Forsyth Township Board Regular Meeting Emergency Service Building August 23, 2012

Transcription

1 Forsyth Township Board Regular Meeting Emergency Service Building August 23, 2012 Supervisor Minelli called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Board Members Present: Supervisor Minelli present, Clerk Filizetti-Hartzell absent, Treasurer Nordeen present, Trustee Roberts present, and Trustee Armatti present. Also Present: Attorney Kevin Koch, a number of Township employees and interested citizens. Approval of Minutes July 26, 2012: Motion made by Roberts to approve the minutes of July 26, 2012, supported by Nordeen, Supervisor Minelli announced himself exempt because of his absence at that meeting. All in favor, motion carried. Public Comment: Comments received: Supervisor Minelli reserved public comment for Superior Extrusion to commence when Action Item 10p. was discussed. Carl Bryzek, a 71 year old resident, would like an audit of the Assessing and Zoning department. He believes tax breaks are given by the board, and that it is fraudulent. He does not believe the assessed value of his residence is correct. Other people in the neighborhood have much different assessments. He would like a public hearing to determine if Henry DeGroot s contract should be approved for renewal, and an audit to see if his office is fraudulent. Supervisor Minelli suggested that Mr. Bryzek discuss his issue with the Board of Review in March. Mr. Bryzek will not go through the Board of Review. He will file a Class Action Lawsuit. George Sibley would like information for Action Item 10g., the Water Supply System. He wanted to know how it got on the ballot when it does not concern people without water. Supervisor Minelli stated he would talk to Mr. Sibley after the meeting about the subject. There have been two public meetings on the subject. Pat Johnson would like to know whose ambulance was out at Sawyer for her neighbor. It had Forsyth Township written on the side. The neighbor was billed, but the ambulance did not transport him. The invoice said they would not bill his insurance. Robert Foit, whom is a resident living on Liberator, would like to comment on the speeding vehicles, ORVs and snowmobiles on his street. He has contacted MDOT regarding this issue, who stated it was a Forsyth Township issue. Supervisor Minelli stated that it is true we own the land, but have no jurisdiction over speed limits. He suggested the citizens continue calling the police, that perhaps they could get more patrol officers in the area, and that the Road Commission will do a speed study. Bob Dorn, from Superior Extrusion, stated it was a pleasure working with the young people in the community. George Bodenus stated he was in support of the Superior Extrusion IFT. Steve Stinson would like access to the wi-fi so the meetings could be broadcast live. 1

2 Agenda: Motion by Nordeen, supported by Armatti & unanimously carried approving the agenda. Roberts would like Agenda Item 10g. to read; Water Supply System Revenue Bond Proposal. Department Reports: No motion made. Minelli suggested to combine 7c., Clubhouse report and 7i, Senior Citizens Director report, as the reports are combined when prepared. Agreed on by the rest of the board members. Attorney s Report: Attorney Koch stated Buchler trial will be in November. The Denessen Pretrial is coming up, and may be a plea negotiation. Attorney Koch will attend the Preliminary Examination. Attorney Koch and Henry DeGroot did not get out to the Tousignant residence to check on the progress of the clean-up. The Beaudette investigation interviews are almost complete. Becca, in the assessor s office, has been an asset to the investigation, along with Tim, Julie and Henry. There was a personal injury case that was settled off the books. Approval of Bills & Vouchers: Motion by Nordeen, supported by Armatti and unanimously carried to approve bills and vouchers ($36,404.29), as presented. Forsyth Township Bills to be Approved 23-Aug-12 Vendor Description Amount Airgas EMS & Shop Supplies Aramark Uniform Services Uniform & Carpet Service Associated Redi-Mix Concrete-Shop & Street Light Auto Value Misc Parts/Supplies 1, BS&A Software Assessing Software Support 1, Carquest Parts Compudyne Computer Repairs-Assessor Dalco Clubhouse Building Supplies Drug Screens Plus Employee Testing Galls Police Equipment Holiday 50 Minute Cleaners Dry Cleaning-Police J T Motor Sport, Inc. Shop Supplies J.F. Ahern Co Fire Extinguishers Joe & Sons Tire Repairs-Fire & Shop JRS Inc. Gloves-Fire Kevin Wm. Koch P.C. Attorney Fees 1, Supplies-Tourist Park Project, DPW, Lowe's Office Banshee Park 3, Marquette Maching & Fabricating Shop Supplies Menards Supplies-Office Renovation & Shop Menominee Granite Co Paver Bricks

