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

 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Scott Hladki.

 

Deputy Supervisor and Zoning Administrator, Stephanie Barrett, called the meeting to order in the absence of the Supervisor. The meeting was called to order at the Dalton Township Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance said, invocation given and roll call taken.

 

MINUTES:

The regular township board meeting minutes of September 11, 2006 were accepted as presented and placed on file.

 

AGENDA:

The Agenda was amended to add water to item number 10, now to state, Resolutions for the County to take over water and sewer contracts on behalf of Dalton Township.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Former Dalton Township Supervisor, Merle Hittle, stated there is an agenda item titled Medical Insurance. He stated that he hopes the township is not anticipating cutting the medical benefits for the employees. He stated that the township has qualified people here and you need to keep the benefits to keep the qualified personnel; adding there are other areas that can be cut. Karen Fowler, Dalton Township's representative for the District Library, stated that she has read the Resolution that is on the agenda for the board's consideration. She believes the board will keep the library where it is now; stating the library director can make recommendations to the board; however the board makes the final decisions. She stated that the only townships that have intergovernmental agreements with the library have buildings for library branches. Merle Hittle spoke again and stated that he has read the library resolution that Mary Ellen prepared and stated that it is an excellent resolution and suggested that it be sent to the Reeths Puffer School Board, the Schools Finance Committee members, and to the District Library Board members as well.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT:

As of September 30, 2006, the General Fund has $53,258.75, Fire Operating Fund has $68,314.98, and Fire Equipment Fund has $34,260.72. There is $247,068.31 in the Co-Merica J-Fund. The Treasurer's Report was accepted and placed on file for audit.

 

MONTHLY BILLS:

Mary Ellen stated that she answered Petsy's questions already with regard to the monthly bills. She stated that some bills listed were marked with a "V" for void as these checks printed with a double payment.

 

Motion by Rosemary, support, by Mike, PASSED to approve the monthly bills as submitted. General Fund $37,744.34, Fire Fund $4,406.11, Cemetery Fund $153.80. Bills were also paid from the building fund and other self-supporting miscellaneous funds. Roll call vote. Yes: Rosemary, Diane, Mike, Petsy, Lynn and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

FIRE BUSINESS:

Fire Chief, Gary Furman, submitted the Incident Log for August 2006. There were 47 calls with an average response time of 5.55 minutes. Chief stated that the annual fire department open house will be held on October 11, 2006, from 6-8, and discussed the parade route and stated that hot dogs and other refreshments will be served. Mary Ellen questioned if the fire fighters were working on getting information out regarding the fire millage that is on the ballot. Chief stated that they were putting fliers together to pass out at the open house.

 

CEMETERY:

The new price list was presented to the board again for approval as there was some confusion regarding the prices at previous meetings.

 

Motion by Diane, support, by Petsy, PASSED to approve the revised cemetery rates as presented, effective 60 days from the date of approval as was previously stated. Roll call vote. Yes: all.

 

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT:

The Maintenance Supervisor, Keith Ostoin, updated the board regarding this department. He stated that volunteers offered to rake the cemeteries and that a formal thank you should be given after the work is done.

 

PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Adoption of the new Zoning Ordinance for Dalton Township.

 

Mary Ellen, Petsy, and Diane met to discuss and make final recommendations for changes to the proposed new Zoning Ordinance for the Township of Dalton. The list presented contained 16 items with suggested changes. This list was provided to the board the week prior to the meeting for their consideration. The board members stated that they had studied the changes. Stephanie stated that as the zoning administrator she only had one concern regarding the changes, that being number three with regard to private roads and the construction of the same. She stated the wordage in the new zoning ordinance is the same as the wording in the old. It was stated that this document has been a working document for about five years and will need to be revised from time to time. The planning commission recommended approval to the township board and it has been at the board level for final changes. Stephanie stated this is the final document and is on the agenda for final approval. Stephanie questioned legal counsel about publication of the same. Stephanie stated that she will incorporate any approved changes into the final ordinance and distribute.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the Zoning Ordinance for Dalton Township with the changes as put forth, with the exception of Number Three (3), until appropriate wordage can be inserted. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Rosemary, Mike, Lynn, Petsy and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

2. Special Use Permit request for Retail/Office space and daycare at 2495 Holton Road as requested by Kris Thorsen.

 

Kris states that there is already a daycare at this location; however, they are at capacity with the number of children they can have without additional room as different age groups need to be separated. This item was passed at the planning commission and they recommend that the town board approve as well. Mr. Thorsen stated that additional parking will be added if this request is approved. He also stated that fencing will also be added and additional items as required by the State for this type of business. Kris stated that it is still retail in the front section of the building.

