BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mary Ellen Sherwood, Rosemary Rinella, Mike Hiner, Elizabeth (Petsy) Jenkins, Diane Misze and Kevin Wright.

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Scott Hladki.

Trustee, Michael Hiner, called the meeting to order at the Dalton Township Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance said, invocation given and roll call taken. Mike stated that Scott called him and asked him to chair the meeting in his absence.

Motion by Rosemary, support by Kevin, PASSED to appoint Mike Hiner as chairperson for the meeting in Scott's absence. Yes, all.

MINUTES:
The regular meeting minutes of April 11, 2005 were accepted as presented and placed on filed.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Stephanie Barrett asked a question of the clerk. The clerk stated that she would discuss later during board members comments.

ROAD COMMITTEE UPDATE:
Lynn Young, Chair of the Township Road Committee, gave the board updates, inquired about brining, and discussed materials that can be used as alternatives that may be more efficient and less costly.

TREASURER'S REPORT:
As of April 30, 2005, the General Fund has $124,344.90, Fire Operating Fund has $178,017.04, and Fire Equipment Fund has $38,435.11. There is $320,867.37 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 April 1 through April 30, 2005. Total number of incidents, including exposure fires was 73, with an average response time of 7.00 minutes.

Fire Chief Gary Furman, although on medical leave, was present at the meeting. Chief Furman stated that the board previously approved the purchase of two vehicles for the fire department. He stated that he and some fire department officers would instead like the board to approve the purchase of a vehicle similar to the Argo 8 X 8 Avenger, which a handout of information on this vehicle was provided to the board. He stated this type of vehicle would be helpful when trying to remove accident victims from a wooded area. He explained further the benefits of the department having this equipment.

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to allow the fire department to obtain prices on this type of vehicle for purchase by the fire department. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Rosemary, Mike, Kevin, Petsy and Mary Ellen. No: none.

Fire Chief, Gary Furman, stated that his medical leave originally had his return to work date as April or May. He stated that his medical leave was extended until approximately the end of August or September. He explained that the township has been paying him compensation, not to exceed his normal salary amount, to supplement his workers compensation according to his contract. He stated the contract only covers the supplemental salary for 90 days. Mary Ellen read the sick leave portion of the Fire Chief's Contract to the board. Chief Furman requested the board approve the extension of his supplemental salary past the ninety-day limit as stated in the Contract, as this was a work-related injury. The attorney commented that this would not be unusual for the board to continue to supplement his workers compensation as is being done, as it was clearly a work related injury. Mary Ellen stated that she received the doctor's slip stating that Chief Furman is still on total disability, at least until the end of July according to the doctor. Mary Ellen stated that the board should request that our attorney pursue the supplemental workers compensation companies that are refusing to pay supplemental compensation for this claim. The board agreed and requested the attorney pursue this claim.

Motion by Rosemary, support by Kevin, PASSED to approve the extension of our share of Chief Furman's salary to compensate the workers compensation benefits until August 2005. Roll call vote. Yes: Rosemary, Kevin, Diane, Petsy and Mary Ellen and Mike. No: none.

Fire Chief Gary Furman stated that Assistant Fire Chief, Kevin Anderson, has been working additional hours in his absence and requested the board compensate Kevin for his time. Discussion followed including what compensation rate he should receive. The chief stated that he should be paid his normal rate for assistant fire chief. Kevin discussed the days and hours that he may be able to work.

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to approve paying Assistant Fire Chief, Kevin Anderson, his normal hourly rate, for up to 16 hours per week. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Mike, Rosemary, Kevin, Petsy and Mary Ellen. No: none.

CEMETERY:
Chief Furman, also cemetery sexton, stated that everything is caught up at the cemetery. Adding all burials are done all headstones have been set.

MAINTENANCE:
Discussion took place regarding some of the maintenance vehicles and breakdowns. Maintenance Supervisor, Keith Ostoin, requested guidance from the board regarding the possible purchase of a ¾ ton 4 X 4 with towing capability. It was discussed if this purchase was budgeted. Keith explained that money is available with some budgeted items put on hold. The board agreed that Keith may start looking for vehicles as discussed not to exceed $10,000.00.

Keith also updated the board on other equipment that was previously purchased. He gave an update of operations at the transfer station. Discussion also took place regarding the maintenance and upkeep of Duff Field. The board requested that the maintenance department continue the upkeep of Duff Field unless other arrangements have been made for its upkeep.

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Diane, PASSED to have the maintenance department continue the upkeep of Duff Field, unless someone else will be maintaining the field. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Diane, Kevin, Petsy, Rosemary and Mike. No: none.

ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT:
No report was given.

BUILDING INSPECTOR:
Building Inspector, Chris Hall, stated that the State Construction Code Ordinance is provided in the packets for the boards consideration. He stated that the board has already adopted this Code; however, by adopting this Ordinance, it will make it easier to enforce the Code.

Motion by Diane, support by Mary Ellen, PASSED to approve the first reading of the State Construction Code Ordinance. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Mary Ellen, Kevin, Petsy, Rosemary and Mike. No: none.

Chris stated that this week is building safety week and provided details. He stated the Planning Commission has recommended additional hours for Zoning Administrator, Stephanie Barrett, and he supports the concept as this department has a lot of work and there is no one to follow up on stipulations placed on special use permits.

MONTHLY BILLS:
Motion by Rosemary, support by Diane, PASSED to approve the monthly bills as submitted. General Fund $110,133.78, Fire Operating Fund $44,079.59, and Cemetery Fund $902.10, StreetLight Fund $1,429.31 and other miscellaneous bills were paid. Roll call vote. Yes: Rosemary, Diane, Mary Ellen, Petsy, Mike and Kevin. No: none.

PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request by the Planning Commission to have the zoning administrator's hours increased to 32 hours per week.
Discussion took place. Stephanie stated that if her hours are increased it will help. She stated that she will waive any and all benefits that may be available to her with increased hours.

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve that the Zoning Administrator, Stephanie Barrett's, hours be increased to 20 hours per week for zoning administration only. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Rosemary, Kevin, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Mike. No: none.

Recommendation by the Planning Commission to approve a Special Use Permit for a retail business for Kris Thorsen at 2485 Holton Road. The Planning Commission passed this item and recommended approval to the township board. Parking, signage, and other issues were discussed.

Motion by Kevin, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the special use permit for the retail business at 2485 Holton Road for Mr. Thorsen, with overnight parking limited to six (6) vehicles. Roll call vote. Yes: Kevin, Rosemary, Mike, Diane and Mary Ellen. No: Petsy.

Recommendation by the Planning Commission to approve a Special Use Permit for sand mining for Mike Patterson at 512 W. Riley Thompson Road. This item was postponed.

ENGINEERING FIRM-WADE TRIM:
Mr. Terry Bartels was present on behalf of Wade Trim Engineering Firm. He stated that he has spoken with Scott in the past regarding the possibility of providing engineering services to the township. He requested to be put on the agenda as discussed with Scott, to introduce Wade-Trim and the services that they can provide to the township. Mr. Bartels gave board members a booklet of information containing firm background, their project team, and relevant project experience. He stated that 90 percent of their business comes from repeat work and stated if the township already has a trusted engineering firm that they trust and work with then he applauds the township. He stated that sometimes it may be beneficial if a township obtains an engineering firm that does not have projects in nearby communities, as then the firm will be looking out for our townships best interests. Mr. Bartels stated that he has reviewed minutes of the township board meetings and received a copy of the Northside projects ongoing in the township. He stated that he would also like copies of the sewer study that the township had prepared. He stated their firm always conducts client interview after projects are completed for customer satisfaction. The board thanked Mr. Bartels for his time and information.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION FOR REVOCATION OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT:
Mr. Manna was present and explained his situation with the board. He requested the board give him an extension of time for his special use permit for the business at 3301 Whitehall Road. The Zoning Administrator explained that two of the six stipulations placed on the Special Use Permit have not been met. Discussion followed.

Motion by Diane, support by Petsy, PASSED to allow the extension of Mr. Manna's Special Use Permit and shall be revoked by September 1, 2005 if not in compliance by that time. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Petsy, Kevin, Rosemary, Mary Ellen and Mike. No: none.

BETWEEN THE LAKES ESTATES:
Mary Ellen read information that was provided to her by Steve Vallier, of Westshore Consultants regarding this project and action that the board needs to take regarding plan approval and signing of the printed Mylar for the project. The zoning administrator stated that she reviewed the printed plans and Mylar submitted and they are printed as previously approved.

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to allow the clerk to sign the printed Mylar's stating the board's approval of printed plans for the Between the Lakes Estates. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Rosemary, Petsy, Kevin, Mary Ellen and Mike. No: none.

SPECIAL MEETING DATE:
Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to wait until our regular June board meeting for this business. Yes: all.

TWIN LAKE FIREWORKS COST SHARE:
Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the cost share for the Twin Lakes Fireworks Presentation for $500.00. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Rosemary, Mary Ellen, Petsy, Mike and Kevin. No: none.

