December Regular Meeting

draft

ELK TOWNSHIP

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

DECEMBER 9, 2014

Lou Fitz, Supervisor, called the meeting to order @ 7:00pm

Prayer offered by Johnny Gates

Pledge of Allegiance, led by L. Fitz

Roll call, officials present:      Lou Fitz, Supervisor-266.5040

Vicki Gates, Clerk-510.2597

Brandy Myers, Treasurer-bmyers42780@yahoo.com

                                                Sharon Young, Trustee-266.8432

                                    John Fairbanks, Trustee-266.8023

Agenda-J. Fairbanks-motion to approve agenda as revised; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Minutes approval- J. Fairbanks -motion to approve November 11, 2014 regular meeting minutes; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Board Member Reports:

   L. Fitz, Supervisor

1.      LMWCC using hall first Saturday of every month for meetings-J. Fairbanks-motion to allow this action with no security deposit necessary; B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

2.      SEE Fire Dept to use hall for Christmas party Jan 3, 2015

3.      Thank You to Sharon Puff for the Christmas decorations in and around the hall

   V. Gates, Clerk

1.      Attended a QVF-lite in Lansing in order to manage our Qualified Voter Files at the township

2.      Sold 2 cemetery lots

3.      Discussion of purchasing office supplies-J. Fairbanks-motion to allow Clerk to purchase necessary office supplies from Amazon; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0; related issue-S. Young-motion to allow Clerk to purchase office supplies as necessary periodicals; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

4.      Need budget amendment for election costs overrun-S. Young-motion to amend budget redistributing $420 from savings to elections; B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

5.      Requesting board approval on bills paid in November, including Big Bass Lake SAD- S. Young-motion to approve November bills; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

  B. Myers, Treasurer

1.      Read Treasurer’s report for November- S. Young -motion to accept Treasurer’s report; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

Public Comments:

Joyce Durdel related that it takes approximately 2 & ½ hours to heat the meeting room, and thinks the heat could be set higher when no one is on site

Dignitary Reports:

·         County Commissioner-J. Fairbanks-recommends everyone call their State Senators & Representative to protest the current bills to fix the roads, the current plans will not work because both proposals are based on state sales tax; County is tentatively re-funding the MSU Extention

·         Fire Dept-Marilyn Zdebski- fire department report given

Old Business:

·         Lp bid:  Crystal Flash has offered propane through April 30, 2015 for $1.899/gal, and will supply the tank & equipment & change it out for no cost. After discussion, J. Fairbanks-motion to task L. Fitz with calling Irons Bottle Gas to give them a chance to match the offer from Crystal Flash; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

New Business:

·         Approval of Board of Review members-J. Fairbanks-motion to accept L. Fitz recommendation for the following Board of Review members; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Don Arquette, Chairman                    Yvonne Kibbe, alternate

Kay Macdonald                                   Joyce Durdel, alternate

Karen Fickies                                       Lou Fitz, secretary

·         L. Fitz administered Oaths of Office to Board of Review members in attendance

·         Discussion ensued concerning sidewalk snow removal-V. Gates-motion to authorize Pat Boik to purchase calcium chloride for the entrances & mileage for such; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0 (it was also discussed to block off the sidewalk between entrances for the rest of the winter)

·         Timely salary payment for the assessor discussed-V. Gates stated that his contract defines that he will be paid after each meeting; discussion tabled until January meeting when L. Fitz will follow up

Public Comments:

B. Myers thanked Pat Boik for being a Salvation Army bell ringer at Dublin Store and still attending tonight’s meeting

Marilyn Zdebski believes Irons Bottle Gas will match Crystal Flash offer

L. Fitz wished everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

S. Young-motion to adjourn; V. Gates seconded; all in favor

Adjourned @ 8:04 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Vicki Gates, Clerk       

12.10.14

NOVEMBER 11, 2014 Regular Meeting with Big Bass Lake SAD Hearing #2

ELK TOWNSHIP                DRAFT

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Lou Fitz, Supervisor, called the meeting to order @ 7:00pm

Prayer offered by Johnny Gates

Pledge of Allegiance, led by L. Fitz

Marilyn Zdebski led an honor for all veterans present

Roll call, officials present:                Lou Fitz, Supervisor-266.5040

Vicki Gates, Clerk-510.2597

Brandy Myers, Treasurer-bmyers42780@yahoo.com

                                                                Sharon Young, Trustee-266.8432

                                                John Fairbanks, Trustee-266.8023

Agenda-J. Fairbanks-motion to approve agenda as revised; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Minutes approval- J. Fairbanks -motion to approve October 14, 2014 regular meeting minutes as amended; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Board Member Reports:

