Banks Township Board Meeting

Monday September 18, 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: Debby & Nick Cook, John Hastings.

 

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

 

3. The minutes of the August Regular Board meeting were reviewed.  MOTION Mann, DeKorne, CARRIED to approve the minutes as presented. 

 

4. The treasurer’s report of incomes and balances was given.  General Fund Balance: $197,491.88 with $160,000.00 due from the Fire Fund; Fire Fund: $114,396.75 Liquor Fund: $2,282.89; Road Fund: $25,331.12; Grand Total: $339,502.64.  Summer Tax Collection is 89% collected for total receipts of $666,286.33.

 

5. Public Comment: None.

 

6. Hall Rent: John Hastings addressed the Board about the hall rental rates and suggested they be reviewed.  Supervisor stated that the committee established to recommend improvements to the upstairs of the hall will be asked for input on this issue as well.  Relocation of tables & chairs from upstairs to downstairs was discussed.  Decided to offer $250 to the High School Sports program if a group of students will assist with this project.  Clerk will contact Tex Drenth to coordinate.  The Automatic Defibrillator was placed in service this week.  It is mounted in the entrance hallway on the lower level of the hall.

 

7.  Special Meeting: Set Thursday, October 12 at 5:45 PM for a special meeting with representatives from Burnham & Flower Group to review the pension plan information. 

 

8. Planning Commission:  Trustee Rubingh reports that the Planning Commission has reorganized and Steve Weis was elected chairman.  Sue Kessler was elected vice chairman.  Sarah Essenberg has volunteered to be the PC rep on the ZBA.  The new proposal from Antrim Dells was presented for Public Comment.  The PC has set a special meeting for Thursday September 28 at 7 PM to review it in detail.  The public hearing on the proposed zoning ordinance language amendments was held and the proposals have been sent to the county planning commission for review.  The PC recommends setting the escrow account deposit by Landmark/Antrim Dells at $2500.  MOTION Rubingh, DeKorne, CARRIED to set the Escrow deposit amount at $2500 for Landmark Business Group.  Expenses will be posted to this account beginning with the work meetings.  YEAS: 5, NAYS: None.  Motion Carried.  Supervisor Mann appoints Sarah Essenberg to the ZBA to replace Nancy Ritsema who resigned.  Term expires July 1, 2007.  MOTION Heeres, Rubingh, CARRIED, to approve the appointment.

9. Memorial for Supervisor Dan Wieland:  Clerk reports receipt of a letter from Dan’s parents inquiring about the status of the memorial.  Discussion was held.

 

10.  Deficit Reduction Plan:  Supervisor & Clerk completed the plan and submitted it to the Michigan Department of Treasury.  The plan was accepted.

 

11.  MDOT:  Supervisor Mann has contacted them about the speed limits through Atwood.  Awaiting a response.

 

12: Cellular Tower:  Supervisor Mann reports that there has been progress at the tower located on Village property on High Street.  Expect installation of antennae soon.

 

13.  Internet Connection:  Continued problems with the connection and function.  Clerk & Supervisor have been in communication with Malone Enterprises.  The contract with Malone Enterprises will expire at the end of this year.  The Supervisor will investigate options that are available to provide the same services.

 

14.  Conservation Easements & Natural Beauty Road Designation: Supervisor Mann reports that he attended a meeting hosted by Ben Donaldson to promote land conservation easements and the designation of Natural Beauty Road for Old Dixie Highway. 

 

15. Announcements: MTA County Chapter meeting was held August 29, 2006.  David Bertram of MTA spoke on the Stop Over Spending and K-16 ballot proposals.  The Village of Ellsworth Street Scape project is underway. The general schedule was distributed.  Completion of the project is expected October 31.

 

16.  Roads:  Discussed need for more gravel on a number of roads in the township.  Supervisor will contact Road Commission for input & cost estimates.  The Board will review the needs & costs at our special meeting on October 12.  Supervisor will ask the Roads Committee to meeting early in November to prioritize needs for 2007.

 

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

 

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

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Donna L. Heeres

Banks Township Clerk