Wednesday, January 11, 2012

January Mtg 2012

Wow! Those Holidaze went by really fast...
sorry I haven't written much....

but here's the new meeting notes for January 10, 2012 meeting...and check the sidebar for the newest calendar of meetings:





ELK TOWNSHIP
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
January 10, 2012

Douglas Mann, supervisor, asked Dave Kott to offer a prayer for guidance at 6:59pm
He then called the meeting to order at 7:00pm with Clerk, Vicki Gates, leading the Pledge of Allegiance
Members present:         
                                                Douglas Mann, Supervisor
                                                Vicki Gates, Clerk
                                                Carol Draper, Treasurer
                                                John Fairbanks, Trustee
                                                Sharon Young, Trustee

Public Comments for future consideration-yellow trash bags off the roads

S. Young -motion to approve December 13, 2011 minutes, J. Fairbanks-seconded; all in favor

Treasurer’s Report-C. Draper (attached): S. Young-motion to accept the treasurer’s report, V. Gates seconded; all in favor

Clerk’s Report-V. Gates (attached): J. Fairbanks-motion to approve the bills, S. Young seconded; all in favor
C. Draper-motion to accept the Budget Reclassifications for General Fund: Election Supplies; and Cemetery Fund: Maintenance/Repairs, S. Young seconded; all in favor
C. Draper-motion to put up two (2) signs for Freesoil at the intersection (within 500’) of Bass Lake & 8 Mile roads, not to exceed $50, J. Fairbanks seconded; 4 ayes, 1 no (D. Mann)
Correspondence: Burnham & Flowers: Terrorism Insurance; no board action
                                   DNR: found “no special controls are warranted at this time” for Bluegill Lake
                                   Dennis VanVleet: letter of resignation from grounds keeping at the Lakeview Cemetery; board instructed D. Mann to discuss issues with D. VanVleet

Supervisor’s Report-D. Mann: S. Young-motion to accept 2012-2013 calendar (posted), J. Fairbanks seconded; all in favor
J. Fairbanks-motion to approve 2012 Federal Poverty Guidelines (attached), C. Draper seconded; all in favor
Resolutions to Establish Elk Township Officer’s Salaries, which board voted to remain the same:
D. Mann-resolution to accept Supervisor’s salary at $8,500, supported by J. Fairbanks; all in favor
D. Mann-resolution to accept Clerk’s salary at $9,500, supported by S. Young; all in favor
D. Mann-resolution to accept Treasurer’s salary at $11,500, supported by V. Gates; all in favor
These resolutions will go before the electors at the annual meeting March 31, 2012

Trustee’s Report-S. Young made board aware of the Township Association meeting coming up January 26, 2012 at Chase Twp at 7:30pm

Dignitary Reports
·         Fire Dept- given by Marilyn Zdebski (attached)
·         Cemetery- S. Young reported that there will be a cemetery board meeting February 6th  @ 3pm @ Sauble twp

Old Business
·         Yellow Bags Trash Pickup site: test site at 10 ½ mile & Granger roads, with volunteer labor to construct a wooden box with wire to protect the bags from animal damage because the raccoons will not pick up their mess or pay the fines
·         New laptops for Supervisor, Treasurer, and Assessor to go in 2012-2013 budget; the current computer & tower will be used for cemetery records
·         Whetherall Survey is still completing cemetery survey due to errors on the first run document
·         ORV survey has been tabulated and certified by the clerk: 400 in favor, 215 opposed, 1 unvoted; S. Young-motion to open roads to ORV traffic by adopting Ordinance No. 24, J. Fairbanks seconded; roll call vote: S. Young, Yes; V. Gates, Yes; D. Mann, Yes; J. Fairbanks, Yes; C. Draper, No; motion carried
·         Kitchen/Hall renovations-Thanks to Roger Buckingham, Lou Fitz & Johnny Gates for their help in expanding the usable space in the township hall; a community meeting will be held January 17, 2012 at 10am at the township hall to discuss further renovations of the township hall

New Business
·         Additional handicap parking at township hall: will continue to be addressed
·         Additional parking in township parking lot
·         Publically presented letters of appreciation, possibly in conjunction with token of appreciation paid for by donations

