Q. 2009-04-14 April 14th 2009 Twp RegularA. TOWNSHIP BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 14, 2009
The Almena Township Board met at the Township Hall. The meeting was called to order at 6:38 p.m. for the purpose of a Public Hearing on the Special Assessment for the North Lake Weed Control project. Separate minutes of the Hearing are attached as follows.
Total estimated cost of the assessment for a five (5) year plan from 2009-2014 is $26,756.90 Total estimated per unit cost of assessment (over 5 years) is $569.30
Estimated Yearly Payment Per Unit (Over 5 years) is $113.86
A representative from Professional Lake Management, Andy Tomaszewski-Ecologist, was in attendance to present the assessment. Professional Lake Management will provide an aquatic management program for the control of exotic weed species and/or algae for North Lake. Andy Tomazewski gave brief background information, including weed management has been minimal; they will be monitoring the water quality, etc... This a continuing program proposal.
The Township Board will annually re-determine the costs to be assessed to Almena Township North Lake Residents in October or November of each year.
It was questioned, by the board, why Almena is on a 6 yr. plan and Pine Grove is on a 5 yr. plan?
Greg Yaple, President of the North Lake Association suggested that Almena and Pine Grove Township attempt to coincide the years of the special assessment; possibly changing Almena’s assessment to a 4 year plan, which would then coincide with that of Pine Grove.
The Attorney was asked his opinion if it was necessary first to recalculate and renotice property owners if we change this from a 5 yr plan, to a 4 yr.plan. There are 47 parcels in Almena Township, and roughly guessing there is possibly 1%-2% of these residents that are not in favor. Those residents interested in the proposed are here tonight, and in favor. It is Kelly’s recommendation to go ahead with a 4 yr plan (to change to 5 yr plan from 4yr plan). It was advised it is not necessary to renotice or recalculate. There was no opposition to the proposed. All those in attendance and the board are in favor of going ahead with a 4 yr. plan to coincide with that of Pine Grove Township.
MOTION: Motion by Sandra Rickli, second by Doug Stiles to approve certification of adoption for the North Lake Weed Control Special Assessment District through 2013.
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to approve the certification of adoption for the North Lake Weed Control Special Assessment District Confirmation of the Special Assessment Roll for a four (4) year plan, second by Jerry Lentz.
Roll call vote: Diane Triuet-yes, Jerry Lentz-yes, Doug Stiles-yes, Jim Manning-abstaining (arrived late), Jim Rickli-yes, Marv Flick-yes, Sandra Rickli-yes. Motion approved.
The public hearing was adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
Regular Board Meeting
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, Doug Stiles, Jerry Lentz, Diane Triquet, and Sandra Rickli.
AGENDA APPROVAL:
MOTION: Motion by Doug Stiles to approve the agenda, second by Jerry Lentz. Motion passed.
MEETING MINUTE APPROVAL:
MOTION: Motion by Jim Rickli to approve the meeting minutes of March 10, 2009, second by Marv Flick. Motion approved.
PRESENTATION AND APPROVAL OF BILLS:
MOTION: Motion by Diane Triquet to approve bills in the amount of $69,482.33 , second by Jim Rickli. Motion passed.
Correspondence and Announcements: Clerk Sandra Rickli shared two pieces of literature. The first was a Notice of Public Hearing to Recertify the Township 2003 Master Plan for the Period Ending 2014 as received from Paw Paw Township; and the second is information regarding an upcoming seminar on June 24 in Kalamazoo at the Fetzer Center at WMU - Accounting and Payroll: Techniques and Solutions.
REPORTS:
Sheriff’s Dept. representative Bernatche presented his report indicating receiving 37 calls for service for Almena for the month of March. He also shared that there will be a Van Buren County 911 Surcharge Ballot Proposal at the May 5, 2009 election.
