Banks Township Board Meeting

Monday September 15, 2008

 

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Supervisor Thomas Mann.  Present were Supervisor Mann, Treasurer Katy Postmus, Trustee Marvin Rubingh and Trustee Mark DeKorne.  Absent: Clerk Donna Heeres. Also present: Deputy Clerk Hellen Allen, Mark Groenink, Andy Veenstra, Jeff Kessler, Bryan Graham, Pete Garwood, Don Frosty, John Hastings.

 

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

 

3. The minutes of the August Regular Board meeting were read by Treasurer Postmus.  MOTION Mann, Postmus, CARRIED to approve the minutes with the deletion of “CARRIED” in item 15, and restate the fourth sentence in item 16 to read “Sue Kessler, PC Chair, had reported that the Planning Consultant, Mary Campbell, had suggested the PC review the county’s recommendations as a group in September.” 

                                                             

4. The treasurer’s report of incomes and balances was given.  General Fund Balance: $320,208.70 with $80,000.00 due from the Fire Fund; Fire Fund: $121,701.81; Liquor Fund: $2,090.15; Road Fund: $33,951.84; Grand Total: $477,952.50.  Summer Tax Collection continues.  Approximately 77% of the taxes have been collected, a total of $749,594.74.

 

5.  Phragmites: Bryan Graham, the township’s legal counsel, addressed the Board on the necessary procedures to control the phragmites on the lakeshore.  A permit from the DEQ is needed for spraying the herbicide.  He advised the Board to adopt an ordinance to specify plans for the treatment of the invasive plant species.  An inspector should be hired to determine the presence of the plants, prepare a written report for the board and treat the pests.  Funding methods were discussed.  Attorney Graham will send a copy of the ordinance adopted by the two townships on Beaver Island for our perusal.

 

6.  Timberlane Terrace/White Pine Shores Dispute:  Rubingh reported on legal battle between property owners over property lines for a common lake access parcel.

 

7.  Planning Commission: Rubingh reported that the Planning Commission has reviewed the recommendations from Antrim County Planning Commission on the proposed amendment B for Article VIII, Section 8.03, subsection 13.a and Article II Definitions (Tower Setback & Safety Zone).  The PC recommends adoption of this amendment. MOTION Rubingh, DeKorne, CARRIED to adopt this amendment.  YEAS: Rubingh, DeKorne, Mann, Postmus.  NAYS: None.  Absent: Heeres.  Also, the PC reviewed the recommendations from the Antrim County Planning Commission on the proposed amendment A for Article VI, Section 6.09, footnote a. (Lot Sizes).  The PC recommended rejection of this amendment. MOTION Rubingh, DeKorne, to adopt this amendment.  YEAS: None.  NAYS: Rubingh, DeKorne, Mann, Postmus.  Absent: Heeres.  MOTION WAS DEFEATED.   The PC is working on language for a Farm/Forest zoning district and provisions for accessory structures to be constructed under certain circumstances without a primary structure.

 

8.  Fire Department Report: The Fire Board met this evening.  Recommendation was received for purchase of 6 signs for emergency traffic control @ $250 each ($1500 total).   MOTION Mann, Postmus, CARRIED to purchase the signs.  Also, recommended purchase of NFPA/OSHA required safety vests for 20 personnel @ cost of $27 each ($540 total).  MOTION Mann, DeKorne, CARRIED to approve the purchase.  Chief Groenink voiced concerns over the safety of the Clay Pit Bridge for fire trucks passing.   Chief Groenink has a 1920’s vintage fire apparatus that was used by the Ellsworth Fire Department many years ago.  He questioned what the Board would like done with it. No action was taken.

 

9.  Rescue/EMS Report: Don Frosty reported that the application for licensure as a Basic Life Support non-transport unit is ready to be filed.  The EMS manual is up to date at the Fire Hall and the new municipal license plates are on the vehicles. 

 

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

 

11.  Zoning Administrator Report: Andy Veenstra reported that he had a tour of the new facilities @ Torch Lake Township. 

 

12.  Investment Designation Resolution: Postmus reported she will present a revised investment policy at our October meeting.

 

13.  Cemeteries: DeKorne reported that the water tanks are filled at the Cemeteries.  He delivered a bouquet of flowers to Pete VanderArk, who is recuperating at home.

 

19.  Lore Road Extension: The Township is listed as owner of the extension to Lake Michigan.  The cemetery/park crew will be asked to mow the grass between the road end and the beach.  A sign will be placed designating the space is open for public use.

 

20.  Supervisor Report: The letters to property owners west of US 31 regarding the invasion of the phragmites plant species and the change in ambulance providers have been sent out.  There have been many phone calls with questions about the letters.  The Breezeway Task Force grant application has been filed by Jan Kellogg of the NLEA on our behalf.  The Historical Society is in need of new furniture in their building.  Currently, they are using all folding chairs and tables.  Supervisor plans to talk with them about obtaining more appropriate furnishing to enhance their museum. 

 

21.  PTAF: Postmus reported that PTAF can only be levied annually at the budget hearing, not mid tax season.  

 

22.  The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 20.

 

23.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:53 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Hellen Allen

Deputy Clerk

Banks Township