Sonny proved to be a wealth of information and brought many artifacts and documents relative to the history of railroads...thanks for the info...and hopefully the historical society will be bringing us more speakers of like caliber.Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Elk Township Historical Society...
Sonny Miller was introduced by Ann Chase (head of the Elk Twp Historical Society) to talk about the railroad history in and around Elk Twp/Lake County
Sonny proved to be a wealth of information and brought many artifacts and documents relative to the history of railroads...thanks for the info...and hopefully the historical society will be bringing us more speakers of like caliber.
Sonny proved to be a wealth of information and brought many artifacts and documents relative to the history of railroads...thanks for the info...and hopefully the historical society will be bringing us more speakers of like caliber.
Monday, September 20, 2010
A Pat on the Back...And a Kick in the Butt
Well, hopefully you have had a nice summer...like me! It's taken me all summer to get back in the swing of things...including this blog...so here goes:
Random thoughts, old & new, no order of importance:
Apparently the audit has been finished for Elk Twp, although there is no record of it on the michigan.gov website under lake county. (hmmm...maybe we've moved)
There will be a hazardous waste removal/pick up day on Oct 9th, down in Baldwin again for 2010, same place as 2009.
Elk Twp now has an historical society and will host an informational talk by Sonny Miller on the Railroad history of this area...Tuesday, Sept 21st.
Apparently Linda VanDolsen and Marilyn VanVleet comprise a subcommittee looking into building a new and bigger twp building...they asked for, and received, permission (by a vote this time) to request bid proposals from Steve Riggs (who will canvas local contractors)...there is NO floor plan as of yet, and there are NO parameters to be shared with the public...VanDolsen mentioned that they will be going off a previous floor plan drawn by Peterson "with the counter." (apparently that means a kitchen-type counter somewhere)
Granger Road project is going forward as planned.
A new twp hall furnace will go in this week.
Lighting was put in at Turner Rd & 11 Mile Rd.
The Citizen's Advisory Committee was disbanded by a vote of the board after turning in a detailed map of land usage for our township, hence the title, "A Pat on the Back...And a Kick in the Butt." They were thanked for their help on this and previous projects, but the board does not believe they can assist the board in any way in the future.
What do you think?????
Random thoughts, old & new, no order of importance:
Apparently the audit has been finished for Elk Twp, although there is no record of it on the michigan.gov website under lake county. (hmmm...maybe we've moved)
There will be a hazardous waste removal/pick up day on Oct 9th, down in Baldwin again for 2010, same place as 2009.
Elk Twp now has an historical society and will host an informational talk by Sonny Miller on the Railroad history of this area...Tuesday, Sept 21st.
Apparently Linda VanDolsen and Marilyn VanVleet comprise a subcommittee looking into building a new and bigger twp building...they asked for, and received, permission (by a vote this time) to request bid proposals from Steve Riggs (who will canvas local contractors)...there is NO floor plan as of yet, and there are NO parameters to be shared with the public...VanDolsen mentioned that they will be going off a previous floor plan drawn by Peterson "with the counter." (apparently that means a kitchen-type counter somewhere)
Granger Road project is going forward as planned.
A new twp hall furnace will go in this week.
Lighting was put in at Turner Rd & 11 Mile Rd.
The Citizen's Advisory Committee was disbanded by a vote of the board after turning in a detailed map of land usage for our township, hence the title, "A Pat on the Back...And a Kick in the Butt." They were thanked for their help on this and previous projects, but the board does not believe they can assist the board in any way in the future.
What do you think?????
Friday, June 11, 2010
June...The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Good:
The Sauble/Elk/Eden Twps fire department continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of our township---
new fire truck coming soon
Fireman's Ball to be held at Skinner Park on Aug. 7th
The Cemetery Board continues to work hard on behalf of .... hmmm ... our township ... our peace of mind for those who have gone on before us---
a work crew was helpful in cleaning up the cemetery, tree trimming, chipping, clearing brush
The Citizen's Advisory Committe (CAC) continues to be active in and around the township doing work that the township officials would rather not be bothered to do---
completed a physical viewing of all roads around the township to assess signage and safety, and generated a report to the board detailing needs, wants, and issues
The Bad:
Numerous times during this meeting, the super made decisions unilaterally or without motions:
once during the CAC report, when a vote was asked for regarding coloring-in a land use map to be used in township planning, the super said just do it the "Norman Township" way.
