Building Plans go forward for a new office building

December 8, 2009

Pledge began at 7 pm with all board members present except for Marilyn VanVleet whose deputy clerk sat in to take notes.

Motion by J. Fairbanks to approve the November minutes, seconded by F. Arquette; approved.

Reports:
Treasurer’s Report by C.Draper:
Motion by L.VanDolsen to accept treasurer’s report, F. Arquette seconded; approved.

No Assessor’s report.

No Clerk’s report.

No Commissioner’s report.

No Cemetery report.

Fire Board report by C. Draper:
200 total runs for the yr.
A Training Academy has begun in Baldwin for the county, and the first training will start on Jan. 10, 2010.
A chief's wish list has been presented to the fire board.

Citizens Advisory Committee report by L.Fitz:
This committee has finalized and made available 2 reports to the twp board on planning, and road safety. These two topics will be discussed under Old Business. Next mtg will be 1/4/10 at 2pm.

Supervisor report by L.VanDolsen:
L. VanDolsen & J. Fairbanks met with the road commission for a hour and 1/2 to discuss road concerns and future plans. L.VanDolsen gave permission for survey of parts of Granger Rd (at the S curve) in order to entertain the possible paving of Granger Rd from the Y to Dewitt Bridge.
Some discussion concerning the bus stop at Bass Lake Rd & 11 Mile Rd at the Turner Rd intersection. L.VanDolsen charged the CAC to investigate this intersection and possible safety concern with the multiple bus stops and report back to board.
Discussion considering widening the curve @ Hamilton Rd between 11 & 12 Mile Rds; the road commission is also considering putting up reflectors at this spot.

Correspondence: None

Public comment:
Jackie McKellar read a letter from John Gorys detailing his concerns about the new building.
Lou Fitz shared some of his concerns in a letter to the board concerning a new building.
Vicki Gates shared her concerns primarily with Michigan Compiled Law concerning new building construction.
Sharon Puff read a letter from Marilyn Zdebski sharing some concerns with a new building project.

Under Old Biz:
Bids on a new furnace:
Custom Sheet Metal total bid $4,425 for a 93% efficient furnace, with an additional $500 to move the furnace into the kitchen area.
Jack VanMaanen total bid $3960 for a 95% efficient furnace.
F.Arquette made a motion for the board to hold off on this vote until next month in order to have a full board, L.VanDolsen seconded, and motion passed.

Scheduling of public hearing on the Midget Lake SAD:
Set for Jan. 16, 2010 at the town hall at 10am. It is the board's understanding that 98% of the homeowners are in agreement with a SAD.

Proposed township office building:
J.Fairbanks discussed the "rough numbers" for a new office building.
L.VanDolsen mentioned again this month that "this building won't take the weight" although this has never been proven by professionals. She also seemed to reverse herself when she said both,
"A new building would serve the needs of the community" and "This area will grow some day but probably not for a long, long time."
C.Draper said she is "disappointed with all the negativity" and suggested to table this issue.
J.Fairbanks said a "hydronically heated floor could be kept at 60 degree with a computer program to heat things up."
J.Fairbanks further stated he would like people to help "us" think of how we can get this building built. He admitted that these costs do not include septic, well, or excavation costs. He seems to have forgotten that these costs were included in the previous building plan, so his "savings" are not complete figures.
L.VanDolsen asked how much more input would be needed for such a basic structure.
J.Fairbanks replied that this is not brain surgery.
L.VanDolsen made motion to authorize J.Fairbanks to submit his draft drawings to Mr. Peterson (a licensed engineer) to assess costs for his services in providing stamped drawings and overseeing such a building project, C.Draper seconded, and motion passed.
J.Fairbanks said he would have this done by next meeting.

New Business:
CAC recommendations:
Land use objectives:
L.VanDolsen liked the inherent bias toward environmental concerns, but would like to see more pinpointed objectives between residential and commercial properties.
Roads & Safety:
L.VanDolsen agreed with the recommendations of the CAC concerning brining.

Public Comment-None

Motion to adjourn was seconded, and passed.