Welcome to Dalton Township
Dalton Township
Town Board Meeting
March 14, 2005


Meeting called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Scott Hladki, Supervisor, Pledge of Allegiance recited, and
Invocation given. Roll Call taken.
Members Present: Mike Hiner, Diane Misze, Elizabeth (Petsy) Jenkins, and Rosemary Rinella
Members Absent: MaryEllen Sherwood and Kevin Wright
Also Present: James Porter, Township Attorney
Scott called for a motion to allow Stephanie Barrett to act as Secretary for this meeting as the Clerk -
MaryEllen Sherwood was not in attendance due to family illness. Motion by Diane to allow Stephanie Barrett to act as Secretary. Supported by Mike. All in favor. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes:
Minutes of February 14, 2005 were reviewed. Minutes accepted as presented to be filed for audit.
Minutes of February 22, 2005 were reviewed. Minutes accepted as presented to be filed for audit.
Minutes of Special Meeting of March 7, 2005 were not available.

Public Comment:
Richard Vallier stated that he is dismayed that the road budget is being used up by the project with
McCormick's. He feels that the Road Committee should have some say in where the funds are used.
He also stated that he hopes that the proper procedure will be followed with the sewer project. David
Wells spoke against the spraying of the lakes. He still feels that the process that was completed was
improperly done and had several questions for the Board. Connie Burchfield asked if the position for
Ordinance Inforcer was put out for bid again. Scott said no. He stated that the Board will decide tonight
if it will be readvertised. Connie then asked if the other applicant was related to the Chandonnet's.
Scott said he asked Mr. Swiatek and he said he was not. Lynn Young asked if the Board has had a
worksession for the budget. Scott said no - the Board stated at the last meeting that they did not want to
schedule another meeting. Kelly Lynn, a receptionist for the Township, spoke about raises. She said
the difference between the 3% and 5% may not mean much to others but it means a lot to her and Kristi
(the other Secretary). Roger Hewer spoke against the spraying of the lakes. He is concerned about the
aquatic life that the spraying will affect.

Treasurers Report:
Report accepted as presented to be placed on file for audit.

Township Department's Business Report:
a. Fire Department: Last month the Fire Department responded to to 36 calls with a response time of
under 6 minutes
b. Maintenenance: Nothing new to report. Bids were opened for new mower. Bids were from Craig's
Hardware, Rothbury Hardware, The Power Shop, and Fillmore. Discussion followed.
Motion by Diane to table this issue until next month so they could get more pricing information.
Supported by Petsy. All in favor. Motion Carried.
c. Compliance Officer: The current Ordinance Enforcer has recommended Mr. Frank Swiatek to
replace him. Eric's letter also stated that Mr. Swiatek was still interested in the position.
Rosemary noted that when the Hiring Board had interviewed Mr. Swiatek and Mr. Ridout, they
felt both were well qualified. Motion by Rosemary to hire Frank Swiatek as the Ordinance
Enforcer. Supported by Mike. Rosemary - yes, Mike - yes, Diane - yes, Petsy - no, Scott - yes.
Motion Carried.

Monthly Bills:
Motion to pay the monthly bills as submitted by Mike. Seconded by Rosemary. Mike - yes,
Rosemary - yes, Diane - yes, Petsy - no, Scott - yes. Motion Carried.

Planning Commission Recommendations:
1. Request by Rocket Properties, LLC for a zone change from R-1 (Residential) to C-3 (Commercial)
for Parcel # 61-07-035-300-0066-00 (2464 Holton Road). Mark Boertman, owner of Rocket
Properties LLC was present. There is currently a house there but he has no plans for it at this time.
Petsy asked why he is asking for C-3 when his other parcels are C-2. Mr. Boertman said it is because
he currently has no plans for the site, but C-3 is the widest interpretation of Commercial and it would
not make sense to ask for C-2 now and have to come back later to ask for C-3 if future plans call for
that zoning requirement.
Motion by Diane to approve the zone change from R-1 to C-3 for Rocket Properties LLC. Supported
by Rosemary. All in favor. Motion Carried.