 

Motion by Petsy, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the request for a Special Use Permit for Mr. Thorsen at 2495 Holton Road, as the Planning Commission recommended. Roll call vote. Yes: Petsy, Mike, Diane, Rosemary, Lynn and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

3. Special Use Permit request for a Greenhouse and a Zone Change from R-1 to C-3 at 2786 Holton Road for Eric & Trang Martin.

 

Stephanie Barrett, Dalton's Zoning Administrator, stated that the zone change request was no longer necessary as it is already zoned properly for this type of business. She stated the lot is already zoned C-3 660 feet back; so the only request before the board is the SUP. Eric and Trang were present and stated that there will be four greenhouses at the NW entrance point. They stated there will be 15 parking spaces plus additional room for future parking. They stated this business will share a driveway. Additional permits that are needed were discussed.

 

Motion by Lynn, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the request for a Special Use Permit for Mr. and Mrs. Martin for the greenhouses at 2786 Holton Road, contingent upon permit approvals from MDOT, the health department and any other permits that may be necessary. Roll call vote. Yes: Lynn, Rosemary, Petsy, Mike, Diane and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

ORDINANCE CHANGE TO THE UNIFORM WATER ORDINANCE:

Mr. John Warner of the Muskegon County Department of Public Works met with Mary Ellen, Diane, and Lynn regarding their concerns about the rates rising when projects have not even been completed. It was explained that due to increase in project costs that the rate increase was necessary. Lynn stated that Mr. Warner told her that we did not have a choice but to approve the increased rates or the general fund would have to pay any differences in the cost. It was clarified that the current projects are not affected by the increase in rates. The changes to Appendix B the Water Ordinance includes stub fee increases. If this ordinance change is approved, the cost of an existing 1" service stub is going from $700.00 to $825.00 and the cost of an existing 1-1/2 or 2" service stub is going from $1,200.00 to $1,950.00. It was stated that the fees are simply paying the system back for the cost of the original installation. No money is being made on these increases. Stephanie stated that the Township could not make money on a project. More discussion followed.

 

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the modification to Appendix B of the Water Ordinance with regard to the stub fee increases. Roll call vote. Yes: Mary Ellen, Rosemary, Diane and Mike. No: Lynn and Petsy.

 

RESOLUTIONS FOR THE COUNTY TO ADMINISTR THE WATER AND SEWER PROJECTS:

Township Officials met with John Warner of the Muskegon County Department of Public Works to discuss administration of the water and sewer projects currently under way in the township. Mr. Warner stated that the county holds the bond money to pay for the projects; however they cannot make payment to the contractors or engineers as the county does not have contracts with them. These resolutions approve for the county to administer the projects and part of this administration will allow the county to make payments from the bond monies held for these projects. Mr. Warner stated that the county would also handle any calls, complaints, etc. regarding the projects.

 

The resolutions state, in part, that by approving these resolutions the Township is giving the County of Muskegon authorization to oversee the engineering and construction contracts through its County Board of Public Works for the purpose of making disbursements under the contracts. All work shall be approved by Dalton Township or its engineers and verification of the same provided to the county before any funds are released.

 

Motion by Lynn, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the Resolution authorizing Muskegon County to act as agent for Dalton Township with regard to the installation of the water project in an area known as the Agard, Whitehall, Hamilton, Keller, and Blair Roads Water Special Assessment District No.1. Roll call vote. Yes: Lynn, Rosemary, Petsy, Mike, Diane and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

Motion by Lynn, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the Resolution authorizing Muskegon County to act as agent for Dalton Township with regard to the installation of the sewer project in an area known as the Whitehall Road and River Road Sanitary Sewer Special Assessment District No 1. Roll call vote. Yes: Lynn, Rosemary, Petsy, Mike, Diane and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

RESOL0UTION K-16 BALLOT PROPOSAL:

This Resolution is opposing the K-16 spending mandate that is on the November General election ballot as a statewide proposal. This resolution strongly urges the defeat of the "K-16 Spending Mandate Ballot Proposal".

