1. The meeting was called to order at
2.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustee DeKorne offered
prayer.
3. The minutes of the November Regular
Board meeting were reviewed. MOTION Rubingh, Postmus, CARRIED to approve the minutes.
4. The treasurer’s report of
incomes and balances was given. General
Fund Balance: $249,746.84 with $120,000.00 due from the Fire Fund; Fire Fund: $107,526.69
Liquor Fund: $2,089.67; Road Fund: $22,778.39; Grand Total: $382,141.59. Summer Tax Collection is at 91% collected for
total receipts of $855,287.03. Winter
Tax Collection is at 12% collected for total receipts of $188,439.10. The taxable value for next year will show a
2.3% increase.
5. Public Comment: Sarah Essenberg submitted
a letter describing conditions on
6.
Roads: Estimates were received from the Antrim
County Road Commission for paving of
7.
Fire Department: The annual
dinner was held December 11. The Supervisor
expressed gratitude for the dedication of the members of the Department and for
including the Board in their annual Christmas Party. An updated
8.
Online Tax Data Proposal:
Postmus presented a proposal that would allow property owners and title
companies to view tax information online.
The cost for the first three months of the system is free. We could also set up, in the future, to
receive tax payments online, at no cost to the Township. MOTION Mann, Heeres, CARRIED to authorize the
treasurer to set up an account with BSA online for the three month free trial
period. Treasurer will review at the end
of three months to see if want to continue the online service.
9. Planning
Commission: Trustee Rubingh reported that attorney Bryan Graham attended the
December meeting. Richard Edmonds is no
longer with the firm. The PC is working
on language for an amendment to allow a waiver of setbacks for towers. Rubingh reported
that he has been approached re: leasing property for wind tower use. The PC discussed enforcement of the
ordinance. MOTION DeKorne,
Rubingh, CARRIED to direct the Zoning Administrator
to enforce the ordinance on a complaint based approach. The Zoning Administrator does have the
responsibility to follow up on violations that come to his attention. Steve Weis resigned from the PC at the
conclusion of the meeting. He is moving
from the township. Sue Kessler, vice
chairman, will assume the chairman duties until another member is appointed and
the PC can reorganize. Supervisor Mann
appointed David Muladore to fill the vacancy on the
Planning Commission. MOTION Heeres,
Postmus, CARRIED to approve the appointment until
10. Road Sign: Trustee DeKorne reported that the road sign north of Friske’s Market on US 31 is misspelled as
“Attwood”. Supervisor will
contact MDOT to have the spelling corrected.
11. Wireless Signal: Trustee DeKorne reported
that the wireless signal is not strong enough outside of the Township Hall for
him to access the signal. He was
provided keys to the building & office.
The clerk will contact Tim Maylone to request
the service be checked.
12. Presidential Primary: Scheduled for January 15. Election Inspector appointments were
made. Deputy Clerk Sue Tillotson will be assisting with preparations for the
election and will be trained to issue absentee ballots in the absence of the
Clerk.
13. Board of Review: Training sessions are scheduled for Tuesday,
February 19 from
14.
15.
Info Items: Sheriff report of activities for November 2007 was reviewed. Insurance:
Clerk reports she has met with a representative from Pinnacle Insurance Company
who is preparing a proposal for Property & Liability Insurance and
Workmen’s Compensation Insurance.
Our current carrier will be asked to review our coverage and prepare a
proposal as well. ACNA meeting is Tuesday, January 9.
16. Shop Local Program: Supervisor reported that he has talked with
several local business owners about the concept. Response was favorable. The next step is to assemble a list of local
businesses and invite them to a meeting to outline the plan and have them
identify promotions they are willing to offer.
17. M-32 Extension/Breezeway: A meeting was held December 4. Discussion was held regarding signs to
promote the route and possible grant applications to cover the cost of the
signs. The next meeting will include
Burt Thompson and Pat Harmon from the Antrim and Charlevoix County Road
Commissions.
18. Township Hall: The large lighted Christmas wreath, made by
McPherson Evergreens, and purchased by Dave Muha, was
recently hung on the front of the building.
Additionally, Christmas lights were purchased and hung on downtown area
trees by Dave Muha, Jerry Rasmussen, CDS Enterprises
(Dave Rasmussen, Chuck & Ethan Fox).
Assistants for the project included Chad Draper, John Nachazel who donated the use of the lift for decorating the
tree at the Township Hall, Gordie Cribbs
of Chain Of Lakes Outdoor Sports who switches on the lights each evening and
off each morning, Ted McGlinch and Magnum Electric
who donated the necessary electrical connections for lighting the tree at the
Township Hall. The Township Board extends
its gratitude on behalf of the community to all involved in this project for
their contributions. THANK YOU
19. Planning Together Workshop: Set Tuesday, February 12 at
20. Ambulance Coverage: Supervisor Mann reports contact from Torch Lake
Supervisor Bob Spencer that no progress has been made on contract negotiations
with East Jordan Ambulance. Discussion
was held regarding discrepancy of coverage for different portions of the
Township.
21. Township Hall Security Cameras: Supervisor plans to meet with a
consultant this week.
22.
Bills represented by the
attached list were presented for approval for payment. MOTION Mann, Postmus, CARRIED to approve the
bills as presented.
23. The next meeting is scheduled for
Monday, January 21 at
24. Clerk reported she will be out of
town from December 24 until January 5 on vacation. Also, she will attend the MTA Educational
Conference beginning January 7 through January 11. Sue Tillotson is covering
for election/absentee ballot issues.
25. The meeting was adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Donna L. Heeres