DALTON TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING-DECEMBER 12, 2005
7:00 P.M.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Scott Hladki, Mary Ellen Sherwood, Rosemary Rinella, Mike Hiner, Elizabeth (Petsy) Jenkins, Diane Misze and Lynn Young (7).

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None (0).

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 November 14, 2005 and the Special Meeting Minutes of December 5, 2005, were accepted as presented and placed on filed.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
There was no public comment.

TREASURER'S REPORT:
As of November 30, 2005, the General Fund has $4,363.67, Fire Operating Fund has $22,217.73, and Fire Equipment Fund has $12,853.43. There is $296,575.53 in the Co-Merica J-Fund. The Treasurer's Report was accepted and placed on file for audit.

MONTHLY BILLS:
Motion by Rosemary, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the monthly bills as submitted. General Fund payments equaling $39,892.33, Fire Operating Fund $3,991.43, and Cemetery Fund $215.35; and bills were paid from the Building Fund and other miscellaneous funds. Roll call vote. Yes: Rosemary, Mike, Diane, Lynn, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. Petsy voted yes with the exception of check 17666 for Assessor's Renewal as this is a contracted position and if it is paid is should be split with all jurisdictions in which Wanda works, and also with the exception of check 17638 for poinsettias from Red Cross, as this is not a legal expenditure. No: None.

The Deputy Clerk, Stacy Russell, was present and stated the assessor's renewal was for Tina not Wanda who is contracted. Most board members were not aware that Tina has received her assessor certification.

FIRE BUSINESS:
Monthly Report: Fire Chief, Gary Furman, submitted the Incident Log for November 2005. Total number of incidents, including exposure fires was 47 with an average response time of 7.5 minutes.

Unnamed private roads: It has been a concern that some addresses are being issued on River Road, however the actual road is a road off of River Road and emergency personnel cannot find the address. The attorney spoke of amending the road ordinance to insure that this issue of a private road with the address on a main road is resolved, mainly for the residents own protection. No action was taken at this time. The failed fire equipment millage was discussed and Chief stated that Dalton Township is still providing fire services to Cedar Creek Township as it was rumored that Dalton no longer covered Cedar Creek Township.

Firefighters to be taken off of probation: Chief Furman stated that two probationary fire fighters have successfully completed their classes and training, and have also passed state testing and training required to obtain the status of Certified Firefighter I and II, and also Certified Medical First Responders. Chief stated that he would like the board's approval to bring Eric Russell and Sarah Hayes up to the status of regular fire fighters. The board congratulated both Eric and Sarah.

Motion by Diane, support by Mary Ellen, PASSED to approve the appointment of Eric Russell and Sarah Hayes as regular fire fighters. Yes: all.

COMPLIANCE OFFICER:
Compliance Officer Frank Swiatek was present and updated the board regarding ordinance violation cases. The board thanked Frank and stated that he is doing a good job.

PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS:
Discussion took place regarding the vacant seats. Some board members did not want John Knoll to leave the seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals as this is a very important board and he is the chair. Scott stated that he would stay on the Z.B.A., and be on the planning commission.

A. Appoint planning commissioners for two vacant seats:

Motion by Mike, support by Rosemary, PASSED to appoint John Knoll to the Planning Commission for a three year term. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Rosemary, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: Petsy, Diane, and Lynn.

Motion by Mike, support by Rosemary, FAILED to appoint Ross McCloskey to the Planning Commission for a three year term. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Rosemary, and Scott. No: Mary Ellen, Petsy, Diane, and Lynn. The supervisor will make another recommendation for the board's consideration at the next meeting to fill this seat.

B. Re-appoint Mike Hiner to the Planning Commission for a three-year term.

Petsy questioned Mike and other board members regarding another board member with a fresh perspective to be appointed to the planning commission instead of reappointing Mike to this seat.

Motion by Rosemary, support by Scott, PASSED to re-appoint Mike Hiner as the board representative for a three-year term on the Dalton Township Planning Commission. Roll call vote. Yes: Rosemary, Scott, Diane, Mike and Lynn. No: Petsy and Mary Ellen.

MEETING DATES AND HOLIDAY CLOSINGS FOR 2006:
Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Diane, PASSED to approve annual meeting dates for 2006 as submitted. Yes: all.

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve annual holiday closings for 2006 as submitted, with the deletion of July 5, 2006. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Rosemary, Mike, Lynn and Scott. No: Petsy and Diane.