3 Michigan Taser Distributing Taser Cartridges-Police Midway Rentals & Sales Shop & Street Light Supplies Overhead Door Door Remote-Police Pomasl Fire Equipment Fire Supplies Quill Office Supplies-Various Departments Range Telecommunications Radio Repairs-Fire; Miss Dig Services Countertops & Slides-Office Schwalbach Kitchens Renovation 2, Snyders Supplies-Police, Beautification Standard Electric Company Shop Supplies Superior Lock & Security Annual Monitoring Charges- Water/Sewer The Mining Journal Publications The Office Planning Group Copier Maintenance Agreement UPEA Tourist Park Project West Shore Fire Batteries-Fire Witmer Public Safety Group Fire Supplies Forsyth Township Bills to be Approved Additions 23-Aug-12 19, Vendor Purpose Amount A. Lindberg & Sons Shop Supplies Ace Hardware Supplies 5, Bell Forest Products Wood for Office Renovation Cooper Office Equipment Senior Center Copier Agreement County of Marquette L. Berman Travel Expenses for Sawyer Alliance Meeting Emergency Medical Products EMS Supplies GBS, Inc. Elections Supplies JF Ahern Fire Extinguishers-Water Lowe's Supplies-Fire & Tourist Park Project Marquette General EMS Intercept Fee Marquette Gneral Helath Systems EMS Supplies 1, Mediride Intercept Fees 3, Menards Shop & Tourist Park Project Supplies Michigan Sales Parts for Kubota Norm's Service Center Truck Repair Peter Ghiringhelli EMS Supplies Quill Corporation Office Supplies The Office Planning Group Office Copier Maintenance Agreement The Office Planning Group Copier & Maintenance Agreement- Assessor's Office 2,

4 UPEA Engineering-Water , Original Bill Listing 19, Total Accounts Payable 36, Voucher Numbers for GO, Police, Clubhouse, Ambulance, Library, Water & Sewer: ACTION ITEMS: Don Hutchens gave a brief description on reasons for needing a new fire truck. The number one reason was for employee safety, along with the safety of the township residents. Another concerned the ISO requirements for this area. Nordeen requested from Lynn Rodgers, the amount we have set aside for the purchase. Per Rodgers, there is currently $30,000. Rodgers would also like to research local banks for financing terms regarding the funding of the new fire truck. Nordeen announced that the Fire Department received 1 st place again in the uniform category at the recent Fireman s Tournament. Minelli thanked the Fire Chief and Crew for all their time and effort researching the fire truck requirements. Bid Opening resulted in the following bids meeting specs: Smeal $313,611.00, KME $330,329.00, U.S. Tanker $324,496.00, and Ferrara $348, Fire Department (10a.): Motion by Minelli, supported by Nordeen, to purchase the Smeal Fire Truck for $313,611.00, with 2 year deferred payment, using Smeal financing, providing the research from Rodgers does not produce better financing terms. Motion carried. Fire Department (10b.): Motion by Nordeen, supported by Armatti, to purchase a Viper nozzle for $ and a new rescue saw for $1,700.00, totaling $2, Motion carried. Ambulance (10c.): Motion by Nordeen, supported by Armatti, to purchase 5 new radios from the Ambulance Equipment budget for approximately $1, per radio. Motion carried. Memorial Tree (10d.): Motion by Nordeen, supported by Minelli, for Beverly Kylma to purchase a Memorial Tree for Linda Ketola, and place it on the Boulevard. Motion carried. Minelli with discuss with Jancsi on which type of tree will be hardy enough to be placed there. Ambulance Bill (10e.): This item tabled due to HIPPA laws. 4

