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

 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Mike Hiner.

 

Supervisor, Scott Hladki, called the meeting to order at the Dalton Township Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance said, invocation given and roll call taken.

 

This Special Meeting is being called to review and discuss a proposed truck ordinance with personnel from the Muskegon County Sheriff Department and with personnel from the Muskegon County Road Commission, and also to consider the revocation of a Special Use Permit from Cingular for a cell tower.

 

REVOKE SPECIAL USE PERMIT (SUP) FROM CINGULAR:

Scott stated that he would like the board to revoke a special use permit from Cingular as they never put up the cell tower that the special use permit allowed. He stated that another company is interested in putting a cell tower at this same location. Scott stated that letters have been sent to Cingular and calls have been made regarding this issue and they have not responded.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Lynn, PASSED to revoke the Special Use Permit granted to Cingular to place a cell tower at 291 E. Michillinda, the township transfer station. Yes: Diane, Lynn, Petsy, Rosemary, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

 

The township attorney stated that a letter should be sent notifying Cingular of the revocation of the Special Use Permit. Scott stated that he will have Stephanie write the letter.

 

TRUCK ORDINANCE:

A proposed truck ordinance was presented. The sample ordinance was obtained from Grand Haven Charter Township. This type of ordinance is being considered for public safety and road preservation. It was stated that large double bottom tanker trucks, mostly from Nugent Sand, are using roads that are not designated truck routes. Paul Bouman, Highway Engineer, from the Muskegon County Road Commission was present. Also present was Under Sheriff Dean Roesler and Deputy K. Jeppesen both from the Muskegon County Sheriff Department. All were present to discuss the proposed truck ordinance. Mr. Bouman stated that Riley Thompson Road will be getting a new surface overlay and road preservation is important as this overlay will cost a substantial amount of money. Under Sheriff Roesler and Deputy Jeppesen gave a substantial amount of information regarding the State Vehicle Code. They stated that if the ordinance is drafted correctly the Michigan State Police can help enforce also. Deputy Jeppesen has been enforcing the weight restrictions in the township and he stated that he would suggest using the weight restrictions versus no through truck traffic in the ordinance. As the Ordinance is written it is restricting truck traffic only on certain roads. Fines for violations were discussed. It was also discussed that if the fines and violations are based on weight versus no through trucks, then the deputies will need training regarding the same.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Lynn, PASSED to open the floor for public comments regarding the proposed truck ordinance. Yes: all.

 

Matt Bradley and Dave Matuzeski both made public comments as they live on Riley Thompson Road. They stated the noise and the shaking from the trucks using this road is terrible. The dishes rattle in the cupboards. They also stated that one cannot walk on the side of the road as there is no lane for this use and the trucks go at a high rate of speed. They both stated their support of this ordinance being adopted, especially no truck traffic being allowed on roads that are not a dedicated truck route. It was again discussed the advantages of no through trucks allowed versus letting trucks through with weight restrictions.

 

The township attorney will follow up with regard to fines and/or civil infraction and also to inquire with the circuit court to see if the township can retain the revenue from the fines; and also to draft the ordinance so the Michigan State Police can also enforce. He will also inquire with regard to Jake Brakes. No action was taken this was for discussion only at this time.

 

WHITEHALL ROAD LANE EXPANSION:

Scott stated that he has been informed that the Muskegon County Road Commission is considering widening Whitehall Road to 4 to 5 lanes. Paul Bouman, Highway Engineer from the Muskegon County Road Commission, stated that the road commission has asked the West Michigan Regional Shoreline Development Commission about the possibility of expanding Whitehall Road from River Road to approximately Tyler Road. He stated this has only been discussed and stated that nothing is planned in the near future; stating however, this is in the long range plans. Mr. Bouman stated that this is a very important road as it encompasses many cities and townships; it has an industrial park, many zoning issues, and is an important link to the northern part of Muskegon County. Mary Ellen stated that widening to 3 lanes would be beneficial due to the number of accidents. An audience member agreed stating this is evident with the widening of Russell Road at Riley Thompson road to 3 lanes has eliminated the number of accidents at this location. Scott, Diane, and other board members stated their opposition to widening this road to 4 to 5 lanes. Mary Ellen questioned Mr. Bouman about the process of such an expansion and questioned when the time does come for this proposed expansion if the township and the public would be able to comment. Scott requested that the Muskegon County Road Commission notify the township of such discussions and certainly about any actions being considered such as the widening of Whitehall Road. No action was taken.

 

Other traffic concerns were discussed including the Orchard Lane intersection. Again it was requested that the road commission communicate with the township.

 

CLERK'S REQUEST:

Mary Ellen stated that the annual clerk's conference is being held in Troy Michigan the last week of June, she requested the board approve for her and her deputy, Stacy Russell, to both attend the conference. Mary Ellen stated this is budgeted and both usually attend this annual conference. Mary Ellen stated that she was not sure if her deputy will be able to attend the conference; however, she would like the board's approval so she can send in the conference registration. After discussion, the board unanimously approved for the clerk and deputy to attend the conference.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to adjourn the meeting at 5:46 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