Another time when a furnace, which was previously tabled, came up for discussion, the super called for a voice vote without the benefit of a motion and second for public records...this is the same furnace that the board received two bids on and decided not to do anything about because of the possibility of building a new office building.
One more time during discussion of a new Michigan regulation which requires the townships to sell permits for Michigan fireworks displays, the super expressed a desire to maintain a file for permits.
While this issue of proper procedure may seem banal and petty, it is actually a necessary part of an elected supervisory role-leadership which can be trusted to keep accurate township record of the ways and means of expenditures and processes.
The Ugly:
This administration has come to the conclusion that listening to the public is too difficult and will not net them the office building they desire in a timely manner. Therefore, according to some previously agreed upon but largely invisible dance step, the board wants to go back to "plan A": a $37,000/materials only, pole barn style building to house offices only. This board seems to feel that the township money is theirs to spend, and as long as they don't go over "budget," it doesn't matter what they do with that money; after all they know what is best for all of the citizens.
Some of the board's question/responses were as follows:
Arquette-"You're talking about building something that we don't even know who's going to build it."
Fairbanks-"This ain't brain surgery."
VanDolsen-"Working drawings are needed."
VanVleet-"I like the smaller plan."
Draper-"I am still concerned about volunteers...before you spend money how much is labor going to cost?"
Fairbanks-"I actually do think, once there's some activity out there...I can get some local boys to help."
(((hmmmm...just like they are NOT helping during trash clean up?????)))))
After discussion, Arquette made a motion to contact Mr. Peterson, a licensed engineer, for a working drawing. This motion was passed by the entire board.
The Sauble/Elk/Eden Twps fire department continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of our township---
new fire truck coming soon
Fireman's Ball to be held at Skinner Park on Aug. 7th
The Cemetery Board continues to work hard on behalf of .... hmmm ... our township ... our peace of mind for those who have gone on before us---
a work crew was helpful in cleaning up the cemetery, tree trimming, chipping, clearing brush
The Citizen's Advisory Committe (CAC) continues to be active in and around the township doing work that the township officials would rather not be bothered to do---
completed a physical viewing of all roads around the township to assess signage and safety, and generated a report to the board detailing needs, wants, and issues
The Bad:
Numerous times during this meeting, the super made decisions unilaterally or without motions:
once during the CAC report, when a vote was asked for regarding coloring-in a land use map to be used in township planning, the super said just do it the "Norman Township" way.
Another time when a furnace, which was previously tabled, came up for discussion, the super called for a voice vote without the benefit of a motion and second for public records...this is the same furnace that the board received two bids on and decided not to do anything about because of the possibility of building a new office building.
One more time during discussion of a new Michigan regulation which requires the townships to sell permits for Michigan fireworks displays, the super expressed a desire to maintain a file for permits.
While this issue of proper procedure may seem banal and petty, it is actually a necessary part of an elected supervisory role-leadership which can be trusted to keep accurate township record of the ways and means of expenditures and processes.
The Ugly:
This administration has come to the conclusion that listening to the public is too difficult and will not net them the office building they desire in a timely manner. Therefore, according to some previously agreed upon but largely invisible dance step, the board wants to go back to "plan A": a $37,000/materials only, pole barn style building to house offices only. This board seems to feel that the township money is theirs to spend, and as long as they don't go over "budget," it doesn't matter what they do with that money; after all they know what is best for all of the citizens.
Some of the board's question/responses were as follows:
Arquette-"You're talking about building something that we don't even know who's going to build it."
Fairbanks-"This ain't brain surgery."
VanDolsen-"Working drawings are needed."
VanVleet-"I like the smaller plan."
Draper-"I am still concerned about volunteers...before you spend money how much is labor going to cost?"
Fairbanks-"I actually do think, once there's some activity out there...I can get some local boys to help."
(((hmmmm...just like they are NOT helping during trash clean up?????)))))
After discussion, Arquette made a motion to contact Mr. Peterson, a licensed engineer, for a working drawing. This motion was passed by the entire board.