Commissioner-Denise Massey reported on the Van Buren County Commissioners meeting she attended earlier tonight. She spoke more of the 9-1-1 Surcharge proposal to be on the ballot at the May 5, 2009 election. She also shared that Doug Stiles has been appointed to serve on the 9-1-1 Advisory Committee local county MTA organization. The Land Preservation Committee is looking for an elected official to serve on the committee if anyone on the board is interested. They passed the ban on phosphorus (land fertilizer). Michigan Works has new programs for businesses for workers and Youth works, which is for 15 years and older; they will also provide transportation for young workers for the summer work; she left brochures regarding this. She shared that these programs are a result of the stimulus package.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
REPORTS:
Treasurer: Diane Triquet reported that the Budget for the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year is approved. The Township has changed depositories from National City to Keystone Bank; we received a good rate and they provided, free, an automatic reader that will deposit the checks without going to the bank.
Planning Commission: A joint board meeting was held last night, April 13th, more proposed work on the zoning ordinance is expected. At the regular PC meeting April 6th, Tapper Propane has interest in possibly putting in a substation, they will possibly request a special use permit.
Attorney: Reported of no decision yet on the Hughes property.
Supervisor: Doug Stiles reported of a successful spring clean up on April 11th, 6 (20 yard) dumpsters were ordered and another was added for overflow on Monday morning. The Almena Happy Helpers 4-H Auction was discouraging to the group, they will research other ideas next year. Eagle Scout Troop 169 member is attempting to obtain his eagle award, after speaking with Doug he hopes to do this by making a rain garden around the historical town hall sign, which is designed to hold water in to nourish flowers/plants.
Road Committee will need to meet as estimates have come in, as well as the Blight Committee, by which blight complaints have been received.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Winery Liquor License (Butkovich):
Mr. Butkovich gave a brief explanation of the request, tasting will be open to the public with restrictions, by-appointment only, hours will be restricted.
MOTION: Motion by Jim Manning for approval of the Resolution for a liquor license to David and Mary Lou Butkovich, 45272 27th St., second by Jim Rickli. Roll call vote: Jerry Lentz-yes, Doug Stiles-yes, Jim Manning-yes, Jim Rickli-yes, Marv Flick-yes, Diane Triquet-yes, Sandra Rickli-yes. Motion approved unanimously.
2. Contract Services for Assessor, next 3 years:
Ted Gruizenga, Assessor, has presented the board with his proposed contract (agreement), which includes the next three (3) years. There was discussion, including there were no township board increases in pay this year, which should be the same for contract services.
MOTION: Motion by Marv Flick to deny the contract increase for the assessor per his proposed contract, second by Jim Manning. Motion approved.
Doug will speak to Ted Gruizenga on Monday to inform him of the boards position regarding the proposed contract increase. There was discussion regarding the statutory duties handed down from the state in regards to the consumer price index. He does not determine the taxes for property parcels. It was mentioned that to possibly request that Ted come to the next board meeting to explain his responsibilities and requirements as per the state.
3. Comcast Business Class Services:
Doug recently received a call offering a all-inclusive deal for both our high speed internet and telephone service including all the extras. The new offer is roughly $170, and the current internet and telephone together total roughly $255. It was the consensus of the board to pursue this offer.
MOTION:Motion by Marv Flick to accept Comcast Business Class Services as the new source of telephone and internet service combined, second by Jim Manning. Motion approved.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Contract Road Work - Al Svilipe of the Road Commission in attendance, he explained that the Road Commission does not decide anything unless they have the bids; they also do not always take the lowest bid. Also, the engineer fee remains the same for each bid requested. He relayed the message that Larry Hummel explained that the 2nd estimate received is more accurate than the first received for 32nd St. The next Van Buren County Road Commission meeting will be Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Some Trustees will attend.
OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT
Lorie Waldo, 32459 M-43 Hwy., questioned why high speed internet is not available to her, and had questions regarding homestead.
Ron Demereck, 39741 32nd St. Questioned if the township is still planning on work on 32nd St?-Yes
Mickey Henderson, 30773 38th St., Questioned the future plans with the drains, specifically his road. He also received a letter from the County Drain Commissioner indicating a possible special assessment in regards to the Hipp and Brown Drain.
Marvin Strong, 41971 CR 653, complained of a trailer (burned inside) that is on his property on Whiskey Run, he cannot access his property because it blocks his entrance. This person’s property location also has excessive blight. He also questioned the safety of fire/rescue responders finding houses on rose lane when there are no house number indicators on 32nd St. to show there is more than one house down the private drive. He will check with the County in regards to this.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Motion by Jim Rickli to adjourn, second by Jim Manning. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
