Business, Building, and Bull...

Wow, how time does fly along with the ugly, white stuff. It's been awhile since an update, and I've not heard any crying, so you must be staying informed all by yourself. Anyway, as far as business, the current board has met Dec, Jan, and Feb with not much noteworthy to report.
Remember that on November 18, 2010, this board voted 3-2 to hold a public forum concerning the proposed building project. This will come up later, so keep reading.

Sauble Township super has asked surrounding townships to help with the costs of the recycling program that Sauble and surrounding township residents have been utilizing for garbage control. This is a free service for the area residents.

Doug Mann and Lou Fitz have been appointed to the Fire Board as representatives of Elk Township, they are replacing outgoing Corey VanFleet and Carol Draper (Fire Board only).

Bob Nalbach passed away in December, and will be missed as an electrician and neighbor.

Blossom Fairbanks has been appointed to the Cemetery Board.

Board of Review appointments are as follows: Don Arquette, Philip VanVleet, and Yvonne Kibbe with Kay MacDonald being an alternate. If anyone else is interested in being an alternate for Board of Review, let Linda VanDolsen know.

Bob Englebrecht, Elk Township Assessor, has reviewed area commercial properties and classifications and found the following:
Properties classified as exempt:
7th Day Adventist Church, Community Service Center
Properties classified as industrial:
Fischer #3 (gravel) Haliday Sand & Gravel
Properties classified commercial:
ABC Redi Mix
Most other businesses are classified residential as they are operated from homes, although a few businesses will need a physical visit in the spring to accurately assess classification.
Any questions pertaining to this may be directed to Bob Englebrecht at 231.883.4141

2011-2012 Salary Resolutions include a raise for trustees to $95 per meeting, and a raise for deputies to $12/hr, not to exceed $500 annually.

Under New Business at the Feb Board meeting, the Agenda states:
Building Project Public Hearing Reconsideration...
According to the Feb meeting minutes draft, there was a
"Motion was made by Frances Arquette to rescind the previous motion to hold a public hearing pertaining to the building project, seconded by Marilyn VanVleet," and passed 4-1...
then a second motion was made,
"Motion to carry under old business the building project and carry a question period of no more than 10 minutes was made by Frances Arquette, seconded by Linda VanDolsen," and passed 5-0.

So, just to recap this proposed building bull:
In Nov, Arquette seconded a motion made by John Fairbanks to have a public forum meeting when any citizen could have their questions answered concerning expenditures to build a proposed township hall.
Then in Feb, Arquette rescinds the motion she seconded and passes a new motion to limit citizens to a collective 10 minutes of questions (and hopefully answers) before the board votes to use $155,584 of taxpayer's monies.
And you will have no vote on the matter of this expenditure. Might want to make your voice heard at the next board meeting on March 8, 2011 (hopefully you will be included in the 10 minutes).