Friday, May 14, 2010
May 11, 2010 Regularly Scheduled Mtg
Well, okay, this seems a bit boring and since I'm not getting any feedback, and may just be doing this blog for myself, I am taking it over...I hate boring, and it doesn't serve any purpose if people fall asleep while reading this, so I will only tell you what I think you want to know, or maybe just what I think I want you to know...
This month's meeting was attended by all board members in various forms and levels of involvement...the meeting didn't get heated until the end when Linda VanDolsen ended up swearing at Johnel Buckingham, but more on that later...
Nothing noteworthy until you get to the supervisor's report:
Apparently Milfoil (an aquatic pesky plant) was "more entrenched than we realized," so there will be another two treatments this summer using more 24D. The good news is that Sauble Twp has also established a SAD (special assessment district) which will generate more funds to be used for the eradication treatment on Big Bass Lake.
Other noteworthy happenings, under Old Business:
The Granger Road paving project will be put on hold until 3 owners who are negotiating possible sales and land splits can work out details for moving of easements in order for the road to avoid going through their living rooms, or something like that.
The BIG news is of course the Office Building Project which will be going forward although John Fairbanks is attempting to distance himself from the ballooning costs. His comments were, "This building is getting expensive," and "The reason I am pushing is because I want a museum here." He also mentioned, "This is too expensive for me to feel comfortable with," and "I'm open for suggestions."
Well, this current administration seems to be willing to listen to suggestions, but the same suggestions are not acted upon, nor investigated. The rest of the board's time was used in defending the plans that they favored regardless of the suggestions and concerns of the citizens.
Linda VanDolsen's comments were, "I prefer were we started...let's get us out of here (meaning the current building).
"I've listened to all the people, but I really feel it should be the board's decision on the size.
"We won't be adding on to a 100 year old building."
VanDolsen finally made a motion to revisit the smaller plan for just an office building with no public meeting space; revise floor plan to include a coffee area and offices; return to the 28 x 40 original size. Carol Draper seconded, and Marilyn VanVleet asked for a roll call vote.
Draper-Yes
VanVleet-Yes
VanDolsen-Yes
Arquette-Yes
Fairbanks-Abstain with reason given, "We asked the public for what they wanted, they wanted a bigger building, I think we should go with what they want."
Fairbanks went on to say that he, "Would beat the numbers up again (for 28 x 40)."
Fairbanks further mentioned he needs a legal description to orient the new building on the south side of the property.
Draper made motion to allow Fairbanks to take action to get extension on survey for the property and make if official; seconded, and approved.
In New Business, the board discussed and made motion to put a light on a pole at 8 Mile & Mac Rd for safety sake (especially since this is a school bus stop for multiple buses).
Resolution adopted to place millage language on ballot for fire department equipment. This would simply be a renewal for fire equipment, not additional millage. We voted to approve a renewal for fire operating millage in 2008, but this is a different existing millage for equipment.
The meeting ended roughly and raucously as citizens voiced concerns and questions regarding a new office building which would effectively benefit the three officers of the court. Voting and meetings would still need to be held in the ancient town hall, and no one is telling the total cost of the new building YET! The board has budgeted $90,000 for the project which would be a separate facility with offices and bathrooms only (maybe a conference room).
Again, keep in mind that the current budget allows for an actual income of $101,658, but the actual expenses (without the building fund) is $121,147....
so this is not a sustainable budget! We will run out of money unless expenses are brought in line with income without using savings.
This month's meeting was attended by all board members in various forms and levels of involvement...the meeting didn't get heated until the end when Linda VanDolsen ended up swearing at Johnel Buckingham, but more on that later...
Nothing noteworthy until you get to the supervisor's report:
Apparently Milfoil (an aquatic pesky plant) was "more entrenched than we realized," so there will be another two treatments this summer using more 24D. The good news is that Sauble Twp has also established a SAD (special assessment district) which will generate more funds to be used for the eradication treatment on Big Bass Lake.
Other noteworthy happenings, under Old Business:
The Granger Road paving project will be put on hold until 3 owners who are negotiating possible sales and land splits can work out details for moving of easements in order for the road to avoid going through their living rooms, or something like that.
