BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Hall, Mary Ellen Sherwood, Elizabeth (Petsy) Jenkins, Mike Hiner, Merle H. Hittle, James Lothschutz, and Ross McCloskey.

 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

 

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

 

MINUTES:

Motion by Ross, support by Merle, PASSED to approve the regular township board meeting minutes of November 10, 2008 and the special meeting minutes of November 24, 2008. Yes all.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Connie Burchfield stated that the free dump days are listed on the agenda. She expressed that she hopes the board will continue to hold two free dump days per year in the spring and in the fall.

 

TREASURER'S REPORT:

As of November 30, 2008, the General Fund has $39,126.62, Fire Operating Fund has $76,668.71, and Fire Equipment Fund has $16,697.39. There is $247,844.35 in the Co-Merica J-Fund. The Treasurer's Report was accepted and placed on file for audit.

 

MONTHLY BILLS:

Motion by Mike, support by Merle, PASSED to approve the monthly bills as submitted. Yes: Mike, Merle, Petsy, James, Ross, Mary Ellen, and Chris. No: none.

 

General Fund bills totaling $84,884.01, through check number 20170, Fire Fund $4,572.97 through check number 10221, Cemetery Fund $258.42, through check number 992, Streetlight Fund $1,387.21 through check number 491. 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 November 2008. There were 42 calls with an average response time of 7.48 minutes.

 

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT:

Maintenance Supervisor, Keith Ostoin, provided cost estimates for the spring and fall free dump days. Keith explained that the spring free dump day costs are lower as the county's tipping fees are free. He stated that the fall free dump day costs are all the responsibility of the township and will be approximately $4,600. It was considered that the township only have one free dump day in the spring. The discussion continued about the two free dump days also; however, limiting residents to one load, instead of several to keep costs down. Also the return of the card system was discussed as residents can use their free dump at their convenience not a day set by the township. Further discussion followed and residents present commented.

 

Motion by Merle, support by Mike, PASSED to continue with the free dump day in the spring and look at the free fall dump day in the months to come. Yes: Merle, Mike James, Ross, Petsy, Mary Ellen, and Chris. No: none.

 

Keith stated that the dumpster contract expires in a month or so and inquired if we have to go out for bids for this service. Board members stated that we should go out for bid; however, when hearing the price would not change and that the price is very reasonable, decided that we should stay with the current company. Keith states that he wishes to continue with this company as they are very professional and good to work with. Chris recommended that Keith get a new contract drafted for the board's review. Keith stated that he would do this and bring it back to the board.

 

COMPLIANCE OFFICER REPORT:

Compliance Officer, Frank Swiatek, stated that there have been 86 complaints filed this year. Eight are still open and he is in the process of impounding a travel trailer that has been parked in a two track.

 

PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS:

A. Anchor of Hope request for a Special Use Permit for a food pantry at 3301 Whitehall Road. David Cadle was present and spoke to the board regarding this item.

 

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Merle, PASSED to approve the request for a Special Use Permit for a food pantry at 3301 Whitehall Road. Yes: Mary Ellen, Merle, Mike, James, Ross, Petsy, and Chris. No: none.

 

B. Randy Delong request for a Special Use Permit for Tire Sales and Storage and Retail/Office space at 4777 Holton Road. Randy Delong was present and spoke to the board. He explained the site plan and spoke about the tire sales business.

 

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Ross, PASSED to approved the request for a Special Use Permit for tire sales, storage, and retail office space at 4777 Holton Road. Yes: Mary Ellen, Ross, Merle, Mike, James, Petsy, and Chris. No: none.

 

C. Proposed Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Changes included, a Ten (10 ) foot sign setback in all districts. Fences, change to allow up to a four (4) foot fence with 90 percent visibility in the front yard for residences. Remove the 25 foot waterfront buffer from all districts. Remove "high water line" and replace with "waters edge" in all districts.

 

Motion by Merle, support by Mike, PASSED to adopt the changes to the Township's Zoning Ordinance as recommended by the Planning Commission. Yes: Merle, Mike James, Ross, Petsy, Mary Ellen, and Chris. No: none.

 

D. Planning Commission appointments to fill two vacant seats as Chris Hall and Mike Hiner will no longer be on the Planning Commission. It was stated that the Supervisor makes the appointments to the Planning Commission, with township board approval of the same. Chris Hall recommended that Kay Moul and David Less be appointed to fill the remainder of the two seats. Applications were received from Kay and David expressing interest in the vacant seats. Chris stated their qualifications for the same. Chris stated that if these two are appointed, Kay's term will expire in December 2010 and David's term will expire in December 2011, as these are the terms remaining in the seats they are filling.

 

Motion by Merle, support by Petsy, PASSED to approve the two appointments to the Planning Commission as recommended by the Township Supervisor, Chris Hall. Yes: Merle, Petsy, Mike James, Ross, Mary Ellen, and Chris. No: none.

 

LAND BID:

Emmanuel Congregational Church on White Lake Drive requested that township owned land be put up for bid. This land adjoins the church property and they would like this land for additional parking at the church. Described as 07-509-018-0001-00, Lakewood Addition No 9, Plat TB, Lots 1-16 inc and Lots 19-48 inc. Blk. 18, Sec 4 T11NR 16 W, located between Olive Way and Daisy south of White Lake Drive.