FIRE WORKS DISPLAY FOR TOM LUSK:
Motion by Kevin, support by Petsy, PASSED to approve the fire works display permits as submitted by Tom Lusk for fire works displays at Fox Park and Twin Lake Park for the July 4th holiday festivities. Roll call vote. Yes: Kevin, Petsy, Diane, Rosemary, Mary Ellen and Mike. No: none.

RESOLUTION-ROAD CLOSURE FOR TWIN LAKE DAYS:
Motion by Diane, support by Kevin, PASSED to approve the Resolution and permit for East Street Road Closure June 10 and 11 for the Twin Lake Days festivities. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Kevin, Petsy, Rosemary, Mary Ellen and Mike. No: none.

ORDINANCE TO REGULATE TIMBER HARVESTING/LOGGING:
This item was discussed. The attorney stated that he would make the recommend revisions and will return a revised copy to the board for consideration. No action was taken on this item.

RESOLUTION TO ISSUE AND SELL BONDS WITH MUSKEGON COUNTY IN REFERENCE TO SEWER PROJECTS:
Motion by Diane, support by Kevin, PASSED to approve the Letter of Intent as received from Muskegon County in reference to payment of costs to acquire and construct sewer improvements projects. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Kevin, Petsy, Rosemary, Mary Ellen and Mike. No: none.
REVIEW BIDS/HELP WANTED FOR CLEANING OF TOWNSHIP HALL:
Lengthy discussion took place regarding this item. Applications were reviewed and recommendations were made. Motions were also made, but failed for lack of support.

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Diane, PASSED to appoint Rosemary to contact some cleaning services for prices, and to get someone in for cleaning services immediately. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Diane, Petsy, Rosemary, Kevin and Mike. No: none.

ROOF BIDS FOR TOWNSHIP HALL:
Only one bid was received for the roofing repairs/construction for the township hall. It was suggested that the Maintenance Supervisor, Keith Ostoin, contact some roofing companies to get quotes for a flat and quotes for a peeked roof at the township hall. The one bid received was not opened.

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to appoint Keith to get prices as stated for roofing on the township hall. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Mike, Mary Ellen, Petsy, Rosemary and Kevin. No: none.

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS:
COMPENSATION FOR ZONING ADMINISTRATOR. Mike stated the board approved the additional hours for the zoning administrator, however no compensation was discussed. He stated for double hours, she should get double the pay. The board asked Stephanie what her pay rate is. She stated that she is salaried, but hourly it figures out to be about $23.00 per hour. The additional hours and days she will work was discussed. The lower pay rate of employees that have been employed with the township much longer than Ms. Barrett were concerns of some board members and discussed.

Motion by Kevin, support by Rosemary, PASSED to compensate the zoning administrator double her current pay for double the hours worked, from $1,000.00 per month to $2,000.00 per month. Roll call vote. Yes: Kevin, Rosemary, Diane and Mike. No: Petsy and Mary Ellen.

Mike stated that a deputy supervisor should be brought on board to fill Scott's absence. He stated no action is needed tonight; however it should be kept in mind. He asked the attorney's opinion and the attorney stated the clerk and treasurer are the only two full time elected officials and they already have an extended work load. He recommend that Scott be consulted again regarding this issue.

AUDIT: Mary Ellen stated that the board has not approved an auditor for the audit for fiscal year ending March 31, 2005. She asked if the board would like to retain the services of Richard Parker, CPA as we have in the past or solicit bids for this service. Discussion followed.

Motion by Rosemary, support by Kevin, PASSED to retain the services of Richard Parker to complete the audit for fiscal year ending March 31, 2005 for $6,000.00 as quoted. Roll call vote. Yes: Rosemary, Kevin, Mike and Mary Ellen. No: Diane and Petsy.

DUFF ROAD RENTAL HOUSE: Mary Ellen stated that the township's rental house is not up to code according to our building inspector. She stated that the house was rented to a township firefighter and secretary after the first two tenant choices fell through. She recommend the house be inspected before it is rented to anyone and brought up to safety codes. Building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical inspection fees were discussed. It was agreed that the township will pay these fees to have these inspections completed. Building Inspector, Chris Hall, questioned the maintenance supervisor if new smoke detectors were installed at this rental. Keith stated no, however the ones there were operating. Chris agreed that it should be inspected then money will be needed for repairs and inspections.

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to have the Duff Road rental house inspected and find out what type of repairs are needed. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Mike, Kevin, Petsy, Rosemary and Mary Ellen. No: none.

OTHER: Mary Ellen updated the board regarding communication that she has had recently with personnel from the Muskegon County Road Commission and Scott regarding proposed road projects for this fiscal year.