The BIG news is of course the Office Building Project which will be going forward although John Fairbanks is attempting to distance himself from the ballooning costs. His comments were, "This building is getting expensive," and "The reason I am pushing is because I want a museum here." He also mentioned, "This is too expensive for me to feel comfortable with," and "I'm open for suggestions."
Well, this current administration seems to be willing to listen to suggestions, but the same suggestions are not acted upon, nor investigated. The rest of the board's time was used in defending the plans that they favored regardless of the suggestions and concerns of the citizens.
Linda VanDolsen's comments were, "I prefer were we started...let's get us out of here (meaning the current building).
"I've listened to all the people, but I really feel it should be the board's decision on the size.
"We won't be adding on to a 100 year old building."
VanDolsen finally made a motion to revisit the smaller plan for just an office building with no public meeting space; revise floor plan to include a coffee area and offices; return to the 28 x 40 original size. Carol Draper seconded, and Marilyn VanVleet asked for a roll call vote.
Draper-Yes
VanVleet-Yes
VanDolsen-Yes
Arquette-Yes
Fairbanks-Abstain with reason given, "We asked the public for what they wanted, they wanted a bigger building, I think we should go with what they want."
Fairbanks went on to say that he, "Would beat the numbers up again (for 28 x 40)."
Fairbanks further mentioned he needs a legal description to orient the new building on the south side of the property.
Draper made motion to allow Fairbanks to take action to get extension on survey for the property and make if official; seconded, and approved.
In New Business, the board discussed and made motion to put a light on a pole at 8 Mile & Mac Rd for safety sake (especially since this is a school bus stop for multiple buses).
Resolution adopted to place millage language on ballot for fire department equipment. This would simply be a renewal for fire equipment, not additional millage. We voted to approve a renewal for fire operating millage in 2008, but this is a different existing millage for equipment.
The meeting ended roughly and raucously as citizens voiced concerns and questions regarding a new office building which would effectively benefit the three officers of the court. Voting and meetings would still need to be held in the ancient town hall, and no one is telling the total cost of the new building YET! The board has budgeted $90,000 for the project which would be a separate facility with offices and bathrooms only (maybe a conference room).
Again, keep in mind that the current budget allows for an actual income of $101,658, but the actual expenses (without the building fund) is $121,147....
so this is not a sustainable budget! We will run out of money unless expenses are brought in line with income without using savings.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
What NOW...?...
Well, I am glad you asked...
Another non-publicly attended meeting...
This one was for discussion of a Proposed Office Building & Site Planning.
All board members present, but no one else.
The renovation of the current township hall was discussed as was the furnace installation.
John Fairbanks gave an overall design and cost estimate of some building plans, and authorization was given to consult with Mr. Peterson, Engineer, on an initial set of schematic drawings plus two elevations of a proposed building...and the deadline...May 7, 2010...happens to be the next regularly scheduled board meeting.
It may be noteworthy that $90,000 was designated in the 2010-2011 Budget for a Capital Outlay/ Building Fund...
This would be $90,000 of your hard earned dollars with no input from you whatsoever. This board seems to be operating on the understanding that they can spend anything within the checking, savings, and money market accounts without any oversight on the part of the tax payers. While this might be technically true and legally undertaken, this money was accrued over years and years of careful planning and frugal spending. Now this large chunk of change may be spent by 5 persons elected by you, and without your say-so. This is representative form of government gone bad...oops, that just my editorializing...isn't this how we got in debt with the federal government?
Anyway, The Mission Statement of the Proposed Development Plan for Elk Township Hall Site, for April 2010, reads as such...
The Phases...
Phase 1
so this doesn't look like a sustainable budget! We will run out of money unless expenses are brought in line with income without using savings. Just my thoughts, let me know what you think!
Another non-publicly attended meeting...
This one was for discussion of a Proposed Office Building & Site Planning.
All board members present, but no one else.
The renovation of the current township hall was discussed as was the furnace installation.
John Fairbanks gave an overall design and cost estimate of some building plans, and authorization was given to consult with Mr. Peterson, Engineer, on an initial set of schematic drawings plus two elevations of a proposed building...and the deadline...May 7, 2010...happens to be the next regularly scheduled board meeting.
