6:00 P.M.

 

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

 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

 

Supervisor, Scott Hladki, called the meeting to order at the Dalton Township Hall.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT-BOARD MEMBER DISCUSSION REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS:

Diane stated that the letter she received from Sue Bell was put into her mail box. She stated that it is a felony for anyone to do this except the mail carriers. Lynn read a written statement regarding her being accused of discussing agenda items and making predetermined decisions before meetings. Lynn stated although she does have dialog and investigates items, she has never made a predetermined decision. It was stated that Lynn was not being accused of this it was aimed at Mary Ellen, Petsy and Diane. All three stated to Mike that this is total fabrication. Mary Ellen stated the board members received a letter from the Deputy Treasurer, Sue Bell, and a memo from herself in response to Sue's letter. She asked if the board had any questions regarding her memo. There was no reply. The board discussed the possibility of getting a mediator to help work through some issues facing the board to enhance the board's ability to function.

 

DEPUTY CLERKS POSITION:

Mary Ellen stated that every time this issue is brought to the board, it becomes a personal attack on her. She stated the treasurer has a full time deputy, the assessor has a full time deputy, the supervisor has a deputy and most township supervisors do not have a deputy and she believes that it is time for the board to recognize the same need in the clerk's office. She stated that the deputy is not requesting benefits, only that the hours be officially increased so that this position is in compliance with the personnel policy. Mary Ellen stated that Deputy Clerk, Stacy Russell, has been working over the hours allowed by the personnel policy; however, every one of her time sheets has been approved by the supervisor or the deputy supervisor. The attorney stated that she cannot waive benefits. Mary Ellen stated that this is not correct as she has worked for other municipalities that offer compensation in lieu of benefits; however, the employee must prove that they are covered by another insurance policy, such as a policy covering them by a spousal policy. The attorney stated that he does not believe that pension can we waived. Other items were discussed regarding this issue. The public wanted to comment regarding this issue. The public and board members spoke highly of Stacy, the deputy clerk, and stated that she deserves full time. Mary Ellen stated that both she and the deputy take work home on a regular basis and she has not witnessed any other office having to take work home.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Mary Ellen, PASSED to open the floor for public comments. Yes: all.

 

Connie Burchfield stated that taking work home was not favorable. Former Supervisor, Merle Hittle, stated that the clerk's office has the busiest office and the most work load. He stated that there is a former clerk in the audience that can verify the same. He stated the clerk's office deserves full time help as the other offices have, and he recommends full time for the deputy clerk, with benefits as the other full time employees.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to close the floor for public comments. Yes: all.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Lynn, PASSED to approve full time status for the deputy clerk position, with the same benefits as all other full time employees and officials. Yes: Diane, Lynn, Petsy, Mike, Rosemary, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

 

Motion by Petsy, support by Mike, PASSED that hourly employees may not take work home. Yes: Petsy, Mike, Diane, Lynn. Rosemary, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

 

BOARD ACTION REGARDING PUTTING LAND UP FOR BIDS:

A five and ten acre parcel of township land was previously put up for bid and was discussed at the last regular board meeting. Petsy stated this land was not however, approved to be put up for bid by the board. Scott questioned if the board wanted to approve for this land to be put up for bid. Petsy stated, if this item is approved, then it needs to be re-advertised. Petsy stated that all land is to be approved by the board before it is put up for bid. This land was put up for bid without approval and it makes it appear that there is reason to distrust why this happened.

 

Motion by Petsy, support by Diane, PASSED not to approve this land be put up for bids at this time. Yes: Petsy, Diane, Mike, Lynn. Rosemary and Mary Ellen. No: Scott.

 

BOARD ACTION REGARDING SEWER PROJECTS:

The attorney spoke of the Intergovernmental Agreement between Dalton Township and Muskegon Charter Township for the Construction of Sanitary Sewer Improvements along the Common Boundary of River Road. The attorney advised the board of how important it is to move ahead with this process and the tight timeline that is in place. The attorney suggested the board approve this Agreement and approve for the supervisor and the attorney to finish negotiations with regard to this contract.

 

Motion by Lynn, support by Mike, PASSED to authorize the supervisor and the attorney to have approval to sign and finish negotiations regarding the River Road Sewer project contract. Yes: Lynn, Mike, Petsy, Diane, Rosemary and Scott. No: Mary Ellen.

 

PERMIT APPROVAL FOR TWIN LAKE FIREWORKS:

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the permit as submitted for the Twin Lake Fireworks annual display. Yes: all.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Former Township Supervisor, Merle Hittle, made comments in reference to the sewer projects. He stated to Scott that none of the elected officials are the boss; however, he has to learn to deal with everyone. Mr. Hittle stated that when some township officials do not communicate it makes the residents wonder if certain agendas are being pushed through, closed door meetings etc. Connie Burchfield stated that the attorney needs a microphone as well so the public can hear his comments and recommendations. The sewer project was discussed further and bonding for the same; how many Residential Equivalent Units (REU's) and the cost per resident, etc. Troy Marciniak present for Thunderbird Raceway had further comments. Robert Grant stated that the deputy clerk needs full time because the person she is supposed to be helping is not here and not doing her job. Mr. Grant stated that although elected official hours are not set by law they should be here during regular office hours and stated the clerk is not. He stated that if the clerk does not resign within 30 days that he is starting a recall petition against her and he will make sure the language is correct the first time. Mary Ellen stated that she is doing her job and invited Mr. Grant to come to her office. Connie Burchfield stated that the treasurer and the assessor's office have full time deputies and that she believes Mr. Grant should sit in the clerk's office to see how busy they are and witness the workload. She stated Mr. Grant may be pleasantly enlightened. She stated this is a sad situation. Petsy stated if Mr. Grant initiates such a petition that he should not be sitting on the Planning Commission. The attorney stated that he can only be removed for cause. Stephanie stated that this is correct, he can only be removed for cause, as she learned this at a recent conference that she, Petsy and Diane attended. Kelly Bouchard, Secretary of the township stated that she sits at the front desk and the gossip that takes place in that part of the office is terrible. She stated that everybody picks on a few individuals and this is stressful for everyone. The possibility of getting mediation for the board was again discussed. Merle Hittle offered to be the mediator for the board.

 

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to close comments from the floor. Yes: all.

 

Motion by Petsy, support by Diane, PASSED to approve for the Former Township Supervisor, Merle Hittle, to conduct mediation sessions with the Dalton Township Board of Trustees. Yes: all.

 

CULVERT REPAIR:

Scott stated that the culvert failed on Beattie Road and stated the township's cost share to fix the culvert is $9,969.00. He stated the total project will cost approximately $20,000.

 

Motion by Mike, support by Petsy, PASSED to approve payment of $9.969.00 payable to the Muskegon County Road Commission for culvert repair on Beattie Road.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to adjourn at 7:16 p.m.

 

 

DALTON TOWNSHIP BOARD

Scott Hladki Supervisor

Mary Ellen Sherwood Clerk

Rosemary Rinella Treasurer

Michael Hiner Trustee

Elizabeth Jenkins Trustee

Diane Misze Trustee Lynn Young Trustee

 

Clerk__________________________

Mary Ellen Sherwood