2. Request by Pat & Carol Yarnold of Dogstar Ranch for a Special Use Permit for an Arena. Parcel #
61-07-019-100-0019-00. Mr. Yarnold told the Board that they would like to build an indoor arena for
agility training and shows. All the required documents have been submitted. They will hook up to
sewer if it becomes available. Petsy asked about animal waste. Mr. Yarnold said that his septic
system takes care of it and is regulated by the Health Department. Motion by Diane to pass the
request for a Special Use Permit for an arena for the Yarnolds. Supported by Petsy. All in favor.
Motion Carried.

3. Request by Ron Kadelsik of Westshore Consulting for Between the Lake Estates. Parcel #
61-07-011-200-0004-00 & 61-07-011-200-0006-00. Mr. Kadelsik explained that this project is a
preliminary plat. It consists of a 13 lot subdivision off Middle Lake Road. He has received Road
Commission approval for the road. He has received Planning Commission approval. A test well has
been drilled. He has received Health Department approval and the Soil Erosion Permit. He has
received preliminary approval from the Drain Commissioner. He is relocating the easement to the
wetlands to the boundary line along parcel 7. Marty has given verbal approval but not yet written
approval. There will be streetlights at the entrance, cul-de-sac, and in between if Consumers Energy
deems it necessary. The road and cul-de-sac are being built to Road Commission standards.
Motion by Diane for preliminary approval of Between the Lakes Estates contingent upon Drain
Commissioner approval and streetlights being installed. Supported by Rosemary. All in favor.
Motion Carried.

4. Request by James Keck for a Special Use Permit for a Retail Store located at 3553 Holton Road
(Parcel # 61-07-025-100-0019-00). Mr. Keck is going to open a retail store in one of his buildings
that used to be a beauty salon. The Drain Commissioner has not given his approval. Mr. Keck
believes this is because Mr. Hulka thinks that Mr. Keck's house is going to be converted to the retail
store. This is not the case. Mr. Keck is trying to talk to Mr. Hulka directly so he can get this settled.
The Planning Commission recommended 1 year for an approach and 2 years for paving. The Board
set dates of June 1, 2006 for the approach to be finished and June 1, 2007 for the paving to be finished.
Petsy asked about the current zoning. Mrs. Barrett checked the zoning map and stated that it is
currently zoned C-3. Paved parking will also provide access to the greenhouses. Motion by Diane to
approve the Special Use Permit for Mr.Keck for a Retail Store contingent upon Drain Commissioner
approval, the approach being paved by June 1, 2006, and the parking lot being paved by June 1, 2007.
Supported by Mike. All in favor. Motion Carried.

James Borushko - County Administrator. Mr. Borushko addressed the Board and congratulated them and the Township on the water decision. He stated that the County is going forward on this project. He looks forward to working with the Township as well as others on this project. He supports the sewer coming to Dalton Township. Mr. Borushko apologized if there'd been any major disagreement caused by County Staff with regards to the Township Board over the last two years. Scott asked about the selective cutting of trees going on the Cordova site. He was wondering where the money would be going.
Mr. Borusko said he is going to try to talk to Chuck Buzzell to try to put some of that money into the rail trail that will be going through that property.

Adoption of Sewer Study of Whitehall Road. Motion accepted the adoption of the sewer study of Whitehall Road by Mike. Supported by Diane. All in favor. Motion Carried.

Letter of intent for Whitehall Road Study & River Road Study. Motion to approve the letters of intent for Whitehall Road Study and River Road study by Rosemary. Supported by Scott. All in favor.
Motion Carried.

Approval of Johnson & Anderson for Design Plans on Whitehall Road Phase 1. Scott suggested they table this issue so they can gather more information before making a decision. Motion by Mike to table this issue until they receive more information. Supported by Diane. All in favor.
Motion Carried.

