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:

Petsy stated that she would like the minutes changed to state "little added cost" in reference to the life insurance issue instead of "no added cost". Also the land purchased by the township is within the equestrian trail, not abutting as the minutes stated and finally Scott voted no, not yes regarding the purchase of said land within the equestrian trail. The minutes will be filed with the changes as noted.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Sandra and Larry Pawlowski, Maria Ruthkowski, and Michael Higgs all spoke in opposition of agenda item number 8, a. Request of Debra Covington for a zone change from R-1 to RC/AG at 5718 Putman Road.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT:

As of July 31, 2008, the General Fund has $141,845.49, Fire Operating Fund has $152,717.59, and Fire Equipment Fund has $35,201.29. There is $246,342.94 in the Co-Merica J-Fund. The Treasurer's Report was accepted and placed on file for audit. An income report for July 2008 for the General and Fire Operating Funds was also submitted.

 

MONTHLY BILLS:

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

 

General Fund bills totaling $23,878.87, through check number 19862, Fire Fund $3,833.31 through check number 10106, Cemetery Fund $969.07 through check number 984. Bills were also paid from the building fund and other self-supporting miscellaneous funds.

 

FIRE BUSINESS:

Fire Chief, Gary Furman, submitted the Incident Log for July 2008. There were 41 calls with an average response time of 7.34 minutes.

 

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT:

Maintenance Supervisor, Keith Ostoin, stated that the buoys at Padley Park were vandalized. He stated that there was a fire at the transfer station that was contained in the bin and explained the same.

 

PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS:

A. Request of Debra Covington for a Zone Change from R-1 (Low Density Residential) to RC/AG (Resource Conservation/Agricultural) at 5718 Putnam Road. As stated under the public comment section, many residents were present to voice their opposition to this request. Ms. Covington spoke regarding her request. She also submitted a packet to board members prior to the meeting. Lengthy discussion took place regarding this request.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Scott, PASSED to DENY the request of Ms. Covington for the zone change from R-1 to RC/AG for the property located on Putnam Road as it seems to be spot zoning and there is economic gain to the property owner as defined in the Michigan Zoning Guidebook. Yes: Diane, Scott, Lynn, Mike, Petsy, Rosemary and Mary Ellen. No: none.

 

UPDATE OF PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN:

Scott stated the bid from Fleis and Vandenbrink included submitting the grant. Petsy asked if all companies were asked to include the price in their bids for submission of a grant. Scott stated no. Petsy suggested that all companies be contacted again and ask all companies for another bid requesting the exact information.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Petsy, PASSED to have Scott present this request to all companies again, requesting bids for the same information from all companies. Yes: all.

 

RESOLUTION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO WEST LAKE AVENUE AS PETITIONED:

Petitions were received from a majority of the residents living on West Lake Road. The owners of said property are petitioning for the construction of road improvements on West Lake Avenue by creating a special assessment district at an estimated cost of $48,000.00.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Mary Ellen, PASSED to approve the Resolution creating a special assessment district for improvements to West Lake Avenue and setting a public hearing date for the same to be held on August 25, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Yes: Diane, Mary Ellen, Mike, Lynn, Rosemary, Petsy and Scott. No: none.

 

DAN ROSEMA REQUEST TO BE PUT ON THE AGENDA:

Mr. Rosema was not present as he spoke with Scott the week prior to the meeting with the information that he wanted to share with the board.

 

BOARD COMMENT:

Lynn read a letter which stated in part, her thankfulness to the other board members and the public for their assistance to her while serving as a Trustee for Dalton Township. Scott stated that Stephanie received a request for a temporary special use permit for Thunderbird Racepark to allow a rodeo, bands, and camping, on Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7, 2008. Scott stated this was allowed last year and everything went well. He stated if board members have concerns regarding the same to get with Stephanie. A special planning commission workshop meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss cell towers, wind turbines, parking and paving requirements, sign setbacks, fence setbacks in front yards, and a 25 foot waterfront buffer. All board members and the public are welcome to attend this workshop.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

David Stebbins spoke regarding the Covington request for a zone change and stated his opinion regarding the same. He stated the board needs to allow public comment when the agenda item is being discussed, not just at the beginning and the end of the meeting. Connie Burchfield stated that she believes Ms. Covington should have contacted legal counsel before starting the rezone process. Larry Pawlowski thanked his neighbors for coming to the meeting to voice their opposition to the rezone request.

 

CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION-ROSEMA CASE

AND OTHER PENDING LITIGATION.

Motion by Diane, support by Scott, PASSED to enter into closed session to discuss pending litigation with the township attorney regarding the Daniel Rosema case and other cases as well. Yes: Diane, Scott, Rosemary, Mike, Lynn, Petsy and Mary Ellen. No: none.

 

At 8:12 p.m. the board entered back into the open session.

 

Motion by Diane, support by Rosemary, PASSED to approve the Settlement Agreement as presented regarding the Rosema litigation case. Yes: Diane, Rosemary, Mike, Lynn, Petsy, Mary Ellen and Scott. No: none.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Rosemary, support by Mike, PASSED to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 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