 

Motion by Lynn, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the Resolution opposing the K-16 mandate that is on the November General Election Ballot. Roll call vote. Yes: Lynn, Mike, Rosemary, Diane, Petsy and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

RESOLUTION REGARDING THE DALTON BRANCH LIBRARY:

This resolution states the Townships opposition to the District Library trying to exclude the Township in a proposed intergovernmental agreement between Reeths Puffer Schools and the District Library. It states that previous agreements have also included the township with regard to the Dalton Branch Library. It states the request for the Muskegon Area District Library to continue to keep Dalton Township as a member of the Intergovernmental Agreement; it also requests that the District Library keep the Dalton Branch Library at its current location. In current minutes of the District Library and at public meetings Ms. Winsche, the District Library Director, is encouraging the Township to provide a different building for the Dalton Branch Library. When the taxpayers of the Township have already paid to partially construct the building where the library is now housed. The resolution also requests that the Reeths Puffer School Finance Committee and Board oppose the Intergovernmental Agreement that is being presented to them as prepared by the Muskegon County District Library for consideration at their upcoming meetings.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Lynn, PASSED to approve the Resolution opposing the actions of the Muskegon Area District Library. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Lynn, Rosemary, Petsy, Mike and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

ORDINANCE CHANGE TO THE "RATES AND CHARGES":

This Resolution approves consistent township-wide rates and charges and connection charges. Section A of the Ordinance will now state the Direct Connection to lines of the system will be $7,500.00 per single family residence equivalent; and indirect connections shall be charged a fee of $3,750.00 per single family residence equivalent.

 

Motion by Rosemary, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the Amendments to Section 4 entitled, "Rates and Charges" of the Dalton Township Rate and Mandatory Connection Ordinance by amending Paragraphs A and B under Connection Charge. Roll call vote. Yes: Rosemary, Mike, Lynn, Petsy, Diane and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

ORDINANCE LIQUOR LICENSE:

This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the Dalton Township Liquor License Ordinance. The purpose of the Ordinance is to establish procedures and standards for review of applications, renewals, and revocations of licenses to sell beer, wine, or spirits.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Petsy, PASSED to approve the first reading of the Liquor License Ordinance, with the second and final reading to be held at the next regular board meeting. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Petsy, Lynn, Rosemary, Mike and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

WOOD CUTTING AGRFEEMENT-GENERIC:

This generic agreement was prepared as people are going onto township property and cutting and removing wood. Discussion took place regarding what other townships have in place regarding this issue. Mary Ellen stated that a DNR Officer was in the township hall today questioning officials about a man that is hunting and cutting wood on township property and this person stated that he has the township's permission. She stated that this agreement would be good in this case as there would be proof if the township had allowed this person to hunt and cut wood. It was discussed that with a written agreement, it would clarify that only downed wood or standing timber can be removed, not live timber, etc. It was suggested that the area should be stated on the agreement where any approved activity is taking place as well as the time frame allowed.

 

Motion by Mike, support by Petsy, PASSED to table this item to get more information and to state the wording more clearly on the agreement. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Petsy, Diane, Lynn, Rosemary and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

 

MEDICAL INSURANCE PROPOSED CHANGES:

Mary Ellen submitted a memo to the township officials that included options and changes to the township's medical plan. She stated the changes and options, if all are implemented, can save the township approximately $42,900.00 annually with little to no changes for the employees. Mary Ellen explained that the board did not direct staff to look into changes; she stated this was done as the premiums increased approximately 20 percent from the previous plan year. Petsy stated that their company had to change to Priority Health as the premiums had increased. Mary Ellen stated that we have to do what is best for the township and for the employees' stating that this accomplishes that by saving thousands for the township with little to no change for the employees. Petsy stated that Mary Ellen should be commended for the time and work that she took to come up with these options. The changes suggested are to increase the co-payment for prescriptions, saving thousands, and to increase the internal reimbursement program so the employees are paying the same as they are now. Opt out programs were also options stated.

 

Motion by Mike, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the changes and options as listed in the memo prepared by Mary Ellen and continue to look at future options. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Rosemary, Diane, Petsy, Lynn and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

STREET LIGHT FUND REIMBURSEMENT:

