Minutes prepared by Supervisor Chris Hall

 

Board Members Present: Chris Hall, Mike Hiner, Elizabeth Jenkins, Merle Hittle, James Lothschutz, Ross McCloskey. Township Attorney Jim Brown.

Absent: Mary Ellen Sherwood.

 

Minutes:

Elizabeth asked to change the duplicate wording Treasurers Report to Income and Treasurers report. Discussion took place regarding several other items in the minutes, pertaining to questioning of the Fire Chief contract. Chris stated the changes would be made and submitted back to the board at the next meeting. Ross inquired about minutes from Oct 19th special meeting not being done. He also wanted the minutes to reflect the wood cutting agreement to be for the season.

 

Public Comment;

Richard Vallier had a comment and question for the attorney regarding the wording in the minutes about the fire chief’s contract and termination.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

The Treasurer’s report was approved and placed on file for audit.

 

Monthly Bills:

Chris questioned the board about the extra $20 pay for the secretary of the Planning Commission and ZBA, it was decided that the Zoning Enabling Act requires us to have these positions but the pay is not required as this position is only a title. Motion by Merle supported by Chris to eliminate the $20 additional payment for being signing secretary on these boards. Yes: Merle, Chris, Ross, Elizabeth, Mike, Jim. Approval to pay the bills approved all in favor yes, opposed none.

 

Fire Business:

Acting Fire Chief, Stacia Ripley, reported for the month of October. There were 40 calls with an average response time of 6.37 minutes. The new pickup has been received and placed in operation. The success of the Fire Department Open House was acknowledged by the Board.

 

Maintenance Department:

Chris McPheron reported to the board that the transfer station would be open on Saturday during the Thanksgiving Holiday.

 

Compliance Officer Report:

Frank Swiatek reported that so far this year we have 97 complaints with 4 pending.

 

Planning Commission:

Recommendation to extend Joe Drost and Tom Tuttle terms on the Planning Commission. Motion by Mike supported by Jim to extend their terms. Yes: Mike, Jim, Ross, Elizabeth, Merle, Chris.

 

Resolution of support for WMSRDC:

The West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission is requesting Dalton Township to pass a resolution of support for any future grant funding. Motion by Ross supported by Merle to adopt the resolution of support for the WMSRDC. Yes: Ross, Merle, Chris, Elizabeth, Jim, Mike.

 

Liquor License 2210 Holton Rd:

Motion by Ross supported by Mike to allow liquor sales pending State approval at Ray’s Mini Mart. Yes: Ross, Mike, Merle, Elisabeth, Jim, Chris.

 

Vacation Pay Robert Whelpley:

Discussion took place regarding vacation pay for part time employees in the employee policy. He had previously been receiving vacation for a full time employee. Motion by Merle supported by Mike to approve Mr. Robert Whelpley at the rate of vacation pay per section 9 of the 2007 employee policy. Yes: Merle, Mike, Jim Elizabeth, Ross, Chris.

 

Unemployment Claim:

Former Deputy Clerk Stacy Russell requested and received a Board approved 60 day leave of absence on June 10, 2009. On June 19, 2009 Stacy filed for unemployment, on July 7, 2009 Mary Ellen informed the Board that she removed Stacy as her deputy which she is allowed to do. Further discussion took place regarding if it’s proper for any one elected official to terminate an employee or is it a Board decision as she was also an hourly employee. Township Attorney Jim Brown gave his opinion and how it should be handled, he recommends that the Board file an appeal with the unemployment commission. The former Deputy was unavailable for work because she was on leave, incorrect information had been submitted to the UIA. Motion by Merle supported by Ross to request the Township attorney to prepare the proper paper forms to protest an unemployment claim against former Deputy Clerk Stacy Russell then forward the form to Township Supervisor for his signature then forward them to the State Unemployment Commission. Yes: Merle, Ross, Mike, Jim, Elizabeth, Chris.

 

Public Comment/Board Comment:

Richard Vallier had a comment about the Deputy Clerk hire date? Chris suggested he visit our website to review archived minutes.

Board Comment: Ross had a question regarding election workers pay for cell phone use. It was decided that the $40 compensation for cell phone use for the election chairs be eliminated. Attorney commented on state guidelines covering proper signatures on checks that need to be followed, one from each office. Motion by Ross supported by Jim to no longer provide cell phone reimbursement for election workers. Yes: Ross, Jim, Merle, Mike, Elizabeth, Chris.

Merle asks the Township Attorney about a censure of a Township Official. Jim stated it was something that could be done by the Board either by a motion or resolution to censure someone.

 

Merle made a motion to censure the Dalton Township Clerk for misconduct in the Township Hall during office hours. Supported by Elizabeth. Elizabeth then explained to the Board members the history building up to this motion in regard to unacceptable behavior. Yes: Merle, Elizabeth, Mike, Jim, Ross, Chris.

The attorney went on to explain while we have an Employee Policy covering this, we may want to adopt similar views pertaining to elected officials.

 

Adjournment:

Motion and support to adjourn 8.23pm. Yes: all in favor.

 

Minutes drafted by Township Supervisor, Chris Hall.

 

 

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