7:00 P.M.

 

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

 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

 

Scott Hladki, Supervisor, 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 April 10, 2006 and the special meeting minutes of April 17, 2006 were accepted as presented and placed on file.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Richard Vallier spoke regarding agenda item number 13, the Township's Insurance Ordinance, inquiring if Rosemary's husband was eligible for the townships insurance, as he is eligible for Medicare. Since Rosemary is not retired, it was stated that her husband is eligible to be covered under the policy of the township until her retirement. Mr. Vallier also commented regarding the township not following an Ordinance regarding bidding procedures. Ken Ferrier and Rich Young were present regarding a rezone request by Mr. Young. Mr. Ferrier stated that the entire property needs to be rezoned in order for Mr. Young to have enough property for his proposed plans. The planning commission approved for only the front 300 feet to be rezoned, as this follows the land use plan. The attorney stated that the land use plan would have to be changed for the entire property to be rezoned and a land use change request could take 3 to 6 months.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT:

As of April 30, 2006, the General Fund has $49,512.41, Fire Operating Fund has $146,365.16, and Fire Equipment Fund has $58,182.80. There is $300,287.19 in the Co-Merica J-Fund. The Treasurer's Report was accepted and placed on file for audit.

 

MONTHLY BILLS:

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to approve the monthly bills as submitted. General Fund $40,512.50, Fire Fund $35, 218.24, Cemetery Fund $145.04 and bills were also paid from the building fund and other self-supporting miscellaneous funds. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Diane, Rosemary, Petsy, Lynn, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

FIRE BUSINESS:

Chief Furman was absent at the meeting due to a structure fire. Scott explained the fire incident log for the previous month stating there was 59 incidents and the average response time of 57.07 minutes. He stated the normal response time is approximately 7 to 8 minutes; however this time is extremely high due to a non-emergency run to assist Ravenna.

 

CEMETERY AND MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENTS:

Petsy stated that the new cemetery ordinance changing the rates has been drafted and Chief Furman will provide this in the near future. Scott stated the maintenance supervisor is not present and stated that brining will begin in the next week and stated that the free dump day went well.

 

COMPLIANCE OFFICER:

The Compliance Office, Frank Switek, stated that there have been 42 complaints since January and most are resolved, with eight cases still open and four cases pending.

 

BUILDING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT:

Building Inspector, Chris Hall, was present and on the agenda for a renewed contract. Discussion took place regarding legal expenditures for a contracted employee, such as training paid for by the township, an office provided, etc. The attorney commented and Chris Hall stated that the building fund is financially sound.

 

Motion by Rosemary, support by Petsy, PASSED to approve the Contract for Building Inspection Services between the Township and Chris Hall to expire July 1, 2009. Roll call vote. Yes: Rosemary, Petsy, Mike, Diane, Lynn, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION:

Mr. Shawn Dey of the Muskegon Regional Area Wide Plan was present and spoke in favor of the Township adopting the Resolution which approves establishing the North Central Muskegon County Joint Planning Commission. It was stated that the townships of Fruitland, Muskegon, Laketon, and Blue Lake have already adopted this resolution. Mr. Roland Crummel, Supervisor of Laketon Township, was also present and spoke in favor of adopting the resolution as well. Their reasons for their support were stated and Mr. Dey thanked the township board for their partnership in the past. The resolution states that there shall be two representatives on the Joint Planning Commission from Dalton Township, one from the township board and one from the township planning commission.

 

It was decided that Howard Trygstad would be the member appointed from the planning commission and that Scott Hladki will be the member appointed from the township board. The Alternate chosen is the Zoning Administrator, Stephanie Barrett.

 

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Diane, PASSED to approve Resolution 06-01 Establishing the North Central Muskegon County Joint Planning Commission with the members appointed as stated. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Diane, Mike, Rosemary, Petsy, Lynn and Scott. No: None.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Lynn, PASSED to approve $4,000.00 for the Joint Planning Commission Local Match Formula to be paid in equal installments over a two year period from account 101-103-956. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Lynn, Mike, Rosemary, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Change to require one-acre lots. This issue has been on several recent agendas and has been tabled. Petsy stated that this is why we have high, low, and medium densities so the acreage can be varied. Mike suggested postponing as the planning commission is expected to meet with the county. Scott stated that no one from the county will come as they are recommending one acre parcels, not requiring one acre parcels. Further discussion followed.

