Banks Township Board Meeting

Monday July 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: Mark Groenink, Don Frosty, Brian VanderArk, Brad VanderArk, Jacob Veenstra, Jim Veenstra, Mary Campbell, Jack Costolo, Tina Sundelious and Andy Veenstra.

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

3. The minutes of the June Regular Meeting were presented. MOTION Mann, Rubingh, CARRIED to approve the minutes as presented.

4. The treasurer’s report of incomes and balances was given. General Fund Balance: $91,259.76 with $300,000 due from the Fire Fund; Fire Fund Balance: $18,034.21; Roads Fund Balance: $44,498.47; Liquor Fund Balance: $642.02; Grand Total: $154,434.46.

5. Public Comment: Mary Campbell addressed the Board with comments on the Banks Township Zoning Ordinance and the community’s responses to the survey done a few years ago. She stated the benefits of zoning for a community include maintain compatibility and “common sense” rules. She stated many offensive businesses choose to go into communities that are not zoned. The Zoning Ordinance is a dynamic document that is alive and changing to meet the ongoing needs of the community. The Planning Commission reviews the needs and develops amendments to address concerns when they arise. Banks Township works well with businesses & people to address the issues as they come up. This does not indicate the ordinance or system is flawed but rather indicates the system is working. Jack Costolo stated the purchase of a home is the largest investment that people make in their lives. Zoning protects those investments. Supervisor Mann stated that he feels the system is working and appreciates the efforts of the PC & Zoning Administrator to expedite processes to promote growth.

6. Public Comment: Jack Costolo updated the Board on Lakeshore Drive property owners’ wishes for paving and Natural Beauty Road designation. A petition with 34 signatures was presented to request NBR designation. Recent survey of property owners has shown a shift to more wishing to have the road paved than in previous surveys. Many reasons for that including new owners for several homes.

7. Fire Department: Prior to the meeting, one of the new tanker trucks was displayed and examined by the Board. Chief Groenink reported Kelcie Drenth has joined the rescue department for the summer. She has Emergency Response Training only and is considering more training if her interest continues.

8. Zoning Administrator: Andy Veenstra has returned from vacation. There were 2 permits issued while he was absent and one since his return. MOTION Postmus, Mann, CARRIED to compensate the clerk for covering for Andy’s vacation. Payment will be made in August. YEAS: 4, NAYS: None. Abstain: Heeres.

9. Credit Card Payments for Taxes: Treasurer Postmus presented Resolution #1 of July 2011 and Policy for acceptance of credit card payments by financial transaction device for real and personal property taxes by the Treasurer’s Department. Postmus stated that the “point & pay convenience charge” of 3% is assessed on the payers. It will take 5 to 6 weeks to implement. MOTION Mann, supported by Heeres, CARRIED to adopt the resolution. Roll Call Vote: Heeres: YES; DeKorne: YES; Mann: YES; Rubingh: YES; Postmus: YES. The Supervisor declared the resolution adopted.

10. Planning Commission: Trustee Rubingh reported the Planning Commission is working on revision to the RV language in the ordinance to clarify it. Also, the master plan review continues. A draft of the Medical Marihuana language has been received from the planning consultant. The August meeting will be held Thursday, August 11 @ 7:30 PM rather than August 8 due to a conflict with other meetings.

11. Cemeteries: Trustee DeKorne reported the trees have been removed at the Ellsworth Cemetery with extra excitement due to the lift truck tipping over. No damage or injuries occurred. Clerk reported many cemetery flags were broken in a recent wind storm and were blowing around the cemetery. The steel water tank at the Ellsworth Cemetery is empty due to a leak. Discussed obtaining a replacement.

12. Info Items: Lake Michigan Summit is scheduled for August 8, 9 AM to noon @ the Charlevoix Public Library. No registration fee or RSVP. The Watershed Center is holding a public meeting about Invasive Phragmites on July 21 from 6 to 8 PM @ the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City. The Sheriff’s report for June 2011 was shared. The Charlevoix Public Library report for the year ended June 30 was shared. The July Board of Review is scheduled for July 19 @ 4 PM. Thank you letter was received from the NLEA for our membership.

13. Speed Studies: Supervisor reported the Village of Ellsworth is considering a speed change to 35 mph at the south limits on C-65. This will change to 25 mph at the beginning of the residential area.

14. Next meeting will be held Monday, August 15 @ 7:30 PM.

15. Park Project & Township Hall: Discussion was held on available grant funding for improvements to the Township Park. Postmus will contact the Engineering Firms to obtain updated bids. Bids on the Township Hall projects will be reviewed at next meeting.

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

17. The meeting was adjourned at 9:36 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna L. Heeres

Banks Township Clerk