 

Motion by Mike, support by Ross, PASSED to accept the bid for $2,501.00 for the land described. Yes: Mike, Ross, Merle, James, Petsy, and Mary Ellen. No: Chris.

 

ADOPT FEDERAL POVERTY GUIDELINES:

Motion by Merle, support by Mike, PASSED to adopt the Federal Poverty Guidelines as presented for 2009. Yes: Merle, Mike, Ross, James, Petsy, Mary Ellen, and Chris. No: none.

 

FRAIN & ASSOCIATES ASSESSING CONTRACT:

A letter of resignation was received from Robert Frain of Frain and Associates, for assessing services for Dalton Township. Mr. Frain suggested in the letter that Wanda Budnik, his associate that has worked for Dalton Township since 1984, take over the remainder of his contract. Mary Ellen stated the best way to handle this would be to terminate the contract with Frain and Associates due to his letter of resignation and create the same contract with Wanda. Wanda stated that she would like one change in the contract and that is changing her day off. Wanda stated that she prefers to have Wednesday's off in the future.

 

Motion by Ross, support by Mike, PASSED to terminate the Assessing Contract with Frain and Associates due to the letter of resignation from Mr. Frain dated December 2, 2008. Yes: Ross, Mike, Merle, James, Petsy, Mary Ellen, and Chris. No: none.

 

Motion by Ross, support by Mike, PASSED to authorize the Township Supervisor, Chris Hall, to sign a new contract with Wanda S. Budnik for assessing services based on the previous contract with Frain and Associates, changing the day off as requested. Yes: Ross, Mike, Merle, James, Petsy, Mary Ellen, and Chris. No: none.

 

TOWNSHIP HALL HOURS AND DAYS OPEN:

It was discussed to have the township hall open later in the evenings, or just changing the hours back to a five day work week keeping the same hours.

 

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Merle, PASSED to change the township hall hours back to being open five (5) days per week, Monday through Friday, keeping the same hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Yes: Ross, Mike, Merle, James, Petsy, Mary Ellen, and Chris. No: none.

 

APPROVE BOARD AND PLANNING MEETING DATES FOR 2009:

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the Board Meeting dates and the Planning Commission meeting dates for 2009. Yes: Mary Ellen, Mike, Ross, Merle, James, Petsy, and Chris. No: none.

 

APPROVE TOWNSHIP HALL HOLIDAY CLOSINGS FOR 2009:

Motion by Mary Ellen, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the township hall holiday closings for 2009. Yes: Mary Ellen, Mike, Ross, Merle, James, Petsy, and Chris. No: none.

 

EASEMENT FOR UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC LINE FOR CONSUMERS ENERGY:

Chris explained that Consumers Energy is requesting this easement as Verizon Wireless has requested single phase power service to the new cell tower that is being constructed on township leased land off Automobile Road between the platted roads of Lake Avenue and South Park Avenue. Ross had concerns regarding tree removal and stated that only marked trees should be removed. Merle would like the wood left for residents. Chris stated that the township does allow wood cutting to residents for a minimal fee.

 

Motion by Merle, support by Mike, PASSED to approve the easement as submitted by Consumers Energy. Yes: Merle, Mike, James, Ross, Petsy, Mary Ellen, and Chris. No: none.

 

RE-ESTABLISH THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE:

Chris stated that the Township used to have a Parks and Recreation Committee; however, it has not met for quite a few years now. He stated this Committee needs to be re-established for work that needs to be done on the Parks and Recreation Plan including updating and planning. Chris stated the names of previous members of the Parks and Recreation Committee, also stating the names of new people that are interested in serving on this Committee.

 

Motion by Merle, support by Mike, PASSED to re-establish the Parks and Recreation Committee as stated by the supervisor. Yes: Merle, Mike, James, Petsy, Ross, Mary Ellen, and Chris. No: none.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Richard Vallier stated that it feels good to come into township hall and see smiling faces. He stated that he was a former member of the Township's Road Committee. He stated that he feels this Committee should also be reassembled and he volunteered to chair this Committee. Mr. Vallier stated that he thinks it is a good idea to have township hall stay open late one evening for the people that have to work during the day. County Commissioner, Chuck Buzzell, stated that the township should be ready and have a plan for roads, bridges, etc., as the new president elect is planning some type of stimulus plan that includes roads, etc. Board members requested to have the Roads Committee on the January agenda. Mr. Buzzell stated that Jack Kennedy is the new road commissioner, stating that he lives in our township and is our representative. Chuck suggested that the board keep in close contact with Jack and keep him apprised of what is happening in the township.

 

 

BOARD COMMENTS:

The committee that will be interviewing for the building inspector position was discussed.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion by Merle, support by Mike, PASSED to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Yes: all.

DALTON TOWNSHIP BOARD

Chris Hall Supervisor

Mary Ellen Sherwood Clerk

Elizabeth (Petsy) Jenkins Treasurer

Michael Hiner Trustee

Merle H. Hittle Trustee

James Lothschutz Trustee

Ross McCloskey Trustee

 

Clerk__________________________

Mary Ellen Sherwood