Banks Township Board Meeting

Monday January 19, 2009

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: Fire Chief Mark Groenink, EMS Director Don Frosty, and Zoning Administrator Andy Veenstra. John Hasting arrived @ 8 PM.

2. Supervisor Mann lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustee DeKorne opened the meeting with prayer.

3. The minutes of the December Regular Board meeting were read. MOTION DeKorne, Rubingh, CARRIED to approve the minutes as presented.

4. The treasurer’s report of incomes and balances was given. General Fund Balance: $342,025.99 with $80,000 due from the Fire Fund; Fire Fund Balance: $141,469.75; Roads Fund Balance: $75,944.56; Liquor Fund Balance: $1,799.55; Grand Total: $561,239.85. Summer Taxes are 92% collected. ($899,398.51) Winter Taxes are 50% collected. ($758,773.87)

5. Public Comment: There was none.

6. Fire Dept: Chief Groenink reported on the Fire Board meeting that was held earlier today. The Dept is in need of a new supply of foam concentrate from fire suppression. Also, the purchase of 6 pr of new gloves @ $65 each was requested. MOTION Mann, DeKorne, CARRIED to authorize purchase of 55 gallons of foam concentrate for $1375 and 6 pr fire fighting gloves for $390. No word has been received on the grant application for funding for pagers. The chief reported that two fire fighters have begun the EMT course.

7. EMS: Don Frosty reported that an internet connection is now needed at the fire hall for the submission of reports to the State. Clerk will contact Cherry Capitol Connection to arrange for this hook up.

8. Zoning: ZA Andy Veenstra reported that an application has been received for a ZBA Public Hearing, appealing his denial of a zoning permit. The appeal states that the ZA did not interpret the ordinance correctly and therefore the applicant should be allowed an accessory building on his property in a CR zone. Andy plans to attend a meeting with the DNR on January 29 in Bellaire. He has not had response on a violation notice that was sent for an abandoned pickup truck in Section 13. The renewal of the Zoning Administrator Contract has been approved by Zoning Administrator Andy Veenstra without changes. The Board appreciates Andy’s efforts on the Township’s behalf and notes that his communication with the Board is the best that this Board has ever had.

9. Treasurer Postmus reported that the due date on taxes is February 17 with the date for delinquency of March 3. This change is due to February 14 being Saturday and February 16 being Presidents’ Day. Taxes become delinquent on March 3 rather February 28. She reported that PTAF may be levied at 0% to 1% for all or some categories. PTAF is established by resolution and is in effect until revoked by the Township Board.

10. Summer Tax Collection: Ellsworth Community School has contacted us of their intent to collect ½ of their tax levy on all categories, with summer tax collection. Discussion was held regarding the legalities of charging for this collection. The State will not pay us $2.50 per parcel for collection if local schools collect also. MOTION Rubingh, DeKorne, to assess the school $2.50 per parcel for summer tax collection. ROLL CALL VOTE: Postmus: No; Rubingh: Yes; Mann: No; DeKorne: Yes; Heeres: No. MOTION Defeated. MOTION Heeres, Mann, CARRIED to have the treasurer prepare an agreement that retains the earned interest, late fees & interest as allowed by law. MOTION Rubingh, Mann, CARRIED to contact Representative Kevin Elsenheimer about continuing the state support of Summer Tax collection with reimbursement to the townships @ $2.50 per parcel. We will draft a resolution for adoption in February to send to Elsenheimer and Allen.

11. Planning Commission: Trustee Rubingh reported that the Planning Commission met on January 12. They are working on an amendment to allow wind turbine generators to be sited closer to property lines. The proposed amendments that have been reviewed by the Antrim County Planning Commission have been returned to the township planning commission. The Township Planning Commission recommends approval of two amendments at this time. 1) Resolution by Rubingh, DeKorne, to adopt ordinance number 1 of 2009 related to allowing non-commercial wind turbine generators up to a maximum height of 150’. Roll Call Vote: Postmus: Yes, Rubingh: Yes, Mann: Yes, DeKorne: Yes, Heeres: Yes. Resolution was declared adopted. 2) Resolution by Rubingh, Mann, to adopt ordinance number 2 of 2009 related to parcel divisions to promote open space. Roll Call Vote: Postmus: Yes, Rubingh: Yes, Mann: Yes, DeKorne: Yes, Heeres: Yes. Resolution was declared adopted. 3) The third amendment will be revised based upon comments received from the County Planning Commission before recommendation for adoption is made. The Planning Commission adopted by-laws. The township’s attorney continues to investigate ownership of the Lore Road lake access property.

12. Recycling/Solid Waste: DeKorne & Heeres both spoke with Ken Groesser about the availability of recycling at his transfer station. Recently, the waste hauler has begun to sift all garbage bags for recyclables. Ken is investigating options for more pure recycling at his site.

13. Gas & Oil Tax abatement was issued by the State Treasury Dept. to Atlas Gas & Oil for their facility on Essex Road.

14. The Clerk reported that the South Arm Township bill for Fire & Rescue Services has been sent. The synopsis of services provided was shared with the Board.

15. Info Items: Township Authority to promote the area & businesses was shared. Information on educational opportunities was shared. Discussion on application for a DNR Grant for public outdoor recreation facilities was held. Clerk will send for the information. The East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting will be held Saturday, January 31, at Castle Farms in Charlevoix.

16. Breezeway: Supervisor Mann reports that subcommittees have been established to continue the promotion of this roadway through our township. The logo has been modified slightly to enhance visibility. RidetheBreezeway.com has been established as the official website.

17. Phragmites: A workshop is scheduled for January 27 in Boyne City to educate municipal leaders and begin formulating a plan to eradicate this invasive species. Supervisor will attend a portion of the meeting.

18. Planning Together workshop is scheduled for Monday, February 9 @ 6PM. Soup & sandwiches will be served with a presentation by Dean Solomon of the MSU Extension office on the energy bill of October 2008 and its effects on local zoning.

19. Board of Review Dates: MOTION Mann, DeKorne, CARRIED to set March 3 @ 5:30 PM for the Organizational meeting; March 9 from 9 AM to 3 PM and March 12 from 3 PM to 9 PM as the public meeting dates for the Board of Review.

20. Supervisor plans to order a new computer that is compatible with the new BS&A assessing software. This computer will be left in the office and assessing information will be kept up to date at least monthly by the assessor.

21. Stimulus funds: A wish list for stimulus money use will be developed.

22. Next meeting is Monday, February 16 @ 7:30 PM. A Public Hearing on the Fire District Budget will be held during that meeting.

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

24. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna L. Heeres

Banks Township Clerk