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. The Pledge of Allegiance said, invocation given and roll call taken.

 

MINUTES:

The regular township board meeting minutes of May 14, 2007, and the special meeting minutes of May 30, 2007, were accepted as submitted and placed on file.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT:

As of May 31, 2007, the General Fund has $108,128.28, Fire Operating Fund has $135,948.14, and Fire Equipment Fund has $28,263.63. There is $187,988.98 in the Co-Merica J-Fund. The Treasurer's Report was accepted and placed on file for audit. An Income report for May for the General and Fire Funds was also submitted.

 

MONTHLY BILLS:

Motion by Mike, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the monthly bills as submitted. Yes: Rosemary, Mike, Diane, Petsy, Lynn, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

 

General Fund bills totaling $54,545.32, through check number 18998, Fire Fund $8,911.11 through check number 9767, Cemetery Fund $524.04, through check number 936. 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 April 2007. There were 84 calls with an average response time of 6.71 minutes.

 

Chief Furman questioned about charging for runs that are not emergencies, such as lift assists. He stated that they are responding to a very high number of calls at one address, stating last month they responded to this address 15 times for non-emergencies. He stated that emergency calls come in while they are busy with the lift assists/non-emergency calls for this one residence. Discussion followed. Audience members wanted to speak regarding this issue.

 

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

 

County Commissioner, Chuck Buzzell, stated that Adult Protective Services should be notified about the situation at this residence. Further discussion took place. Diane stated that she will research this issue and bring back information to the board at the next meeting.

 

Motion by Mike, support by Rosemary, PASSED to close the floor and table this issue until the next board meeting. Yes: all.

Chief Gary Furman also stated that at last months meeting discussion took place regarding children riding in fire department vehicles. He stated that his fire department vehicle is his personal vehicle that the board provides for him to use, and it is also stated in his contract that this vehicle is provided for his business/personal use. Chief Furman stated it is no different if children are riding in a personal vehicle. Petsy stated that the public has complained to her about children in fire department vehicles and she is concerned about the liability. Mary Ellen stated that she received complaints last fall about the officer's vehicle parked in the woods as the officer on duty must have been out hunting. Chief Furman stated that he was not aware of the truck being in the woods; however, he stated that the township vehicles are covered for anyone riding in the vehicles. He explained further, that he has spoken with the township's insurance agent about this issue and the insurance agent told him that the township, its vehicles, and any occupants of the vehicle are covered for liability. Gary stated that the insurance agent will be here next Tuesday if any board members would like to speak to him. Mary Ellen stated that after hours the on call fire fighters are most likely with their families and if we expect them to be ready to roll then having passengers in their vehicles is likely to happen.

 

CEMETERY:

Bids were solicited for placing crushed asphalt in the new portion of the Twin Lake Cemetery.

Four bids were received ranging from $3,390.00 to $13,700.00.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Lynn, PASSED to approve the low bid from Rick's Trucking for $3,390.00. Yes: Diane, Lynn, Rosemary, Mike, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

 

Scott stated that there is no black dirt figured into any of the bids and that this will be needed. He stated even adding the cost for black dirt the price will still be under the budgeted amount.

 

Motion by Lynn, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the purchase of black dirt for the cemetery roads not to exceed $1,700.00. Yes: Lynn, Rosemary, Diane, Mike, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

 

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT:

Maintenance Supervisor, Keith Ostoin, stated that he would like to put a hold on raising the tire recycling fees at the transfer station stating that the price was increased at the last meeting because the cost went up for the township. He stated now that with a new company that he has found, that if enough tires are brought in then the fees may not have to be raised for tire recycling. Mary Ellen stated to get the word out to people to bring their scrap tires to the transfer station. The cost for tires will remain at $2.00 for passenger tires without rims and $3.50 with rims, $8.00 for semi tires without rims and $10.50 with rims and $25.00 for tractor tires. Keith and Scott both stated that a lot of compliments are coming in regarding the cemeteries. Keith stated that they are still trying to find more picnic tables for Beegle Field.

