was discussed. After checking with another supplier, Custer Office Furniture remains to be the best bid. The quote includes, among the other things previously mentioned, four work stations which will be combined into two, giving Jan and Jenny more work space, Fireproof safe for the Treasurer, a six drawer fireproof file cabinet for cemetery and election files, and a hutch for the Treasurers office. There is a possibility of a fire proof room to be created, which will be discussed at budget time.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Consumers Energy Ordinance -
Supervisor Stiles reported that this a contract that will be good for the next 30 years. Doug has reviewed and it has been reviewed by Attorney Page, who indicated that it is appears to be standard language set forth.
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to adopt the resolution for Consumers Energy, with publication fees to be incurred by Consumers Energy, second by Jim Rickli. All in favor, motion passed.
2. New computer server -
The new server has arrived and Jon Gibson, of Siegfried Crandall will begin installation Thursday of this week.
3. Schedule Budget Work Session -
The budget work session is scheduled for Monday, February 9th at 6:00 p.m.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Internet Discussion -
It was reported that the only company that has shown interest in bringing wireless high speed internet to the area is Southern MI Cellular Co. Doug reported that he initially met with the PC to discuss the possibility of Southern MI Cellular Co. possibly coming to the PC with a site plan. Attorney Kelly Page shared that zoning for the designated site should be looked at first; proper procedure must be followed, this is an unusual request. Marv Flick feels that this particular provider should not be the only provider option considered, the township should open this possibility up to other potential providers. Marv suggested the possibility that private citizens may have an interest in placing a tower on their own property to generate revenue. He also shared that the desired location is one of the highest points in the township, which could end up being a very desirable location to meet the needs of the majority. It was also mentioned that the community should be allowed to voice their concerns regarding such issues. Doug shared that Southern MI Cellular Co. will install everything at their own cost, including liability and repairs. It would be 250' above ground level. There was much discussion including possibly publishing a notice of interest in the paper and/or the assessors newsletter. We must get the input of the citizens as to what they would like in wireless high speed internet, which seems to be in high demand. Also, more companies must be approached regarding possible interest, then a decision will be made from that point.
2. Roads -
Marv Flick shared areas of repair still remain from last Fall that will need to be remedied before proceeding with other road improvements and/or paving. Drainage problems remain, trenching does not seem to be adequate. This will need to be taken care of by Spring, but hopefully sooner depending on the weather.
OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT
Jim McGruder, 32nd St. questions regarding MDEQ in regards to materials being placed on roads; referred to Van Buren County Road Commission.
Mark Roman, 42nd Ave., interested in seeing the Treasurers report, inquired of budget work session.
Dave Sager, 42nd Ave., commented on the poor job of the road commission in cleaning up intersections, it is a matter of safety.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to adjourn, second by Jerry Lentz. Motion approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