It may be noteworthy that $90,000 was designated in the 2010-2011 Budget for a Capital Outlay/ Building Fund...
This would be $90,000 of your hard earned dollars with no input from you whatsoever. This board seems to be operating on the understanding that they can spend anything within the checking, savings, and money market accounts without any oversight on the part of the tax payers. While this might be technically true and legally undertaken, this money was accrued over years and years of careful planning and frugal spending. Now this large chunk of change may be spent by 5 persons elected by you, and without your say-so. This is representative form of government gone bad...oops, that just my editorializing...isn't this how we got in debt with the federal government?
Anyway, The Mission Statement of the Proposed Development Plan for Elk Township Hall Site, for April 2010, reads as such...
- To preserve the historical significance of the site, maintain the site's existing natural character, and lay a sustainable foundation for future development
- To be as "green" as possible in the planning and execution of all projects through the choice of structure, building materials, fixtures, furnishings, and energy systems
- To revitalize and rededicate his site as the historical and cultural center for the community of Elk Township
The Phases...
Phase 1
- Build a new office building that will house the Elk Township offices and records and provide a temporary meeting and polling place
- Construct the office building so that it can be easily and cost effectively added on to in the future
- Renovate and preserve the 97-year old Elk Township Hall once it is vacated
- Convert it to the Elk Township museum
- Properly preserve, archive, and display the township's historical records
- Construct an addition to the (new) office building as required by the future growth and needs of the township
- Phase 1 - 2010 Beginning May 2010
- Phase 2 - 2010-2011 Beginning October 2010
- Phase 3 - TBD (to be determined)
so this doesn't look like a sustainable budget! We will run out of money unless expenses are brought in line with income without using savings. Just my thoughts, let me know what you think!
Wow, We Are Behind...
ANNUAL MEETING(s), March 27th, were actually short meetings mostly because the time was changed and people missed the meeting(s)....
interesting facets of the meeting(s) were...
There were two meetings at one time...
The first being an Annual Budget Hearing, where...
Raises happened for Super of $1,000/ year, and $20./mtg for the two trustees....
? when did the board issue a Salary Resolution which is required by law to change Board Salaries?
Oh, that came at a Budget Hearing which was not attended by GQ Public.
The second meeting was the Annual, Annual Meeting where nothing noteworthy happened because it had all happened at the previous meeting.
Now why do I sound slightly sarcastic?
Well, that is probably due to the fact that I was one of those persons who got the time wrong, thus missing both meetings, but it is also due to the idea of the current board sharing information only via the great white sign out front of the township hall. Only if you pass by on the correct days, or have another avenue of connection, can you keep abreast of what the current township board is up to. That makes it imperative for taxpayers who would like to be in the know, to work harder at staying informed of things that are happening in their township.
That means YOU!
interesting facets of the meeting(s) were...
There were two meetings at one time...
The first being an Annual Budget Hearing, where...
Raises happened for Super of $1,000/ year, and $20./mtg for the two trustees....
? when did the board issue a Salary Resolution which is required by law to change Board Salaries?
Oh, that came at a Budget Hearing which was not attended by GQ Public.
The second meeting was the Annual, Annual Meeting where nothing noteworthy happened because it had all happened at the previous meeting.
Now why do I sound slightly sarcastic?
Well, that is probably due to the fact that I was one of those persons who got the time wrong, thus missing both meetings, but it is also due to the idea of the current board sharing information only via the great white sign out front of the township hall. Only if you pass by on the correct days, or have another avenue of connection, can you keep abreast of what the current township board is up to. That makes it imperative for taxpayers who would like to be in the know, to work harder at staying informed of things that are happening in their township.
