Banks Township Board Meeting

Monday October 15, 2007

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: Mark Groenink, Kip Ditlow of Torch Lake Township EMS, Jeff Kessler of the Antrim County News and Linda Gallagher of the Antrim Review. John Hastings arrived at 8 PM.

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

3. The minutes of the September Regular Board meeting were reviewed. MOTION Mann, Rubingh, CARRIED to approve the minutes with correction of one typo.

4. The treasurer’s report of incomes and balances was given. General Fund Balance: $235,767.26 with $120,000.00 due from the Fire Fund; Fire Fund: $115,888.95 Liquor Fund: $2,078.97; Road Fund: $12,817.58; Grand Total: $366,552.76. Summer Tax Collection is at 89% collected for total receipts of $841,593.53.

5. Public Comment: None.

6. Ambulance Service: Supervisor Mann and Fire Chief Groenink met this evening with Torch Lake Supervisor Bob Spencer and EMS director Kip Ditlow about East Jordan Ambulance’s Advanced Life Support (ALS) services that are provided for intercept with Torch Lake Township Ambulance. East Jordan has offered a contract that would include $275 per run reimbursement by Torch Lake Township for services provided beyond East Jordan’s direct service area. This area includes parts of Banks Township west of US 31 and in Sections 30 & 31 that are east of US 31. The amount stated in the contract is more than the insurance companies reimburse the primary ambulance service (Torch Lake) and therefore Torch Lake Township is not willing to pay it for non-Torch Lake Township residents. Lengthy discussion was held with potential solutions identified. Supervisor Mann will discuss this topic with City of East Jordan officials and report back at our next meeting.

7. Fire Department: Chief Groenink reported that the Fire Department rented a “smoke training unit” and is providing demonstrations in the local elementary schools. Students have enjoyed the experience of crawling through the smoke filled room and in the process are learning valuable life saving techniques.

8. Purchase and Contract Policy: The updated policy was reviewed. A Resolution was made by Rubingh, supported by DeKorne, to adopt the Banks Township Purchase and Contract Policy as presented. Effective date to be October 15, 2007. Roll Call: Postmus: Yes, DeKorne: Yes, Rubingh: Yes, Heeres: Yes, Mann: Yes. Resolution declared adopted.

9. Advertising of Township Hall: Treasurer Postmus presented information on advertising of our building for receptions, etc. MOTION Postmus, Mann, CARRIED to place a ½ inch Box advertisement in the Phone Guide for one year at a cost of $123.

10. Township Hall: Rentals: Due to the damage done to the wall in the downstairs hallway during a recent wedding reception, the janitor has recommended a policy change for all rentals. He asked that the premises must be vacated by midnight. The Board agreed with this and the janitor will inform the renters. Discussed the need for renters to sign a hold-harmless agreement to assure the Township is not held liable for injury or damages. This statement is included on the rental agreement already. Additionally, the Board discussed the need for renters to have liability insurance to cover them if alcohol is to be served. Clerk will contact our insurance agent for information and direction on this issue. A new policy form will be developed to give to renters of the building. Hall Vandalism: Clerk reported vandals damaged walls and ceilings with mustard last Monday evening. It took 8.5 hours to clean up the mess and still there are mustard stains on the painted walls. The walls will need stain cover paint and then finish coats. MOTION Heeres, Mann, CARRIED to check with MTA and if legal, offer a $50 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual(s) responsible. The insurance company will be contacted regarding deductibles, etc. Discussed installation of security cameras throughout the building. The clerk will have the painter repair the damages. Painting Project: Back stairway project underway. Kitchen Utensils have been purchased and are being marked.

11. Planning Commission: Trustee Rubingh reported the three zoning amendments were approved by the Planning Commission and sent to the Antrim County Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will have two more proposed amendments on their agenda for next meeting. Antrim Dells development plans must be submitted by the November Planning Commission meeting as their preliminary plan approval expires at that time.

12. Cemetery Vault Building: Repairs are completed and look good.

13. M-32 Renaming Project: Supervisor Mann is scheduled to meet with South Arm Township, Village of Ellsworth and City of East Jordan Officials on October 17 to discuss the proposal.

14. Clean Up Day: Supervisor Mann contacted Warren Solgot and the Ellsworth Farmers Exchange to schedule our clean up day for May 17.

15. Roads: The Antrim County Road Commission has agreed to grade Lakeshore Drive soon and will give an updated bid for pavement. The Roads Committee will meet soon to prioritize our township road projects.

16. Village of Ellsworth: The annual Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday October 27 from 1 to 3 PM at the Township Hall. The Village Council approved the Tax Abatement for the Ellsworth Farmers’ Exchange for 12 years. The DNR grant application for the community park has been approved and the Village will be advertising for bids for the park improvements.

17. Info Items: Training Session: Nov 7, 4-5 PM Bellaire Village Hall $10; “Staying out of court by avoiding pitfalls”. DEQ Part 201 site list inclusion of Clay Pit Bridge Rd property owned by Brian Howes. DEQ Permit issued to Antrim Conservation District for Antrim Creek Natural Area. ACNA meeting Oct 3, minutes of August 1 meeting. Par Plan Newsletter was distributed. MTA Workshop: Intro to township laws: Dec 11 in Grayling, Dec 4 in Lansing, $70. MTA County Chapter Meeting Tues Oct 23 7:30 PM @ Mancelona Township: Septage Storage & Disposal and Election Changes. MI Dept of Ag verification of requirements of MAEAP Farmstead System for Patrick McGuire/Royal Farms. FEMA determination regarding flood hazard list: removal of lot 1 White Pine Shores. MTA Conference Jan 8-11 in Detroit, registration for hotel began today.

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

19. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 19 at 7:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna L. Heeres

Banks Township Clerk