Banks Township Board Meeting

Monday May 15, 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, Trustee Marvin Rubingh and Trustee Mark DeKorne. Also present: Fire Chief Mark Groenink, Hugh Campbell. Peter VanderArk arrived at 8:30 PM.

2. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Supervisor Mann offered prayer.

3. The minutes of the April Regular Board meeting were reviewed. MOTION Rubingh, DeKorne, CARRIED to approve the minutes as presented. The minutes of the April 27 Special Board meeting were reviewed. MOTION Postmus, Rubingh, CARRIED to approve the minutes as presented. The minutes of the May 10 Special Board meeting were reviewed. MOTION Heeres, DeKorne, CARRIED to approve the minutes as presented.

3. The treasurer’s report of incomes and balances was given. Supervisor noted and commended Treasurer Postmus on the investments and increase in interest revenues.

4. Fire Truck: MOTION Mann, Rubingh, CARRIED to approve payment of $40,000 plus $4,000 interest (2% of Principal) from the Fire Fund to the General Fund as installment payment on loan.

5. Public Comment: Hugh Campbell commented on the Zoning Administrator interviews. The Village plans to hire the same ZA as the Township does. He reported that the Village estimates $390,000 in cost for the Community Park. The Village has applied for a 2/3 grant ($260,000). The Village needs to invest $130,000 and plans to obtain donations for some of these funds. The Wooden Shoe Park Beach Area is now officially named the Ellsworth River Park. The walkway and fishing docks will be installed May 17. The reconstruction of Main Street is scheduled to begin the day after Labor Day and be completed by October 31. Bids will go out June 7. The Charlevoix State Bank is scheduled to open in Ellsworth May 23.

6. Cemeteries: Mark Groenink reported that he has the three flag poles nearly installed. The old flag pole from the Ellsworth Cemetery will be installed at the Antrim City Cemetery. He reported that the veterans’ memorial marker at Ellsworth Cemetery is in need of repairs. The large rock donated by Trustee DeKorne will be moved, hopefully this week, to the Atwood Cemetery and placed to the south of the flag pole. Phil Edwards has announced that he would like to donate a plaque to install on the rock. Trustee DeKorne will ask Alvin Veenstra of the American Legion post to review & approve the proposed wording for the plaque. Mark Groenink noted that the cemetery markers in the new section of the Atwood Cemetery do not line up. Groenink & DeKorne offered to help Pete VanderArk to get them lined up better. VanderArk declined and will work to get the lots squared & lined up. Clerk reported a letter from Mr. VanderYacht, formerly VanderJagt, whose family owns Lot 4 in Atwood Cemetery. There appears to be 2 or 3 unmarked graves on the lot. He donated the remaining graves to the township to be used for needy persons. Clerk reported that the Michigan Association of Municipal Cemeteries will hold its annual conference in June. List of items to be placed for silent auction during clean up day was shared. There are 19 items on the list.

7. Fire Department: Report for the six months ended April 30, 2006 was shared.

8. Gazebo Proposal: Supervisor Mann reported that he attended the Ellsworth Village Council meeting and again presented the Township’s offer to place a gazebo in the Village Park to honor former Supervisor Dan Wieland’s years of service. Some council members were vocally opposed to the gift while others were receptive. Supervisor Mann withdrew the offer to avoid conflicts between council members and between the council & township board. Alternative sites for the structure were discussed.

9. Ambulance Contract with East Jordan: Supervisor Mann reported on the terms of the contract with six entities rather than seven participating. The Village of Ellsworth is now included with Banks Township. Therefore, the share increases for the other six entities. The Village agreed to contribute $800 each year for five years to the Township to help cover this increase.

10. Zoning Administrator: Supervisor Mann reported that he checked references for ZA candidates Jessica Marsh and Jonathan Scheel. Both were positive references. Discussion was held on qualifications and contract terms. Will ask attorney to draft a contract for the Zoning Administrator. MOTION Mann, DeKorne, CARRIED to offer the ZA position to Jessica Marsh with a $5,000 annual salary. The contract to extend to December 31, 2007. YEAS: 5, NAYS: None.

11. Zoning: Clerk reports many phone calls and several zoning permits have been issued in the past 15 days. New forms were ordered as supply was running low.

12. Planning Commission: Rubingh reported on the Planning Commission meeting of May 10. MOTION Rubingh, DeKorne, CARRIED to charge the Landmark Business group for fees related to the May 9 meeting as there were no other items on the agenda. MOTION DeKorne, Heeres, CARRIED to require the applicant to deposit an additional $2500 in the escrow account per the recommendation of the Planning Commission. Applicant is aware of this recommendation.

13. Clean Up Day: Set for Saturday, May 20. The Boy Scouts will sell refreshments on site. The Co-op is set and will take our tires, batteries, but no used oil. JKW Salvage is confirmed and will take steel and refrigeration units. Auction Items will be on display and silent auction will conclude at 1 PM with pickup required by 3 PM or back up bidders will be notified. Rubingh suggested that the Township sponsor or encourage a garage sale day the week before the cleanup.

14. MTA District Director: Clerk reported that she attended the caucus held during the Spring District meeting on May 10 at Shanty Creek. There were three candidates to fill the vacancy for director. Bill Gadwau, trustee from Central Lake Township, was elected.

15. GASB34: The auditors are present this week to do our biennial audit. A resolution to adopt a capitalization policy for township assets was presented. MOTION Rubingh, DeKorne, CARRIED to adopt the policy setting $10,000 as the threshold for recording assets.

16. HAVA Grant for Voting Station for handicap voters: MOTION Mann, Postmus, CARRIED To authorize the Clerk to sign documents to apply for the grant.

17. Pig Roast: The annual Pig Roast is set for June 17. MOTION Heeres, Postmus, CARRIED to authorize the following individuals to organize the event this year and to contribute $500 towards the horse pull prizes this year. Committee members: Donna Heeres, Thomas Mann, Irene Shooks, Alana Haley, Jan Olach, Susie Collins, Virginia Rubingh, and others designated by this group.

18. Pension Plan: Information was received from Burnham & Flower Agency with projected costs for a pension plan. Treasurer will review and give report to the board at a later meeting.

19. Computer for Clerk: Quote received from Dell for approximately $1200. Also will compare laser vs. ink jet printer and order one for approximately $300. MOTION Mann, Postmus, CARRIED to authorize $1500 for the purchase of a computer & printer for the clerk’s office.

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

21. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna L. Heeres

Banks Township Clerk