That means YOU!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Open Forum Meeting on Potential New Office Building
This meeting was in a different format than usual township meetings which are comprised of the township board doing business of the township in front of the members of the township. In this town hall style meeting, emphasis was on hearing and responding to the township citizens as equals for the betterment of the community. Despite having had little forewarning (the notice was in the Lake County Star only days before the Saturday meeting), there were roughly 20 citizens present and the full board. After the pledge of allegiance, John Fairbanks spoke for awhile on his vision for a new township building. In his words, he would like to "build something low key, subdued, blends into the woods...my building that I've designed is post and beam construction...with a 6 inch concrete slab with hydronics" for a heated floor. The idea is to build something small and affordable, preferably under $50,000 so a licensed engineer would simply be able to stamp architectural drawings instead of overseeing the entire project. Fairbanks also spoke of the history of our area and the fact that our current township hall will be 100 years old in three more years. After Fairbanks spoke, Linda VanDolsen added her thoughts that the project would "probably be under $50,000...but nothing is cut in stone." There were many ideas spoken of by citizens, and many questions raised.
Some ideas involved adding on to the current structure vs. building a separate building and trying to get grants to renovate the current township hall as an historical museum. Other thoughts were to build a bigger structure to benefit the entire community with the idea of renting out the new facility for family get togethers or weddings and funerals. It was pointed out that these accumulated monies were generated and saved through many years of frugality, and we hope to see a good return that everyone can be proud of and benefit from its usage. Later talk turned to doing the work desired in phases on a pay as you go basis. It was remembered that the previous building plans which people voted down included phase options but it was determined that it cost more overall to do a project in phases. Other concerns were for how big of a building is actually needed and how many people should be accommodated. Only one bathroom is included in the new building plan, and no kitchen facilities are provided. The long and short of the meeting was that people would like to see something affordable built, but within a reasonable budget, and that they would like to have input and say-so. Suggestions for another survey to be filled out by citizens was dubiously regarded by VanDolsen, but the general feel in the community is for more informative meetings. I would love to hear your feedback and ideas...
Remember the Annual Meeting next Saturday, March 27th at 2pm!!! Stay informed and involved.
Some ideas involved adding on to the current structure vs. building a separate building and trying to get grants to renovate the current township hall as an historical museum. Other thoughts were to build a bigger structure to benefit the entire community with the idea of renting out the new facility for family get togethers or weddings and funerals. It was pointed out that these accumulated monies were generated and saved through many years of frugality, and we hope to see a good return that everyone can be proud of and benefit from its usage. Later talk turned to doing the work desired in phases on a pay as you go basis. It was remembered that the previous building plans which people voted down included phase options but it was determined that it cost more overall to do a project in phases. Other concerns were for how big of a building is actually needed and how many people should be accommodated. Only one bathroom is included in the new building plan, and no kitchen facilities are provided. The long and short of the meeting was that people would like to see something affordable built, but within a reasonable budget, and that they would like to have input and say-so. Suggestions for another survey to be filled out by citizens was dubiously regarded by VanDolsen, but the general feel in the community is for more informative meetings. I would love to hear your feedback and ideas...
Remember the Annual Meeting next Saturday, March 27th at 2pm!!! Stay informed and involved.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
March 9, 2010
SPECIAL MEETING PLANNED FOR PROPOSED OFFICE BUILDING-MARCH 20, 2010 @ 10am @ TOWNSHIP HALL
March 9, 2010
Pledge began at 7 pm with all board members present.
Minutes for February approved with corrections.
Reports:
Treasurer’s Report by C. Draper showed 195 parcel paid for the Bass Lake SAD out of 207 total parcels.
Assessor’s report: None
Clerk’s report: None
Commissioner’s report: None
Cemetery report: None
Fire Board report by Marilyn Zdebski showed 47 runs/year as of Feb 16th; there will be an Easter egg hunt on April 3rd at Skinner Park in Irons at 11am; we now have two CPR certified instructors; the new assistant chief is Greg Bombich who comes to the area with great experience in fire fighting; and there is a fire board meeting every month on the third Tues at Station 1, Bass Lake.
Citizens Advisory Committee report by L. Fitz: Feb 15th mtg was canceled due to lack of quorum, but the March 1st mtg continued work on a land use map; next mtg will be March 15th at 2pm.
Supervisor report: none
Correspondence: none
Public comment:
Marilyn Zdebski found Chris Bunch to be very informative concerning brownfield management.
