February 10, 2009
Well, another interesting meeting ensued, while most of the township is either snowed/iced in, or down to warmer climates…

Regular business meeting called to order by Supervisor, Linda VanDolsen.
Pledge led by Super since the Clerk was ill.

A picture taken by Vicki Gates from the audience resulted in Linda VanDolsen stating that she doesn’t want her picture taken. Vicki Gates respectfully replied that this is a public meeting, and VanDolsen informed Gates that she would ask her to leave if the pictures continued. A side note from “Your Right to Know” concerning the Open Meetings Act 267, 1976, p. 1004, Section 3 (1) All meetings of a public body shall be open to the public and shall be held in a place available to the general public. All persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting except as otherwise provided in this act. The right of a person to attend a meeting of a public body includes the right to tape-record, to videotape, to broadcast live on radio, and to telecast live on television the proceedings of a public body at a public meeting.
(6) A person shall not be excluded from a meeting otherwise open to the public except for a breach of the peace actually committed at the meeting.
Anyway…

Treasurer report on finances by Carol Draper: accepted by all.

Assessor’s report: Bob Englebrecht was also absent due to illness.

There was no Commissioner’s report.
Marilyn Zdebski, the fire board chair, gave the fire report which included 46 total runs since 1/20/09. The 2009 chief wish list was given to the fire board which includes the top wish of a thermal imaging device allowing firefighters to see “hot spots” and victims as necessary.

In Old Business:
(1) Judi Bass spoke for the Bass Lake Association. She mentioned that Gus Motzer of equalization department does not want to do a summer tax assessment, but others believe that a summer tax assessment if feasible.
VanDolsen mentioned that a new resolution is needed for the SAD (special assessment district) with better boundaries. She also stated that 2 public hearings are needed by law.

(2) VanDolsen mentioned that there was a county ORV mtg last week, but Elk Twp was not apprised of this in time to attend.
VanDolsen did not like how Phil Maiville (our Representative) represented the ORV policy for the twps. According to VanDolsen he would like to open up all the roads in Lake County and let the twps pick up the enforcement problems.
Carol Draper mentioned that we are in a “holding pattern.”

New Business:
(1) Poverty guidelines: VanDolsen recommended that the board accept the 2009 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Frances Arquette made such a motion, it was seconded, and passed.
Carol Draper suggested to post this to let people know.
VanDolsen wanted to put out a newsletter and include this info.
Draper made a motion to include Fed. Pov. Guidelines in a newsletter, VanDolsen seconded, and it passed.
(2) Lake County Road Comm-2009 dust control/brining contract:
This will be the same price as last yr=$5,000/yr.
VanDolsen made motion to accept such contract with Lk Cty Rd Comm., Draper seconded…NO VOTE TAKEN, maybe due to oversight?
(3) Flags for cemetery:
VanDolsen made motion to authorize purchase of 100 flags for $114., seconded and passed.
(4) Board of Review compensation for 2009:
VanDolsen mentioned a previous budget mtg of the entire board (?just a question, but was this posted for the public?) which the board looked at and changed the yearly budget line by line.
VanDolsen suggested $45/first 3 hrs, and $15/hr for each additional hour.
John Fairbanks made such motion, seconded by VanDolsen and passed by board.
(5) Telephone/Answering Machine/LAN bid:
Phil VanVleet and Lawrence VanDolsen put together an estimate package. Lawrence VanDolsen told board to rewire 4 phones lines to a router would be $720, but to go wireless would only be $295.
This would include wireless router, and cordless phone with 4 handsets.
Fairbanks made motion to “go wireless,” seconded by Draper, and passed by board.
(6) Elk Twp trash collection day:
A contract was signed with previous collector to hold a trash collection day on July 11, 2009, from 9-2pm.
(7) Salary resolutions:
Arquette made motion to keep Clerk’s salary the same at $9,500, seconded by Fairbanks, and passed.
Arquette made motion to keep Treasurer’s salary the same at $11,500, seconded and passed.
Arquette made motion to raise the Supervisor’s salary from $7,500 to $8,000 because the new Super feels she has more administrative duties.
(The comment was made after the meeting that the current Super asked for more power at the first meeting, and asked for more money at her third meeting)
These salaries will be voted on during the March Annual Meeting, so come on out March 28 at 2pm.
Other compensations were discussed for deputies:
Deputy supervisor, $10/hr, not to exceed $1,000/yr
Deputy clerk, $10/hr, not to exceed $1,000/yr
Deputy treasurer, $10/hr, not to exceed $500/yr
Arquette made motion to accept deputy compensation, seconded by VanDolsen, and passed.

There were no public comments at this meeting.

John Fairbanks added a few more thoughts and votes:
After discussion concerning an outstanding bill owed to the Lk Cty Rd Commission for the work on 11 ½ mile rd, it was decided that the Rd Comm could use the monies now and we are not receiving enough interest to make any difference. Therefore,
Fairbanks made motion to pay off the Lk Cty Rd Comm, VanDolsen seconded, and it passed.
After discussion about CDs which will come due, it was suggested that the rd fund CD should remain liquid in case more rd work could or should be accomplished. Therefore, VanDolsen made motion to leave the rd fund liquid until the fall, Arquette seconded, and it passed,
After discussion concerning the entrance doors, it was decided that John Fairbanks would replace the locks, shave off the doors on the bottom and put on weather-stripping at no charge to the twp.
VanDolsen asked to be notified when he would be doing the work.
VanDolsen amended the agenda to show changes:
Discussed front doors & locks under Old Business
Discussed CDs under New Business (8)
Discussed payment of Rd Comm under New Business (9)
Arquette asked Gary Oetman, Super if Eden Twp, if he knew of the ORV mtg and mapping session, he stated he did not.

Fairbanks made motion to adjourn.
Adjourned before 8pm, what a record!