Banks Township Board Meeting

Monday, August 17, 2015

1. The meeting was called to order at 7 P.M. by Supervisor Thomas Mann. Present were Supervisor Mann, Clerk Donna Heeres, Treasurer Katy Postmus, Trustee Tom Cooper and Trustee David Rasmussen. Also present: Hugh Campbell, Jessica Spencer, Andy Veenstra, Jarris Rubingh, Jerry Rasmussen, Mark Groenink, Bob Dutcher and Don Binns. Supervisor Mann led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the Invocation.
2. Public Comment: Jessica Spencer, Planning Consultant, addressed the Board regarding her contract for services. She will attend PC, ZBA and Township Board meetings on an as needed basis. MOTION Heeres, seconded by Postmus, to approve the contract for services with Jessica beginning August 1, 2015, and authorize the supervisor to sign it. MOTION CARRIED. Jessica commented on the Public Hearing set for September 8 on the amendment related to AG parcel size. She will be in communication with the PC secretary and Township Attorney to prepare advertising for the newspaper and ordinance for adoption along with actual pages for the zoning book.
3. Public Comment: Hugh Campbell addressed the Board regarding the crowdfunding for the Community Square Project. The campaign is in the final two weeks with approximately $10,000 raised so far. The project needs community support with number of contributions as well as the monetary support. Donations of $10 to $5000 are being solicited.
4. Public Comment: Bob Dutcher & Don Binns addressed the Board on the condition of Lakeshore Drive. Bob reported the Road Commission manager has not provided the requested information on pricing for resurfacing. The test strip did not hold up. It had been suggested to add 23A gravel but that did not happen. He commented that other roads have been “done” and he is frustrated with the lack of follow-up from the Road Commission and the Township Board. Supervisor Mann responded that the “other roads” were resealed to extend their life; a lot of consideration is given before road millage funds are spent; road commission crews have been over extended during the clean-up following the massive storm early in August; the Township Board has been continuously monitoring Lakeshore Drive and working towards a remedy for this narrow, dead end road. Treasurer Postmus, on behalf of the Board, expressed empathy for this situation and assured the property owners that a solution is being sought. Bob stated that a special assessment should be considered as property owners are very upset with this situation. He again expressed frustration that the ACRC Manager is not getting back with them as promised and why the ACRC is not supervising him.
5. Public Comment: Jarris Rubingh commented that three deer in the state have been diagnosed with chronic wasting disease and that Avian Flu is declining in the State of Michigan.
6. Public Comment was closed at 7:55 PM.
7. Minutes: The minutes of the July 20, 2015, regular Board Meeting were presented. MOTION by Rasmussen, seconded by Cooper, to approve the minutes as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
8. Fire Department: Chief Groenink reported that a fireman was injured (dislocated elbow) while on scene of a car accident when he fell into a ditch. He is recovering well. A Work Comp Claim was filed for the firemen who was treated at Charlevoix Hospital. His turnout gear and glasses were also damaged in the process. He will submit bills for replacement costs to be sent to insurance company. Don Frosty, FF & EMT, has resigned due to moving from the area. There have been no responses from the community on the siren on the township hall. Consensus to not repair/upgrade it.
9. Township Hall: Jerry reported there is a wedding reception this weekend. Supervisor reported that the sealant was put on the mortar last fall as agreed upon and we were not billed for it. Jerry reported that on June 27, chairs were removed from the hall without permission and a wedding party was short on chairs. Discussion was held on need for more security for the building as too many keys are out. MOTION Postmus, seconded by Rasmussen, to have the two lower level exterior doors re-keyed. Building Committee: Several grant applications have been submitted. The LED bulbs have not been changed. Consumers Energy meeting has not been scheduled. MOTION Postmus, seconded by Cooper, to have a second application to kill the bugs on the building & BTHS building for $120 by Kritter Katcher. MOTION CARRIED.
