Elk Township - Irons, MI

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Regular Board Meeting-March 2013

ELK TOWNSHIP

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

MARCH 12, 2013

Lou Fitz, Supervisor, called meeting to order with a moment of silence @ 7pm

Pledge of Allegiance, led by L. Fitz

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

Vicki Gates, Clerk-266.8248

Brandy Myers, Treasurer-970.9030

John Fairbanks, Trustee-266.8023

Sharon Young, Trustee-266.8432

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

S. Young -motion to approve FEBRUARY 12, 2013 minutes, J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

S. Young-motion to approve FEBRUARY 28, 2013 minutes, B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

Board Member Reports:

L. Fitz, Supervisor:

1) Board of Review members

V. Gates-motion to appoint K. Fickies as an alternate Board of Review member, B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

L. Fitz administered Oath of Office for Board of Review member to K. Fickies

J. Fairbanks-motion to approve training for Board of Review alternate members, B. Myers seconded;

Passed 5-0

J. Fairbanks-motion to approve pay for K. Fickies to attend Saturday, March 16^th Board of Review ($45/session x 2 sessions), S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

2) Copies of 2013-2014 Proposed Budget packets, to be voted on in the annual budget hearing on March 30, 2013

J. Fairbanks-motion to move $75,000 from “Unassigned Reserve” to “Assigned Reserve/ Reserved for: Township Hall & Grounds,” in 2013-2014 budget, S. Young seconded; passed 5-0 by roll call vote

3) Cemetery Committee members

V. Gates-motion to appoint the following to the cemetery committee:

John Fairbanks, Sexton; Beth Ruby, Georgia Kline, Sharon Young, Pat Bishop, Gail Raad, Karen Williams, Blossom Fairbanks, Carole Masiewicz, Joyce Durdel, members

B. Myers seconded; passed 4-0-1 (J. Fairbanks, abstained)

Next meeting of Cemetery Committee will be April 2^nd @ 3pm @ Elk Twp Hall

V. Gates, Clerk-Requesting board approval on bills:

J. Fairbanks -motion to pay Feb bills, including SAD bills from Jan; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

V. Gates will look into a credit card policy to assist in internet purchases

B. Myers, Treasurer-Read Treasurer’s report:

V. Gates-motion to accept Treasurer’s report, S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

S. Young-motion to authorize B. Myers to move CD to a money market account with LOSB, J. Fairbanks seconded, passed 5-0

S. Young, Trustee-next Lake County Township Association meeting @ Yates on April 25^th @ 7:30pm

Public Comments:

Marilyn Zdebski asked some questions of the board for clarification

Dignitary Reports:

Commissioner-J. Fairbanks: 911 program submitted a 5-year budget (within their income); Michigan storm water conference was beneficial in making connections which could aid us in the future for grant monies to “fix” to 6 Mile sinkhole

J. Fairbanks-motion to open dialogue again on 6 Mile sinkhole; after discussion, J. Fairbanks rescinded motion

Fire Dept- M. Zdebski: 2013 Tahoe is now in service and sealed bids will be accepted for the Ford Excursion; next Fire Dept meeting will be @ Sauble, Station #1 @ 6:30pm on March 19^th

Old Business:

Rewiring twp hall-L. Fitz is investigating options; S. Young-motion to have a special meeting on April 2^nd @ Elk Twp @ 7pm to discuss the township hall renovations, B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

New well for cemetery-Dave Kott has completed a grant for LCCF (Lake County Community Foundation) monies to help in the cost of the installing a new well for the cemetery

Thank You Dave Kott for your service to our township

Budget amendments-J. Fairbanks-motion to amend 2012-2013 budgets as printed on both pages, L. Fitz seconded; passed 5-0 (General Fund: Expenditures: move $1000 from “Contingency” to “Public Works”; and remove “Other Revenues” from Midget Lake SAD Fund)

Bids for Contract Laborers-bids opened & discussed by board, following passed by roll call:

L. Fitz-motion to accept J. Fairbank’s bid for Cemetery Sexton, S. Young seconded; passed by roll call-

B. Myers-Yes; S. Young-Yes; L. Fitz-Yes; V. Gates-Yes; J. Fairbanks-abstain

S. Young-motion to accept Bonnie Wahr’s bid for Cleaning, J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

S. Young-motion to accept ABS Pest Control’s bid for Pest Control, B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

S. Young-motion to accept K&P Lawn Care’s bid for mowing, J. Fairbanks seconded; passed by roll call-

B. Myers-Yes; S. Young-Yes; L. Fitz-Yes; J. Fairbanks-Yes; V. Gates-No

S. Young-motion to accept K&P Snow Plowing’s bid for same, J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

New Business:

Approve Job Descriptions & Contract form for contract labor-J. Fairbanks-motion to approve job descriptions & contract form with revisions, S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Trash Day-

S. Young-motion to table trash day date until May meeting; after discussion, S. Young rescinded motion

S. Young-motion to accept Independent Rural Waste Services’ Contract for Trash Day on June 1, 2013;

J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0 by roll call vote (time will be 9am-1pm, with everyone in line at 1pm being serviced as long as they bring a tax receipt to prove residency)

MTA “Red Book”-the perfect handbook for every elected & appointed official-J. Fairbanks-motion to purchase three (3) copies from MTA for the elected officials, S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Public Comment:

None

S. Young -motion to adjourn @ 9:12pm, B. Myers-seconded; passed 5-0

Respectfully submitted,

Vicki Gates, Clerk

3.13.13

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Treasurer

Treasurer, Brandy Myers, may be contacted on her cell 231.970.9030 for all tax questions, and she will be in the office February 28th @ Elk Twp Hall, 9-5pm, to receive delinquent taxes or answer tax questions, twp hall phone #266.5983

Special Meetings

The following Special Meetings have been called by the Board:

Budget Workshop, February 28th @ 10am @ Elk Twp Hall (this will be a Board workshop for the purpose of compiling a budget for the year 2013-2014, public is always welcome)

Budget Hearing for Public, March 30th @ 10am @ Elk Twp Hall (this will be a public meeting for reviewing the budget for the year 2013-2014, and will be held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting)

Junk Ordinance Review, April 9th @ 7pm @ Elk Twp Hall (this will be a Board workshop for the purpose of investigating a possible junk ordinance, public is always welcome)

Cemetery Ordinance Review, April 9th @ 7pm @ Elk Twp Hall (this will be a Board workshop for the purpose of investigating and hopefully passing an updated cemetery ordinance for Lakeview Cemetery, public is always welcome)

Regular Board Meeting-February 2013

ELK TOWNSHIP

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

FEBRUARY 12, 2013

Lou Fitz, Supervisor, called meeting to order with a moment from John Fairbanks to honor Stanley Dombrouski

Pledge of Allegiance, led by L. Fitz

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

Vicki Gates, Clerk-266.8248

Brandy Myers, Treasurer-970.9030

John Fairbanks, Trustee-266.8023

Sharon Young, Trustee-266.8432

S. Young -motion to approve JANUARY 8, 2013 minutes, J. Fairbanks -seconded; passed 5-0

Board Member Reports:

L. Fitz, Supervisor-will be attending a Board of Review Training in Cadillac on Feb 20, 2013; read an excerpt from Sauble Twp Board meeting minutes dated Jan 8, 2013, “Motion made…to accept the agreement from Elk Township to relinquish managerial and fiscal responsibility of Lakeview Cemetery, Sauble citizen can continue to be members of the cemetery committee, Sauble Township would continue to make the annual $700 payment, Sauble residents can purchase plots at resident cost, and Sauble Township does not object to green burials. Motion carried, 4-0-0”

S. Young-motion to accept Sauble Township’s opt out of the Lakeview Cemetery managerial & fiscal responsibility, B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

L. Fitz charged the Elk Twp Board with the responsibility to review a Lakeview Cemetery Ordinance to be discussed at the March meeting

S. Young-motion to dissolve the current cemetery board, B. Myers seconded; passed 4-1-0

V. Gates-motion to establish a cemetery committee with both Sauble Twp & Elk Twp represented, B. Myers seconded; passed 4-0-1(abstention)

V. Gates, Clerk-Requesting board approval on bills:

J. Fairbanks -motion to pay Dec bills, S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Correspondence-Lake County Road Commission Brine letter for 2013-2014

J. Fairbanks-motion to accept Lake County Road Commission brining contract for $5000 for 2013-2014, V. Gates seconded; passed after discussion regarding possibly needing more monies for this year than last year, passed 5-0

J. Fairbanks read a letter from the District Health Dept #10, “This letter is written in response to our phone conversation on Jan 7, 2013 about whether District Health Dept #10 allows green burials (burials without embalming the body:. The state of Michigan does not have a law requiring bodies to be embalmed before burial, therefore green burials are legal in the state of Michigan and District Health Dept #10 allows them. It is up to the cemetery or the local government whether or not they require the body to be embalmed.”

B. Myers, Treasurer-Read Treasurer’s report:

J. Fairbanks-motion to accept Treasurer’s report, S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

J. Fairbanks-motion to authorize B. Myers to move PNC cd to a money market account which is earning more interest, S. Young seconded, passed 5-0

J. Fairbanks-motion to authorize B. Myers & V. Gates to set up a debit credit card for purchases, S. Young seconded, passed 5-0

J. Fairbanks questioned whether the SADs (special assessment districts) need to be re-approved, V. Gates & L. Fitz will look into dates and contact MTA (Michigan Twp Association) regarding the process

S. Young, Trustee-attended the Lake County Township Association meeting in Chase on Jan 24^th (the association will be publishing the Board of Review dates for the townships); attended an ORV meeting in which it was stated that all townships are now opened for ORV traffic in Lake County; next ORV meeting will be March 14^th @ 9am (J. Fairbanks is chair of this committee)

J. Fairbanks-motion to reimburse all board members for mileage to official meetings that hold interest for Elk township citizens (Elk Twp Board retains right to determine meeting worthiness), B. Myers seconded, passed 5-0 by roll call vote

J. Fairbanks, Trustee-suggests “old timer names” for new roads created by subdividing large tracks of lands; mentioned that the Elk Twp annual meeting includes a budget hearing on March 30^th @ 10am

Public Comments:

Jackie McKellar informed the township that there will be a memorial for Stanley Dombrouski on May 4^th @ St. Bernard’s Church @ 11am, with visitation beginning @ 10am. There will be a Color Guard from Peacock & an Honor Guard from Washington DC; there will be a reception @ Skinner Park following the services

Charlie Young mentioned that the roads are closed to ORV traffic from Dec-March 1^st

Dave McIntire mentioned that brining will cost an additional $1000 for this year considering the $.05 increase in brining costs

Dignitary Reports:

Commissioner-J. Fairbanks: 211 program has been a costly program, with approximately $24/call; J. Fairbanks is chairman of the 911 program and would like to see a 5-year budget for this program; will be attending a Michigan storm water conference to become certified to assist the twp in case of a natural disaster & to aid in securing funds during such a disaster; mentioned there are grant monies through DNR Recreational Passport program for parks; and he will also be attending Michigan Transportation Advisory Council in Lansing

Fire Dept- L. Fitz: will be receiving a 2013 Tahoe to replace the Excursion which will go out for bids to be sold

Cemetery-S. Young: postponed due to restructuring

Road Committee-S. Young: won’t meet again until needed

Old Business:

Rewiring twp hall-L. Fitz is investigating options

J. Fairbanks-motion to table this issue until March meeting, B. Myers seconded, passed 5-0

New well for cemetery-Dave Kott is interested in writing a grant for LCCF (Lake County Community Foundation) monies to help in the cost of the installing a new well for the cemetery

J. Fairbanks-motion to authorize D. Kott to proceed with application for grant through LCCF, S. Young seconded, passed 5-0 (J. Fairbanks mentioned that our oldest grave is a 117-day-old baby in Dec 22, 1893; and we have 1 Civil War Vet and 597 total people interred at Lakeview Cemetery)

Thank You Dave Kott for your service to our township

Junk, dilapidated building, and civil infraction ordinances-after discussion it was decided a meeting dedicated to this issue is in order

S. Young-motion to hold a special meeting on April 9, 2013 @ 7pm for the purpose of discussing in detail junk, dilapidated building, and civil infraction ordinances; J. Fairbanks seconded, passed 5-0

New Business:

2013-2014 Calendar adopted:

J. Fairbanks-motion to adopt, S. Young seconded, passed by roll call vote 5-0

Resolution to establish township officer’s salaries:

J. Fairbanks offered a resolution to keep the supervisor’s salary @ 8,500/yr; S. Young seconded, passed by roll call vote 4-0-1(L. Fitz abstained)

J. Fairbanks offered a resolution to keep the treasurer’s salary @ 11,500/yr; S. Young seconded, passed by roll call vote 5-0

J. Fairbanks offered a resolution to keep the clerk’s salary @ 9,500/yr; S. Young seconded, passed by roll call vote 5-0

Budget workshop for the 2013-2014 fiscal year beginning April 1, 2013:

J. Fairbanks-motion to hold a budget workshop on Feb 28^th @ 10am with the public welcome, V. Gates seconded, passed 5-0

New contracts to go out for bids with the twp retaining the right to accept or reject any bid:

S. Young-motion to publish bids being accepted in the Bulletin Board News for the following positions,

Cleaning, mowing, snow removal, sexton, cemetery mowing, pest control (with a courtesy call to the current contract laborers), B. Myers seconded, passed 5-0

Resolution to adopt poverty exemption income guidelines:

J. Fairbanks offered a resolution to accept the Federal poverty exemption guidelines, S. Young seconded, passed 5-0 with roll call vote

Public Comment:

None

S. Young -motion to adjourn, B. Myers-seconded; passed 5-0

Respectfully submitted,

Vicki Gates, Clerk

2.12.13

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Welcome 2013

ELK TOWNSHIP

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

JANUARY 8, 2013

Lou Fitz, Supervisor, called meeting to order with a moment of silence

Pledge of Allegiance, led by L. Fitz

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

Vicki Gates, Clerk-266.8248

Brandy Myers, Treasurer-970.9030

John Fairbanks, Trustee-266.8023

Sharon Young, Trustee-266.8432

J. Fairbanks-motion to approve Dec 11, 2012 minutes, S. Young-seconded; passed 5-0

Board Member Reports:

L. Fitz, Supervisor-Board of Review Training in Cadillac for $110.50:

J. Fairbanks-motion to pay for training for Supervisor + mileage & meals; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Board of Review appointments for two years: Don Arquette, Phillip VanVleet, Yvonne Kibbe, and Kay Macdonald as an alternate; Oaths of office given by L. Fitz to Don Arquette & Kay Macdonald

There will be a benefit for Tracy Woolman @ Faith Fellowship Family Center on Sat, Jan 12^th from

4-7pm with an auction, baked goods sale & spaghetti dinner to help with medical costs

V. Gates, Clerk-Requesting board approval on bills:

S. Young-motion to pay Dec bills, J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0

B. Myers, Treasurer-Read Treasurer’s report:

J. Fairbanks-motion to accept Treasurer’s report, S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

S. Young, Trustee-Lake County Township Association meeting will be in Chase on Jan 24^th

Public Comments:

Harry Mead remembered when he retired the interest rate was @ 10% and now it is squat

Dignitary Reports:

Commissioner-J. Fairbanks: Housing Committee has monies available to assist low income & seniors to improve their homes, Sandy Clark is the administrator of the program which is also looking for more local contractors who will bid on these projects

Fire Dept- Marilyn Zdebski: Fire Department will be assisting in the benefit for Tracy Woolman

Cemetery-S. Young: Cemetery meeting @ Sauble on Feb 5^th @ 3pm

Road Committee-S. Young: won’t meet again until needed

Assessor-Bob Englebrecht: 417 parcels checked (20% of twp); notices of assessment changes will be going out end of Feb; Poverty threshold must be set by Board before March Board of Review; new law will allow taxable valuation to not be uncapped when transferred to immediate blood relation; and the first $40,000 of Commercial/Industrial Personal Property will be exempt from taxes

Old Business:

Floyd Kadwell & Darrell Fenstermacher presented Independent Rural Waste Services Cost Sheets for waste removal in Elk Twp (twp office has more info)

New Business:

Cemetery-L. Fitz: read a letter informing the Board of a citizen who desires a “Green” burial in Lakeview Cemetery, this is a natural/low impact (biodegradable material) burial which is currently precluded by our Cemetery Rules & Regulations; J. Fairbanks-motion to temporarily suspend need for vaults in the Lakeview Cemetery ordinance in order to provide for green burials, S. Young seconded; passed 5-0 with the understanding that Sauble will be relinquishing fiscal & managerial responsibilities of Lakeview Cemetery & the ordinance needs to be updated

Blight Ordinance-L. Fitz: provided the Board with sample Blight Ordinances & discussed his conversation with Clifford Bloom, attorney, concerning such ordinances; Board will continue to investigate ordinances for “Junk” & “Dilapidated/Dangerous buildings”

Public Comment:

Independent Rural Waste Services also helps individuals clean up their property

Harry Mead mentioned that any type of blight/junk ordinance will cost the township

S. Young -motion to adjourn, B. Myers-seconded; passed 5-0

Respectfully submitted,

Vicki Gates, Clerk

1.9.13