Special Meeting
1. Supervisor
Thomas Mann called the meeting to order at
2. Following introductions, the pledge of allegiance was recited. Supervisor Mann offered prayer. The group enjoyed a light supper of soup, chili and sandwiches prior to beginning the workshop.
3. Supervisor
Mann called the group to order at
4. Following
introductions of new members: ZBA Jack Costolo,
Zoning Administrator Andy Veenstra who replaced Jessica Marsh who moved, Dave Muladore from ZBA to Planning Commission to replace Steve
Weis who moved, Sue Kessler, new chair of the Planning Commission, each person
present was asked to briefly introduce himself to the
group. It was noted that Irene Shooks is absent due to the death of her mother in
5. Supervisor Mann extended thanks to the members of the various boards for their commitment to their community. The group represents the leadership of the community. He explained that as a body, we are made up of many parts and each part is important and must interact with the others.
6. Supervisor Mann reviewed the goals that were set during our workshop in 2007. Communication, Preparation, Education and Unity were all listed as ongoing goals for 2008. Members of the ZBA, Planning Commission and Township Board have participated in educational opportunities related to their position.
7. Hot topics that we are facing were identified. Planning/Zoning: a) wind towers are definitely a hot topic around the country and our Township Zoning Ordinance is considered by many to be a model ordinance. b) The Zoning Ordinance was amended in 2007 to remove language that required non-conforming small parcels that are adjacent and under common ownership to be combined. c) The Zoning Ordinance was also amended to allow a second dwelling to be placed on a parcel, temporarily, in special circumstances. d) The third amendment changed the overall height of antenna or similar sending & receiving devices on existing structures from 10 feet to 20 feet.
8. Hot topics in Assessing: Assessor Amy Jenema reported that the SEV values are down 5% overall within the township. There were only 6 new parcels in 2007; this is down significantly from prior years. The Ellsworth Farmers Exchange Tax Abatement was approved. There are changes to the personal property tax structure. Industrial properties were reduced 24 mils; Commercial properties 12 mils, utility companies were not reduced.
9. Hot topics in Taxation: Trustee Rubingh reported on a likely ballot proposal called the Michigan Fair Tax that would eliminate the Income Tax and Business Personal Property Taxes and replace them with a 9.75% sales tax. The sales tax would be on new goods and services, not on business to business transactions and not on used goods.
10. Shop Local Program: Supervisor Mann outlined a proposal to promote businesses within our community by encouraging residents to shop local. Letters to the businesses will be mailed in the next week.
11. Breezeway
Project: Supervisor Mann reported on the efforts to improve the road from
Ellsworth to
12. Increased office space for the township officials was a major improvement this year. The Clerk expressed thanks for this change. It has enhanced the confidentiality and limited the disruptions during work time.
13. Elections: Clerk announced there are 4 elections in 2008. She is always seeking qualified individuals to work on Election Day.
14.
15. Pig Roast Festival is scheduled for June 20-22. Volunteers are always welcome!
16. Library
contracts with Charlevoix,
17. Mary Campbell & Jeff Kessler expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Township Board to enhance communication by holding this annual meeting/workshop.
18. Goals for 2008: Education and Communication are still at the top of the list. Members were encouraged to watch for training workshops that can be helpful in their practice and contact either the clerk or supervisor to gain funding for registration fees and mileage.
19. The meeting
was adjourned at
Respectfully submitted,
Donna L. Heeres