   L. Fitz, Supervisor

1.       Fire Department needs volunteers (we currently only have 13 members)

2.       Read a letter for a grant request (Dave Kott will be working on this with L. Fitz); S. Young-motion to approve the letter with revisions; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

3.       Mountain bike event scheduled for 2015 on the North Country Trail has been cancelled

4.       Lake County Commissioner meeting will be held at Elk Township Wed, Nov. 12, 2014 @ 6pm

   V. Gates, Clerk

1.       Successful Gubernatorial election with 50% voter turnout in Elk Twp

2.       Request to attend a class in Lansing to become QVF-lite (which allows address changes to be made in house for voters in our Qualified Voter File); L. Fitz-motion to approve mileage & meals for this class on November 20, 2014; B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

3.       Irons Lp Price Protection Program-L. Fitz-motion to table this until December, he will look into options; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

4.       Cemetery flags & bronze markers-S. Young-motion to approve an order with Carrot-Top Industries for 100 flags & 25 bronze markers for veterans; B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

5.       Needs to reorder checks from Sage & 1099s-L. Fitz-motion to approve; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

6.       Read letter from Municipal Retirement Systems requesting liquidation of Dennis Lisaius’ account-J. Fairbanks-motion to let Ann Bunting @ MRS know D. Lisaius is no longer an employee; L. Fitz seconded; passed 5-0

7.       Requesting board approval on bills paid in October, including Big Bass Lake SAD, and Road fund- L. Fitz-motion to approve September bills; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

8.       Correspondence: Read 4 letters of protest concerning implementing the Big Bass Lake SAD

S. Young-motion to move the Big Bass Lake SAD hearing #2 up on the agenda; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

Big Bass Lake SAD hearing #2; discussion ensued concerning mailing & ads, and revisions of Resolution #4, but there were no comments made on the assessment roll

Public Comments were heard for hearing #2:

Tony Ellis thanked the Board for the work on the Big Bass Lake SAD

B. Myers, Treasurer

1.       Read Treasurer’s report for September- S. Young -motion to accept Treasurer’s report; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

2.       Needs new computer-V. Gates-motion to allow Treasurer to purchase a new computer up to $750; L. Fitz seconded; passed 5-0

3.       Discussed the tax notices which allow for a 1% collection of unpaid taxes-no action although B. Myers will let equalization know to change the tax notices

S. Young, Trustee

Reported that the Lake County Area Townships Association meeting for January 22 will be held at Chase Township @ 7:30pm

Public Comments:

Jackie McKellar-would like people to know that Cool Lake property owners paid for the new picture of Cool Lake @ township hall

Marilyn Zdebski-stated that zebra mussels were found on Sauble Lake #4

Dignitary Reports:

·         County Commissioner-J. Fairbanks-honored Ed Chappel:

Mr. Ed Chappel, I have invited you to our commissioners meeting here tonight to thank you for your work on the North Country Trail. This was to be a formal resolution, but I felt that all the WHEREAS, and THEREFORE, and FURTHER MORES would not be fitting to honor your service. I wanted this to come from the heart. As we close this night, I would like to thank you from all of us on your many years of service on the NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL. You have given yourself unselfishly to better our township, county, and surrounding area. When you embarked on this task many years ago you labored your body, and, as time went on, you guided the next generation of caretakers of this wonderful trail system. With your wisdom, dedication and fortitude, you have made our forest more inviting and accessible for the public. It is refreshing to see that people still exist that will give of themselves wholeheartedly for the good public and expect nothing in return.

In closing, I ask the clerk of the board enter this verbiage in the minutes of this meeting so future generations will know that people of this caliber did exist.

·         Fire Dept-Marilyn Zdebski- fire department report given

·         Road Committee-S. Young-reported she discussed roads with Jay Syrewicze, including the corner of Johnson Rd & 9 Mile Rd, and corner of Canyon Dr & Bass Lake Rd

·         Historical Society-Joyce Durdel-adjourned until April

Old Business:

·         J. Fairbanks-motion to adopt Resolution #4 for Big Bass Lake SAD 2015-2021; S. Young seconded; discussion ensued by Board, and clerk reported that proper notice of the hearing on this matter had been published in the Bulletin Board News on October 23 & October 30, 2014, and had been mailed by first-class mail to each property owner within the proposed assessment district as shown on the current tax rolls of the township on October 21, 2014; passed 5-0 (see Old Business for motions)

·         Trash bin discussion for winter: A-1 Services has offered a dumpster free of charge to be placed at the town hall; after much discussion, S. Young-motion to leave trash bins where they are & to remove this agenda item for future; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

·         Porta-Jon: L. Fitz will contact “Jim” and ask that the porta-jon be removed until April

New Business:

·         Audio taping of meetings: after discussion-J. Fairbanks-motion not to purchase audio taping equipment; V. Gates seconded; passed 5-0

·         Newsletter discussed to go out with winter tax notices: after revisions-S. Young-motion to fund the printing & folding of a two sided newsletter; V. Gates seconded; passed 5-0

S. Young-motion to adjourn; J. Fairbanks seconded; all in favor

Adjourned @ 9:20 pm

Respectfully submitted,

 Vicki Gates, Clerk              

11.12.14

Draft

50% voter turn out for November 4, 2014 Election

still time...

