BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Scott Hladki, Mary Ellen Sherwood, Mike Hiner, Diane Misze and Kevin Wright.

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Rosemary Rinella and Elizabeth Jenkins.

Supervisor, Scott Hladki, called the meeting to order at the Dalton Township Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance said, invocation given and roll call taken.

MINUTES:
The regular meeting minutes of January 10, 2005 were accepted as presented and placed on filed.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Connie Burchfield stated that the previous months minutes reflect a request that she made to receive a copy of a letter from the State of Michigan regarding inconsistencies in the tax account. She stated that she did not receive a copy of this letter. She requested to know if this issue was ever resolved. Scott stated this issue was resolved and that she could come in a get a copy of the letter. David Wells stated that he is against Item Number 16 on the agenda, that being the West Lake Weed Special Assessment District. He stated that the petitions are not sufficient, the special assessment district is not outlined on the petitions that were circulated, it only allows for weed spraying , not swimmers itch, and it does not state the need for weed control spraying. He further stated it does not explain how often the lake would be sprayed, what type of chemical will be used, and there are no funds for public education. Nancy Wells, wife of David, had most of the same concerns and comments. She provided a booklet labeled, Home A Syst, Home Assessment System, and handouts from the Michigan State University Extension office regarding managing shoreline property to protect water quality, 10 ways to save your lake, and additional materials. Mr. and Mrs. Wells both spoke of lawn fertilizers and fires on the beach causing damage to the lakes water quality. Discussion followed with board members. Richard Vallier made comments and stated objection in reference to the proposed raises for elected officials that is on the agenda for consideration, and he still has concerns about the township board dissolving the annual meetings a few years ago. He stated not to compare wages with townships that work five days per week and that he runs into hard working officials at Meijer on their lunch break. He stated concerns about the vacation time of the treasurer, and stated that her husband should not be covered under the township insurance because of his age he should be covered by Medicare. He stated concerns about how the raises were calculated and also read an article from the Muskegon Chronicle from an elected member of the Norton Shores City Council. Lynn Young stated her concerns about the proposed raises. She inquired why the trustees do not have a proposed wage increase. She also stated concerns that the education allowance for trustees is being cut in the budget. Eric Ridout stated as prices and expenses go up so should pay scales. He stated the cost of living and utilities have increased, these people deserve a raise.

TREASURER'S REPORT:
As of January 31, 2005, the General Fund has $196,136.91, Fire Operating Fund has $135,153.20, and Fire Equipment Fund has $44,099.73. There is $318,479.46 in the Co-Merica J-Fund. The Treasurer's Report was accepted and placed on file for audit.

FIRE BUSINESS:
Assistant Fire Chief, Kevin Anderson, submitted the Incident Log for January 1 through January 31, 2005. Total number of incidents, including exposure fires was 42, with an average response time of 8.00 minutes.

Fire fighter promotion: Assistant Chief Anderson stated that Wallace (Jack) Bosma has completed his probation and would like the board to approve his appointment as a full time firefighter. Mr. Bosma was present and the board praised Mr. Bosma for his promotion.

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to promote Mr. Bosma to the status of full time firefighter. Yes, all.

MAINTENANCE:
Discussion took place regarding some of the maintenance equipment aging and not useful. Maintenance Supervisor, Keith Ostoin, requested that the board approve for him to obtain bids for two new pieces of equipment that are needed. A lawnmower, a brush hog, and a track vac were all discussed.

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to approve seeking bids for the two pieces of equipment sought for the maintenance department. Yes, all.

ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT:
The Ordinance Enforcement Officer, Eric Ridout, stated that 29 complaints have come in since January 1 and 23 to 25 of these have been resolved.

Mr. Ridout read a letter of resignation. It stated in part that because a township official contacted his boss at the Muskegon County Sheriff Department and questioned his integrity, that he was asked by his primary employer to step down from his ordinance enforcement position with the township. He thanked the board for the opportunity to work for the township in this capacity. Trustee Diane Misze asked Mr. Ridout if he could extend his date of resignation until April 1st. Mr. Ridout stated this should not be a problem; however, he will discuss with his primary employer for their approval. Discussion followed. Clerk, Mary Ellen Sherwood, stated that it was wrong and premature for anyone at the township to question Mr. Ridout's integrity with his employer.

Motion by Mike, support by Kevin, PASSED, to accept the letter of resignation from Eric Ridout, from the Ordinance Officer position. Not a unanimous vote, but passed. Voting no were Diane and Mary Ellen.

MONTHLY BILLS:
Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the monthly bills as submitted. General Fund $25,022.65, Fire Operating Fund $18,299.02, and Cemetery Fund $114.15, Street Light Fund $2,849.43 and other miscellaneous bills were paid. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Mike, Diane, Kevin and Scott. No: none.

PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request by James Smith for a Zone Change from R-1 (Residential one family) to C-3 (Commercial) for a vacant parcel on Holton Road, Parcel Number 61-07-013-200-0018-00. Mr. Smith explained to the board that he has no plans for the use of the property at this time. Kevin Wright stated that rezoning this property to commercial will sell for more than residential property. Mr. Smith stated that surrounding properties are zoned commercial. Other discussion followed. The Planning Commission recommended approval to the town board.

Motion by Diane, support by Kevin, PASSED to approve the Planning Commission's recommendation to rezone the parcel stated from R-1 to C-3 for Mr. Smith. Yes: Diane, Kevin, Mike. No: Mary Ellen and Scott.

