Open Forum Meeting on Potential New Office Building

This meeting was in a different format than usual township meetings which are comprised of the township board doing business of the township in front of the members of the township. In this town hall style meeting, emphasis was on hearing and responding to the township citizens as equals for the betterment of the community. Despite having had little forewarning (the notice was in the Lake County Star only days before the Saturday meeting), there were roughly 20 citizens present and the full board. After the pledge of allegiance, John Fairbanks spoke for awhile on his vision for a new township building. In his words, he would like to "build something low key, subdued, blends into the woods...my building that I've designed is post and beam construction...with a 6 inch concrete slab with hydronics" for a heated floor. The idea is to build something small and affordable, preferably under $50,000 so a licensed engineer would simply be able to stamp architectural drawings instead of overseeing the entire project. Fairbanks also spoke of the history of our area and the fact that our current township hall will be 100 years old in three more years. After Fairbanks spoke, Linda VanDolsen added her thoughts that the project would "probably be under $50,000...but nothing is cut in stone." There were many ideas spoken of by citizens, and many questions raised.
Some ideas involved adding on to the current structure vs. building a separate building and trying to get grants to renovate the current township hall as an historical museum. Other thoughts were to build a bigger structure to benefit the entire community with the idea of renting out the new facility for family get togethers or weddings and funerals. It was pointed out that these accumulated monies were generated and saved through many years of frugality, and we hope to see a good return that everyone can be proud of and benefit from its usage. Later talk turned to doing the work desired in phases on a pay as you go basis. It was remembered that the previous building plans which people voted down included phase options but it was determined that it cost more overall to do a project in phases. Other concerns were for how big of a building is actually needed and how many people should be accommodated. Only one bathroom is included in the new building plan, and no kitchen facilities are provided. The long and short of the meeting was that people would like to see something affordable built, but within a reasonable budget, and that they would like to have input and say-so. Suggestions for another survey to be filled out by citizens was dubiously regarded by VanDolsen, but the general feel in the community is for more informative meetings. I would love to hear your feedback and ideas...

Remember the Annual Meeting next Saturday, March 27th at 2pm!!! Stay informed and involved.

March 9, 2010

SPECIAL MEETING PLANNED FOR PROPOSED OFFICE BUILDING-MARCH 20, 2010 @ 10am @ TOWNSHIP HALL

March 9, 2010

Pledge began at 7 pm with all board members present.

Minutes for February approved with corrections.

Reports:

Treasurer’s Report by C. Draper showed 195 parcel paid for the Bass Lake SAD out of 207 total parcels.

Assessor’s report: None

Clerk’s report: None

Commissioner’s report: None

Cemetery report: None

Fire Board report by Marilyn Zdebski showed 47 runs/year as of Feb 16th; there will be an Easter egg hunt on April 3rd at Skinner Park in Irons at 11am; we now have two CPR certified instructors; the new assistant chief is Greg Bombich who comes to the area with great experience in fire fighting; and there is a fire board meeting every month on the third Tues at Station 1, Bass Lake.

Citizens Advisory Committee report by L. Fitz: Feb 15th mtg was canceled due to lack of quorum, but the March 1st mtg continued work on a land use map; next mtg will be March 15th at 2pm.

Supervisor report: none

Correspondence: none

Public comment:

Marilyn Zdebski found Chris Bunch to be very informative concerning brownfield management.

Jane Drake from Fremont informed the citizens she is running for State Rep 100th District (Geoff Hansen's seat)

Under Old Biz:

Jay, super of Lake County Road Commission stated Elk twp portion of paving Granger Rd would be $105,644.40, and VanDolsen asked board if they wanted to proceed with the project. VanVleet made a motion to sign the contract with the road commission with 50% up front and 50% after paving is completed, after discussion VanVleet tabled the motion, then after more discussion VanVleet untabled the motion and Fairbanks seconded, and vote passed to go forward with a contract.

Under New Biz:

1 Poverty Exemption Resolution for 2010-2011

Draper made motion to accept as written (with Elk twp citizens complying with federal guidelines with exemptions for 1 vehicle and principle home), Arquette seconded, and motion passed.

2 USDA presentation on grants/loans-Sept 30th is deadline for stimulus $$$, and there is $ available for low income households for necessary repairs.

3 Proposed Rustic Sportsman's Cabin Ordinance-Lake county has adopted such ordinance for more uniformity including sanitary codes and better structural integrity, maximum square footage is 400 feet.

4 Salary resolution for trustees at the annual mtg (March 27th, 2pm)-tabled.

5 Midget Lake homeowners 911 concerns-Tom Elenbaas, fire chief, detailed 3 problems with Midget Lake area: there is already a Twin Lake rd down in Sauble twp, both directions from the T are labeled as W. Twin Lake Dr, this direction becomes confusing when searching for homes during an emergency)-Solutions: rename one or all of W. Twin Lake Dr, or put up a sign at T detailing which numbers go which way. VanDolsen will give such info to equalization.

6 Resolution for Poicy & Procedures of twp administration-Draper made motion to accept resolution, Arquette seconded, and motion passed (Elk Twp will be audited this year).

Public Comment:

Jackie McKellar requested to go to equalization, VanDolsen responded she wouldn't be going down, but she will talk to property owners at Midget Lake concerning problems with signage on their road.

V. Gates requested a notice published in the paper for the March 20th discussion of proposed office building and site planning, VanDolsen said it would be in the paper this week (incidentally, this notice was not in the paper until the following week which was only two days before said meeting).

Motion to adjourn was seconded, and passed at 8:10pm.