For anyone who needs an absentee ballot for the November 4th election, the Elk Township Clerk will be at the townhall Sat, Nov 1st, from 9-2, and Mon, Nov 3rd, from 9-4pm. Bring a picture id and you can vote your ballot at the hall.

Vote

Don't forget the Gubernatorial General Election
November 4, 2014
Elk Township Hall
7am - 8pm
Come on out and have a say...then you can complain all you want

OCTOBER 14, 2014 Regular Meeting with Big Bass SAD Hearing

       ELK TOWNSHIP                                                           DRAFT 

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

OCTOBER 14, 2014

Lou Fitz, Supervisor, called the meeting to order @ 7:00pm

Moment of silence

Pledge of Allegiance, led by L. Fitz

Roll call, officials present:      Lou Fitz, Supervisor-266.5040

Vicki Gates, Clerk-510.2597

Brandy Myers, Treasurer-bmyers42780@yahoo.com

                                                Sharon Young, Trustee-266.8432

                                    John Fairbanks, Trustee-266.8023

Agenda-J. Fairbanks-motion to approve agenda; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Minutes approval- S. Young - motion to approve SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 regular meeting minutes; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

Board Member Reports:

   L. Fitz, Supervisor

1.      Read letter to the Lake County Road Commission thanking them for the chip seal application on 6 Mile Road

2.      Discussed Lake County Silent Observer Program which allows for anonymous tips to report information about serious crimes, call 231.745.7581

3.      Apprised the Board of vandalism done to the marquee, no damage, but L. Fitz will keep monitoring the sign

4.      Discussed Northland Lakes Association change of by-laws (off 6 ½ mile rd)

5.      Discussed North Country Trail Bike event; J. Fairbanks would like to work on a letter of commendation to Ed Chappel for his untiring work on the North Country Trail

   V. Gates, Clerk

1.      Budget amendments-L. Fitz-motion to approve budget amendments reflecting donations to the historical society & reimbursements for road signs and elections; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

2.      Reported completing continuing education classes for clerk accreditation

3.      Created 4 resolution, 2 notices for ads, 2 letters to be mailed, estimates of costs, and various affidavits for Big Bass Lake SAD 2015-2021, inclusive

4.      November 4, 2014 is  the General Election

5.      Discussing with the County & State becoming QVF (Qualified Voter File) lite to help with voter change of addresses

6.      Closed both Lowes & Sherwin-Williams accounts

7.      Board looked at the payments for October

8.      Requesting board approval on bills paid in September, including Big Bass Lake SAD- J. Fairbanks-motion to approve September bills; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

9.      Discussed the purchase of a 2014 MI Labor Law Poster which is required by law whenever you have employees-J. Fairbanks-motion to purchase such poster (look for made in MI); S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

10.  Discussed a bill submitted by Sharon Puff for decorations for building-S. Young-motion to approve such out of Building & Grounds Capital Outlay ($22.88); B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

11.  Discussed the legal bill submitted by Clifford Bloom for phone consultations-S. Young-motion to pay lawyer’s fees out of the Big Bass Lake SAD; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

B. Myers, Treasurer

1.      Read Treasurer’s report for September-V. Gates-motion to accept Treasurer’s report; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

2.      Discussed the past PILT (payment-in-lieu of taxes) payments which need to be returned to the County-J. Fairbanks-motion to cut a check for $1721.62 out of the General Fund for PILT payment; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

S. Young, Trustee

            Reported that the Lake County Area Townships Association meeting for October will be held at Elk Township on October 23, 2014 @ 7:30pm and she would like the board’s participation & assistance

Public Comments:

Marilyn Zdebski-thinks Tony Ellis is doing a good job with the Big Bass Lake Association; would like to see meetings recorded; would like a deputy clerk to be able to sign checks; believes the Centennial Celebration was well received

Paul Spaniola-introduced himself and let everyone know he is currently running for a Judicial spot in Lake County & is currently the Mason County Prosecutor

Bob Wotta-thinks Canyon Rd is in a terrible state (S. Young said she would call the Lake Cty Rd Comm)

