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CORRECTED APPROVED 8/4/09

CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP BOARD

Regular Meeting  *  Tuesday, July 7, 2009

 

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Supervisor Rogers

 

Roll call

Members Present:  Supervisor Larry Rogers, Clerk Catherine Gouge, Treasurer Mary Hallett, and Trustee Jean Schnitker.

 

Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

Additions/Deletions to the Agenda

Additions:         O.  NEW BUSINESS

                              9.   Cut off date for items on the agenda and packet distribution.

 

Approval of the Agenda

MOTION by Supervisor Rogers with the support of Trustee Schnitker to approve the Agenda as amended.

Roll call:  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Public Comments  Opened at 6:34, closed 6:45

Sharen Jarlock read a prepared statement regarding the Solid Waste Management Plan and being betrayed by Trustee Schnitker.  Copy of statement attached.

 

Dar Kuusisto read a prepared statement addressed to Trustee Schnitker regarding the Solid Waste Management Plan and her disappointment in Trustee Schnitker.  Copy of statement attached.

 

Ron Dextrom stated that recently he received a letter from Treasurer Hallett, a letter of legal action she wants to take regarding his sign out front, that is asking a question that she has been asked twice at different meetings.  He said this is a letter that says she wants to take legal action for asking a question of our township.  Ron gave the letter back to Treasurer Hallett along with a container of Vaseline.  Copy of letter dated July 1, 2009, from Mary Hallett to Ron Dextrom attached. 

 

John Fuscone stated that he believed in the past the Board went about taking a vote showing the other Townships and Municipalities that they were against out of County trash and he thinks that is still on record and he is wondering if this Board should also list it on the agenda and also make it known that they are also against out of county trash, so it can be forwarded to these other municipalities so they know exactly how the Board feels as whole, he thinks that is important.  He hopes the Board will do it because he thinks it is still on record.

Also, he would like to turn in his letter officially asking to be considered for Trustee of the CCT and would like it entered into the correspondence.  Copy of letter dated July 7, 2009, attached.

 

Loretta Timlick stated that she noticed that on the Agenda there is a petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance and she would like to address that.  The Master Plan has been worked on for the last 2 years, if not more, and now she understands this zoning amendment is because they are trying to make the zoning match what is in the Master Plan.  She would like to make it clear that this Master Plan has not been submitted to the public, the public has had no input during their public comment period, yes, you can attend meetings and put in information, but this Master Plan needs to be out to the public so that the public can have input into it.  To change the zoning prior to that public input is an injustice to the people of the Township and we should not do any amendments to that zoning until that Master Plan has proceeded over and been accepted by the public.

 

County Commissioner Report

None

 

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Special Meeting Minutes of May 26, 2009.

Treasurer Hallett stated that on page 7, it says Joe Fuscone said to get out of the seat, it isn’t clarified as to who that comment was made to, and it was made to her.  She thinks that needs to put in the minutes.  Treasurer Hallett said there was another statement that was left out that was prior to a statement she made, the statement she made was, (on page 9) Treasurer Hallett stated that Rita McNamara is only on the committee for the landfill.  Only for the sale of the landfill.  Treasurer Hallett said John Fuscone made a statement prior to her making that comment and it is something that was discussed in that next meeting that we had, so she thinks that it is important that his statement be put in there, and that’s when he was pushing us and telling us that we had appointed a committee and we should let that committee do their action.  She said then in the next meeting we discussed that, we discussed the reason she is saying this is because of the special meeting a comment was made about a committee that we had appointed.  Clerk Gouge asked Treasurer Hallett where should it go?  Treasurer Hallett said it should go before her statement.  Clerk Gouge asked Treasurer Hallett and what do you say should go in there?  Treasurer Hallett said, John Fuscone made the statement regarding a committee that we had appointed.  Clerk Gouge repeated, he made a statement regarding the committee we had appointed.  Treasurer Hallett said right and said that she went on to clarify what that committee was actually for, which was the landfill, not for negotiations.  Supervisor Rogers and Trustee Schnitker said they recall that statement.  Clerk Gouge said that what she was going to put in there was, John Fuscone made a statement regarding committee we appointed.  Treasurer Hallett stated that was fine.  Clerk Gouge asked Treasurer Hallett about the other change on page 7, Joe Fuscone said to get out of the seat, she asked her if she wanted it to say it was directed to her.  Treasurer Hallett said right.  

MOTION by Treasurer Hallett with the support of Supervisor Rogers to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of May 26, 2009, as amended.

Roll call:  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Approval of Regular Township Board Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2009.

Clerk Gouge stated that there was a typo on page 2, in the last paragraph of the public comments, it is written, ‘E-mailed public comment from Supervisor Rogers Paquette dated 6/1/09’, it should be, ‘E-mailed public comment from Larry Paquette dated 6/1/09.’

MOTION by Supervisor Rogers with the support of Trustee Schnitker to approve the Regular Township Board Meeting Minutes of June 2, 2009, as amended.

Roll call:  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Approval of Special Meeting Minutes of June 11, 2009.

MOTION by Clerk Gouge with the support of Supervisor Rogers to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of June 11, 2009, as presented.

Roll call:  Motion passed unanimously.

 

County Commissioner Report

None

 

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Hallett provided a current Treasurer Report and reported a General Fund balance as of 5/31/09 was $356,032.40, June receipts were $441.74, June (it says May, but should be June) checks were $21,705.45, which leaves the General Fund total at $334,768.69.  The Landfill Impact first quarter payment was $4,579.46, which leaves our Impact Fund total at $177,635.36.

MOTION by Supervisor Rogers with the support of Trustee Schnitker to approve the Treasurer Report as presented.

Roll call:  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Other:  Treasurer Hallett addressed the letter to Ron Dextrom.  She stated that she was asked a question, but it was not specific enough, so she tried to get more information.  She asked Clerk Gouge, but she did not have the information, she went to the County, and they didn’t know what report she was talking about.  She received legal advice and she was told to write Ron a letter.  She read the letter aloud.  Copy of letter dated July 1, 2009, from Mary Hallett to Ron Dextrom attached.  She stated she would like a copy of the report.  Ron Dextrom stated that Rita McNamara brought the report from Divozzo, handed it to Mary Hallett, Mary Hallett opened her books, and there was a discrepancy of $15,000 between John Divozzo’s report to the State and Mary Hallett’s records.  He stated that she (Treasurer Hallett) knows exactly what $15,000 they are talking about, John (Fuscone) asked Mary at two meetings, why there was a discrepancy in that money, either Divozzo has lied to the state or it’s a typo, but our Treasurer is responsible to find out if we were paid the $15,000 or if we were shorted the $15,000, that is the truth, there is no need to involve Cathy (Clerk Gouge) in it because Rita McNamara handed her (Treasurer Hallett) the report and she (Treasurer Hallett) looked in her books.  Treasurer Hallett stated that they should of brought her the report, because when it was put on the sign, she did not know what you were talking about.  Ron Dextrom asked if it slipped her mind that she looked it up in her records.  Treasurer Hallett stated that it has been a long time since she looked through those records.  Supervisor Rogers stated that for the future, if you have documentation, give it to us in writing.  Ron Dextrom stated that Rita McNamara handed it to her (Treasurer Hallett).  Treasurer Hallett stated that she does not have a copy of that report.  Ron Dextrom asked Treasurer Hallett if she was concerned enough to ask Rita to make her a copy.  Ron Dextrom asked so were is the $15,000?  Treasurer Hallett said that she would like to know too, she would like to see the report so she can compare the figures.  Treasurer Hallett stated that it is pretty bad that you portray it out in the community trying to slander my name without trying to work it out with me first.  Ron Dextrom stated that he wasn’t trying to slander her name, he was asking a question, a question that was asked at two different meetings.  Treasurer Hallett stated that he has slandered her name, she has received multiple phone calls.  Ron Dextrom stated that he just asked a question.  Supervisor Rogers stated that in the future if you have a question, direct it to him, in writing.  Ron Dextrom stated that when they asked about the lawyers talking, what Mary found out about the lawyers, she refused to answer, she spent township money to talk to a lawyer and refused to tell us the response, when we asked where the difference in the money was, she did not respond at two different meetings. 

 

Clerk’s Report

Checks and payment of Bills:  A current Check Register detailing checks and bills #12551 to #12606 totaling $20,150.58 was provided and reviewed.

MOTION by Supervisor Rogers with the support of Trustee Schnitker to approve checks and bills #12551 to #12606 totaling $20,150.58 as presented.

Roll call:  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Budget:  Current budget information was provided and reviewed. 

 

Supervisor’s Report

Supervisor Rogers stated that the Road Commission is having a hard time getting brine.  He said he spoke to A1, Al Musselman, they do that, if there is a need for us to look at paying as the Township, to have our roads brined.  The cost would be 14¢ per gallon, it is something he would like us to think about and maybe get some input from the people.  He thinks the Road Commission should be contracting with one of these companies to get the roads done, because lack of brine damages the road quicker than anything.  He thinks we should look into it if the County is not going to do it.

 

Robert Lohman stated that he gave Supervisor Rogers correspondence and he thinks it should be discussed under Supervisors Report.  Supervisor Rogers stated that he (Robert Lohman) is on the agenda and he is not going to read the correspondence.  Robert Lohman said he thinks it should be good to state that there is correspondence that you received.  Supervisor Rogers said that he is on the agenda.

 

Department Reports

1.   Cemetery:  Denise Carlson had nothing to report.   

 

2.   Building Inspector:  David Serafin reported there were 4 permits, one was a demolition, and five inspections in the month of June.  Supervisor Rogers asked if it was new construction, homes.  David stated one home, a pole barn, a porch, and a deck.  Supervisor Rogers asked how many new home constructions for this year, 2.  David said he thinks so.