Jane Drake from Fremont informed the citizens she is running for State Rep 100th District (Geoff Hansen's seat)
Under Old Biz:
Jay, super of Lake County Road Commission stated Elk twp portion of paving Granger Rd would be $105,644.40, and VanDolsen asked board if they wanted to proceed with the project. VanVleet made a motion to sign the contract with the road commission with 50% up front and 50% after paving is completed, after discussion VanVleet tabled the motion, then after more discussion VanVleet untabled the motion and Fairbanks seconded, and vote passed to go forward with a contract.
Under New Biz:
1 Poverty Exemption Resolution for 2010-2011
Draper made motion to accept as written (with Elk twp citizens complying with federal guidelines with exemptions for 1 vehicle and principle home), Arquette seconded, and motion passed.
2 USDA presentation on grants/loans-Sept 30th is deadline for stimulus $$$, and there is $ available for low income households for necessary repairs.
3 Proposed Rustic Sportsman's Cabin Ordinance-Lake county has adopted such ordinance for more uniformity including sanitary codes and better structural integrity, maximum square footage is 400 feet.
4 Salary resolution for trustees at the annual mtg (March 27th, 2pm)-tabled.
5 Midget Lake homeowners 911 concerns-Tom Elenbaas, fire chief, detailed 3 problems with Midget Lake area: there is already a Twin Lake rd down in Sauble twp, both directions from the T are labeled as W. Twin Lake Dr, this direction becomes confusing when searching for homes during an emergency)-Solutions: rename one or all of W. Twin Lake Dr, or put up a sign at T detailing which numbers go which way. VanDolsen will give such info to equalization.
6 Resolution for Poicy & Procedures of twp administration-Draper made motion to accept resolution, Arquette seconded, and motion passed (Elk Twp will be audited this year).
Jackie McKellar requested to go to equalization, VanDolsen responded she wouldn't be going down, but she will talk to property owners at Midget Lake concerning problems with signage on their road.
V. Gates requested a notice published in the paper for the March 20th discussion of proposed office building and site planning, VanDolsen said it would be in the paper this week (incidentally, this notice was not in the paper until the following week which was only two days before said meeting).
Friday, February 12, 2010
February 9, 2010
SPECIAL MEETING PLANNED FOR PROPOSED OFFICE BUILDING-MARCH 20, 2010 @ 10am @ TOWNSHIP HALL
February 9, 2010
Pledge began at 7 pm with all board members present.
Minutes for January approved with corrections.
Reports:
Treasurer’s Report by C. Draper showed a complete township balance of $360,899.21
Assessor’s report: None
Clerk’s report: None although M. VanVleet mentioned applications were available for election workers.
Commissioner’s report: None
Cemetery report: None
Fire Board report by fire chief, Tom Elenbaas: 18 runs for the year including one house fire; all 7 fire dept trucks are available for service; Eden twp has agreed to host the annual Easter egg hunt; a new cadet program has begun for 16-18 year olds.
Citizens Advisory Committee report by L. Fitz: Jan. 18th meeting was cancelled due to lack of quorum, but planning continued at the Feb 1st meeting, and next meeting will be on Feb 15th at 2pm.
Supervisor report by L. VanDolsen: about road brining, seems the county has its own brine tank and last summer one tank was down for repairs to a pump, so brining was sketchy; Elk twp may request full brining but the first brine will always be a spot brine.
ORV letter sent to the county to remain the same for Elk.
Correspondence: letter from Heritage LLC for crop dusting for gypsy moths (set aside)
Letter from Bob Englebrecht to Lake County Equalization containing a list of properties not included in 911 because there are outbuildings but no permanent residents.
Public comment:
Jackie McKellar requested the list from Bob Englebrecht that he sent to the equalization dept (L. VanDolsen will look into it).
Under Old Biz:
1 MTA seminar which J. Fairbanks & V. Gates attended was very professional and informational, it was concluded by both that the board must have priorities for projects before grants are pursued.
3 Proposed Office Building-special meeting set for input from citizens, March 20th at 10 am at township hall.
Under New Biz:
1 Assessor’s contract-same dollar amount as last two years.
F. Arquette made motion to accept the assessor’s contract for another two years, seconded and passed unanimously ($23,500 for May ’10 – April ’12)
2 Lake County Broadband initiative-Paul Bigford from Sweetwater twp is spearheading this initiative and has asked twps to sign a non-binding letter of interest.
