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

SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 Regular Meeting

ELK TOWNSHIP

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

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

John Fairbanks offered a prayer with a tribute to Pat Brach of Norman Twp

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

Minutes approval- S. Young - motion to approve August 12, 2014 regular meeting minutes; L. Fitz seconded; passed 5-0

Minutes approval-J. Fairbanks-motion to approve September 6, 2014 special meeting minutes; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Board Member Reports:

   L. Fitz, Supervisor

1.      Contacted Ray Gries of Norman Twp, chairman of the Planning Commission, on his request to review their township’s Master Plan informing him we have no expertise to oversee this, based on this information Mr. Gries absolved us from further requirements

2.      Read letter of tribute from State of Michigan per Darwin Booher, State Senator & Jon Bumstead, State Representative, on the Elk Township Centennial Celebration

3.      Reported that the DNR fixed the road breech to the Little Manistee River by Fox Bridge

4.      Elk vs. Sauble Twp softball game was rained out

5.      L. Fitz, S. Young, and Dave Kott are working on a grant from Great Lakes Energy for more chairs and tables, a lighted flag pole w/ground lighting, and a ramp out north door

6.      Brooks road project is completed and there will be a ribbon cutting Thursday, September 11, 2014 @ 1pm

   V. Gates, Clerk

1.      Created a list of periodicals & discussed Board policy on paying bills-J. Fairbanks-motion to adopt the Policy for the Post-Auditing Payment of Certain Township Bills; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0 by roll call vote; Board also looked at the payments for September that were not periodicals

2.      Coded the front door for the Historical Society:  discussion ensued regarding who should be allowed in the locked vault; L. Fitz-motion to continue the policy of only officers having access to the vault, and if a person would like access to records an officer will have oversight for the vault; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

3.      Discussed donations for the Historical Society, such donations must go into the General Fund as income, so the budget for the expenses should be raised to show availability for expenses:  S. Young-motion to raise the Historical budget line item $498 for donations received during the Centennial Celebration; L. Fitz seconded; passed 5-0 by roll call vote

4.      Reported work on both the Big Bass Lake & Midget Lake SADs

5.      Requesting board approval on bills paid on August, including Big Bass Lake & Midget Lake SADs:  J. Fairbanks-motion to approve August bills; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

6.      Discussion ensued concerning payment of deputies who are assisting on work with a SAD:  L. Fitz-motion to utilize deputies for work on a SAD provided they are paid out of SAD funds; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 4-1 by roll call vote (V. Gates voting no)

7.      Need for postage to be paid from Big Bass Lake SAD in order to send out hearing notices:  J. Fairbanks-motion to allow V. Gates to purchase stamps for BBL SAD up to $100 to be paid from BBL SAD; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

B. Myers, Treasurer

Read Treasurer’s report for August-S. Young-motion to accept Treasurer’s report; J. Fairbanks 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-commented that she has heard questions from the public regarding who may use the fire ring & picnic area at the township (open to any responsible person)

Jackie McKellar-wonders if items of historical nature will be on display at Elk Township (J. Durdel of Historical Society will address during Historical Society report)

Bonnie Knysz-would like the public to know that the Sauble-Elk-Eden Townships Fire Department will be hosting an Open House for Fire Prevention week on Oct 5, 2014 at Station #2 (next to Eden Twp hall) from 2-4pm with food, tours, and activities for kids

Joyce Durdel-back door wasn’t really planned to be used and as such recommends a sign stating “Emergency Exit Only” on door; mentioned that the Hazardous Waste program scheduled for October 11, 2014 from 9-noon at the Wenger Pavilion in Baldwin needs volunteers; likes the note of tribute extended to Elk Township but would like the public to know that Elk Twp was established in 1874

Vicki Kasper-needs advice for a water/ice issue at the end of her driveway (Charlie Young from the Lake County Road Commission stated that this is a low spot & a bad situation, but he will have his crew look at it again; J. Fairbanks said he will look into getting a solution with the okay from the forestry)

Dignitary Reports:

·         County Commissioner-J. Fairbanks-would like to see the County pay down its debt with some of its “rainy day” monies

·         Fire Dept-Marilyn Zdebski- fire department report given, including the addition of two new firefighters & Nestle will be donating a pallet of water for the firefighters (L. Fitz noted that he will be meeting with the fire chief to discuss an exit sign on the west side of the meeting room)

·         Road Committee-S. Young-reported that chip seal was applied to 6 mile road; L. Fitz stated he will compose a Thank You letter to the Lake County Road Commission

·         Historical Society-Joyce Durdel-would like to see historical pictures decorating the hallway to the bathrooms; the old cupboard in the meeting room is historical & was utilized for the Centennial Celebration; the historical society would like to have access to the cupboard with the ability to lock it up; pamphlets were produced for the Centennial Celebration and are available for a recommended $2.50 donation; at least 160 people attended the celebration

Old Business:

·         Big Bass Lake SAD 2015-2021: received certificate from L. Fitz, Supervisor, testifying to the petition signatures percentages which equals 63.33% of total lineal feet of water frontage; V. Gates-motion to receive petitions by the township board; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0; L. Fitz-motion to direct the Clerk to proceed with plans for the improvement, and estimate of the costs; B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0; Clerk reported to the board that these plans & estimates total $26,526/yr; L. Fitz-motion to accept the plans & estimates to be filed with the township clerk for public examination; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0; L. Fitz-motion to adopt Resolution #1 to tentatively declare its intent to provide a professional aquatic program for the control of weeds and/or algae within the Big Bass Lake area & to set the 1^st hearing date of October 14, 2014 @ 7:00pm @ the Elk Township Hall & instruct the Clerk to give proper notice of such hearing by mailing and publication in accordance with the law; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0 by roll call vote

·         Big Bass Lake SAD 2015-2021 discussion for a tentative date for 2^nd hearing to be November 11, 2014 @ 7pm

New Business:

·         Lake County Community Foundation (LCCF) endowment fund-S. Young-motion disallowing the establishment of an endowment with LCCF; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0 by roll call vote

·         Discussion ensued regarding a letter from Dan Holland concerning a 1% admin fee that could be collected on the property tax bills-L. Fitz-motion to table the 1% admin fee indefinitely; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0 by roll call vote

·         Resolution to establish township trustees’ compensation-L. Fitz-motion to adopt resolution to pay trustees $95 per meeting; B. Myers seconded; passed 3-1-1 by roll call vote (J. Fairbanks voted no, and S. Young abstained)

·         Closing Lowe’s credit card account & Sherman-Williams account-J. Fairbanks-motion to close accounts; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0 by roll call vote

·         Midget Lake SAD-L. Fitz read letter from Larry and Kathy Hall of the Twin Lake Shores Association stating that the property owners would like to receive the remaining funds in the Midget Lake SAD as refund checks to all current property owners of record after SAD expires December 31, 2014; discussion ensued regarding a letter drafted from L. Fitz to Larry and Kathy Hall-S. Young-motion to approve the sending of said letter; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0 by roll call vote

Public Comment:

V. Gates-drinking fountain was fixed by Johnny Gates so that it doesn’t leak on the floor when someone is using it

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

Adjourned @ 9 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Vicki Gates, Clerk       

9.10.14