 

Motion by Petsy, support by Lynn, PASSED to approve the one-acre lot requirement be approved and inserted into the Zoning Ordinance as presented in particular zoned areas. Roll call vote. Yes: Petsy, Lynn, Rosemary and Scott. No: Mike, Diane and Mary Ellen.

 

2. Request by McCormick Sand for a Special Use Permit for gravel/concrete processing at 5430 Russell Road.

 

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Diane, PASSED to approve the Special Use Permit as stated with the stipulation that the McCormick's notify the township before crushing and the process be monitored for any nuisance. Mary Ellen stated the concrete there needs to be removed and if this does not go well during the first crushing, the board can revoke the special use permit. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Diane, Mike, Rosemary, Petsy, Lynn and Scott. No: None.

 

3. Request by Steven and Debra Yates of the KOA Campground at 3500 N. Strand Road for a zone change from R-1 (Residential) to C-3 (Commercial) for the North 10 acres of their property. Mr. and Mrs. Yates were present to explain their request.

 

Mr. Yates explained his request to the board. He stated that the rezoned property would be used to redirect septic flow from a site near the lake to a site on the ten-acre parcel. He stated that possible expansion of the camp may take place with the addition of cabins including an ADA accessible cabin. He stated the buffer zone is two acres deep and five acres long and would not be affected by these plans. It was stated if Mr. Yates does plan to go into this buffer zone in the future, then he must apply for a special use permit beforehand. The planning commission approved this request and recommended approval from the township board.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the zone change from R-1 to C-3 as requested for the 10-acre parcel at the KOA Campground. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Mike, Rosemary, Petsy, Lynn, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

3. Request by Rich Young of 2643 Duck Lake Road for a Zone Change from R-1 (Residential) to C-3 (Commercial) for vacant property located on Whitehall Road.

 

Again the attorney stated that in order to rezone more than the front 300 feet of the property the land use plan would need to be changed and this could take months. Lengthy discussion followed.

 

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Diane, PASSED to send this item back to the planning commission to look at the land use plan for this parcel and the parcels north and south of this parcel and to look at the zoning as well for this area. This request can then be restarted with applying and paying over again. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Diane, Mike, Rosemary, Petsy, Lynn and Scott. No: None.

 

TWIN LAKE DAYS STREET CLOSURE:

There was a request to also close 5th Street for part of the day on Saturday so children's games can be set up in the Twin Lake Elementary School parking lot. Mary Ellen stated that she will request that the road commission add the closing of 5th Street as well, or fill out a new request to add 5th Street closure.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the Performance and Indemnification Resolution which also approves the permit to submit to the Muskegon County Road Commission for the road closure on East Street in June for the Twin Lake Days festivities. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Diane, Mike, Rosemary, Petsy, Lynn and Scott. No: None.

 

RESOLUTION FOR A STREET LIGHT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT: Motion by Diane, support by Lynn, PASSED to approve the Resolution for a Special Assessment District for Street Lighting along Whitetail Lane and Four Point Lane Estates as requested by more than 51 percent, or more, of effected property owners. Yes: all.

 

RAIL TRAIL LEASE:

Scott explained that this lease is between the Township of Dalton as Lessee and the State of Michigan, as Lessor for the purpose of the Berry Junction Trail. He stated that the attorney has reviewed this very lengthy document and stated that portions of the lease may need to be revised. Scott stated that Fred Meijer donated six hundred eighteen thousand dollars for this trail expansion. Scott suggested the board approve for himself, Rosemary, Mary Ellen, and the attorney, be authorized to sign the document on behalf of the township when the lease finalized.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to approve Scott's suggestion as mentioned above authorizing the supervisor, treasurer, clerk, and attorney, to sign the final document on behalf of the Township. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Mike, Petsy, Lynn, Rosemary, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:

Scott stated that Stephanie Barrett is the Zoning Administrator and has been doing both zoning and was hired to be the deputy supervisor in his absence. He stated that he would like to remove Stephanie as the deputy supervisor and give her the additional duties of a public works person who would attend water and sewer meetings, take questions regarding the same, and in the future conduct the billing for the sewer. Much discussion took place including what this position would be called, how many hours of work, how many meetings she would attend, etc. Petsy questioned why Scott can not attend the meetings now that he is back to work. Mary Ellen stated that the county does the billing for the water and that she has conducted billings in the past and that the billing process only takes one day. People in attendance wanted to comment.

