January 13, 2009
Regular business meeting called to order by Supervisor, Linda VanDolsen.
The Clerk, Marilyn VanVleet led the pledge of allegiance, and a roll call of officers.
Treasurer report on finances by Carol Draper: accepted by all.
Assessor’s report: Bob Englebrecht let everyone know that the Dec Board of Review was delayed due to the weather, but when it was held, 3 principal residents were given tax exemptions, and assessed valuations were lowered in the entire twp. He further instructed that poverty guidelines need to be adopted for the March Board of Review, which needs to be published soon.
Clerk’s Report by Marilyn VanVleet: the board needs to appoint Board of Review (BOR) members.
Linda moved to appoint Phil VanVleet, Don Arquette, and Stanley Dombrowski, previous BOR members, to a 2 yr term, passed.
Frances Arquette moved that the board send 4 people (including new super) to a BOR class with mileage reimbursement, passed.
There was no Commissioner’s report.
Tom Elenbaas, the fire chief, gave the fire report which included 215 total runs for 2008, mutual aid agreement signed with Freesoil fire dept, signed maintenance contract for the JAWS, 2 firefighters who completed a state recognized MFR (Medical First Responder) class, and a plea to the residents who heat with wood to have their chimneys cleaned as needed or before.
In Old Business:
(1) Judi Bass spoke for the Bass Lake Association who are still trying to get a Special Assessment District (SAD) set up for Bass Lake. They currently have obtain 130 validated petitions and Judi has spent time talking to a lawyer, Mr. Bloom. They would like to see it get on the summer tax rolls, but realize there is still a lot of leg work and education to be done first. Linda V. asked Judi to verify the date for items to be included in the summer taxes. Gus Motzer, at the equalization dept, would rather see SAD be put on the winter taxes. The SAD is decided by 51% of land area within one district, and cannot span two townships. Linda thinks this should be tabled for more info, and suggested a map for land holders and more education on the Eurasian Milfoil.
John Fairbanks asked if DNR had been contacted, and Judi Bass answered that the DNR came and looked and stated there is a problem which could be discussed with aquatic doctors.
There are 208 property owners on Big Bass Lake.
John F. mentioned that there is a lake study on michigan.gov website for Big Bass Lk.
(2) R. Wielinga has asked the board for reimbursement for a computer used for twp business.
Frances Arquette moved to allow Wielinga to keep the laptop in question as compensation (Linda V. amended motion to include transfer of all township records stored on the laptop), passed with Marilyn V voting no.
New Business:
(1) New front door with modifications on back door.
Linda V moved to allow John F to get bids for materials for a new front door with the understanding that the labor will be donated, passed.
(2) Office equipment the three officers did an equipment assessment and determined the twp needs:
3 (4 drawer file cabinets)
1 (desk lamp)
John F moved to purchase 3 (4 drawer file cabinets) from Jackpine (Linda V amended motion for 2 file cabinets and a desk lamp), passed.
(3) Annual meeting which is no longer required by law.
Linda V would like to do away with this inconvenience, which includes salary action by electors.
Frances A moved that we keep the annual meeting, passed.
(4) ORV results.
420 surveys returned out of 2,000
180 respondents said open all road, but 56 had qualifiers
132 “ said open no roads
108 “ said restrict access to certain roads
117 included comments about safety, enforcement, noise, environmental issues, and revenue for the county.
A very lively discussion was opened to the public and many comments concerned the above issues.
(5) Charlie Young, road commissioner:
Believes that the county has acted well in this issue. If the county acts upon this legislature, and the twp do nothing, then roads will be opened. If the twp create their own ordinance, then the twp must pay for enforcement. Therefore, the county is asking for input from each twp and then the county will act accordingly.
Charlie also mentioned that Lake County is one of the furthest southern counties to fall under this “lousy law,” which includes no provisions for road damage, no driver’s license requirement, issues with Michigan No-fault insurance, private roads are not protected, and what part of the road may be used remains unclear.
(6) Response to Lake Cty concerning ORV access in Elk Twp.
Linda V moved that no Elk Twp roads will be opened, and she will let the county know by 2/1/09, passed.
(7) Budget meetings for 2009-2010.
Feb. 4th at 10 am.
An instructional meeting with the auditor will be set up by Linda V for the 3 officers. When queried if this will be a posted meeting, Linda uncharacteristically answered. The response is that there is no reason this should be posted.
Marilyn mentioned that the clerk and treasurer have office hours on Thursday from 9-1.

Public Comments:
Jackie McKellar asked about the CAC, and was abruptly shushed by Linda. When Jackie attempted to clarify the question and answer she was told she was out of order.
Lou Fitz reminded the board again that any time there are more than 2 person present in a called for meeting, the meeting falls under OMA and must be posted 18 hours in advance.

Meeting adjourned at a whopping 9 pm, and TTHHAATT’’SS all folks.