Banks Township Board Meeting

Monday June 19, 2006

 

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, and Trustee Mark DeKorne.  Trustee Marvin Rubingh arrived at 8:50 PM.  Also present: Jerroll Drenth, Blair Coutant, Mike Paradis, Bill & Patricia Carpenter, John Hastings.  Peter VanderArk arrived at 8:25 PM.

 

2.  The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Trustee DeKorne offered prayer.

 

3. The minutes of the May 15 Regular Board meeting were reviewed.  MOTION DeKorne, Postmus, CARRIED to approve the minutes as presented.  The minutes of the May 22 Special Board meeting were reviewed.  MOTION Heeres, Mann, CARRIED to approve the minutes as presented. 

 

4. The treasurer’s report of incomes and balances was given. 

 

5.  Public Comment: Jerroll Drenth introduced himself to the Board & audience.  He announced that he is running for District 1 Commissioner.  He explained the reasons he has decided to run at this time as being linked to the expiration of his appointment to the Antrim County Road Commission.  He wishes to stay active in service to the community.  He explained the changes in road funding that will soon take effect.  This will dramatically increase the cost of road improvements for the townships.  Burt Thompson will outline these changes at the MTA County Chapter meeting on June 27. 

 

6.  Public Comment: Blair Coutant, financial director, & Mike Paradis, chairman of the board of directors, representing Meadowbrook Medical Care Facility, addressed the Board explaining the decision to ask for a renewal of millage for Meadowbrook.  The request for 1 mil for operations will appear on the August 8 ballot.

 

7.  Public Comment: Bill Carpenter addressed the Board asking for reconsideration of the Board’s decision to pave (only) 425 ft of Sinclair Road.  He asked that the paving be extended to just beyond his driveway.  The Board advised him that the decision was based upon available funds and the recommendation by the Antrim County Road Commission to pave to the top of the hill due to the erosion problems that were being experienced.  Supervisor Mann will contact Burt Thompson for cost estimates and potential for adding this work to the existing plan for 2006. 

 

8.  Cemeteries: VanderArk reported that water is needed in the tanks at the Atwood & Ellsworth Cemeteries to allow visitors to water flowers there.  He was advised of the repairs needed at the Ellsworth Cemetery memorial.  He will arrange the repairs.

 

9. Non-Sufficient Funds Checks: Postmus discussed charges for NSF checks. She has learned from MTA that we are not able to assess fees to recover these costs. 

 

10.  Pension Plan:  Postmus reported on the proposal from Burnham & Flower and explained the retirement account choices including 457 and 401(a) plans.  The Board members will review the proposals and decide later if a formal presentation by the vendor is desired.

 

11.  Planning Commission:  Rubingh reported that there has not been any activity on the Antrim Dells project.  Another presentation is expected on July 11.  He stated that the PC will not take any action until at least August 8 as materials need to be provided at least 30 days, for PC & consultant review, before action is taken.  The Merrifield Special Approval was granted, with conditions, on June 13 for a home based business for engine repair. 

 

12.  Cemeteries: DeKorne reported that the rock is in place at the Atwood Cemetery.  Special thanks to Matt Heeres and Phil Edwards for their contributions to the project.  Clerk will contact Kurt Kooyer to ask to have the rock/memorial dedicated at the 2007 Memorial Day services.

 

13.  MTA County Chapter Meeting: Tuesday June 27 at Forest Home Township in Bellaire.  Burt Thompson, manager of the Antrim County Road Commission, will be the speaker.  Also, election of officers will be held at that meeting.

 

14.  East Jordan Ambulance Contract:  Attorney Bryan Graham has reviewed the contract and revised it after consultation with the legal counsel for East Jordan.  The amounts did not change.  MOTION Mann, DeKorne, CARRIED to authorize the supervisor & clerk to sign the contract and pay the $4800 due by July 1.

 

15.  Zoning Administrator Contract: Attorney Bryan Graham drafted a contract agreement for Jessica Marsh.  She has reviewed it and a couple minor modifications were made.   She will be an “at will” employee with an annual salary of $5,000.

 

16.  Doris Pearl:  Discussed appreciation letter, etc. for former ZA Doris Pearl.  She was ZA from 1990 until 2006.  The Board decided to send her a letter of appreciation and present her with a small plaque or clock to commemorate her years of service.

 

17.  Lakeshore Drive: Supervisor has set meeting with the property owners/ residents for Saturday, August 12 at 9AM.  Letters inviting them to this meeting will be sent out later this month. 

 

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

 

19.  Clerk will be out of town July 4 through July 12.  Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 17.

 

20.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Donna L. Heeres

Banks Township Clerk