It was explained that the Streetlight Fund holds special assessment money paid in by people for the streetlights within their district. It was discussed that the street light fund was paying bills for intersection lighting throughout the township. The former Township Supervisor, Merle Hittle, stated that the street light fund should only be paying electric bills for lights within the special assessment districts. Mary Ellen stated that Scott directed her office to pay the intersection light bills out of this fund as it had excess money. Merle stated that the excess money should be refunded to the people paying the special assessments or they should not be billed again on their taxes until the excess is depleted. He stated the correct thing to do would be to reassess the districts and charge an appropriate amount. He stated the former treasurer had to do this a couple of times to keep an accurate amount of money in this fund to pay the light bills but not keep an excess in the fund. Mary Ellen stated that her deputy, Stacy Russell, determined the amount that needs to be reimbursed to the Street Light Fund is $9,554.62, for payment of intersection lights. Mary Ellen stated that this amount has not changed and will not change as the intersection light payments are again being paid out of the General Fund Utility Account.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the transfer of funds from General Fund to the Street Light Fund for reimbursement of payments made for intersection lights in the amount of $9,554.62. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Mike, Petsy, Lynn, Rosemary and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

BOARD COMMENTS:

Lynn questioned if the fire department is going to be giving rides to people tomorrow at the open house for fire prevention week. Chief Furman stated that we have been doing this for 25 years or longer and asked why we should stop now. He stated if the board directs him to cancel the rides then he would do so. Lynn stated her concerns regarding the township's liability. It was questioned if the township's insurance carrier is aware that the township gives rides on fire trucks. It was stated that many fire departments give rides, as it has been done for years. Other discussion followed regarding this issue. No action was taken. Lynn requested the township get a written opinion from the insurance carrier. Mary Ellen asked Chief Furman if the fire department personnel are preparing information for the voters regarding the fire equipment millage request that is on the November ballot. Chief stated that fliers have been prepared and will be set out at the open house. Stephanie stated that the attorney requested when we have a Monday holiday that the meeting be rescheduled for the following Monday, not Tuesday as he has previous commitments on Tuesday. Mary Ellen stated that this would need to be incorporated when the board approves its annual meeting notice.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

County Commissioner Chuck Buzzell stated that the township board did the right thing by approving the water and sewer projects. He stated that this was a very courageous move. He stated that he is still trying to find grants to help the costs of the project. He has met with Shawn Dey and the County and he will not give up trying to find grants or other ways to help fund the costs of these projects. Bill Beegle stated that Scott told him, right to his face, that he did not look for grants before the projects began because no one told him how to do that. Merle Hittle stated that Stephanie explains agenda items well. He also stated that the board did have a grant for infrastructure years ago, and turned it down. Merle stated for the board to be careful not to allow woodcutting in the property designated as Forest Preserve. Merle stated that a new account should be added to the chart of accounts in the public safety department to pay the utility bills for intersection lights.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve a new account in the public safety department for the payment of bills for intersection lighting. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Rosemary, Petsy, Lynn, Mike and Mary Ellen. No: None.

 

Merle stated that the treasurer and the supervisor need to review the street light special assessment districts as there is already huge excess of money and in this fund. He stated in December when tax bills go out another twenty thousand will be collected, plus the money that is being reimbursed from the general fund; he stated this needs to be corrected.

Brad Gilliam of 1305 Tyler stated that there is a business being conducted out of a home at 1179 Tyler. He stated they should not be running a business out of a residence zoned R-1. It was stated that this would be reported to the ordinance enforcement officer. Matt Kersting of 2652 E. River requested the board approve for him to complete a project at Beegle Field for his Eagle Scout Project. He stated that he will, with help, do some landscaping and redo the DNR plaque, and will refresh the flagpole with fresh paint. He stated the costs for the project will be covered by donations and Barry's greenhouse. He stated that there will be adult helpers with the project. Board members thanked Matt.

 

Motion by Rosemary, support by Mike, PASSED to approve this Eagle Scout Project. Yes: all.

 

Christina Gilliam of 1305 W Tyler supported the fire department and stated that giving rides on the fire truck is a tradition and she hopes this is not changed. She stated that children need to know that firemen are good men and can be trusted. She stated there is liability just about everywhere; adding that the hot dogs offered at the open house may be a liability as they can be a choking hazard. Bill Beegle stated that the board is not going to like what he has to say. He stated that he did initiate a recall for all board members because of the sewer projects approved by the board. He stated that the board has blatant disregard for the business owners. He stated that the board needs to leave people alone and that he is thankful that he only has a small building. He stated that no one is looking out for the best interests of the business owners and that the board is just looking out for itself. He stated that his comments made at the last board meeting were not stated in the minutes. Mike Brumm, of Woodworks Unlimited on Whitehall Road, stated that this is America and we should have a choice if we want this sewer or not. Mr. Beegle stated that if the sewer projects are not stopped, then he will continue with recall efforts. He made additional comments and threats as well.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Mike, support by Rosemary, PASSED to adjourn the meeting at 8:47 p.m. Yes: all.

 

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