Banks Township Board Meeting

Monday April 18, 2011

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Supervisor Thomas Mann. Present were Supervisor Mann, Clerk Donna Heeres, Treasurer Katy Postmus, Trustee Marvin Rubingh, Trustee Mark DeKorne. Also present: Valerie Meyerson, Hellen Allen, and Tina from the Antrim Review. Erin Nickel arrived @ 8:15 PM.

2. Supervisor Mann led the Pledge of Allegiance and Trustee Rubingh opened the meeting with prayer.

3. The minutes of the March Regular Meeting were presented. MOTION Rubingh, Mann, CARRIED to approve the minutes as presented. The minutes of the April 11 Planning Workshop meeting were presented. MOTION Mann, Postmus, CARRIED to approve the minutes as presented.

4. The treasurer’s report of incomes and balances was given. General Fund Balance: $297,546.38; Fire Fund Balance: $25,520.31; Roads Fund Balance: $ 90,917.00; Liquor Fund Balance: $866.85; Grand Total: $414,850.54.

5. Public Comment: Tina, reporter for the Antrim Review commented that the Planning Together Workshop was “fantastic”.

6. Public Comment: Valerie Meyerson of Charlevoix Public Library gave the library’s annual report and projections for the future. She reported usage is high for a library of this size. Computer use is very high. Electronic books will soon be available for check out. Our contract for services ends July 1, 2012.

7. Fire Department: An offer of $12,500 has been received for one of the tanker trucks from Superior Fire Department in Brimley. The new chassis are ready.

8. Planning Commission: Rubingh reported that work on the Master Plan is on hold due to three Public Hearings that are scheduled. On April 19, a public hearing is scheduled on a request from Drenth Holdings for designation of a Class A Non-Conforming use on the former Drenth Brothers office building, truck maintenance & storage building on Six Mile Lake Road. On April 25, a public hearing will be held on language amendments to allow Ag use and veterinary clinics/hospitals in the Village zone. A second hearing will be held that night on a request for a second dwelling in the Ag zone for farm employees. At a later date, an additional amendment will be developed on medical marijuana sales.

9. Ellebration: Erin Nickel reported that the former Pig Roast Committee is now the Ellebration Committee. The motto for the festival is “A Celebration of food, family & fun.” The festival will be held June 30, July 1-3, 2011. MOTION Mann, Heeres, CARRIED to appoint the following members to the Ellebration Committee: Erin Nickel, Marcie Potter, Alana Haley, Patty Howes, Scott Sowers, Zane Carter, Erv Tamminga, Cindy Bassett. MOTION Mann, Heeres, CARRIED to contract with the committee to provide Recreational services connected with the festival for $500.

10. Election Inspectors: MOTION Mann, Postmus, CARRIED to appoint the Election Inspectors for the May 3, 2011 School Election as recommended by the Elections Commission.

11. Assessor Contract: MOTION Mann, Rubingh, CARRIED to approve the assessor’s contract beginning May 1, 2011. Terms are the same as prior contract.

12. Recreation Committee: The State of Michigan has approved our Recreation Plan with the Village of Ellsworth. MOTION Postmus, DeKorne, CARRIED to compensate the recreation committee members $25 for each meeting attended.

13. Info Items: MTA Spring Regional meeting date, MTA County Chapter meeting April 26 has been canceled. Understanding Wind Development & Energy Efficiency workshop scheduled for April 25 in Mancelona. Par Plan Newsletter, Oil & Gas Newsletter and Sheriff’s Report were shared. NLEA Luncheon is scheduled for Friday May 6.

14. Website: Supervisor Mann reported on an email he received complimenting our website. He gave congratulations to Vanessa Rubingh for her work on the website.

15. Clean Up Day: Saturday, May 14, 7:30 AM to Noon @ the Community Park. The Board decided to ask for proof of residency or property ownership within the township and keep a list of households and amount of trash contributed.

16. Garage Sales across the Breezeway: will be held Friday & Saturday, May 27 & 28. Participants may register to be included in the online map of locations.

17. Planning Together Workshop: Supervisor Mann reported on the great attendance, participation and great diversity of attendees at the workshop.

18. Cemetery/Park Workers: Trustee DeKorne reported that he had spoken with Jerry Rasmussen about his interest in providing services to the township. He gave a bid of $20 per hour using our equipment and $50 an hour if he provides the equipment.

19. Fire Dept Internet & Phone: Rubingh reported that the antennae information should be available next week.

20. Bills represented by the attached list were presented for approval for payment. MOTION Postmus, Mann, CARRIED to approve the bills as presented.

21. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna L. Heeres

Banks Township Clerk