The meeting was called to order at 10 am with all members present. There was 17 members of the public and the township assessor. The minutes of the special meeting held on March 28 were approved. VanDolsen gave a brief review of the March 28 meeting. She referred to Fairbanks' question on competitive bidding. VanDolsen advised that a bill was passed about six years ago requiring competitive bidding, however, it was repealed six months after passage and townships are now only required to request competitive bidding if federal funds are being used.
ValDolsen reviewed the cost per acre by the company provided the bid (Aquatic Doctor) and compared it to the cost by the company currently treating Harper Lake. According to her assessment the bid for Big Bass Lake is lower cost per acre.
VanDolsen advised that the purpose of the public hearing April 25 is to validate and affirm the assessment role. She reported there have been three additional objections filed. They were submitted by Robert and Barbara Robinson, Keith Zimmerman and spouse, and Dave and Carol Means. They were read. VanDolsen opened the meeting to public discussion. Charles Young said that once a lake has a public access you a re stuck with whatever it brings. The DNR and State will not assist in any way for anything in the lake . Previously planting of minnows, reducing the size limit on bass due to a disease, etc. have been refused. There was discussion about the affect on well and the difference in the resolution from the petition in years and amount. Brian Gerhartstein asked if the people got the opportunity to vote on how the lake will be treated. Also asked for clarification about Sauble Township owners right to object and requirement to pay. He suggested use of beetles as less invasive treatment. Also discussed was whether property owners with easement to the lake will be included. They are not.
Resolution 4 on approval of the assessment role was read in its entirety. Specifically it states that the process as approved is fair, just and equitable. The SAD fee will be added to the summer tax bill and due by September 15 of each year. Motion was made and seconded. Fairbanks raised concern that the contract does not include a total amount for the project. VanDolsen responded that it can't be determined what the amount will be because the bid includes a variance and range of charges for the first year. The contract was not presented for approval by the Board at this meeting. Fairbanks raised question about cutting (mowing) and treating with weevils and feels this would be a better alternative than chemical treatment. Vote on the motion was called and Resolution 4 on approval of the assessment role was approved unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
Following this meeting there was a notice posted on April 22 for an additional special meeting to discuss a change in the ORV map and route for Elk Township, receive input from business owners (Kammeraad's and the Boat House), and review of a draft of a county ordinance by the board. In discussion, it was determined that Brooks Road from 10 1/2 mile north will be opened since Eden Township has approved the ORV ordinance. Therefore, no action is required of Elk Township since if one township opens one side of the road, the other side is automatically also opened. No action was necessary.
This post was courtesy of Barb Robinson, Elk Twp Resident
