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 6^th  @ 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