September 8, 2009 Regular Meeting

September 8, 2009

Pledge began at the better time of 7 pm with all board members present. Quite a crowd of citizens were also present.
Approval of August 11th minutes offered by Arquette, seconded by VanDolsen and passed by all.

Reports:
Treasurer’s Report accepted in motion by VanVleet, with VanDolsen seconding, and passed by all.
Assessor’s report given by Bob Engelbrecht:
BS & A software was adopted by the previous board because it was “the only game in town” and at the time was necessary to be compatible with the rest of the county. Now there is a new software called .net (DotNet). The BS&A software is still the best software tool for an assessor of small twps, but it looks like the county will be going with the .net (DotNet) system. Engelbrecht has been told that the systems are compatible, so he recommends staying with the current system (new system would be $3,900 + annual support costs).
No Clerk’s report.
Cemetery Report offered by Marilyn VanVleet:
The cemetery board met as a whole to check out the cemetery, and decided that the first priority was to get the trees trimmed and get the dead ones out. They need Elk twp board approval, so VanDolsen made a motion to allow the cemetery board to get work done on the trees on a volunteer basis, Arquette seconded, and motion was passed by all.
Commissioner Maiville reported that Michigan was picked as one of seven most productive states for wind power; MI state extension directorship will be spread out between Newago & Lake counties.
Marilyn Zdebski, fire board chairman, gave report:
Bids will be taken for snowplowing station #1, and heating for the stations. Thermo imaging equipment has been purchased and will be on display during the Oct Fire Prevention week, also during this time Carol Burba will be checking child restraint seats as desired by parents (she has had extensive training).
Citizen’s Advisory Committee report by Lou Fitz: this committee has met only once due to the holiday and the next mtg will be Sept 21st at 2pm at the twp hall (this is an open mtg).
No Supervisor’s report.
No correspondence.

Under Old Biz:
Turner Road Signage-each twp is responsible for signage according to the Lake Cty Road Commission, but they have agreed to put up a sign at Turner Rd if Elk twp will purchase such.

Under New Biz:
Millage Winter Taxes-the L4029 is due Oct. 1st (this form is a tax rate request). VanDolsen suggested keeping the millage rates static although the operating millage has not kept pace with inflation and currently is well below the 1 mill rate voted upon ?????
LCTOA-Lake County Township Officer’s Association hosted at Elk twp was attended by about 40 people. There was discussion at that open meeting concerning assessors being employers of the twp vs. independent. It was mutually agreed that twp assessors acting on behalf of multiple twps would be treated independently.
BS & A Software-the treasurer’s portion of this software is free from the county although there is an annual tech support fee.

Public Comment-
Jackie McKellar asked about tree trimming liability-twp covers.
Arquette mentioned a list she compiled with cty agencies (nicely done).
Marilyn Zdebski discussed Turner rd, since the cty changed the rd to take out the curve, it seems that the cty should be responsible for signage, including a road ending sign.
Phil Maiville also believes it is the Road Commission’s responsibility to direct traffic & put up signs for Turner rd.
Arquette would like an agenda discussion item next month concerning private road signs & outside work on the twp hall.
VanDolsen stated she would inventory signs in the shed and discuss ways of getting them installed.
Marilyn Zdebski discussed stimulus monies and grants.
VanDolsen amended agenda to vote on contract bids:
Arquette made motion to put an ad in the Star for bids concerning snowplow & sidewalk snow removal, cleaning service, pest control, and lawn care; seconded by Draper, and passed.

Motion to adjourn was seconded, and passed.