Appointment of Chairperson and Co-Chairperson to the Planning Commission.
Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to re-appoint Marcia Payne as the Planning Commission's Chair and re-appoint Howard Trygstad as Co-Chair for three year terms. Yes: Mike, Diane, Kevin, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AGREEMENT:
This item was postponed at last months meeting to obtain a compensation survey with surrounding townships for similar positions. Other conversation followed.

Motion by Kevin, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the Agreement between the Zoning Administrator and the Township to be in affect April 1, 2005. Roll call vote. Yes: Kevin, Mike, Diane, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

WASTEWATER-FIRST AMENDMENT TO ACCESS RIGHTS AGREEMENT:
Motion by Mike, support by Kevin, PASSED to adopt the First Amendment to the 1970 Access Rights Agreement as explained in the letter from Attorney Michael Ortega. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Kevin, Diane, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

DALTON TOWNSHIP UNIFORM TRAFFIC CODE ORDINANCE:
This item was postponed at the previous months meeting for further study. The township attorney spoke regarding this issue. No action was taken.

APPOINT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO FIND NEW TENANT FOR DUFF ROAD RENTAL:
A rental agreement and checklist was prepared by the township attorney and received by the board for guidance.

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the Executive Committee, Scott, Mary Ellen and Rosemary, to seek a new tenant for the township rental property. Yes, all.

RESOLUTION NORTHSIDE WATER AND EASTSIDE WATER SYSTEMS COMBINED:
The resolution before the Board states that Dalton Township supports the efforts of the Muskegon County Board of Public Works and the County of Muskegon in their expenditure of funds and time in preparing appropriate documents, plans, and management direction, for Muskegon Township's review, and the approval of the owners, in order to accomplish a combined and unified Northside and Eastside system combined.
This item was postponed at the previous meeting until further information was provided from the county.
Some board members attended a county meeting regarding this issue and Mr. John Warner of the Muskegon County Department of Public Works was present to explain and answer questions of the board.

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the Resolution before the board agreeing to combine the current water systems commonly referred to as the Northside and Eastside Water Systems. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Mike, Kevin, Diane and Scott. No: none.

APPOINT BOARD OF REVIEW MEMBERS:
Motion by Mike, support by Kevin, PASSED to approve the appointment of Dan Hansen, Tim Gage, and Ed Hall, to the Board of Review for two years terms. Yes, all.

RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS UNDER PUBLIC ACT 738.
The township attorney explained the resolution and its intent is creating a policy for automated clearing house (ACH) arrangements and electronic transactions of funds.

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the Resolution and Policy as outlined. Yes, all.

RESOLUTIONS FOR WEED SPRAYING FOR BOTH WEST AND NORTH LAKES:
It was discussed and suggested that both of these resolutions be postponed to verify the legality of petitions.

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to postpone these two resolutions for review by the township attorney. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Diane, Kevin, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

SALARIES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Motion by Mike, support by Kevin, PASSED to approve a three percent (3%) increase of each individuals salary for the 2005-06 fiscal year. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Kevin, Scott and Mary Ellen. No: Diane.

MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT PLAN:
Motion by Diane, support by Mary Ellen, PASSED to approve the medical reimbursement plan as written. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Mary Ellen, Mike, Kevin and Scott. No: none.

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS:
The clerk explained to the board and citizens present about the election consolidation progress and requested the board's support for a recent resolution that she singed along with other clerks and the county in reference to the conduct of school elections and precinct locations.

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to support Mary Ellen's signing of the resolution mentioned.
Yes: all.

Scott stated that he would like to solicit bids for a new roof at the township hall as it is in disrepair and leaking. This has been discussed at previous meetings.

Motion by Mike, support by Kevin, PASSED to solicit bids for a new roof at township hall. Yes, all.

Office Cleaning: Scott stated that the cleaning services at the township hall should be put out to bid. Discussion followed.

Motion by Diane, support by Mary Ellen, PASSED to allow the Executive Committee, supervisor, clerk and treasurer, to solicit bids for cleaning services for the township hall. Yes, all.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Quotes for paving the road at the transfer station were discussed with Mr. McCormick. Richard Vallier stated that Mike used a common sense approach regarding raises for elected officials and stated Scott's actions with regard to the ordinance enforcement officer resigning, was deplorable. He made other comments regarding the same. Ron Hodges, of Hodges Hall, inquired about the progress of expanding sewer on Whitehall Road. Lynn Young stated that she and Trustee Diane Misze attended the Michigan Township Association Conference in January. She provided information of what took place at the conference and awards that were obtained by Trustee Misze. Connie Burchfield questioned working hours of the zoning administrator and had comments regarding the contract adopted for the same. She made comments regarding the township rental dwelling on Duff Road stating it has been rented well below market value and hopes the new tenant is not a relative of any board members. She stated that it is very distressing that Mr. Ridout had to resign from the ordinance enforcement position as he was doing good work. She stated that she hopes the township will re-advertise for the position. Ms. Burchfield made suggestions in reference to the roof bids that the township will be seeking; she also made comments and asked questions in reference to the paving of Russell Road near the transfer station. Steve Ellis made comments regarding public comment time and not responding to hands raised in the audience. Additional comments were made by board members and citizens present regarding the special assessment for weed spraying on North and West Lakes. Mike Otteren stated that Eric Ridout had been wronged by the township.

ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Mike, support by Kevin, PASSED to adjourn at 9:12 p.m.

DALTON TOWNSHIP BOARD
Scott Hladki Supervisor
Mary Ellen Sherwood Clerk
Rosemary Rinella Treasurer
Michael Hiner Trustee
Kevin Wright Trustee
Elizabeth Jenkins Trustee
Diane Misze Trustee