10. The treasurer’s report of incomes and balances was given. General Fund Balance: $231,846.54 with $180,000 due from the Fire Fund; Fire Fund Balance: $79,605.38; Roads Fund Balance: $75,557.21; Vehicle Fund Balance: $90,083.94; Liquor Fund Balance: $994.34; Grand Total: $478,087.41.
11. Bills represented by the attached list were presented for approval for payment. MOTION Postmus, seconded by Rasmussen, to pay the bills as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
12. Zoning Administrator: Andy Veenstra reported 2 permits were issued in the last month, one for a pole barn, one for a sign. Andy reported that he has been watering the lawn at the fire hall and it is greening up.
13. Planning Commission: Trustee Cooper reported on election of officers for the PC. Final draft of the proposal for parcel division in AG zone was reviewed and approved for Public Hearing on September 8. Discussion on tiny houses was held. Andy added information that currently, no building permit is needed for a structure less than 200 sq ft but a zoning permit is needed. PC Chairman is following up on the complaint from last month.
14. Libraries: Library Reports were received from Charlevoix Public Library and Central Lake District Library for the most recent year. Contracts are in effect through May 31, 2017.
15. Correspondence: Sheriff’s report of 911 calls for July; Conservation Resource Alliance Celebration Invitation for Sept 18; Professional Development Retreats for September.
16. Planning Together Meeting: Set for November 9, 2015 at 6 PM. Will invite Front Porch Board members to join us.
17. Roads: Supervisor will contact Road Commission Manager and District One Commissioner to attend our September meeting. The chip seal has been completed on all roads with the exception of Antrim Dells Road still needs the sealant. Trustee Rasmussen commented that some of the intersections were not cleaned up adequately. Trustee Cooper commented that the hole in Rushton Road near Clay Pit Bridge Road has been out since spring and needs to be addressed. Several shoulders of primary roads are in need of gravel with drop offs of 5-6” in places. Supervisor will be sure that the ACRC is aware of these issues.
18. Good Samaritan Family Services: In recognition of their 25th anniversary celebration on August 21 & 22, Clerk Heeres offered a resolution of Special Tribute to the Organization. MOTION Heeres, seconded by Postmus, to adopt the resolution of Special Tribute to the Good Samaritan Family Services. Roll Call Vote: Postmus: Yes; Rasmussen: Yes; Cooper: Yes; Mann: Yes; Heeres: Yes. Resolution was declared adopted.
19. Elections: Clerk reported there will be an election on November 3 for the Ellsworth Community School District for a $3 million bond issue and for Charlevoix Public Schools. The Presidential Primary is scheduled for March 8 in Michigan. Clerk has received a grant from the Bureau of Elections with HAVA funds to purchase a Franklin Junior Handicap Voting Booth. She would like to purchase two 4 station booths to replace the 30 year old booths we have been using and that are cracked and lights not reliable. Cost of the 2 Booths to be $1817 and 3 pkg of clip on battery powered lights for $99 each. MOTION Cooper, seconded by Mann to approve the purchases. CARRIED.
20. Park: Trustee Cooper reported that the park toilet was cleaned up and painted by the crew. Many Thanks to Judy, Linda and Darrel for their hard work on this nasty task and dedication to Banks Township Cemeteries and Park. Discussion was held regarding finding a dedicated crew for next year as this crew is retiring.
21. Snowmobile Trail: MOTION Heeres, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the Easement for snowmobile trail with the Jordan Valley Trails Council through March 31, 2017. CARRIED.
22. Public Comment: Jarris Rubingh commented that the gravel shoulders are bad on Essex Road between Chellis & Tillotson Farms and on Atwood Road by Bolt Farms. Also, the ACNA Road, extension of Rex Beach Road is full of potholes and not a very inviting way to access the park. He reported vehicles have been on the beach and wondered about the regulations. He stated that Ellsworth Community School purchases electricity on the “extra open market” and saves $35,000-$60,000 a year. The assistant majority leader in the House is trying to get rid of this practice of “wheeling” and it would greatly impact our local school.
23. Next meeting September 21 at 6 PM.
24. The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Donna L. Heeres
Banks Township Clerk