C. Draper made a motion to fill out the letter of interest, passed.
3 July 10th annual trash day with J & S services.
J. Fairbanks made a motion to accept this contract, passed.
Public Comment:
Suggestion to publicize the proposed office building meeting on March 20th, L. VanDolsen said she would put it in the Star and/or the Bulletin Board News.
Suggestion to have a curbside pickup for trash was dismissed due to cost.
Motion to adjourn was seconded, and passed at 8:07pm.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
January 12,2010
BUILDING PLANS CONTINUE....
January 12, 2010
Pledge began at 7 pm with all board members present.
Minutes for Dec. 8th approved.
Reports:
Treasurer’s Report by C. Draper showed a complete township balance of $340,240.71.
Assessor’s report by Bob Englebrecht mentioned that our tax base is decreasing.
Clerk’s report: None
Commissioner’s report by P. Maiville, nothing noteworthy.
Cemetery report: None
Fire Board report by M. Zdebski: None.
Citizens Advisory Committee report by L. Fitz:
This committee has been meeting to discuss board directives, and next meeting will be held at the town hall on Jan. 18, 2010 at 2pm
Supervisor report by L. VanDolsen, nothing noteworthy.
Correspondence: None
Public comment:
Johnel Buckingham read a letter of concern regarding new building plans.
Under Old Biz:
1 The bid for furnace installation was awarded to Jack VanMannen Heating.
2 Land use objectives were approved as written by the CAC
3 Proposed Office Building-it was moved and supported that Mr. Peterson, a licensed engineer be retained for $60/hr to produce building plans, not to exceed 9% of cost of the building. There was some discussion by the board concerning a special meeting of the public to get input for or against a new building, but no date was set. (hmmmm....)
Under New Biz:
1 ORV ordinance-no change for Elk
2 PeachTree software update approved for $250
3 Election scanner for ballots approved for $271
4 MTA seminar and instruction for new Board of Review member approved
5 Official transfer of documents to the township clerk
6 MTA grant seminar approved for one board member (J. Fairbanks) and one CAC member
Public Comment-None
Motion to adjourn was seconded, and passed at 8:43pm.
Extras:
Budget meeting by the board on Jan. 14, 2010
Midget Lake SAD meeting set for Jan. 16, 2010 at 10am
Brownsfield grant meeting at Elk on Jan. 19, 2010 at 6:30pm
January 12, 2010
Pledge began at 7 pm with all board members present.
Minutes for Dec. 8th approved.
Reports:
Treasurer’s Report by C. Draper showed a complete township balance of $340,240.71.
Assessor’s report by Bob Englebrecht mentioned that our tax base is decreasing.
Clerk’s report: None
Commissioner’s report by P. Maiville, nothing noteworthy.
Cemetery report: None
Fire Board report by M. Zdebski: None.
Citizens Advisory Committee report by L. Fitz:
This committee has been meeting to discuss board directives, and next meeting will be held at the town hall on Jan. 18, 2010 at 2pm
Supervisor report by L. VanDolsen, nothing noteworthy.
Correspondence: None
Public comment:
Johnel Buckingham read a letter of concern regarding new building plans.
Under Old Biz:
1 The bid for furnace installation was awarded to Jack VanMannen Heating.
2 Land use objectives were approved as written by the CAC
3 Proposed Office Building-it was moved and supported that Mr. Peterson, a licensed engineer be retained for $60/hr to produce building plans, not to exceed 9% of cost of the building. There was some discussion by the board concerning a special meeting of the public to get input for or against a new building, but no date was set. (hmmmm....)
Under New Biz:
1 ORV ordinance-no change for Elk
2 PeachTree software update approved for $250
3 Election scanner for ballots approved for $271
4 MTA seminar and instruction for new Board of Review member approved
5 Official transfer of documents to the township clerk
6 MTA grant seminar approved for one board member (J. Fairbanks) and one CAC member
Public Comment-None
Motion to adjourn was seconded, and passed at 8:43pm.
Extras:
Budget meeting by the board on Jan. 14, 2010
Midget Lake SAD meeting set for Jan. 16, 2010 at 10am
Brownsfield grant meeting at Elk on Jan. 19, 2010 at 6:30pm
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