1. The
meeting was called to order at
2.
Supervisor Mann opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and offered prayer.
3. The
minutes of the January Regular Board meeting were presented. MOTION Rubingh, Postmus, CARRIED to approve the
minutes amending the third sentence of item #11 to read “The Vet Clinic is
reportedly investigating purchase of a building in Atwood due to challenges
posed by the Antrim County Building Department. “ MOTION
Mann, Postmus, CARRIED to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting held
February 3. The minutes of the February
17 meeting were presented. Approval was
tabled until next meeting due to omissions.
4. The
treasurer’s written report of incomes and balances was given. General Fund Balance: $365,726.13; Fire Fund
Balance: $64,475.82; Roads Fund Balance: $70,933.23; Liquor Fund Balance: $1,866.26;
Grand Total: $503,001.44.
5. Public Comment: Adam Gandolfi of Municipal
Underwriters of Michigan addressed the Board with the property & liability
insurance proposal for 2011-12. Cost is
down nearly $1000 on the renewal.
Changes in the policy include improved coverage on Electronic Data
Processing increased to $100,000 from $10,000.
Also, the option to insure for true replacement costs or Like/Kind/Quality
coverage versus Agreed Value Coverage was explained. Adam will get us information on the cost
difference.
6. Public Comment: Sheriff Dan Bean presented
his annual report for 2010 and monthly report for January.
7. Public Comment: Jerry Rasmussen advised the
Board that he is interested in providing service to the township for lawn care,
etc. should we be in need of a provider.
Public Comment was closed @
8. Fire Truck Financing: Public Comment: Brian VanderArk stated that he would like to
see something done to replace the current tanker trucks. Dwain Abramowski agreed. Brad VanderArk stated that the first 17
minutes of a fire are the most crucial to suppression. Getting water to the fire in a timely fashion
is important and two tankers are needed.
Supervisor Mann explained that the Board takes all comments into
consideration and recognizes the need.
The Board is committed to doing the best thing for the Township. The Supervisor & Treasurer Postmus
presented several “bottom line” analyses using different scenarios for payment
for the trucks. Trustee Rubingh reported
finding several used tanker trucks online and asked why we didn’t consider
them. Trustee DeKorne also reported
finding used tankers available. Scott
Patchin of CSI was asked to comment. He
stated the “key” is to get a good visual inspection of the truck and know the
history. The condition of the suspension
and springs is important. He stated that
often times a used unit is sold to get rid of problems. Weight & balance issues, electrical
problems and brakes are frequent problems.
He encouraged shopping with caution and avoiding trucks with Hydraulic
Brakes. The Board asked questions of Mr.
Patchin regarding emissions standards, multi truck discounts, life span of new
trucks (with plastic body), cost
estimates for next few years. MOTION Rubingh, DeKorne, CARRIED to pay cash
for the fire trucks and have the general fund loan money to the fire fund to do
it. YEAS: Rubingh, DeKorne,
Postmus. NAYS: Heeres, Mann. Down Payment of $143,024 will be made on
9. The meeting was recessed @
10. Fire Dept:
a) The Fire Board met February 18. Chief Groenink reported the Fire Board recommended
new cabinets & countertops for the meeting room. Cabinet bids are $6024. Firemen would install. Countertops would be additional. Also, a new refrigerator & sink were
recommended. MOTION Rubingh, Mann,
CARRIED to purchase a new refrigerator from Sears for $461.94. No action taken
on request for cabinets and countertops. b)
Chief reported the Brimley FD is interested in purchasing one of our
existing tankers. The Board directed him
to negotiate a price with them.
11. Zoning Administrator: Andy Veenstra stated there was nothing to
report.
13. Planning Commission: Rubingh reported Master
Plan goals, policies & action steps have been revised. Also, medical marijuana policies are being
developed for addition to the zoning ordinance.
14. Info Items: Clerk Heeres reported on the
completion of the kitchen ceiling repair project. Also, new baseboard heaters and thermostat
have been installed in the meeting room.
The internet at the township hall has been switched to Charter. The telephone installation is scheduled for
March 3. Unemployment claim has been
submitted for Judy VanderArk. The clerk
has written a letter of protest against this claim similar to the one filed
against the claim for Linda Ballentine.
15. Salary Resolution: Motion by DeKorne, Support
by Rubingh to hold the salaries at the same level for another year. Supervisor: $11,500; Treasurer: $15,000;
Clerk: $19,000; Trustees: $2,000. Roll
Call Vote: DeKorne: Yes; Rubingh: Yes; Heeres: Yes; Postmus: Yes; Mann:
Yes. MOTION CARRIED.
16. Health Insurance Premiums: MOTION by Postmus,
Support by Mann, to have the township pay 25% of the health insurance premium
for the clerk beginning
17. Annual Meeting: MOTION by Mann, Support by DeKorne, to not
hold an Annual Meeting in 2011. Roll
Call Vote: DeKorne: Yes; Rubingh: Yes; Heeres: Yes; Postmus: Yes; Mann:
Yes. MOTION CARRIED.
18. Township Hall Downstairs Lighting Bids: Bids presented by 3J Electric and Atlas
Electric for replacing the lighting fixtures on the lower level were
reviewed. MOTION Rubingh, Postmus,
CARRIED to hire Atlas Electric to do the work and replace ballasts and lamps in
the existing fixtures as described in the proposal. It is noted that the cost may be different
than the bid as the total number of fixtures was not accurate in either bid.
19. Bills presented by the attached list were
presented for approval for payment.
MOTION Postmus, DeKorne, CARRIED to approve the bills as presented,
including payment of $143,024.00 to CSI for the two truck chassis.
20.
The meeting was adjourned at
Respectfully
submitted,