Authorization of Sewer Study on River Road - North. Scott stated that the letter of intent which they approved tonight will help to pay for this - the township may be able to receive a refund from the County. Motion by Diane to authorize the sewer study on River Road - North not to exceed $2000.00.
Supported by Petsy. Diane - yes, Petsy - yes, Rosemary - yes, Mike - yes, Scott - yes.
Motion Carried.

Northside Water System Rate Changes. Motion to approve the rate changes for the Northside Water System by Mike. Supported by Petsy. All in favor. Motion Carried.

Resolution (Requesting Assistance of County Department of Public Works) The resolution pertains to getting water to Michigan's Adventure and the Hamilton/Blair Road area. The bond is not to exceed 11 Million Dollars. Mike stated that John Warner has said he will make himself available to the township regarding the water/sewer issues. Motion to Adopt the Resolution by Diane. Supported by Mike.
All in favor. Motion Carried.

Resolution #2 for West Lake weed spraying & Resolution #2 for North Lake weed spraying.
Mr. Porter responded to Mr. Wells comments about the legality of the process. Mr. Porter believes that the process so far is legal and process may continue. He also stated that the Board does not have to agree with the petitions even if 51% or more want it. Motion by Rosemary to approve Resolution #2 for West Lake weed spraying and Resolution #2 for North Lake weed spraying. Supported by Scott. Rosemary- yes, Scott - yes, Mike - yes, Petsy - yes, Diane - no. Motion Carried.

Drain Maintenance Spraying Program. The cost of this program is $400.00. The Township received a letter from Marty Hulka, the Drain Commissioner, about the program. Motion by Rosemary to approve the Drain Maintenance Spraying Program. Supported by Mike. Rosemary - yes, Mike - yes, Diane - yes,
Petsy - yes, Scott - yes. Motion Carried.

Budget 05-06 Adoption Scott stated that he has worked with Mary Ellen and Rosemary on the new budget. Motion by Mike to postpone adoption of the 05-06 Budget until a full board can be present.
Supported by Diane. All in favor. Motion Carried. Scott will try to set a date.

Board Comment Mike stated that at the last Planning Commission meeting, it was brought to his attention that a streetlight is needed at the corner of Michillinda and Dalson Roads. There are approximately 15 children who gather there for their busstop. Mike also addressed the 3% - 5% pay raise addressed at the last meeting. The percentage was for elected officials only. Office personnel raises are based on merit. Scott confirmed this. Petsy brought information for Scott on roofing. Diane asked about
the lawsuit against Tridonn regarding the fire station. Scott said it was postponed until May so Fire Chief Furman would be able to attend. Scott expressed thanks to the Board for attending the joint Special Meeting with Muskegon Township.

Public Comment:
Brian Bannenga addressed the Board/Public regarding the spraying of West Lake. He said the lakes are checked in the spring. The gentleman who checks the lakes - Jason- will make himself available to anyone with questions. He is from Professional Lake Management. Richard Vallier stated that he is alarmed that Kevin Wright will be gone for two months in a row. Scott told Richard that Kevin is in the office constantly and keeps up with what is going on in the Township. Richard also said he feels the 3% raise for the Secretaries would be low. Ron Hodges said he is glad to see things moving ahead with the sewer project as his business cannot grow without it. He asked how soon he would be able to get sewer service. Scott said he is not sure, but the Township is working with the County. Steve Ellis questioned why his comments at the last meeting were not in the minutes. Mr. Porter responded that public minutes only have to contain motions, supports, and the vote (result). Richard Hoge asked when the minutes from the meetings are available. Mrs. Barrett said Planning Commission minutes are in the next day. Townboard
minutes are available on request. He also asked about getting a speed study on Michillinda Road. Scott gave him the name and phone number of the office that controls this.

Adjournment:
Motion to Adjourn by Mike. Seconded by Diane. All in favor. Motion Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:56 P.M.

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

Acting Secretary _________________
Stephanie Barrett
 
 
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1616 Riley Thompson Road, Muskegon, MI 49445
Phone: (231) 766-3043
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