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

 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Elizabeth (Petsy) Jenkins.

 

Supervisor, Scott Hladki, called the meeting to order at the Dalton Township Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance said, invocation given and roll call taken. Mary Ellen stated that Petsy called Diane to state that she is not feeling well.

 

MINUTES:

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Chris Hall stated that he knows the township is making budget cuts; however, he does not want to see the PINS Program cut (PINS = partnership in neighbor safety).

 

TREASURER'S REPORT:

As of December 31, 2006, the General Fund has $4,486.34, Fire Operating Fund has $47,440.77, and Fire Equipment Fund has $34,938.52. There is $154,594.22 in the Co-Merica J-Fund. The Treasurer's Report was accepted and placed on file for audit.

 

Scott stated that the Comerica J-Fund is half of what it was last year and at the lowest is has ever been. He stated if the board has any suggestions to call him as it is time to prepare next year's budget.

 

At last months meeting, Petsy requested a monthly list of receipts from Rosemary like the list Mary Ellen provides for the bills. The receipts are entered into the general ledger by the clerk's office and a list of receipts for December 2006 was given to the board.

 

MONTHLY BILLS:

Motion by Mike, support, by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the monthly bills as submitted. Yes: Mike, Rosemary, Diane, Lynn, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None. General Fund $56,189.73, Fire Fund $6,224.30, Cemetery Fund $3,569.65. Bills were also paid from the building fund, street light fund, and other self-supporting miscellaneous funds.

 

FIRE BUSINESS:

Fire Chief, Gary Furman, submitted the Incident Log for December 2006. There were 50 calls with an average response time of 8.00 minutes.

 

PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Appointment of Chris Hall to the vacant Planning Commission seat. At previous meetings it was discussed that Scott makes the appointments to the commissions and the board can only confirm his appointments. Scott stated that he would like the board to confirm his appointment.

 

Motion by Mike, support by Lynn, PASSED to appoint Chris Hall to the vacant Planning Commission seat left vacant by Bob Grant. Roll call vote. Yes: Mike, Lynn, Diane, Rosemary, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

TWIN LAKE GUN CLUB REQUEST-RESOLUTION TO SELL RAFFLE TICKETS:

Scott stated that representatives of the Twin Lake Gun Club requested permission from the board to sell raffle tickets. He stated that a Resolution needs to be completed and returned to the State of Michigan before they can sell the raffle tickets; and the Resolution requires local government approval. He stated the Club will sell the raffle tickets occasionally to raise funds for the Club.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to allow the request for the Twin Lake Gun Club to sell raffle tickets as requested and to approve signing the form regarding the same. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Mike, Lynn, Rosemary, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

RENEWAL OF CONTRACT BETWEEN THE TOWNSHIP AND REETHS PUFFER SCHOOLS: (WHITE LAKE COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS)

Scott stated that budget cuts need to be made and questioned the board if this item should be cut for the upcoming year. Mary Ellen stated that if the board decides to cut this item, some money will still need to be put into the budget for this item as the billing for the community education programs is billed this year for part of last year's services. This item was discussed further and was tabled until the budget is closer to being completed then a determination can be made if this item needs to be cut from the budget.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to table this item until the workshop session is conducted for the budget for fiscal year 2007-08. Yes: All.

 

SLIDE SHOW BEEGLE FIELD:

Matt Kersting and Brian Swain both completed separate projects at Beegle Field as they are both working on completing the requirements to obtain the title of Eagle Scout. Scott provided slides of the work that was completed at the park. The board and the audience all applauded Matt and Brian for their hard work and dedication to the projects and also for how nice the projects turned out. Scott presented both Matt and Brian with a certification of appreciation for their projects. Businesses that made donations to make these projects possible were mentioned.

 

PINS PROGRAM (PARTNERSHIP IN NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY):

This item was discussed with the above item concerning possible budget cuts for the community education program. The same discussion and action resulted for this item. Scott stated that budget cuts need to be made and questioned the board if this item should be cut for the upcoming year. Mike and Mary Ellen stated that they did not want to see this item cut from the budget. A letter was provided to the board from Beth Dick, Budget Manager of Muskegon County, stating the County will extend the current contract at the same 50/50 participation that exists today. The contract year April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008 will cost $46,972.00 up by $408.00 primarily due to salary and fringe benefit increases. Mary Ellen stated that since the sheriff department is still willing to pay for 50 percent of the officer's position for the next fiscal year, in her opinion, we should extend the current contract with the sheriff department for at least another year.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to table this item until the workshop session is conducted for the budget for fiscal year 2007-08. Yes: All.

 

BOARD OF REVIEW ALTERNATES:

Scott stated that he would like to appoint George Gasahl and Craig Monette as alternate one and two, respectively, to the Board of Review.

 

Motion by Rosemary, support by Lynn, PASSED to confirm the appointments as stated for the Township Board of Review. Yes: All.

 

RESOLUTION BETWEEN DALTON AND MUSKEGON TOWNSHIPS:

This item has been on previous agendas and was tabled. Scott stated that our attorney expressed no concern with our adoption of this resolution. Mary Ellen stated that she spoke with our attorney as well and he states the resolution does not bind us to any dollar amounts. The Resolution titled, Resolution Authorizing Preparation of Written Agreement, is with regard to joint River Road Sewer Projects. The Resolution states our agreement to the bullet point items contained therein. Mary Ellen stated that Muskegon Charter Township has the contract that was prepared by our attorney regarding this issue; however, they still need the Resolution approved by us and sent to them for their board's consideration.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the Resolution Authorizing Written Agreement between Muskegon Charter and Dalton Townships with regard to River Road sewer issues. Roll call vote. Yes: Diane, Rosemary, Mike, Lynn, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

HALF MOON SALOON REQUEST:

Owners of the Half Moon Saloon, Brian Faulkner and Doris Kittle, were present. Brian spoke to the board and stated as we know the old building has been torn down. He stated that they plan to rebuild and they will not have bands, they will be more food orientated, and plan to open a store as well. Rosemary asked if the next building will be back away from the road. Brian stated yes. Scott stated that since the township is in current litigation with Brian and Doris that any further discussion will have to take place at a later time.

 

BOARD COMMENTS:

Mary Ellen questioned Scott if he would like to set a date tonight for the budget workshop. Scott stated not yet, but for the board to keep in mind that it will be sometime in February. Mary Ellen stated that an election will be held on February 27th as the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) called a special county-wide election requesting millage be approved for special education.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Karen Fowler, the Township's Appointed Representative on the Muskegon Area District Library Board, stated that she is thankful for the Resolution of Appreciation that was approved by this board and presented to her personally, for her service, dedication, and hard work on the Library Board. The board thanked Karen again and applauded her as well.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 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