 

3.   Blight Enforcement:  David Serafin reported he is just working at it.

 

4.   Planning Commission:  Jo Ann Morris reported that they have finished their bylaws and made the last corrections, and they will be approved at the next Tuesday’s meeting.

 

5.   Zoning Administrator:  Barbara Youngert reported that there have been two zoning permits, one was for an addition to a house and one was for a house and garage, getting very few calls, nothing much going on.  She mentioned the people who bought a property and might be interested in looking at windmills, it is going to take quite a while before they can figure out whether they can use windmills or not, they are doing some surveying, it might take up to a year to figure it out.  They are going to put up greenhouses and they are doing some very interesting things, she asked them and they might be interested in coming next month and discussing what they are doing    

 

6.   Fire Department:  Kelly Whitehead reported there has been a problem getting documentation from Sheriff’s Dept., because of new system.  It is not accurate, he has been working to get it resolved, once he gets it resolved, he’ll submit the report.  He discussed the runs.  They performed a training with the Cadillac City, rescue team came up and worked with our department and others townships on doing a rescue scenario.  He has the radios, and they are in the process of getting them programmed.  There was a training meeting 6/18/09.  They have filled a couple swimming pools and received a $30 donation.  He reported that in the past we have just asked for a donation, but if it is a large pool or if we have to use a lot of fuel he tries to get a minimum of $50.  They do not pay the volunteers to do it, and they tell them if there is ever a fire in the area, they may use the water.  Discussed the notice of renewal for the software, update, and the support for computer program from Fire Programs for $435.      

MOTION by Supervisor Rogers with the support of Clerk Gouge to approve the payment of Fire Programs in the amount of $435.00.

Roll call:  Motion passed unanimously

 

Liaison reports

1.   Solid Waste Management Planning Committee

Trustee Schnitker reported that they had the vote, there was a meeting held on 6/29/09, where the Solid Waste Plan was presented and it was approved, she listed the 22 counties that were added.  She said to keep in mind that these counties, realistically, will not be sending trucks to our landfill, this is just a planning, a forward looking plan, the vote that was taken was just to release the plan, now it goes to the County Commissioners, they have the option to approve it or send it back to committee, if the County Commissioners approve it, then it goes out to the municipalities and they will have the opportunity to vote on it.  She stated that she did vote yes because she talked with many people and toured the facility and regardless of what folks think, it is being well run, the corrections have been made.  She stated that she knows many don’t agree with that, but many experts have explained it that way, and with these counties this does not mean that they will be marching their garbage down the roads with their trucks, it’s a long step away from that and may not go anywhere, but it was approved that night, we met again last night to make sure we understood what the plan was.  Treasurer Hallett asked Trustee Schnitker if she knew the time frame when it will come to the Townships to vote.  Trustee Schnitker said it goes to the County Commission and depending on what they do with it, if they approve it, it will be out to the areas within the next two or three months.  Supervisor Rogers stated that he wanted to clarify, and asked Trustee Schnitker if she was representing CCT.  Trustee Schnitker said no, she is under local government.  Supervisor Rogers said the Township Representative for local government and Trustee Schnitker agreed.  Trustee Schnitker stated township government, it is not CCT, it is all township government, any township could have had a representative apply for that position, it is not a vote from CCT Board.         

 

2.   Landfill Committee

Nothing to report. 

 

Old Business

1.   Employee Handbook

Clerk Gouge distributed the copy of the employee handbook that was submitted to the attorney.  She stated that he has not reviewed it yet, he did confirm that he received it and that he could stay within the time frame of about two hours.  Table until next month.  No objections.

 

2.   Michigan Emergency Management Assistance Compact (MEMAC)

Treasurer Hallett has not received any calls and still doesn’t know what is going on there.  Clerk Gouge suggested contacting the insurance carrier to see if they could answer her questions.  Discussion to table the topic until next month.  No objections.

 

3.   Fire Department Fees for Services

Discussion to table the topic until next month along with MEMAC.  No objections.

Supervisor Rogers said that Kelly, Gary Powell, Clerk Gouge and himself need to get together and find out what the process is for billing.  Discussion.  Kelly stated he thinks the Township should do the initial billing and then follow through on it.  Treasurer Hallett said she talked to the Fire Dept. secretary and she was going to review it with her.  Supervisor Rogers asked Kelly if they ask for Homeowners policy when they are there, Kelly said yes, they gather all the information they can get.  Supervisor Rogers asked about the follow up procedure.  Treasurer Hallett said the Township is then suppose to re-bill, normally the Clerk does.  Supervisor Rogers said the four of us need to set down and figure this out so we have a system to collect.  Treasurer Hallett said that Pat used to re-bill them but that kind of got slacked, that process.   Supervisor Rogers said to set a time to meet.  Kelly said we will have to be flexible around Gary’s schedule, Supervisor Rogers said he will have to try flex a little bit and we will.  Supervisor Rogers said he would like to get a handle on this.  Kelly said he would try to set something up.  

 

4.   Petitions to Amend Zoning Ordinance

Jo Ann Morris explained the four amendments.  Supervisor Rogers asked if 201 was referring to the M-42 corridor.  Jo Ann said yes and explained the change.  Super asked if the landowner petition to have this changed.  Jo Ann said no.  Supervisor Rogers asked what is meant by petition.  Barb Youngert answered (her response was inaudible).  Supervisor Rogers said that a petition would be that somebody is requesting this.  Barb Youngert responded (her response was inaudible).  Jo Ann Morris continued to explain the amendments.  Supervisor Rogers asked why do we want to change back to residential.  Jo Ann stated that some people have gone to the bank to get a loan and because it was commercial, the bank was not going to give them a loan for the property to add to the home, because homes at this point are not allowed.  Supervisor Rogers said he thought they were grandfathered in.  Jo Ann said they were, we had to send letters to the bank so they could get the loan.  Supervisor Rogers said, so they did get the loan.  Jo Ann said yes.  Treasurer Hallett suggested that each one be done separately, Jo Ann agreed.  Barbara Youngert said that MTA suggested starting with 203 and 204 first.  Loretta Timlick asked if they could explain why this is even necessary when you don’t have a Master Plan that has been updated.  Barbara Youngert stated that this information is supporting the current Master Plan and the new Master Plan.  Loretta Timlick asked so how then did these parcels become this way when our Master Plan has been in effect since 2000.  Jo Ann Morris said because the Master Plan went into effect in 2000, the zoning went into effect in 2002, and the planning commission made these commercial with no request from anyone when they did the zoning ordinance.  She also said that we were asked by the City of Manton, we were going to do a block around the interchange, at that point was not there, and Manton said please go to the city limits to get people coming into the city limits, now I talk to the City and they said get something out there so people stop because they’re going right on by us.  Loretta Timlick asked then why did Mr. Zahari have to pay $300 and make a trip up three or four times to get his property zoned, now you are doing the property right across the road from his for free with no petition from any property owner.  Jo Ann said that is true but we did all of that on M-42 with no person paying ever, except Zahari.  Loretta Timlick asked so why are you making one tax payer pay and now your giving it to the guy across the street for free.  Jo Ann said we are trying to get something so we get a tax base here.  Alexis Stauffer said it was a mute point if Zahari doesn’t care.  Loretta Timlick said she doesn’t think it is.  Matt Clark said we had a meeting two months ago for public comment, if people had questions, they should have showed up then and asked them.  Loretta Timlick said she thought that was an unfair statement from Mr. Clark because she goes to the Board of Public Works meetings every month which are in conflict with the Township zoning meetings.  Supervisor Rogers stated he has some problems with it.  Treasurer Hallett said she thinks we need to go one by one and see if they pass or don’t pass.

#203:  Supervisor Rogers said #203 text change per revision of allowed uses in commercial interchange district.  Supervisor Rogers asked what is mean by text change.  Jo Ann Morris said wording and explained.     

MOTION by Treasurer Hallett with the support of Trustee Schnitker to accept item #203 as presented.

Roll call:   Trustee Schnitker   YES

                  Supervisor Rogers  YES

                  Treasurer Hallett    YES

                  Clerk Gouge            YES

MOTION CARRIED.          

 

#204:  Supervisor Rogers stated that #204 was text change for addition of definitions to support 203.  Barbara Youngert stated that current zoning does not have the definitions included and we want the definitions included so it is clearer for residents to understand.  Treasurer Hallett asked if in each one of these the things that are not underlined or crossed out is what is currently there that you want to leave there and what is underlined is what you want to add and what has a line through is what you want deleted out.  Barbara Youngert said yes.  

MOTION by Trustee Schnitker with the support of Supervisor Rogers to accept Amendment #204 zoning ordinance definitions as listed here.

Roll call:   Treasurer Hallett    YES

                  Supervisor Rogers  YES

                  Clerk Gouge            YES

                  Trustee Schnitker   YES

MOTION CARRIED.          

 

#201:  Supervisor Rogers stated that #201 rural residential district to commercial interchange.  Treasurer Hallett asked if this is the one you want to change from commercial back to residential.  Supervisor Rogers said no, from residential to commercial.  Treasurer Hallett said the map shows several parcels.  Jo Ann said it is only the one number.  Clerk Gouge asked about the number. 

MOTION by Treasurer Hallett with the support of Trustee Schnitker to change parcel 2309-11-2301 to commercial interchange district.

Supervisor Rogers said on this piece of property he has to agree with Loretta Timlick that we charge the other people to get it, and there is no question that should be commercial, he agrees with that, it is his view that the landowner should come in and request it.  Treasurer Hallett stated that on that other zone that they are talking of changing back to commercial, none of those residents had requested it, it has all gone through without anybody paying or requesting.  Supervisor Rogers asked which one.  Treasurer Hallett said that’s our next set that they want to change from commercial back to residential, that whole set was changed to commercial with no requests, it was all done through a petition.  Supervisor Rogers asked if that through the Master Plan.  Treasurer Hallett said no, it was when they did the zoning ordinance, the only person that has paid is Zahari.  Clerk Gouge asked what was this before you want to change it to commercial interchange.  Supervisor Rogers said residential.  Jo Ann Morris said rural residential. 