Public Comments: Jackie McKellar wondered about the work accomplished by the Citizens Advisory Committee concerning street signs that were missing; Lou Fitz recalls that previous board made a motion for citizens to request signs; and C. Draper recalls some citizens not wishing signage for their private roads
Frances Arquette would like Great Lakes Energy to be contacted concerning another light in parking lot at township hall
Roger Buckingham would like handrails reinstalled at the township hall along the sidewalk
John Bone wondered about the notice requirements to the county road commission for the ORV ordinance; Dave Kott responded that all this board has to do is pass the ordinance, and put it in writing to the Lake County Board of Commissioners, and deliver the letter
Charlie Steigmeyer would like speed bumps at the end of his road (he was just kidding, folks)
Lou Fitz wanted to know when the ORV ordinance would go into effect; Dave Kott said March 31, 2012
Jackie McKellar wondered who would enforce this ORV ordinance; the county sheriff’s department handles the enforcement

S. Young-motion to adjourn, C. Draper & J. Fairbanks seconded; all in favor

Respectfully submitted,



Vicki Gates, Clerk
1.11.12

Monday, November 21, 2011

Notice...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING...
No office hours this week...
ENJOY!

It's Just a Joke...

An elderly woman lived on a small farm in Michigan, just a few feet from the Indiana border. Their land had been the subject of a minor dispute between the two states for years. The widowed woman lived on the Michigan farm with her son and three grandchildren.
One day her son came into her room holding a letter. "I just got some news, Mom," he said, "The federal government has reached an agreement between the two states and they've decided that our land is really a part of Indiana. We have the right to approve or disapprove of the agreement. What do you think?"
"What do I think?" his mom said, "Sign it! Call them right now and tell them we accept. I don't think I can stand another Michigan winter."


It's All Official now...and the skinny from the 1st Official Meeting...Nov 16, 2011

  • Douglas Mann, supervisor, commended all who came out to vote on November 8th, for a total voter turn out of 40% 
  • Vicki Gates, clerk, asked about bids for snowplowing, after discussion, it was requested she put an ad in the Star & Bulletin Board News soliciting bids for snowplowing
  • Sharon Young, trustee, reported that there will be a cemetery board meeting February 6th  @ 3pm @ Sauble twp; the cemetery survey is completed; there is a recommendation that the sexton position & maintenance position be combined for the cemetery next spring; the cemetery board is requesting a copy of all cemetery time sheets for the year
  •  ORV survey has been copied & folded, and is awaiting tax bills
  •   Whetherall has completed the cemetery survey for Ward B & North Point
  • Directional signs-S. Young obtained directional signs for Bass Lake & 11 Mile Rds, Bass Lake & 12 Mile Rds, 12 Mile & Boschem Rds (signage to M-55), and Charlie Young installed them today (Nov 16th)
  •             Heritage Bay paving project: $171,615.95 Elk Twp costs  
      J. Fairbanks discussed a shovel ready project for 6 mile road: $13,100
    Allied Waste-we pay $68/mo for a dumpster which is rarely ever used: J. Fairbanks-motion to get rid of Allied Waste dumpster, S. Young seconded; all in favor
     Lots of good discussion with the audience participation! Thanks all of Elk Township for a great election & a great meeting!
    Next meeting: December 13th @ 7pm, same place...

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Next Meeting...

Next meeting with the new board will be November 16, 2011 since the second Tuesday was the election, and the next Tuesday is a State Holiday: Opening Day of Deer Season-Guns allowed.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

UNOFFICIALLY...

SUPERVISOR:
DOUGLAS MANN - 212 votes
Jeff Riggs - 107 votes


CLERK:
VICKI GATES - 147 votes
Lori Leach - 99 votes
Melissa Kasarskis - 78 votes


TRUSTEE:
SHARON YOUNG - 134 votes
Craig Stapley - 123 votes
Jackie McKellar - 67 votes


GOOD LUCK TO THE NEWLY ELECTED BOARD!
GREAT TURN OUT FOR A MID-TERM VOTE: TOTAL 327 VOTERS

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Absentee Voting Monday, November 7th

Just to let you know that the Clerk will be at the Township Hall from 9am-4pm on Monday for any qualified voter who want to vote in person via Absentee Ballot:
You must be 60 years, or older....
OR-
You find that you won't be able to vote in person on Tues, November 8th
THEN-
come in between 9-4 on Monday, and fill out an Absentee Ballot
OTHERWISE-
VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH