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

REGULAR BOARD MEETING AUGUST 12, 2014

ELK TOWNSHIP

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

AUGUST 12, 2014

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

Johnny Gates offered a prayer

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

Minutes approval-J. Fairbanks- motion to approve July 8, 2014 Regular meeting minutes as amended; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Board Member Reports:

   L. Fitz, Supervisor

1.      100 Year! Centennial Celebration @ Elk Township Hall on August 23, 2014 from 3pm-7pm, includes picnic supper, live music, historical displays, antique cars, fire apparatus (new & old), ribbon cutting ceremony & re-dedication of facility;  if there is anyone you think should be invited to this historical celebration contact L. Fitz

2.      Letters from Dan Holland, equalization director: Resolutions to correct winter 2013 tax bill; the resolution is to correct a 2013 clerical error relative to the rate of taxation; there will be more information forthcoming on this subject but the letter for a signed resolution was rescinded at the request of the Lake County Board of Commissioners

3.      MTA workshop: L. Fitz, Supervisor, would like to go to a workshop in Boyne City on Sept 25^th discussing Lawful Expenditures-S. Young-motion to approve L. Fitz and/or B. Myers to attend class @ $79 each + mileage; B. Myers seconded; passed 5-0

   V. Gates, Clerk

1.      Successful election August 5, 2014 with 22% voter turnout=184 voters, including 47 absentee ballots

2.      Spent 16 hours with Microsoft IT in order to successfully update windows on dedicated election laptop

3.      Requesting Board approval on bills paid in July, including Big Bass Lake SAD- L. Fitz -motion to approve bills paid; S. Young seconded; passed 4-1 (J. Fairbanks, no) J. Fairbanks feels these July bills are not all periodicals and should be approved before payment is rendered

4.      Discussion ensued concerning budget amendment for the Building & Grounds Capital Outlay-B. Myers-motion to approve budget amendment of $4,000 out of unassigned funds to cover budget shortfall; V. Gates seconded; passed 4-1 by roll call vote (J. Fairbanks, no)

5.      Correspondence: letter from DNR regarding an Open House for State lands which are in Lake, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford counties on Thursday, Aug. 21^st from 3pm-6pm @ Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center in Cadillac; letter & draft from Norman Twp regarding their Master Plan for zoning, L. Fitz will contact Norman Twp and report as needed

B. Myers, Treasurer

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

Public Comments:

Charlie Young-brining costs will be held down because of a truck being sold for $1 from Sauble-Elk-Eden Townships Fire Dept., which will be refitted and used for brining; Brooks road will close north of 10 ½ mile road Aug 25^th – Sept 8^th (approximately)

Sharon Puff-notice new elk head mounted on wall, donated by Jay Jorgensen (and a big Thank You from Board to Sharon Puff for all the decorations in township hall)

Marilyn Zdebski-understands the difference between “periodicals” and those things that should be voted on, and she feels the Board is respecting those differences

Joyce Durdel-there are some “discretionary” amounts approved by Board (ie. Office Supplies); objects to the supervisor not being able to oversee the appropriations in the accounting; does not feel that this Board is overspending budget indiscriminately

Bonnie Knysz-would like to see a lighted Exit sign on side of meeting room that exits into the kitchen and office space; thinks the township hall is looking very nice (L. Fitz stated he would like to see a lighted Exit sign factored into next year’s budget)

Karen Humfleet-realtor with Big River, discussed the garbage issue and the complaints she hears from possible new residents concerning the overflowing bins; wishes the Board could include monies in the budget for bigger, better bins to contain the bags; L. Fitz mentioned we have two more bins which could be placed next to the existing bins at Granger Rd/10 ½ mile & Bass Lake Rd/ 10 ½ mile

Dave Bass-wonders about the junk around residences which could also deter potential buyers

Tony Ellis-believes Independent Rural Waste is doing a good job picking up all the garbage around bins

Bill & Jill Gillard came to challenge Elk Township to the Annual Softball game @ Sauble Township on August 30, 2014; Sauble will provide hot dogs and asks participants to bring a dish to pass for a picnic

Tad Lane-discussed a situation on Little Manistee River where a two-track has been established on state property; suggests a large rock or two be placed so traffic can’t continue to river (north side of river); L. Fitz offered to contact DNR and see if someone will review this issue

Tony Ellis-feels that the contractor for the Big Bass Lake SAD (special assessment district) has been doing a good job at keeping costs down for the treatments and providing a good service of weed control; each property owner has seen a reduction in their SAD bill by $20/year

Tad Lane-suggests a capful of ammonia in garbage bags will deter critters from accessing bags

Dignitary Reports:

·         County Commissioner-J. Fairbanks-meeting of County Commissioners tomorrow where they will be discussing the tax error on the 2013 winter tax bill; there will also be a meeting on Aug 27^th concerning the new building for the Sheriff department road patrol

·         Fire Dept-Marilyn Zdebski- fire department report given, including new truck being “in service”

·         Historical Society-Joyce Durdel-working on a pamphlet which is now at the printers (for the Centennial Celebration); V. Gates asked where this would be accounted for in the budget/billing; L. Fitz-motion to allow V. Gates, Clerk, to pay bills for the Historical Society up to $1000 out of the line item for Historical; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Old Business:

·         Set hearing dates for the Big Bass Lake SAD hearing dates; 1^st hearing is to allow comments from people in the SAD and requires a mailing to each property owner & will be published in Bulletin Board News; L. Fitz-motion to schedule such hearing on Sept. 9, 2014 @ 6pm; J. Fairbanks seconded; passed 5-0 by roll call vote

·         Second hearing date for SAD; 2^nd hearing is to allow for objections to the assessment roll for the SAD; must keep record of persons objecting; J. Fairbanks-motion to schedule such hearing on Oct. 14^th @ 6pm; V. Gates seconded; passed 5-0 by roll call vote

·         L4029 approval needed for Millage Request Report to County Board of Commissioners for 2014 Tax Rate; S. Young-motion to offer the Resolution to approve the 2014 tax rate request form; J. Fairbanks seconded; adopted 5-0 by roll call vote

·         IRS vs. Independent Rural Waste: discussion ensued based on a Notice of Levy received from the IRS and included conversations & subsequent email from Cliff Bloom, our attoney, as well as conversation with a Labor Attorney, Grant Pecor recommended by Cliff Bloom, and conversations with Darrell Fenstermacher, Independent Rural Waste, and Wayne Nelson, IRS; S. Young-motion to pay IRS for monies owed to IRWS based on a contract with IRWS and services rendered during the time Elk Township received the Notice of Levy for monies owed to IRWS; B. Myers seconded; passed 4-1-0 by roll call vote (J. Fairbanks, no)

·         Some discussion related to the garbage service being provided by A-1 at the township hall for which we do not have a contract and have not been billed for the two totes on site; this will be discussed if we receive an invoice or contract from A-1

·         Payment to Cliff Bloom, attorney, S. Young-motion to pay invoice for service rendered; L. Fitz seconded; passed 5-0

New Business:

·         Door code for Ann Chase, Historical Society, J. Fairbanks-motion to provide Ann Chase a door code for meeting room only; S. Young seconded; passed 5-0

Public Comment:

B. Myers thanked everyone who came out for the Duane Dewey parade which included 23 fire trucks and numerous motorcycles

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

Adjourned @ 8:44 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Vicki Gates, Clerk       

8.13.14

Gubernatorial Primary August 5, 2014

Duane Dewey honored by a stamp recognizing 13 Medal of Honor recipients

 Barb Charnes, Clerk of Eden Township & Duane Dewey, Medal of Honor: Korean War

 unveiling the Medal of Honor stamp

 Greg Bombich, Sauble-Elk-Eden Twp Fire Chief, Brandy Myers, Elk Twp Treasurer, Lou Fitz, Supervisor of Elk Twp, Vicki Gates, Elk Clerk

 Medal of Honor Stamp Replica w/Duane Dewey standing in back (w/green beret)

Lake County Road Commission goes all out for parade

Eagle Scout Project by Austin McIntire

JULY 8 REGULAR MEETING

ELK TOWNSHIP

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

JULY 8, 2014

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

Observed a 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

S. Young-motion to approve the agenda as revised; L. Fitz seconded; passed 5-0

Minutes approval-L. Fitz-motion to amend minutes (revisions provided to Clerk); S. Young seconded; passed 3-1-1 (V. Gates, no; J. Fairbanks abstained)

S. Young -motion to approve June 10, 2014 Regular meeting minutes as amended; L. Fitz seconded; passed 4-0-1 (J. Fairbanks abstained)

Board Member Reports:

   L. Fitz, Supervisor

1.      Letter to Dan Holland, Equalization director, to maintain the Big Bass Lake & Midget Lake SADs on summer tax roll

2.      Eagle Scout project completed by Austin McIntire with many thanks for beautifying our township grounds

3.      Building project update-volunteers needed for certain items

4.      Lake County library informational meeting, Thurs, July 24 @ 7pm @ Skinner Park

   V. Gates, Clerk

1.      Received METRO monies to be used for road upkeep & lighting ($3,322.28)

2.      Received reimbursement for school election ($1621.34)

3.      Successfully created a Test Ballot Chart through Election Source, saving township $70

4.      Next election is Gubernatorial Primary on August 5, 2014

5.      Completing online Continuing Education for Clerks to maintain accreditation

6.      Invoiced Eden township for $103.81 for ½ of Duane Dewey signs

7.      Audit completed with a caution from Ryan Howell of Baird, Cotter & Bishop to pay payroll on, or before, first of every month for preceding month (he maintains payroll may be paid any time for the existing month after the meeting for that month); per Board consensus, Clerk will begin paying at end of month instead of beginning of following month (this will result in two payroll payments in July)

8.      Requesting Board approval on bills paid in June, including Big Bass Lake SAD- S. Young -motion to approve bills paid; L. Fitz seconded; passed 4-1 (J. Fairbanks, no)

9.      Information to Board that we are over budget on building project-L. Fitz would like the payments to Walt Adams (for pump); Fischer Corporation (for parking lot improvements; and office chairs (which are in the meeting room) to be reclassified

10.  Apprised Board of IRS Notice of Levy against Independent Rural Waste Service; since we have an outstanding bill for our Trash Day clean up, we are obligated to pay the entire amount to the IRS; L. Fitz produced a letter from IRWS cancelling the contract for the Trash Day and recommending A1 Services to complete the contract (it must be noted that Trash Day was June 7, 2014); after much discussion S. Young-motion to table the contract & bill from IRWS until we have contacted a lawyer (Board directed Clerk to call Clifford Bloom); B. Myers seconded; all in favor by roll call vote

V. Gates-motion to recess meeting; L. Fitz seconded; all in favor

Meeting reconvened @ 8pm

B. Myers, Treasurer

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

J. Fairbanks, Trustee

            Be on the lookout for a full size late 90s model, white, beat up GM vehicle which is believed to be dumping household items in the woods on Federal lands; contact L. Fitz or J. Fairbanks with information

Public Comments:

Charlene Krygier-yellow bags seem to be out of control following the holiday weekend

Judy Bass-suggestion for Clerk to copy correspondence for the Board

Marilyn Zdebski-push to keep our Post Office open; fill out the survey from USPS

Sharon Puff-building fund is for the building

Dignitary Reports:

·         County Commissioner-J. Fairbanks-county pension plan is 80% funded; they are looking at various plans for a new road patrol building; EPA has a bill in subcommittee which would extend the EPA’s reach with a redefinition of “waterway,” the citizens would like the bill #

·         Fire Dept-Marilyn Zdebski- fire department report given

Old Business:

·         V. Gates-motion to table the Big Bass Lake SAD hearing dates until August 12^th meeting; J. Fairbanks seconded; approved 5-0

New Business:

·         Resolution for use of the Elk Township hall & facilities-J. Fairbanks-motion to adopt resolution (the resolution calls for a charge of $60 to non-residents & a security deposit of $60 for both residents & non-residents, this supersedes the motion last month setting the pricing @ $50); S. Young seconded; passed by roll call vote 5-0

·         Lease agreement-J. Fairbanks-motion to adopt the Elk Township Hall and Facility Lease Agreement as written; S. Young seconded (although noted that she is uncomfortable with no fee for residents); passed by roll call vote 5-0

·         Rules & Regulations for hall & facility use-J. Fairbanks-motion to adopt such rules & regulations; L. Fitz seconded; passed by roll call vote 5-0

Public Comment:

Judy Bass-thanked L. Fitz for meeting with the Big Bass Lake Association to help with the petition signatures

J. Fairbanks-mentioned that Sauble Twp is no longer offering recycling and wondered about the contract; we are paid up and no monies are owed either way

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

Adjourned @ 8:40pm

Respectfully submitted,

Vicki Gates, Clerk       

7.9.14