Roll call:   Treasurer Hallett    YES

                  Trustee Schnitker   YES

                  Supervisor Rogers  NO

                  Clerk Gouge            NO

MOTION NOT CARRIED.   

 

#202:  Supervisor Rogers stated that #202 to change from commercial interchange district to residential.  He said he had a couple residents come to him and they want to keep it as it is, and he doesn’t know if you’ve had any input from a lot of residents in that area.  Barbara Youngert said 2 or 3.  Jo Ann Morris said the man who came in late to the public hearing is the man who owns the last parcel, his name is John Katoni.  Supervisor Rogers said Mark Liddel does not want his changed, he may be doing something commercial there.  Jo Ann said that he talked to them at their meeting that what he plans to do was a home business, and that is allowable under residential.  Supervisor Rogers asked what is meant by home business, repair?  Jo Ann said yes.  Barbara Youngert said Mr. Katoni wanted to sell his property in one acre lots, with the commercial zoning, you can’t.

MOTION by Trustee Schnitker with the support of Supervisor Rogers to accept Amendment #202 as presented.

Treasurer Hallett asked when these properties go up to the City of Manton, are the City of Manton at that point, are they commercial or residential.  Jo Ann Morris said she wasn’t sure.  Barbara Youngert said they were all residences.  Jo Ann Morris said she didn’t know, but Avon on the one side was probably commercial.  Supervisor Rogers said he thought City of Manton was commercial on both sides from 131 to the bridge.  Supervisor Rogers asked Bob Stauffer what he was, Bob Stauffer said he was commercial.  Supervisor Rogers said he had a problem with it because he had nobody come in and tell him they want it changed, but he had several tell him they want to leave it as is.  Treasurer Hallett asked, there are Cozart’s and Stauffer’s that are grandfathered in, what would happen if they sold their property, would it still be grandfathered as the property or as the owner?  Barbara Youngert and Jo Ann Morris said it goes with the property.  Trustee Schnitker said she toured these areas and these lots are very small to be commercial, you couldn’t do commercial there.  Treasurer Hallett said that is kind of her concern, they are such small lots, if somebody gets that small lot and puts a business in, it is going to impact the properties on each side.  Supervisor Rogers said that if we are looking at the future and what your saying is nobody is out there doing anything and you want to make it easier to buy so I think it would be easier to sell that property if it was commercial, rather than residential, if McDonalds is looking they are not going to have to change it and they would certainly buy more than one parcel of property there if they are interested, and he thinks we are all interested in getting something going on there.  Trustee Schnitker said that would be closer to the expressway interchange, this is more back to the west, these residences.  Supervisor Rogers said it comes right up to the city limits, they are commercial from 131 to the bridge and that is what we are but we want to change it back to residential, he has a problem with that.         

Roll call:   Clerk Gouge            NO

                  Treasurer Hallett    YES

                  Supervisor Rogers  NO

                  Trustee Schnitker   YES

MOTION NOT CARRIED.

 

5.   Discussion regarding grants

Supervisor Rogers said he has not been able to get a hold of Pat Monahan.  Clerk Gouge stated we received an advertisement from Dun & Bradstreet, it refers to a duns number, so we might already have one, she will check the website.  Trustee Schnitker said there is a whole process for that and she didn’t recall it was ever done in the past.  Clerk Gouge said if we ever had a grant it might have been done.  Treasurer Hallett said the Fire Department did some grants so she didn’t know if it might have been done in that process.  Kelly Whitehead said it was through the Township.  Supervisor Rogers said we should have a Dun & Brad number, we should have a Dun & Brad rating, we need to call.  Supervisor Rogers said there is a list of other stuff in there that we need to have to give to Monahan.  Clerk Gouge said she will follow up on the Dun & Bradstreet number to see if we have that.  Supervisor Rogers said you have the packet.  Clerk Gouge said she doesn’t have a packet, she only has his presentation.  Supervisor Rogers said that in there are the things he requires.  

 

6.   Discussion regarding motion from 6/2/09 regular meeting to contact Attorney

Clerk Gouge explained that at the 6/2/09 meeting, there was a motion to submit a question to the attorney, then we had the 6/11/09 meeting which put a kibosh on everything, so the question was never submitted to the attorney.  Supervisor Rogers asked if we never submitted it to the attorney.  Clerk Gouge said yes.  Supervisor Rogers asked then why do we need to discuss it.  Clerk Gouge said just so you know it was never submitted it, it was a motion.  Supervisor Rogers asked if he was not contacted.  Clerk Gouge said he was not contacted.  Supervisor Rogers said since then things have changed and we don’t need to contact him.  Clerk Gouge said right, they changed a couple days after we made the motion.  Supervisor Rogers said end of discussion.  No objections. 

 

New Business        

1.   ORV Routing

Supervisor Rogers said we have until the 17^th, are there any roads we should not have the ORV’s on or do we accept it as is, the County is going to leave theirs open until one year and then they are going to review everything, so do you want to follow the County.  Clerk Gouge asked if they are leaving all their roads open.  Supervisor Rogers said yes, all the roads designated, no state highways.  Trustee Schnitker said she thought we already voted on this, is this something different.  Supervisor Rogers said it is for review, we have the option to change by the 17^th of July, if we don’t take any action, then we will follow the County until they have their public hearing.  Supervisor Rogers asked if anyone had any input, or do you just want to let it die and follow the County.  Clerk Gouge asked if when we discussed it last time, didn’t we come up with some roads.  Supervisor Rogers said no.  Trustee Schnitker said she thought it was 16 Road.  Supervisor Rogers said no, we agreed to accept the County’s proposal.  Treasurer Hallett said we discussed it some but then we agreed not to exclude and after a year then revisit.  Supervisor Rogers said we talked about 16 Road and 16 ½ Road, 16 is old 42.  Discussion regarding that being a state road.  Kelly Whitehead said there have been no accidents yet.  Supervisor Rogers said the County will review this in six months or so.  Supervisor Rogers said end of discussion.  No objections.  

 

2.   Discussion regarding appointing new Trustee

Supervisor Rogers said as it stands now, we have Pete Loving, Jeff Norman, and Kevin

│         ^ HEITGER, is your name still in, you withdrew, and John Fuscone.  Supervisor Rogers said we have an option we can appoint tonight or we can do this at the next meeting, we have 45 days from Keith’s resignation, he asked if we needed time to think about it, and also George Youngert has voiced is opinion on being Deputy Supervisor.  Treasurer Hallett said she thinks Jeff would be a good one, he did run for clerk, and then withdrew that so he has shown an interest in being a trustee.  Trustee Schnitker agreed, she said she thought about Jeff too, and he had that interest before and he is interested in the area.  Clerk Gouge said she thought John would be good because he comes to every meeting, he has been on the board before, he knows every bit of it, and he would be extremely capable.  Treasurer Hallett said her concern with John is he is in the lawsuit against the County that would limit him to what he could vote on in our board meetings.  Dar Kuusisto asked if Pete and Jeff have ever come to any of our meetings, and said she doesn’t know who they are.  Someone said Pete Loving used to be the Supervisor and Treasurer Hallett said Jeff Norman’s father was Supervisor of this township too.  Kelly Whitehead said he just retired as a Deputy Sheriff.  Dar Kuusisto said she thinks she has heard his name but has never seen him here.  Clerk Gouge asked if Pete was the Supervisor before.  Supervisor Rogers said yes, years ago.  Kevin Heitger said according to her (referring to Treasurer Hallett) statement on the lawsuit, that would not restrict John at all because it is Township business, not County business.  Supervisor Rogers said no, what Mary was referring to was if we have anything to do with the County, like the landfill.  Kevin Heitger said it will only require him to recuse his vote, nothing more, he said he was running for the county commission job at the same time the lawsuit was going on and it was acceptable.  Ron Dextrom said what would be the difference if John was on a lawsuit or if you guys work for the people that he was suing, there is no difference.  Supervisor Rogers said we don’t work for the County.  Ron Dextrom asked if he (Supervisor Rogers) doesn’t work for the County Road Commission.  Supervisor Rogers said I am a member of the Road Commission, the rest of them are not.  Ron Dextrom said Jean works for the county health department.  Trustee Schnitker said it a district its not the County, its different.  Ron Dextrom said she works with the people at the county health department.  Trustee Schnitker asked do we have an issue with having a daughter and a son, isn’t that called nepotism.  Treasurer Hallett said daughter and father.  Trustee Schnitker said that was in our policy, our handbook.  Irene Leggett said you need to think about the conflict of interest and he was also recalled as a trustee, do you want to put him back on.  Ron Dextrom said he recalled him and he says yes.  Irene Leggett said if you recalled him, why would you want him back, that’s stupid.  George Youngert said he thinks the board is not a family affair really.

MOTION by Treasurer Hallett with the support of Trustee Schnitker to appoint Jeff Norman as Trustee, and also he would be the representative for the Planning Commission.

Roll call:   Trustee Schnitker   YES

                  Supervisor Rogers  YES

                  Treasurer Hallett    YES

                  Clerk Gouge            NO

MOTION CARRIED.          

 

Supervisor Rogers said he would like to appoint George Youngert as Deputy Supervisor.

 

3.   Transfer funds from Impact Account to General Account to cover Landfill Clean Up Day

Treasurer Hallett said its check #12566 for $10,273. 

MOTION by Supervisor Rogers with the support of Trustee Schnitker to transfer the funds from the Impact Account to the General Account.

Roll call: Motion passed unanimously.

 

4.   Museum Membership

Treasurer Hallett explained that this is for the Manton Area Historical Museum, each year in the last few years, we did a $100 membership, that is what the museum operates off of, memberships, just presenting it to see if the Board would be interested again this year to do that.  Clerk Gouge asked how many years have we been doing that.  Supervisor Rogers said a long time.  Treasurer Hallett said there was a question if that was legal expenditures and we did research that one and it should be on file a few years back too. 

MOTION by Supervisor Rogers with the support of Trustee Schnitker to approve the $100 membership to the Manton Area Historical Museum.

Roll call: Motion passed unanimously.

 

5.   Website

Clerk Gouge said the website is still up with all the old information on it, we need to discuss what we are going to do with it, discontinue it or update it.  Supervisor Rogers asked our we capable of updating it.  Treasurer Hallett said no, that was her concern when we first brought on this website, who would take the responsibility to keep it updated and that is exactly what has happened, its still got Pat and Gary on there, she doesn’t know if we personally use it that much, she knows zoning has a little bit, they can get forms from it, but she doesn’t know how much it is being used, she thinks she asked Barb and she said one or two, where you don’t really have to have it for those forms because they have their zoning permits.  Treasurer Hallett asked David Serafin if he used it, he said no.  Treasurer Hallett said her recommendation is to close it down if we are not going to have somebody take responsibility for it.  Supervisor Rogers asked if we are paying for it.  Treasurer Hallett said yes.  Clerk Gouge said if we want to make any changes on it we will have to pay for it.  Treasurer Hallett said plus we will have to pay a fee to Art farm to have it.  Clerk Gouge said the renewal should be coming up.  Supervisor Rogers said its outdated, lets get it off there, we can decide later if we are going to get it back on. 

 

MOTION by Clerk Gouge with the support of Supervisor Rogers to discontinue the website.

Roll call: Motion passed unanimously.

 

6.   Solid Waste Management Plan Discussion

Clerk Gouge said in the past the Board had taken a vote on their view and put out a letter to the municipalities, in view of what has come about, do we want to do that again.  Supervisor Rogers asked if the Township has changed their position.  Clerk Gouge said we are a different board.  Supervisor Rogers said that still stands, you don’t change resolutions because the board changes.  Treasurer Hallett said she is a little confused as what is meant by it.  Clerk Gouge said it was on the agenda for discussion.  Treasurer Hallett said this will come in front of us to vote.  Supervisor Rogers said as he understands, there is a resolution in place, unless we have rescinded that resolution, that resolution still stands, and that resolution is that Cedar Creek is not in favor.  Treasurer Hallett said that this is a new plan coming through.  Supervisor Rogers said we haven’t seen it yet.  Treasurer Hallett said as far as the other one, we can’t change it, but the new one coming up we have to vote again.  Sharen Jarlock said that letter would mean a lot from CCT going to the municipalities, because if Cedar Creek is for it you can bet the other ones are going to all vote for it, because the dump is not in their backyard its in our backyard and that letter is going to carry a lot of weight with the other townships.  Supervisor Rogers said we haven’t seen the plan yet.  Ron Dextrom said its 22 counties.  Treasurer Hallett said it has to go before the County first.  Supervisor Rogers said we are on record that we are against it, do you want another letter in anticipation.  Sharen Jarlock said just reaffirming that would mean a lot because it is going to come to the Township to vote on.  Supervisor Rogers said we can send a letter of the resolution that if it passed.  Sharen Jarlock said right, because it is for all those counties Jean mentioned, that is what they are trying to pass, and CCT traditionally has been against it.  Supervisor Rogers said that will come before us again.  Treasurer Hallett asked if she meant send a letter to every resident in the township.  Sharen Jarlock said no, to the other townships, because we spent our time and went to all these other township boards asking them to please vote against this plan and we were successful, but the letter from CCT Board is going to carry weight with those other townships, and we certainly would appreciate that because we have been working on this for 6 ½ years, we defeated it the last time and we hope we can defeat it again.  Kevin Heitger said the last resolution letter that went out was only proportionate to six other counties.  Supervisor Rogers said if it’s a hundred counties, the Township is still against it.  Kevin Heitger said that is what the people are asking you to do, notify the other townships that we are still against it.  Robert Lohman said now we are asking you to use those 1400 signatures that your previous board sent to other municipalities saying no more out of county trash.  Treasurer Hallett said we can’t use those signatures for a different item, we have to have new signatures.  Sharen Jarlock said no, we don’t need the signatures, all we need is a letter.  Supervisor Rogers said if we can send a letter out that the stance is right now that CCT is against out of county trash, and that hasn’t changed.  Sharen Jarlock said right, but we would appreciate if you would do this, that would help us.  Treasurer Hallett asked is that something we would have to make a motion and support and vote on.  Supervisor Rogers said we probably should send a copy of the resolution affirming that.  Clerk Gouge said she thinks it was just in the minutes.  Treasurer Hallett said its not a resolution.  Clerk Gouge said it’s a motion.  Treasurer Hallett said there is no resolution, it was just a motion.  Supervisor Rogers said get a copy of that.  Treasurer Hallett said and it was in regards to the other.  Supervisor Rogers said our stance still stands as against.  Trustee Schnitker said to remember, this is not approved yet, the County Commissioner might shoot it down, it might not go anywhere, it is kind of premature.  Treasurer Hallett said she thinks so too, we need to wait till it goes though that step and then send our letter when it comes closer.  Supervisor Rogers said what your saying then is wait and if the County approves it then send our letter.  Treasurer Hallett said right, that is what she is saying.  Sharen Jarlock said our representative on the County Board certainly will approve it, even if he knows the residents don’t want it.  Supervisor Rogers said he assures you that we will send a letter when the County takes action, if they approve it we will send a letter to the other townships affirming what our decision is.  Sharen Jarlock said thank you.

 

7.   Kevin Heitger – clarification of the CCT Groundwater Use Restrictions Ordinance, Section III, item #9

Kevin Heitger said what he was requesting is the clarification on definition #9, section 3, of your ordinance and read section 3, item #9 from the ordinance, it refers to Exhibit A and B.  He asked for an explanation of what Exhibit A and B mean.  Supervisor Rogers asked if we have a copy of A and B.  Kevin Heitger asked Supervisor Rogers if he would like a copy and gave him one.  Kevin said Exhibit A is lined in blue and Exhibit B is in yellow.  Clerk Gouge asked where that was from.  Kevin said the original map plan by CTI and Associates given to the Township as the remedial action plan and the secondary zone, which is classified as section B.  Supervisor Rogers asked where does is say on here it is A and B.  Kevin said you need to look for that, it would be in your ordinance, if you pull the full ordinance out, there will be an exhibit of A and B in that ordinance.  Kevin said that is the clarification, if that is the case, then the following under the definition states attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein with known or having the potential of being contaminated by releases as per part 201 213 of Public Act 451, what that is if there is any possibility of any of that area being contaminated by any source, that it is included in the RAP area.  He asked if everyone agrees that is Exhibit A and Exhibit B.  Supervisor Rogers said he has to take his word for it.  Kevin said Mary signed the ordinance, and asked her if that was Exhibit A and Exhibit B.  Treasurer Hallett said she looked in our ordinance book and our Exhibit A and Exhibit B is missing out of our book, she said so she could not explain that to you, she said she didn’t know who’s been through the book and who took it out.  Kevin said its part of the ordinance, is that it or is it not, that’s what I got here with the ordinance, because if it is, your county landfill is in violation of your ordinance and has been so for a year.  Kevin said there are wells in the secondary RAP area that have not been tested for over a year, and they are in violation of your ordinance, and at $9 a day per well, its $3285 that you should be collecting from that landfill, and until you can make them comply with your ordinance, I feel that none of these residents here have to comply with your ordinance.  Supervisor Rogers asked if there is no place that we can find how.  Treasurer Hallett said she talked to Clerk Gouge about it and I guess what we need to do is go to the County and find out where our Exhibit A and Exhibit B is.  Ron Dextrom said that is a map of it right there.  Treasurer Hallett said but it doesn’t say Exhibit A and Exhibit B on it.  Kevin Heitger said that map was put out at the Rollins Church meeting and described as Exhibit A and Exhibit B.  Supervisor Rogers said he would follow up.  Clerk Gouge said before you do, take a look at the ordinance book.  Supervisor Rogers said you didn’t look in this.  Clerk Gouge said we did, we don’t have Exhibit A, its not attached as Exhibit A and Exhibit B, its not clear.  Kevin Heitger said well if you want the County to measure the contamination.  Supervisor Rogers said it’s a good point.  Kevin Heitger said here are my two  monitor well reports one from 8/6/2007 which says my TCE is at .006, and this is from the last test which says my TCE is at .009, it is not getting any lower, it is actually moving and getting higher, your ordinance also states that the landfill is to stop contamination.  Supervisor Rogers thanked Kevin.

 

8.   Robert Lohman – regarding future election improprieties

Robert Lohman said he thinks this got twisted around, it says regarding future election improprieties, it should be asking for a formal independent investigation of County Commissioner.  Supervisor Rogers said we are not going to discuss what’s happened because we can’t change that, anything that we want to do in the future to prevent it, we will do it.  Robert said he thinks that’s a mute point it has already happened.  It is already in the prosecutors hand, there is nothing we can do.  Robert said the prosecutor shut it on down.  Supervisor Rogers said that is the prosecutors decision, not ours.  Robert said this is letter I sent out, a formal complaint of conflict of interest, the County Commissioner violated the law.  Supervisor Rogers said we have been through this, the prosecutor has made his decision on it, if you have a problem with it, then go to him.  Supervisor Rogers said there is nothing we can do.  Robert said yes you can.  Supervisor Rogers said due process was followed, we have nothing to do with it, it was turned over, there was a complaint filed, it went to the prosecutor, it took due process, the answer was given, now you are back here wanting to rehash it, what do you want us to do.  Robert said to file a formal complaint of conflict of interest and discussed that.  Supervisor Rogers said this has all been handled and there has been a decision made and we are not going to discuss what has happened, that’s done, we said we would address any future problems.  Robert talked about impropriety and adding bylaw to prevent future problem.  Supervisor Rogers said there now that is what we said we would discuss, and we will, we’ll have it on the agenda for discussion and what action that this board will take to prevent any future things that happen.  Robert said wouldn’t it be nice if you guys had the actual statement of the voting inspectors of what the statement were signed and what the prosecutor looked at, and he read from one of the statements.  Supervisor Rogers said that’s all record and he’s not getting into it, there has been a decision made, what we got to do in the future to prevent that we will do so and we will have it on the agenda next month.  

 

9.   Cut off date for items on agenda and packet distribution

Trustee Schnitker said would like the packet the Friday before the meeting.  Supervisor Rogers said he proposes that anything that is to be on the agenda, that it be due to us the Tuesday before the meeting, by 4:00 p.m., in writing, and that our agendas be to the Township Board no later than Friday at 4:00 p.m.  Supervisor Rogers asked Clerk Gouge if that would help.  Clerk Gouge said yes.  Treasurer Hallett asked Clerk Gouge if it was addressed in the employee handbook.  Clerk Gouge said yes.  Treasurer Hallett asked if it would be a conflict with what is in the handbook.  The employee handbook was reviewed and compared to the proposal by Supervisor Rogers, it was found to be in line with his proposal, no changes were necessary.

MOTION by Supervisor Rogers with the support of Clerk Gouge to adhere to section 4.4.(b) in the proposed employee handbook.

Roll call: Motion passed unanimously.

 

Supervisor Rogers said agendas will be Friday, deadlines will be Tuesday and they will have to be in writing to be on the agenda.

 

Correspondence

1.      2008 Annual Financial Report of the Wexford County Road Commission.

2.      Correspondence from DNR dated June 5, 2009, re: Public Notice of Nonmetallic Mineral (Potash) Sealed Bid Auction.

3.      Copy of correspondence from John Divozzo to Rita McNamara dated June 18, 2009, re: Request for Meeting to Discuss Public Water Issues.

Public Comments

Opened at 8:25 p.m., closed 8:35 p.m.

Dar Kuusisto directed her comment to Trustee Schnitker and stated that it seems your afraid to vote against the County, even if those counties won’t hall their trash your vote opened the door, it seems to me your almost afraid to vote against anything the county wants.

 

Phil Kuusisto stated that it seems to him the SWMP Committee is going in the wrong direction, Jean should be concerned for CCT, about what is coming out of that landfill, general local government also includes CCT, the people that said yes are not affected by it, if you went over to the landfill and they told you how nice and smooth things are running, you got a snow job, Kevin just gave you proof that its getting worse over there, its not getting any better, there is already enough trash.

 

Ron Dextrom said at the Manton High School, Eddie Ascione told the DPW that he wanted 16 additional counties before he would make his offer that is why Divozzo is pushing for 16 more counties, to hand our landfill over to American Waste so that he can get rich, you say the garbage isn’t coming here but he already captures most of the garbage in the areas you mentioned and he is in control of all hazardous waste between here and the Mackinaw Bridge, if you voted yes what you did was opened up Cedar Creek for cheap dumping for 22 other counties, $35 a ton for 22 other counties, and Eddie Ascione also said in his financial planning he plugged in $70 per ton for Wexford County, what you voted yes to was to get our landfill handed over to American Waste, which exchanges no money coming from American Waste to Wexford County, matter of fact we are giving them 1.5 million and everything else if they take the landfill, what you did was open up Cedar Creek for cheap dumping for 22 counties.  

 

Loretta Timlick stated that she would like to bring up the condition of 20 ½ Road and 45 Road which is where they just buried the water main, it has pieces of wood, tree limbs 2-4 inches in diameter laying all over the County Road, ¼ mile of 20 ½ Road is covered with limbs and there should be gravel and a landing built on 20 ½ Road.

 

Supervisor Rogers said he would have Carl call Loretta.

 

Matt Clark also commented on the condition of 45 and 22 Roads, he said the residents are doing a better job on the road then the County, when he called the County they said they didn’t know what he was talking about they send a truck out twice a week to do 22 Road, he told them that they must be eating their lunch out there because they are not dropping a blade, he asked why isn’t brine being done, they said they don’t have any right now, he told them he knows there are other roads in CCT that have been done 2 or 3 times already, we haven’t had it done once yet this year.

 

Ron Dextrom said he called the Road Commission the other day because when he was going down 22 Road a car hit clay on the opposite side and pulled the wheel back and just about hit him head on, he called and complained about it because they dumped it and they left both shoulders, there’s one land open and if you get in the other ones your going to hurt yourself.

 

Matt Clark said there were hunks of clay like basketballs.

 

Supervisor Rogers said he knows all about it, this is Township, he’ll be glad to talk about Road Commission afterwards.

 

Phil Kuusisto said that you mentioned 14¢ a gallon for brine, and asked does anybody know how many gallons it takes to do a mile.

 

Supervisor Rogers said it would take about $200 per mile, that’s injected and a better quality brine, he still wants to get a total figure, how many miles of roads we have.

 

John Fuscone said he thinks we have 24 miles of gravel in Cedar Creek.

 

Supervisor Rogers said he thinks we have more than that.

 

John Fuscone said we have more with the paved roads.

 

Supervisor Rogers said he swear we have more gravel than we do paved.  He said he is working to get those figures together so at our next meeting we got an idea of what it would cost us even if we did it once a year.  He is tired of fighting, the last few years we end up seeing the same stuff, this dust, we’re losing the content of our roads.

 

Someone made a comment that at 14¢ gallon, 200 gallons per mile is $28 per mile x 26 miles is $600 or $700 dollars.

 

Supervisor Rogers said he would have the figures for the next meeting and then we can have an open discussion on it, he thinks we need to do something.

 

Alexis Stauffer asked if we have searched out for any bids from other contractors to do this.

 

Supervisor Rogers said no, he just contacted A1, there’s Beckman that does it, and he is sure there are some other independent.

 

Alexis Stauffer said perhaps if we put it out on a bid maybe we could get a smaller number.

 

Supervisor Rogers said very possible, but we need to know what we are bidding, not quite at that stage, just wanted to bring this up and see what the input would be if there is any interest to take care of at least our roads.

Alexis Stauffer said that Jean mentioned that there were experts that were consulted on the operation of the landfill being qualified to handle all this additional garbage, she asked were there actual outside consultants that did this.

 

Trustee Schnitker said it was a few years ago, they formed a committee of area representatives, she wasn’t sure who all they were but it was a committee to research the landfill.

 

Alexis Stauffer asked if they deemed it qualified to handle this additional garbage.

 

Trustee Schnitker said she didn’t know all that they, she just had talked to one person from that

│         who she likes to talk to who is now the head of our Mental ^ ENVIRONMENTAL Health Department, he is on that committee.

 

Alexis Stauffer asked if the land for the campground was purchased prior to the change to commercial or did he actually request the change and then purchase the land.

 

Jo Ann Morris said that was land he owned he had a text change to allow special use for a campground.

 

Alexis Stauffer asked who designed the website and is there an upgrade option for it.

 

Treasurer Hallett said Kenya Sisson.

 

Alexis Stauffer asked if she had an upgrade option in there that she would maintain it.

 

Treasurer Hallett said whenever it needed anything changed then you would contact her, Gary and Pat had been doing that, e-mailing her, basically Gary was, but now that he’s gone, nobody has.

 

Alexis Stauffer asked if there was anything in writing as to any kind of an upgrade or anything, does she maintain it, do we have a contract with her.

 

Treasurer Hallett said no, we were paying her $50 an hour upon our request.

 

Supervisor Rogers asked Alexis Stauffer if she had interest in updating it.

 

Alexis Stauffer said no.

 

Public comment closed 8:35 p.m.

 

Board Comments

Clerk Gouge had no comments.

 

Treasurer Hallett commented regarding the impact account discrepancy she is not sure where this group has gotten the report of how much my money was for the year, she said she talked to Clerk Gouge about it being a FOIA request and she recommended to just find out exactly what they wanted and report it at a meeting, but she can’t get a hold of the report.  She said she is again requesting the report your comparing, if there is a discrepancy, and she doesn’t know how there would be a $15,000 discrepancy, she knows the deposit of the beginning of the year is actually money from the prior year, and she did explain that to Rita and thought that was done deal, she thought she explained it.  She would like that report that Rita has, if John Fuscone has it or Ron, she would like to see that and she can tell you totals she has but it doesn’t come to $47,000.  She said she doesn’t know exactly where else to go with this.  She contacted the County and they don’t know what report she was talking about, she didn’t know what year, nothing has been FOIA’d through them, so they don’t even know how any reports would be out.  She said if she could be presented a report then she could follow up with it. 

 

Ron Dextrom said John Divozzo sends her reports.

 

Treasurer Hallett asked Ron, the reports that John Divozzo sends me is that what your talking about.

 

Ron Dextrom said John Divozzo sent reports to the Michigan state of how much he paid you.  Either he is lying or your records are off.

 

Treasurer Hallett said he didn’t send me a report.

 

Ron Dextrom said its your job not mine.

 

Treasurer Hallett said well you’re the one that is putting me on the sign, so I would like to resolve it without ruining my name in the whole community.

 

Ron Dextrom said I’m not ruining your name I’m just asking a question, this is the third board meeting you’ve been asked the question and finally your responding.

 

Treasurer Hallett said you are ruining my name, you just go out and start talking in the community, your ruining my name.

 

Ron Dextrom said I haven’t said a word to anybody about you and that’s the truth.

 

Treasurer Hallett said its on your sign and that’s what your portraying to the community is that I’m embezzling money.

 

Supervisor Rogers asked if anybody has a copy of the report.

 

Treasurer Hallett said that’s the thing if they would bring me up the report.

 

Ron Dextrom said Rita does.

 

Treasurer Hallett asked if John Fuscone has it.

 

John Fuscone said he does not have the report, he has a copy of a page but he does not have the whole report so he can’t give it to her.

 

Someone asked if it had the figures on it.

 

John Fuscone said he does not have the report.

 

Treasurer Hallett asked if he had the page that had the figures amount on it.

 

John Fuscone said he would have to check if he still had it.

 

Treasurer Hallett said that is what she is getting everywhere she is going she is getting a dead.

 

Ron Dextrom said he has a simple way to resolve it, go to John Divozzo.

 

Treasurer Hallett said she already did.

 

Ron Dextrom said ask him for the reports he sent to the Michigan state government as to how much tipping fees Cedar Creek has received, simple.

 

Treasurer Hallett said she already asked him.

 

Ron Dextrom said if he doesn’t give it to you then he is deceiving you.

 

Treasurer Hallett said she also needs to know dates, that report would show dates.

 

Ron Dextrom said you looked it up, what did you look up.

 

Treasurer Hallett said it’s been a long time ago.

 

Ron Dextrom said it has only been like three months.

 

Treasurer Hallett said no it hasn’t.

 

Ron Dextrom said it was after we were appointed as landfill committee.

 

Treasurer Hallett said she was trying to recall when she talked to Rita, what that was all about, she thought it was, then she got to thinking it might have been a proposed budget or something, it wasn’t actual numbers.

 

Ron Dextrom said he didn’t know.

 

Treasurer Hallett told Ron that would resolve it, if you bring me up the report, if your gonna put my name on your sign bring up the report to prove your comments on your sign.

 

Ron Dextrom said to call John Divozzo.

 

Treasurer Hallett said she already called John Divozzo and got nowhere with it, that’s why she is going back to the originator of her name on the sign.  She told Ron it would be in his best interest to resolve it because she has already contacted an attorney.

 

Ron Dextrom told Treasurer Hallett to go for it lady, it’s between you and John Divozzo, don’t threaten me.   

 

Treasurer Hallett told Ron that her attorney told her what he is doing is absolutely defamation of character.

Trustee Schnitker said she doesn’t understand the sign either, she doesn’t understand what I doubt it means on the sign, but she doesn’t want to go there anymore, she wants to talk about the SWMP, the plan is, the state mandates that, so that’s what we’ve been working on, the plan, in order for anything to be done for the landfill there has to be a plan in place.  She said she knows many don’t approve, most don’t approve of the counties, but its out there to see what’s going to happen to the landfill.  She said she doesn’t have anything to do with what’s going to happen with the landfill, just for this plan, and if anyone wants to be on the committee you can apply, since they have citizens at large, and our term is up the end of November. 

 

Supervisor Rogers had no comments.

 

Kelly Whitehead commented regarding burn permits.  He said you don’t have to call into the Sheriff’s Department, you get it on line, there is no paper, you look online and it tells whether they allow burning for the day or not, at Michigan.gov, no fee, the County doesn’t track it, the Sheriff’s Department dispatch doesn’t track it, it’s either a yes or no, whether you burn or you can’t.  Supervisor Rogers asked what if you don’t have a computer.  Kelly said there is a toll free number.  Ron Dextrom provided the number: 866-922-2876.  Kelly said there is no paper deal anymore, the County doesn’t want to be notified, but if you want to notify him you can, his number is in the phone book.   

 

Adjourn

MOTION by Supervisor Rogers with the support of Trustee Schnitker to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.

All in favor. 

 

 

 

 

Prepared by Catherine Gouge, Clerk

 

 

These minutes, upon approval, are entered into the records of Cedar Creek Township, Wexford County, Michigan

 

 

APPROVED:  August 4, 2009

 

______________________________

Supervisor Rogers Rogers, Supervisor

 

______________________________

Catherine Gouge, Clerk

================================================

APPROVED 4/7/09

CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP BOARD

Regular Meeting  *  Tuesday, March 3, 2009

 

Meeting was called to order at 6:33 p.m. by Supervisor Rogers

 

Roll call:

Members Present:  Supervisor Larry Rogers, Clerk Catherine Gouge, Treasurer Mary Hallett, and Trustee Jean Schnitker

Members Absent:  Trustee Keith Stutzman.

 

Public Comments  Opened at 6:34, closed 6:43

Rita McNamara asked if she could be heard when the board discussed item G. under New Business.  Larry said yes.  Rita also commented regarding Trustee Schnitker and the Solid Waste Management Planning Committee.  Rita would like the board to clarify its position on the plan so they can instruct Jean on how to represent us.

 

Ron Dextrom commented regarding the Port Moody Investigation paperwork and a meeting at the County tomorrow at 5:00 regarding deal and Transgreen.  He wants the Board members to be aware.

 

Kevin Heitger commented regarding a question to the board months ago before the board change regarding the water ordinance and a discrepancy regarding: unusable.  Larry said he is working on it.  Kevin suggested forming a committee to see what we can and cannot do.

 

Robert Lohman commented regarding a discrepancy in the adopted water ordinance.  He stated that Cedar Creek advertised that the ordinance said they could apply to keep wells open for agricultural use through the DEQ.  He asked to apply and DEQ said they are not allowing it.     

 

Additions to the Agenda

Add:     14. NEW BUSINESS

                  H.  Metro Act Right of Way Permit Extension

                  I.    Petitions to Amend Zoning Ordinances

No objections.

 

County Commissioner Report

None

 

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the Regular Township Board Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2009

MOTION by Mary with the support of Cathy to amend the Regular Township Board Meeting Minutes of February 3, 2009, under CLERKS REPORT, Bills, to add the check numbers 12397 TO 12409 for the bills pending, and approve the rest of the minutes as presented.

All in favor.

 

Approval of the Special Meeting for Budget Work Session Minutes of February 17, 2009

MOTION by Jean with the support of Mary to approve the Special Meeting for Budget Work Session Minutes of February 17, 2009 as presented.

All in favor.

Presentations

Jason Orton of David Chapman Insurance introduced himself and presented the Insurance Policy for the Township to the Board.

 

Presentation by Pat Monahan of PFM Technologies regarding applying for Grants.  Pat would need an individual from the township with internet access as a partner in applying for any grant.  It takes 1-9 months to submit.  He would need a list of what the township needs, not a wish list.

 

Treasurer’s Report 

Mary provided a current Treasurer Report and reported a General Fund balance of $335,420.80 and an Impact Fund balance of $178,756.69.

MOTION by Jean with the support of Cathy to approve the Treasurer Report as presented.

All in favor.

 

Clerk’s Report 

Budget:  Current budget information was provided and reviewed.

MOTION by Mary with the support of Jean to transfer $400 from SUPERVISOR (Education and Training) to CEMETERY (Burials).

All in favor.

 

MOTION by Mary with the support of Cathy to transfer $15 from SUPERVISOR (Education and Training) to ASSESSOR (Contracted Services).

All in favor.

 

Checks:  A current Check Register was provided detailing checks 12410 to 12428 totaling $7,627.92 was provided and reviewed.

MOTION by Mary with the support of Jean to approve checks 12410 to 12428 totaling $7,627.92 as presented.

All in favor.

 

Payment of Bills:  A report of bills 12429 to 12437 pending totaling $2,698.81 was provided and reviewed.

MOTION by Mary with the support of Jean to approve bills 12429 to 12437 pending totaling $2,698.81 as presented.

All in favor.

 

Other:  The City of Manton has been billed $7,379.76 for their half of the 2008 Cemetery expenses.

 

Correspondence:

Received a copy of letter from DEQ to Rich Leszcz dated February 12, 2009, regarding Wexford County Landfill, Compliance Inspection.

 

Received a copy of letter from DEQ to Rich Leszcz dated January 7, 2009, regarding Wexford County Landfill, Construction Certification Approval.

 

Supervisor’s Report

None

Department Reports

Cemetery:  None, cemetery not open.

 

Building Inspector:  No activity.

 

Blight Enforcement:  No activity.

 

Planning Commission:  Meeting has been changed to March 19, 2009, at 6:30 p.m.

 

Zoning Administrator:  Starting to get calls.

 

Fire Department:  Kelly gave a report of the fire department activity.  Mary stated that she was not clear on the Michigan Emergency Management Assistance Compact (MEMAC).  It was agreed that a decision regarding the MEMAC would be tabled for further discussion and will be put on the next meeting agenda.  Kelly presented a letter received from the PSICS Subcommittee regarding the PSIC grant process and how the remaining proceeds of a Region 7 Homeland Security Grant for radios could possibly be available to fire departments.  It is a 20% matching grant.  The deadline is March 27, 2009.  Kelly explained that in the year 2012 there will be new requirements for all radios to be digital and the analog radios they have will be obsolete.  The four newer radios they have will still be good.  He stated that the fire departments 20% share of the cost of the radios would be $7,667.70 for 10 in-dash radios and  $6,457.20 for 12 portables.  Larry requested time to think about it and proposed to come back to this discussion later in the meeting.  All Board Members agreed.

 

Old Business 

A.  Employee Handbook

Discussion by the board to table the topic until next month for final approval.  No objections.

 

B.   Township Computer

Mary presented information regarding purchasing a new computer.  The cost for the computer is approximately $699, the cost for the printer is approximately $89, and the cost for software, if needed, is $149.  The cost for Baird, Cotter, and Bishop to transfer the accounting software and data over to the new computer is $65 per hour.

MOTION by Mary with the support of Jean to approve the purchase of a new computer and printer including the cost of transferring the accounting software and data to the new computer up to the amount of $1,500.

Roll call: Motion approved unanimously.

 

C.  Resolution Regarding Availability of Assessor

Mary stated that the Assessor, Susan Helmboldt, does not have regular office hours.

MOTION by Mary with the support of Jean to adopt Resolution #R-2009-02 RESOLUTION REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF ASSESSOR.

Roll call: Motion approved unanimously.

 

New Business        

A.  Adopt Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Budget

The proposed General Fund Budget and the proposed Impact Fund Budget were presented.  Public comments were made that the budget needed to be adopted by resolution.  A resolution number was assigned to each budget in order to approve the budget before the beginning of the fiscal year.

MOTION by Mary with the support of Jean to adopt Resolution #R-2009-03 RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 4/1/2009 TO 3/31/2010.

Roll call: Motion approved unanimously. 

 

MOTION by Cathy with the support of Mary to adopt Resolution #R-2009-04 RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE IMPACT FUND BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 4/1/2009 TO 3/31/2010.

Roll call: Motion approved unanimously.   

 

B.   Introduction to Planning/Zoning Workshop

No action or motion was needed by the board as no members plan on attending.

 

C.  Deputies also appointed to Board of Review

Cathy’s Deputy Clerk, Wendy Johnson, cannot act as deputy while being appointed to the Board of Review.  Cathy stated that Wendy has not served yet and will not serve as Deputy Clerk until the Board of Review is over.  At that time, the alternate Board of Review member will be appointed to take Wendy’s place in the Board of Review so that she may serve as Deputy Clerk.  No action or motion was needed by the board.

 

D.  Pay for Fire Department volunteers

MOTION by Cathy with the support of Mary to adopt the FIRE DEPARTMENT PAY SCHEDULE as presented.

Roll call: Motion approved unanimously. 

 

E.   Michigan Emergency Management Assistance Compact (MEMAC)

Mary stated that she was not clear on the Michigan Emergency Management Assistance Compact (MEMAC) and needs more information.  It was agreed that a decision regarding the MEMAC would be tabled for further discussion and will be put on the next meeting agenda.  No objections.

 

F.   Fire Department Fee Structure

After researching other area fire department fees for services, Kelly recommends an amendment to the fees for fire department services.  He proposed the following Fire Department Fees for Services:

$500	Per run for the first two hours
$6.00	Per hour per man, every hour after the initial two hours
$250	Per run for non-fire runs or minimal response times
$750	Per run for extrication services requiring fire suppression
$500	Per run for extrication with another department providing fire suppression
	Mutual aid runs will be reported as required and billed as no charge

It was discussed that a resolution to adopt an ordinance is needed.  It will be tabled for further  research and discussion and will be put on the next meeting agenda.

 

 

G.  Committee regarding landfill negotiations 

Rita McNamara spoke regarding Wexford County and how they have started talking options regarding the landfill.  She stated that they are in the negotiation stage, there are three offers, and subcommittees have been meeting for six months.  She stated that Cedar Creek Township has no representation at these meetings and these issues are important to the township.  She is suggesting that Cedar Creek Township have representation at these meetings.  She is willing to put together packets for the Board Members regarding the offers.  She asked if official correspondence could be sent to the County to remind them to inform us of meetings, etc., as it states in the Host Agreement that we should be notified.  Rita also spoke regarding the township representation on the Solid Waste Management Planning Committee and the draft of the Solid Waste Plan.  Larry suggested a committee be formed with one member from inside the contaminated area, one member from outside the contaminated area, one board member, and one alternate board member.  Larry asked Rita McNamara and Ron Dextrom to serve on the committee.  They agreed.  Larry said he would be the board member on the committee.  Cathy volunteered to serve as the alternate board member on the committee. 

MOTION by Cathy with the support of Mary to form a Landfill Committee, made up of resident Rita McNamara, resident Ron Dextrom, and Larry Rogers, with the alternate board member being Catherine Gouge, to represent the township and report to the township board regarding landfill negotiations.

Roll call: Motion approved unanimously. 

 

Department Report (continued)

Fire Department (continued):  Resumed discussion from earlier in meeting.  The remaining proceeds of a Region 7 Homeland Security Grant for radios could possibly be available to fire departments.  

MOTION by Mary with the support of Cathy to have Fire Chief Kelly Whitehead pursue the grant request for an additional 10 radios and 12 portable radios up to $15,000, pending approval to transfer money from Impact Fund.

Roll call: Motion approved unanimously. 

 

New Business (continued)        

H.  Metro Act Right of Way Permit Extension

MOTION by Mary with the support of Jean to extend the Metro Act Right of Way Permit.

Roll call: Motion approved unanimously. 

 

I.    Zoning

There are four petitions to amend the Zoning Ordinance.  Barbara Youngert explained the four petitions #201-204.  There will be one public hearing for all.

MOTION by Mary with the support of Jean for the Zoning Administrator to pursue the next public hearing for Zoning Amendment Petitions #201-204.

Roll call: Motion approved unanimously. 

 

Public Comments

Opened at 8:38 p.m., closed 8:44 p.m.

Robert Lohman commented that if the landfill is closed there will be no Impact money.  He also commented that there are new neighbors at 1480 N. U.S. 131 that have no bottled water.  Larry stated that he will contact the DPW regarding this issue.

 

Brief comments were made by Ron Dextrom and John Fuscone apologized for interrupting during business.

 

Dar Kuusisto commented that it was a good choice for the landfill committee.

 

Rita McNamara commented that a landfill committee will be good.  She would like the Board to request Liaison Reports monthly and clarify its position on the Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment.

 

John Bennett commented that if a person is appointed to represent Cedar Creek Township then there needs to be feedback to the Board.  He applauds the Board for appointing a committee and commented that the Board needs to get up to speed. 

 

Board Comments

Larry requested that any additions to the agenda need to be received by the Wednesday before the meeting so that Board Members can have a chance to review the item before the meeting.

 

Jean commented that she has information and has reported to the Board regarding the Solid Waste Management Plan.

 

Kelly thanked the Board for their help and support.

 

Adjourn

Supervisor, Larry Rogers adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m. 

 

 

Prepared by Catherine Gouge, Clerk

 

 

These minutes, upon approval, are entered into the records of Cedar Creek Township, Wexford County, Michigan

 

 

APPROVED:  April 7, 2009

 

______________________________

Larry Rogers, Supervisor

 

______________________________

Catherine Gouge, Clerk
 

=========================================

 
PROPOSED MINUTES  [Budget Meeting]
 

 

CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP BOARD

Public Budget Hearing  *  Tuesday, March 3, 2009

 

Meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. by Supervisor Rogers

Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Invocation was led by Trustee Schnitker.

 

Roll call:

Members Present:  Supervisor Larry Rogers, Clerk Catherine Gouge, Treasurer Mary Hallett, and Trustee Jean Schnitker

Members Absent:  Trustee Keith Stutzman.

 

Public Comments

Opened at 6:06, closed 6:06.  None.

 

Presentation of Proposed Budget for 2009-2010 Fiscal Year

Mary presented the proposed Budget and the proposed Impact Fund Budget for the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year.

 

Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 4/1/2009 to 3/31/2010:

Receipts totaling $185.800

Disbursements totaling $185,000

 

Proposed Impact Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 4/1/2009 to 3/31/2010:

            Receipts totaling $32,000

            Disbursements totaling $7,500

 

Public Comments

Opened at 6:09 p.m., closed 6:23 p.m.

John Fuscone commented that the Impact Fund number could be a fictitious number.  Mary said that we still have to project a figure.

 

John Fuscone asked if when the board reviewed the disbursements for the various departments, did they just use the same as last year.  Mary explained that Receipts must equal Disbursements, and that some departments budgets were cut and some were added to in order for the Receipts to equal the Disbursements. 

 

Ron Dextrom asked if the board was still working on fire department pay.  Larry responded by saying yes, it was projected in the budget, and it will be presented at the regular meeting.

 

George Youngert commented that at the last meeting of the year for Gary Gilmore, Gary said the Township has money and that he would like to see the people of the Township benefit from it.  George stated that he would like to remind the board of that.  Larry responded by saying that a short term goal is to come up with what the needs are.

 

Larry asked Fire Chief, Kelly Whitehead if he could explain the proposed fire department pay scale.  Kelly provided an overview of the proposal that he will be presented at the regular meeting.

 

Board Comments

Jean asked if money was included for education.  Mary responded by saying yes.

 

Adjourn

MOTION by Mary with the support of Jean to adjourn the Public Budget Hearing at 6:25 p.m.

All in favor.

 

 

 

 

 

Prepared by Catherine Gouge, Clerk

 

 

These minutes, upon approval, are entered into the records of Cedar Creek Township, Wexford County, Michigan

 

 

APPROVED:  April ____, 2009

 

______________________________

Larry Rogers, Supervisor

 

______________________________

Catherine Gouge, Clerk

=========================================

 

 

 

CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP

REGULAR TOWNSHIP MEETING MINUTES

February 3, 2009

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

Invocation was led by Trustee Schnitker.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

ROLL CALL:  Board members present: Supervisor Larry Rogers, Clerk Catherine Gouge, Treasurer Mary Hallett, Trustees Jean Schnitker and Keith Stutzman.

 

ADDITIONS TO AGENDA:

NEW BUSINESS:

7.  Larry has received a letter from Jack and Debbie Dontje regarding upgrading a seasonal road.

8.  Opening Township roads as an ORV Trail.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

4.  New computer for Township Hall.

 

No objections were expressed regarding the additions to the agenda.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Opened at 6:35, closed 6:35.  No public comments were made.