Ed McKay-thinks that Canyon Rd has been degenerating for the past 6 months

Dignitary Reports:

·         County Commissioner-J. Fairbanks-Harper Lake & Big Bass Lake boat launch will be plowed this winter for ice fishing; ORV grant was obtained for publicity; gave kudos to Don Turnwall & Shelly Myers who saved Lake County about $300,000 by refinancing our mortgage package

·         Fire Dept-Marilyn Zdebski- fire department report given

·         Road Committee-S. Young-reported she will be sitting down with Jay Syrewicze to discuss roads; B. Myers asked S. Young to pass on concerns about the corner of Johnson Rd & 9 Mile Rd

·         Cemetery-J. Fairbanks reported he will be critiquing & purging dilapidated urns; after Nov 11^th flags and silk flowers will be removed for the winter; need to re-order flags & bronze markers

·         Historical Society-Joyce Durdel-a file system is being set up for Ann Chase to maintain individual family folders

Old Business:

·         Big Bass Lake SAD 2015-2021 hearing-open to the public for comments:

Ed McKay-concern that costs could rise 10% each year for a large yearly payment by the end of 7 years; would like to see the ability of payment twice/yr (L. Fitz answered that the equalization director stated only 1 payment/yr)

Mark Harris of Aquatic Doctors (contracting lake assessment & control)-believes treatment has helped Big Bass Lake to remain healthier

Judi Bass-believes Aquatic Drs has been a savior for Big Bass Lake, and she remembers when propellers used to be loaded with milfoil upon returning to the dock, now certain spots of the lake are clear of milfoil

Bob Wotta-wonders how far the yearly assessment payments go in lake coverage & wonders how far the milfoil goes down into the lake (Aquatic Drs answered milfoil goes as far down as you can see sunlight, and they treat the lake in various ways)

Nancy Chase-would like to object to the chemical 24D; she has checked with Oregon State for a fact sheet on 24D, and has found that this fact sheet states the ½ life of 24D is 2 weeks; would like to see optional treatment and states she now has milfoil on her end of the lake; takes issue with the lack of notice on her dock for the 2^nd spraying this past summer (Aquatic Drs answered that notice only needs to extend 100’ from the end of their spraying; 24D is one of the safest herbicides in the state & 24D is selective to milfoil)

V. Gates read a letter from Barb & Bob Robinson objecting to the method for establishing the BBL SAD; questions the reasonably proportionate benefit derived from the improvement for their lot; the unfairness of SAD for Big Bass Lake while Little Bass Lake & Bluegill Lake owners are not assessed although they have access to Big Bass Lake; and raises the question of Sauble residents who are also property owners on Big Bass Lake

V. Gates read a letter Julia Shakinas objecting to the special assessment for her property

·         L. Fitz-motion to adopt Resolution #2 for Big Bass Lake SAD 2015-2021; S. Young seconded; discussion ensued by Board, and clerk reported that proper notice of the hearing on this matter had been published in the Bulletin Board News on September 18 & September 25, 2014, and had been mailed by first-class mail to each property owner within the proposed assessment district as shown on the current tax rolls of the township on September 17, 2014; passed 5-0

·         J. Fairbanks-motion to adopt Resolution #3 for Big Bass Lake SAD 2015-2021; S. Young seconded; discussion ensued by Board and the supervisor reported he had completed the assessment roll in accordance and said roll had been received and filed with the township clerk; passed 5-0

·         Addendum to the Big Bass Lake SAD 2015-2021, Contract with Sauble Twp-V. Gates-motion to approve corrected contract with Sauble Twp regarding the BBL SAD 2015-2021; B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

·         Elk Twp Historical Society display wall-J. Fairbanks-motion to provide the bathroom hallway for a display wall for the Elk Twp Historical Society (with all others to obtain permission from the Elk Twp Board); S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

·         Elk Twp Historical Society display cupboard-S. Young-motion to approve use of the historical cupboard with a lock whose key is to be kept in the vault; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

·         Quote from Jackson Electric for lighted EXIT sign in meeting room-S. Young-motion to authorize payment of such lighted exit sign ($65) out of the Building & Grounds Capital Outlay; L. Fitz seconded; passed 4-1 (J. Fairbanks voted no)

New Business:

Floyd Cadwell with A-1 Services would like to provide a different option to the trash bins:  he proposes a dumpster to be on site at the township hall for blue bags at no cost to the township-S. Young-motion to table this item until November; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

Public Comment:

Would like more comfortable chairs for such long meetings (tongue-in-cheek)

S. Young-motion to adjourn; J. Fairbanks seconded; all in favor

Adjourned @ 9:30 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Vicki Gates, Clerk       

10.15.14