 

Bids for the parking lot at Beegle Field: Seven bids were received ranging from $121,600.00 to $153,901.00. Accurate Excavators had the lowest bid. Bids were requested to be broken down into two phases. Mary Ellen stated that there is not enough money in the parks and recreation account for the entire project. The board discussed approving the bid from Accurate Excavators for $121,600.00. Petsy questioned why the board would approve this amount when this amount is not available for this work. Scott stated that corners can be cut in order to reduce the cost of the project. Roger Jourden, II, of Accurate Excavators, stated that the first phase could be put off until August and then maybe the township can raise enough money to complete the entire project. Scott stated that hopefully the rest of the money could be raised to complete the entire project this year. Mary Ellen stated that it should be clear that the money that is being used to pay for this is donated money that has to be used at Beegle Field; it is not General Fund taxpayer money being used. The attorney stated that should be mentioned in the motion.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to accept the bid from Accurate Excavators and to complete Phase I as late in the year as possible, and complete the second half of the work if the funds are raised by that time to do so; with the donated money available in the parks and recreation account. Yes: Diane, Rosemary, Mike, Lynn, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

COMPLIANCE OFFICER:

Compliance Officer, Frank Swiatek, gave the board an update of cases filed since the first of the year. He stated that the residents have been very cooperative with him in resolving the cases.

 

BUILDING OFFICIAL:

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to adopt the Resolution titled Nuisance Abatement for an unsafe/dangerous building located at 2020 West Lake Road, Twin Lake, MI. Yes: Mike, Diane, Rosemary, Lynn, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

The Building Inspector, Chris Hall, questioned if the same resolution would be adopted separately for each dwelling that is deemed unsafe or dangerous. The township attorney suggested that a separate resolution be adopted for each case. Chris stated that there are other buildings that may need the same action. Two other unsafe buildings/dwellings were discussed. Chris stated that he would send certified letters to the property owners and bring these back to the board if necessary.

 

PLANNING COMMISSION:

Zoning Amendments: The following zoning amendments were proposed. Chapter 2, Section 2.13, L, 6 remove the words "or access easements." Section 4.4, C. 2 Add Section F. "Cell towers to be located only on township property." Add Section G. "Cell Towers shall be of monopole construction." Section 6.3, 7.3, 8.3, 10.3 and 12.3: Amend to remove A. "Accessory buildings as special land uses." Add Section 7, "Accessory Building Setbacks."

 

Zoning Administrator, Stephanie Barrett, was present and explained the above. She stated that Scott wanted cell towers to be located only on township property, unless township property was not available in the service area where the tower would be located. Stephanie also explained that when the new zoning ordinance was adopted some of the above was overlooked and was not included. Mike stated that the Planning Commission was opposed to the idea that cell towers could only be placed on township property, unless township property was not available. Mary Ellen stated that she was opposed to this also as this is the township telling people what they can and can't do with their own property and it is also a revenue source and the township should not take that right away from residents.

 

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Diane, PASSED to approve the Zoning Amendments as recommended by the Planning Commission; with the deletion of the language stating that "all towers must be located on property owned by the township, exclusive of township parks, unless applicant can demonstrate there is not township owned property available in the necessary service area." Yes: Mary Ellen, Diane, Rosemary, Mike and Lynn. No: Petsy and Scott.

 

JIM KECK-S.U.P. REVOCATION:

Zoning Administrator, Stephanie Barrett, sent a letter to Mr. Keck as at the April 10, 2006 board meeting, Mr. Keck requested an extension of the paving requirements for the secondary business at 3551 Holton Road. The township board granted that extension of the paving of the approaches and two years on the paving of the parking lot. This approach paving should have been completed by June 2007. As of this date, this work has not been completed, nor even visibly started. Mr. Keck was sent the letter and his presence requested to explain why this work has not been completed. Mr. Keck stated that plans are in process, but could not produce any plans. He stated that Max Morgan and Bob Walker have been working on these plans for him. Petsy stated that the last extension granted was the second extension granted by the board. The board questioned Mr. Keck when this work could be completed. Lengthy discussion took place. Mr. Keck pleaded with the board for an additional extension of time.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Lynn, PASSED to grant Mr. Keck an extension until August 1, 2007 to complete the approach paving as stated in the Special Use Permit at 3551 Holton Road or at least see visual work being done and a contract for the same provided to the board; if this is not completed the S.U.P. shall be revoked. Yes: Diane, Lynn, Mike and Mary Ellen. No: Rosemary, Petsy, and Scott.

 

RESOLUTION-REHAB HOUSE:

Clerk, Mary Ellen Sherwood, prepared a Resolution in reference to the unauthorized use and zoning ordinance violations at 3071 Second Street, Twin Lake. The resolution states details of the unauthorized use and violations, as complied by the Zoning Administrator, Stephanie Barrett, The resolution is also requesting legal intervention as the owners and managers of said location have not complied with permit applications etc., to become compliant for the use. This was discussed further.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to adopt the Resolution titled Resolution supporting action against the unauthorized use and zoning ordinance violations at 3071 Second Street, Parcel Number 61-07-830-005-0014-00. Yes: Diane, Rosemary, Lynn, Petsy, Mike, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

RESOLUTION-MUSKEGON COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION-

CLOSURE FOR ANNUAL TWIN LAKE CIVIC EVENTS:

Motion by Mike, support by Lynn, PASSED to adopt the Resolution titled Performance and Indemnification Resolution which authorizes township officials to apply for a road closure permit. The current permit is for road closure of East Street between Ryerson and Fifth Street, Twin Lake, to begin on June 22 and end on June 23, 2007 for the Twin Lake Civic Annual Events. Yes: Mike, Lynn, Diane, Rosemary, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

RESOLUTION HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN ADOPTION:

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to adopt the Resolution titled Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption. The Resolution states, in part, that the Hazard Mitigation Plan is hereby adopted as an official plan of the Township of Dalton, also that the Muskegon County Local Emergency Planning Commission is established as a permanent community advisory body, under the Muskegon County Local Emergency Services. Yes: Mike, Diane, Rosemary, Lynn, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

RESOLUTION-LOCAL GOVERNING BODY APPROVAL FOR CHARITABLE GAMING LICENSES-REQUEST FROM THE REETHS PUFFER BAND PARENTS:

Lee Harris of the Reeths Puffer Band Parents requested the board approve this Resolution that is required by the State of Michigan authorizing their organization to raise funds.

 

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Lynn, PASSED to adopt the Resolution titled Local Governing Body Resolution for Charitable Gaming License. Yes: Mary Ellen, Lynn, Mike, Diane, Rosemary, Petsy and Scott. No: None.

 

REQUEST FROM VILLAGE OF LAKEWOOD-FOX LAKE SPRAYING:

This item was discussed at the previous board meeting. Discussion again took place. Mary Ellen again stated that the township budgets $1,000.00 for the spraying of Twin, North, Middle, and West Lakes; she stated that Fox Lake should be included also as the village tax payers pay township taxes just as anyone else. She stated to include only lakes on this side of the township seems prejudice to her. Mary Ellen stated that she spoke with officials at the village hall and they stated that in previous years they were offered the same amount that the other lakes receive; however, they did not utilize the money at that time. Now they are requesting this amount for Fox Lake spraying/maintenance. Mary Ellen stated that at last months meeting Lynn had mentioned that the village was to be receiving grant funding for studies of Fox Lake; Mary Ellen stated that village officials have not heard of any money coming from the state.

 

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Mike, PASSED to approve paying $1,000.00 to the Village of Lakewood Club, within Dalton Township for spraying/maintenance of Fox Lake. Yes: Mary Ellen, Mike, Diane and Rosemary. No: Lynn, Petsy and Scott.

 

BUILDING PERMIT FEE WAIVER FOR BURNED HOMES:

This issue has been brought forward due to a burned commercial building on Holton Road and previous action by the township to waive permit fees due to fire. It was discussed that these fees would be paid by insurance companies anyway and for the township to pay for the building permit fees out of the General Fund adds up to large amounts of money, especially for commercial permits. Mary Ellen questioned if the board wanted to keep this in place for residential buildings burned, especially when the home owner did not have insurance. The board felt if they were uninsured then they probably would not rebuild anyway.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Lynn, PASSED to no longer waive fees for building permits, or any other permits, for burned commercial buildings as this leaves the general fund to pay for the same. Yes: Diane, Lynn, Rosemary, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: Mike.

 

Motion by Lynn, support by Petsy, PASSED to no longer waive fees for building permits, or any other permits, for burned residential buildings as this leaves the general fund to pay for the same. Yes: Lynn, Rosemary, Petsy and Scott. No: Mary Ellen, Mike and Diane.

 

RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION-TWIN LAKE CROSSING GUARD:

Motion by Diane, support by Mike, PASSED to approve a Resolution titled Resolution of Appreciation for the crossing guard at Twin Lake Elementary School, Carol Ohman, who has been in this position since 1996 and is now leaving the position. Yes: Diane, Mike, Lynn, Rosemary, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: None.

 

 

BOARD COMMENTS:

Mike requested that Attorney David Wells, check into the plan review fees. Discussion took place regarding a temporary special use permit granted by the zoning administrator for camping and other activities at Thunderbird Raceway. Scott stated that the back of the board room is roped off as walls need to be placed there for file cabinets and election equipment. Scott stated that we have run out of room completely at the township hall. File cabinets are even next to the public restroom doors.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

County Commissioner, Chuck Buzzell, updated the board regarding many issues. Some of the issues included a grant from the DNR for the trail that intersects at Beegle Field. He discussed an inland lake report and stated that he would get copies to board members. He discussed the new county administrator, the proposed jail millage, and a rural development grant that is possible in the future.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Mike, support by Diane, PASSED to adjourn the meeting at 9:24 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