 

COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT:  None.

 

MINUTES:

Regular Township Meeting Minutes of January 6, 2009 were reviewed.  Mary suggested that New Business, item #8. Clerk appointment, should be corrected to reflect that Catherine Gouge’s term as Clerk will end with the 2010 General Election. 

Keith made a Motion to amend the Regular Township Minutes of January 6, 2009, New Business, item #8. Clerk Appointment to reflect that Catherine Gouge’s term as Clerk ends with the 2010 General Election. 

Supported by Larry.  Vote:  All in favor.

 

Work Session Meeting Minutes of January 6, 2009 were reviewed.      

Jean made a Motion to approve the Work Session Meeting Minutes of January 6, 2009, as written.

Supported by Keith.  Vote:  All in favor.

 

PRESENTATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS:  Catherine has appointed Wendy Johnson as Deputy Clerk.  Larry welcomed Wendy.

 

TREASURERS REPORT:  Mary provided a current Treasurer Report and reported a General Fund balance of $334,830.93 and an Impact Fund balance of $178,756.69.  Mary stated that the General Fund balance is the grand total of CD’s, the checking account, and the savings account.

Keith made a Motion to approve the Treasurers report as presented.

Supported by Larry.  Vote:  All in favor.

 

 

 

CLERKS REPORT:

Budget Report:  Current budget information was provided and reviewed.  Mary recommended an amendment of moving $5000 to the Cemetery Budget from the Fire Department Budget.  Kelly Whitehead agreed.

Keith made a Motion to transfer $5000.00 from Fire Department into Cemetery.

Supported by Larry.  Vote:  All in favor.     

 

Checks:  A current Check Register was provided detailing checks 12366 thru 12396 totaling $47,381.11 was provided and reviewed.

Bills:  A report of bills ▲12397 TO 12409 pending totaling $4,111.24 was provided and reviewed.

Larry made a Motion to approve checks 12366 thru 12396 as presented and pay bills  ▲12397 TO 12409 totaling $4,111.24 as presented.

Supported by Jean.  Vote:  All in favor.

 

SUPERVISORS REPORT:  Larry reported that he received an updated list from the DEQ last week regarding the refusal of access from municipal water.  He will try to make contact with the people remaining on the list.  This will be discussed further under New Business, item #6.

He also reported that there was a meeting regarding the ORV Trail last night, which will be discussed under New Business, item #8.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

CEMETERY:  None.

BUILDING INSPECTOR:  Dave Serafin reported that there were no permits issued and no inspections.

BLIGHT ENFORCEMENT:  Dave Serafin reported that there were no complaints.  He stated he cannot act on anything until the snow thaws.

PLANNING COMMISSION:  Jo Ann gave the 2008 Annual Report.  Work on the master plan continues and members are now each taking sections to help speed up the process.  There will be public hearings shortly.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR:  Barb reported that there were no permits issued.  There were several phone calls.  Continuing to work on the zoning ordinance.

FIRE DEPARTMENT:  Kelly reported that it was quiet month.  They had a department meeting on 1/22/09 and one call on 1/6/09.  He has information from Colfax and Greenwood Townships as to what they pay volunteers and it can go on the Regular Township Board Meeting Agenda for March.  He provided booklets from the Michigan Emergency Management Assistance Compact for review.  He said that the County would like all of the Townships to participate.  It would require the Township to adopt a resolution.  Kelly recommends adopting a resolution and participating in the program.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

1. ADT Security System.

Mary stated that the board had previously voted to take out the security system in the Township Hall, but she was unable to cancel that service because the Township had signed a 5 year contract with the security provider. The cancellation fee will be 90% of the remainder of the 5 year term which would be $1,001.55.

Mary made a Motion to rescind the motion made at the last meeting to cease using the ADT security system and leave the security system in place.

Supported by Jean.  Vote:  All in favor.

 

1. Choose alternate forBoard of Review.

Discussion was held regarding appointing an alternate to the Board of Review. 

Jean made a Motion to make Dennis Norman the Board of Review Alternate.

Supported by Larry.  Vote:  All in favor.

1. Employee Handbook.

Larry did not receive copies of the examples of Employee Handbooks supplied by David Chapman Insurance Agency and MTA to review.  Jason Orton is being patient with us regarding adopting the Employee Handbook.  There will be a $500 savings per year on insurance if the board adopts a handbook.  It will be discussed further at the March meeting when all the board members have had a chance to review it.

 

1. Computer for Township Hall.

Mary stated that Baird Cotter and Bishop recommend updating the township hall computer.  Mary is still gathering information regarding prices and system requirements for the Peachtree software.  She will bring more information to the March meeting for further discussion.   

 

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Adopt 2009 Poverty Exemption Guidelines.

Discussion was held regarding the wording from last years resolution and the wording from the example received from Susan Helmboldt.  Mary recommended using the same resolution wording as last year.  Item #2. from last years resolution wording should be deleted and Jean suggested adding item #4. from the example from Susan Helmboldt in its place.

Larry made a Motion to adopt Resolution #R-2009-01 CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP 2009 POVERTY EXEMPTION POLICY after item #2. from last years resolution wording is deleted and item #4. from the wording example received from Susan Helmboldt is added in its place.

Supported by Keith.  Vote:  All in favor.

    

1. Set date for Budget Workshop.

The Budget Workshop Meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at 3:00 p.m.  All Board Members in agreement.

 

1. Set date for Public Budget Hearing and Adoption of Budget.

The Public Budget Hearing and Adoption of Budget will be scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at 6:00 p.m.  All Board Members in agreement.

 

1. Adopt FOIA Coordinator.

Mary recommends appointing Catherine as FOIA coordinator.  Catherine expressed concern with not being able to find requested records and asked if Mary could be available to help.  Mary said she is too busy and would not be able to accept the additional responsibility.

Larry made a Motion to appoint Catherine as FOIA Coordinator.

Supported by Jean.  Vote:  All in favor.

 

1. Resolution regarding Availability of Assessor.

The information regarding this item has not yet been received from Susan Helmboldt.  This item will be moved to next month’s agenda for further discussion.

 

1. Refusal of Access from Municipal Water.

Larry will try to contact the residents on the Refusal of Access list as soon as possible.  Mary stated that it is important to get this done.  She talked to John Divozzo and he indicated there have been some updates to the list and some pendings may have changed.

 

 

 

 

1. Letter from Jack and Debbie Dontje.

Larry received a letter from Jack and Debbie Dontje regarding upgrading a seasonal road to a county road.  The road referred to is East 22 Road, off of 39 Road.  Larry recommended acknowledging the letter and turning it over to the Road Commission.  Mary stated that there could be a special assessment.

 

1. Opening Township roads as an ORV Trail.

Larry reported that he attended a meeting regarding opening the county roads to ORV travel.  The Townships can approve ORV travel on county roads.  The County would like to try it for a year.  Liberty Township is going to open up their county roads and look at it in a year.  Missaukee, Osceola, and Kalkaska have all passed it.  Manistee has not.  Travel is not permitted on state roads and forest roads.  The types of vehicles include Gators, 4-wheel Quads, and ATV’s.  No dirt bikes or golf carts.  There is a 25 MPH speed limit and they have to ride on the shoulder.  The township can set the routes.  There is law enforcement for speeding.  The road commission can restrict hazardous roads.  16 Road was discussed as possibly being excluded due to the heavy Amish travel.  Larry suggested permits issued to people in the County, and Townships would get a portion of the permit receipts.  Larry stated that the general opinion of the townships at the meeting last night was to try it for a year.  Public comments included discussions regarding speed, liability, age limits, 16 Road, education regarding the issue, and increasing tourism to the area.  Larry expressed his willingness to possibly have a class held at our Township Hall.  Larry asked the public for a show of hands from those in support of opening up the county roads to ORV travel.  The public show of hands showed a majority of support.        

Larry made a Motion to open up the county roads to ORV travel with the exception of 16 Road west of Old US-131.

Supported by Cathy.

Vote: Keith, YES; Jean, NO; Mary, YES; Larry, YES; Cathy, YES.

 

Mary made a comment that she would like to revisit this issue in a year.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:  Opened at 8:00 p.m., closed 8:15 p.m.

Dar Kuusisto spoke regarding the 45 ½ Road improvement.

Wendy Johnson stated that she enjoyed the openness of the meeting.

Ron Dextrom spoke regarding the signing of his easement papers. 

Debbie Dontje asked Mary to check into if the township has changed its opinion on updating seasonal roads.

Ron Dextrom stated that he has a map that he will copy for the board regarding run off water.

 

BOARD COMMENT:  Larry passed out a handout to the board from Pat Monahan (PFM Technologies) regarding applying for grants.  The cost is 10% of the grant.

Keith commented that he is not in favor of more ORV’s running up the road, but will go with it for a year.

Larry commented that he will contact the Sheriff’s Department regarding training classes.

Jean commented that she agreed with Keith and will wait to see what happens.

Larry asked the public for a show of hands as to who would be in favor of a license and/or sticker for ORV’s.  There was a discussion with the public regarding licenses/stickers for ORV’s.  A public show of hands showed a majority in favor of imposing fees.

Cathy made a comment that she also agreed with Keith and Jean, and would wait a year to see how it goes.

Larry commented that the board members should check with him on a real estate proposal that he received regarding land for the cemetery.  

 

ADJOURNMENT: 8:25 p.m.

 

Prepared by Catherine Gouge, Clerk

 

 

These minutes, upon approval, are entered into the records of Cedar Creek Township, Wexford County, Michigan

 

 

APPROVED:  March 3, 2009

 

______________________________

Larry Rogers, Supervisor

 

______________________________

Catherine Gouge, Clerk