REQUEST OF ROMAN MARCINIAK AND STEVE WOLCOTT FOR PERMISSION TO HOST A THREE DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THUNDERBIRD RACEWAY THE WEEKEND OF JULY 4, 2006.
Lengthy discussion took place regarding this request. Steve Wolcott was present and explained that he would like to hold this multi-day music festival during the week of July 4th. He stated that he understands that he needs security and insurance and is present to make the request properly. The township attorney stated that this type of activity is not permitted in an A-R District where Thunderbird Raceway is located. Frank Swiatek stated that as a member of the Muskegon County Mounted Posse he believes that this event would need at least 10 man posse which would have to be approved and personnel hired by the Muskegon County Sheriff Department. Mary Ellen stated this is not a permitted use, and this festival, as explained, is also not in compliance with the township's noise ordinance. There were residents present with concerns regarding this agenda item. No action was taken at this time.

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to table this item at this time. Yes: all.

CADY ROAD RESOLUTION NUMBER TWO, CULVERT REPLACEMENT:
Mary Ellen stated that she prepared this resolution as requested; however, she does not approve passing the resolution as it states the board is hereby approving the plans, showing the improvements, the location thereof, and the estimated costs of the same. It further states this information is on file with the township clerk for public examination. She stated that this information has not been provided to her as of this date. Therefore, she is requesting this resolution be tabled and requested the attorney review the validity of the petitions submitted regarding the same.

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to table this item at this time. Yes: all.

CONSIDERATION TO PUT DALTON TOWNSHIP LAND UP FOR BID:
Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to approve the request for the township to accept bids on the un-buildable land described as 07-620-000-0089-00 and 07-620-000-0091-00 as requested by Robert Tenberg of Livonia, MI. Yes: all.

RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR "CENTERS FOR REGIONAL EXCELLENCE":
A news release from the office of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm prompted the resolution that encourages collaboration between local governments to work together to share services, agencies, equipment, and employees, etc., in order to streamline government services to save taxpayer dollars. The news release explains the possible grant money available for communities that collaborate in the efforts and requirements regarding the same.

Motion by Diane, support by Lynn, PASSED to adopt the Resolution of Support Centers for Regional Excellence, a resolution supporting regional collaboration efforts spending taxpayers dollars more effectively through collaboration. Yes: all.

BOARD COMMENT:
Scott stated that he received a call from the county regarding a possible grant for infrastructure at the Cordovia property which was purchased by Muskegon County. Scott stated the county cannot apply for or receive the grant and therefore, is requesting the board's permission to sign the EDA Grant Application on behalf of the county and Dalton Township to accept the proposed grant.

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to approve for Supervisor, Scott Hladki, to sign the EDA Grant Application. Yes: all.

The proposed upcoming zoning ordinance meeting was discussed. No date was set. Scott and Stephanie explained that Planners, Prein and Newhof may be replacing Planner, Lukas Hill of Williams & Works in reference to the zoning ordinance, as Lukas resigned from this firm. Petsy questioned Stephanie why the people were not contacted that volunteered as residents of Dalton for the Zoning Advisory Committee to review the proposed zoning ordinance, as they were told they would be contacted. A memo was submitted to board members from the attorney in reference to maintenance of private roads. Resident David Less was present again regarding this issue and discussion took place regarding the same. The lack of a Special Use Permit for the McCormick property on Russell Road was discussed. The attorney stated that this is not a permitted use in this area zoned A-R; therefore, a special use permit cannot be issued for the concrete storage, which is being stored at the Russell Road location.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
Connie Burchfield stated that she believes the board is not always fiscally responsible and is careless with the township's finances at times. She requested the board be fiscally responsible. She also asked questions directed at the fire chief regarding fire runs and she also had questions for the township attorney. Residents of 4982 Automobile Road and 638 W. Riley Thompson Road were present to express their complete disapproval of the proposed music festival at Thunderbird Raceway. Eric Russell spoke in support of the festival stating his reasons for the same, one being that this would bring revenue into the township. Ross McCloskey had many comments in reference to the noise ordinance, the planning commission appointments and how the planning chairman would be chosen; he requested more information about the proposed Zoning Advisory Committee to review the new zoning language, he questioned if the Township's Master Plan is on the township web site and other web site questions, he questioned if the township needs another planner to take over for Lukas Hill of Williams and Works in reference to the zoning ordinance as the document is almost in its final version. Ross also stated that former trustee Kevin Wright's name needs to be removed from the web site. He questioned why a map of the township is not in the board room; and he also spoke about the failed millage for fire equipment. Richard Hoage had questions regarding the resolution regarding Regional Cooperation between jurisdictions adopted by the board. He also stated that he agrees with Mr. McClosky stating the township should not hire another planner in reference to the new zoning ordinance since it is in the final draft. Steve Ellis stated that he wishes the township would keep him more up to date. Annette Vida questioned why there has been such delay in setting up the volunteer zoning advisory committee. She also stated her disappointment with the township as no news letter was sent out with the taxes this year to keep residents informed. Ms. Vida agreed that bringing in another planner at this stage of the new zoning ordinance, is not necessary.

ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Mike, support by Rosemary, PASSED to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.