PROCESSING DEEDS: The clerk requested that the board direct the Assessing Department to prepare any deeds on behalf of the township and explained reasons for the same. The attorney stated his approval for this recommendation and stated this is a lot to ask of the clerk, stating the legal descriptions and deed information is more in line with assessing duties.

Motion by Diane, support by Petsy, PASSED to direct assessing staff to prepare any deeds on behalf of the township. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Petsy, Mike, Kevin, Rosemary and Mary Ellen. No: none.

OTHER BUSINESS: Mary Ellen stated that she has learned that several inaccuracies have been stated at recent planning commission meetings and printed in the Planning Commission minutes, as prepared by Stephanie Barrett, who was her opponent in the primary election. She stated that several slanderous statements were made about her by Stephanie, the Planning Chair Payne, Commissioners Grant and Hiner. She stated that a large issue was apparently made at these planning meetings because the clerk did not provide board minutes for planning meeting. Mary Ellen states the attacks and slander were malicious and slanderous stating many false accusations. In the planning minutes, Marcia is asking Stephanie why Mary Ellen's board minutes are not done, and Stephanie responds, "Mary Ellen's mother passed and this probably why the minutes are not available". This is a false statement; they were done and available. Stephanie states that "Mary Ellen was off due to personal reasons before that." This is also a false statement. Marcia asked who she can complain to regarding not having the minutes. Marcia states that "it should not take a month to do the minutes." Mary Ellen stated is was not a month later at that point and reiterated that this was not correct and the minutes were completed and available; however, no one asked her or her deputy for the minutes. The May 5 Planning Minutes have a ½ page of business and 1-½ pages of slander and damage to the clerk. Mary Ellen stated that after she learned what took place at the planning meeting, she faxed the minutes to Mike Hiner at Howmet the next morning, after the planning commission meeting, to prove that they were completed. She requested that Stephanie not speak on her behalf, as she is not accurate in the statements that she has been making and giving false information to the planning commission.
Mary Ellen stated if the planning commission has questions of me then direct them to me, and again directed Stephanie not to speak for her. She stated that no one asked her or her deputy for the minutes and with her mother just passing away, she did not think about passing them along and when she returned to work she was busy with the upcoming school election. Stephanie stated that she did ask the deputy for the minutes and the deputy said she did not have access to your computer. Mary Ellen stated this not true, as everyone here knows, her deputy has access to all her records and the deputy has stated that she was never asked for the minutes either. Mary Ellen stated that Mike's comment at the planning meeting was not correct in stating that "Mary Ellen's mom died two weeks ago, this should have nothing to do with her not having the minutes ready". Mary Ellen stated her mom's funeral was on Friday and the planning packets went out during the time she was off due to her mom's death. She stated the planning meeting was on the following Tuesday, after the Friday funeral, and the minutes were available. Mary Ellen stated the planning minutes are essential to the town board as the board makes decisions based on the planning commission recommendations. She stated is it not vital to any actions of the planning commission to have the board minutes, stating they are only for informational purposes. She stated after my mom's passing I was not thinking of the planning packets and no one asked for them, apparently they would rather slander me instead. She stated that the township board moved their meetings to the second Monday of the month to accommodate the planning secretary and give them an additional week to get the planning minutes in the township board packets as our decisions are based on their recommendations. Rosemary stated to Mary Ellen, well you said you were leaving soon anyway. Mary Ellen stated that she has "considered leaving" because she is sick of the slander and harassment from those who want to see Stephanie in her position. Mary Ellen questioned Stephanie if the board minutes were vital to actions of the planning commission. She referred the question to Mike Hiner who is a member of the planning commission. He stated that the planning commission uses the board minutes for informational purposes, stating they are not vital to action taken at the planning commission meetings. Stating however, they should be provided, or passed along, within the days required. Mary Ellen said excuse me Mike, I was off because my mom died and the planning commission meeting was not first and foremost on my mind, and no one cared to ask for the information.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Planning Commissioner, Bob Grant, made comments regarding the back log in the zoning department. He made comments in favor of appointing Stephanie Barrett as the deputy supervisor. He stated opinions regarding the townships purchasing practices, and stated that the maintenance department does the cleaning of offices at the City of Norton Shores. Northside water rates and connection fees were brought up by a concerned resident on River Road, and discussed. Diane thanked the McCormick's for their help during the township's free dump day. A proposed site condo ordinance was disucssed with the attorney.

ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Mike, support by Kevin, PASSED to adjourn at 9:40 p.m.

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