 

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

 

The public commented regarding the title of the position and had questions. The floor was closed.

 

Scott stated the proposed days and hours of the position. Petsy stated if this position is created than it should be advertised according to the equal opportunity rules. Mary Ellen stated that it is too premature for this position to be created at this time. She suggested that the budget be amended to allow Stephanie to continue as the deputy supervisor to attend meetings, etc. if Scott is not able. Building Inspector, Chris Hall, stated that he hopes this proposed position does not take away from her time as the zoning administrator.

 

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Mike, PASSED to for Stephanie to remain the deputy supervisor position for May and June and to amend the budget $900.00 to pay for her services for these two months. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Mike, Diane, Rosemary, Petsy, Lynn and Scott. No: None.

 

TOWNSHIP INSURANCE AND PENSION ORDINANCE:

The attorney commented and explained the ordinance, stating that the township has an ordinance in place for retirees however not for people still working. He stated the current ordinance is also very vague and needs to be updated. Petsy stated that this ordinance has been changed from its previous version with reference to hours worked to be eligible.

 

Motion by Mike, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the first reading of the Township Insurance and Pension Ordinance. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Rosemary, Lynn, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: Diane and Petsy.

 

SET SPECIAL MEETING FOR MAY 12, 2006 TO OPEN BIDS FOR SEWER SAD:

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Petsy, PASSED to set a Special Meeting to be held on May 12th at 12:30 p.m. at the township hall to open bids and award a bid, taking the recommendation of the engineers as to which bid to approve for the upcoming sewer projects. Yes: all.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to order plans and estimates be on file with the clerk for public examination. Yes: all.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the Resolution explaining when the public hearing will be held to confirm the special assessment roll, to hear objections regarding the same, and explain the proceedings to be followed using Public Act 185 of 1957. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Mike, Rosemary, Petsy, Lynn, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

 

LAND SALE FROM COUNTY:

Motion by Diane, support by Lynn, PASSED to not accept and land that is for sale at this time from the county. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Lynn, Mary Ellen, Mike, Rosemary, Petsy and Scott. No: None.

 

LAND BID MINNEHAHA BEACH:

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Petsy, PASSED to re-bid this land with the assessors recommendation regarding a price and a minimum bid of $1,000.00 stated. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Petsy, Diane, Mike, Lynn and Scott. No: Rosemary.

 

CULVERT REPAIR UNDER THE DRIVEWAY FOR TOWNSHIP HALL:

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to approve putting the culvert project at the township hall out for bid. Yes: all.

 

CULVERT (CROSS TILES FAIL-CAUSING SINK HOLES) ON BARD ROAD:

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to approve $2,467.00 an estimated amount provided by the Muskegon County Road Commission for the township's share to replace the culvert that caused the cross tile to fail and the road to be closed. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Diane, Rosemary, Petsy, Lynn, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

DUFF FIELD:

There was no action taken regarding this item as no new lease has been provided by the Twin Lake Gun Club who now owns the Duff Field property.

 

RESOLUTION-CABLE FRANCHISING:

Motion by Mike, support by Lynn, PASSED to approve the Resolution to retain local control of cable franchising. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Lynn, Diane, Rosemary, Petsy, Lynn, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

MICHIGAN ADVENTURE:

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to approve the request of Michigan's Adventure to extend their hours of operation to 1:00 a.m. on the evening of May 18, 2006, for filming purposes. The park will not be open to the public during the extended hours. Yes: all.

 

RESOLUTION-WATER ON HAMILTON, BLAIR, AGARD, MCMILLAN, KELLER:

This item was tabled. No action was taken.

 

BOARD COMMENTS:

Petsy inquired about the truck route ordinance with the attorney. Petsy also requested the board's approval of the draft letter regarding equestrain trails.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

County Commissioner, Chuck Buzzell, questioned why no action was taken on the resolution for water. Scott explained there were questions regarding this resolution. Mr. Buzzell also advised the board not to participate in the County Wide Joint Planning Commission. He stated all planning should be contained at the township level and advised to abolish the County Wide Planning Commission. Richard Vallier spoke again regarding the township bidding policy stating that the board needs to abide by the policies in place.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to adjourn at 9:32 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