5 Budget Adjustments (10f.): Motion by Armatti, supported by Nordeen, to approve the Budget Adjustments, as presented, see below. Discussion was made regarding if the new police officers, and patrol vehicles, which were included in the budget. Per Rodger s and Chief Rector, all included in the report. FORSYTH TOWNSHIP BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS 23-Aug-12 GENERAL FUND Department Department # Original/Amended New Difference Revenue 2,178,440 2,079,070 (99,370) Expense Clerk ,980 14,080 1,100 Election ,050 18,050 4,000 Buildings & Grounds , ,220 40,885 Professional/Special Functions ,000 21,000 (2,000) Public Works , ,000 23,050 Road Work ,000 16,000 (144,000) Senior Center , ,500 1,800 Insurance ,340 37,135 (1,205) Capital Outlay ,400 35,400 (16,000) Transfers , ,920 (20,000) Estimated Beginning Fund Balance: 1,399,753 4/1/12 Estimated Revenues: 2,079,070 Estimated Expenses: (2,064,240) Estimated Ending Fund Balance: 1,414,583 3/31/13 Total (112,370) POLICE DEPARTMENT Original/Amended New Difference Revenue 741, , ,065 Expenses 737, , ,180 Estimated Beginning Fund Balance: 164,891 4/11/12 Estimated Revenues: 897,715 Estimated Expenses: (869,220) Estimated Ending Fund Balance: 193,386 3/31/13 5

6 REVOLVING Original/Amended New Difference Revenue 80,000 80,000 0 Expenses 100, (100,000) Beginning Fund Balance: 107,795 4/1/12 Estimated Revenues: 80,000 Estimated Expenses: (250) Estimated Ending Fund Balance: 187,545 3/31/13 Water Supply System (10g.): Motion made by Nordeen, supported by Armatti, to accept the Water Supply System Revenue Bond Proposal as presented, see below. Roll call vote: Armatti aye, Nordeen aye, Roberts aye, Minelli aye. Motion carried. Discussion: Something could be put in the Gwinn Quarterly regarding the Revenue Bond. Stinson would like to help with the support. He suggested more message boards in the Sawyer area. 6

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10 Ballot Language for Library Mileage Renewal (10h.): Motion made by Minelli, supported by Armatti, to adopt the ballot Language for the Library Operation Mileage Renewal as presented, see below. Roll call vote: Armatti aye, Nordeen aye, Roberts aye, Minelli aye. Motion carried. 10

11 Copier Maintenance Contract (10i.): Motion by Nordeen, supported by Minelli, to renew the annual maintenance agreement for the office copier at $ quarterly. Motion carried. Letter of Support for Renewable Carbon (10j.): Motion by Minelli, supported by Nordeen, to send out the letter of support for the Renewable Carbon Project, with spelling corrections. Motion carried. Recommendation for Michael Chevalier (10k.): Minelli moved to bottom of action list. No action taken. Discussion occurred. Koch suggested that Mr. Chevalier contact an attorney. Clubhouse Arcade Games (10l).: Motion by Nordeen, supported by Armatti, to remove the Arcade games at the clubhouse by September 28, 2012, with notification written to Mr. Baumann. Motion carried. Discussion: Minelli suggested the township employees could recover the pool table. No need to hire out service. National Night out was a big success where over 125 people turned out. Julie Shaw did terrific job. Police Department (10m.): Motion by Minelli, supported by Nordeen, to bring the 2 part time officers to full time status. Motion carried. Chief Rector recommended the part time officers be hired because of their knowledge of the area, they are well informed, and know our practices. He also recommended them being hired with the 1 year status, as they have been employed with Forsyth a year. Police Department (10n.): Motion by Nordeen, supported by Armatti, to advertise for hiring an additional full time officer. Motion carried. Police Department (10o.): No motion needed to seek bids to purchase another squad car and SUV for patrols. Rodgers is applying for a USDA grant for both vehicles. IFT Superior Extrusion (10p.): Nordeen tabled. Discussion: Minelli read Letter from Henry DeGroot, Assessor/Zoning Administrator, which recommended that the Township Board deny the request for Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption. George LaBlonde spoke about how SEI is expanding, which benefits the township. If they cannot get the IFT, they may have to sell the business. Currently they give their employees many benefits, which ultimately benefit the township. He also explained that in 2007 or 2008 they had initially gone to the board for tax exemption. Had the board done what they were supposed to do then, they would not be in this position now. Supervisor Minelli explained they have already had 3 years exemption, and that other businesses have to pay 100%. He also explained that the township needs funding in order to run. Being as Hartzell-Filizetti was part of the board in 2007, or 2008, when the decision was made, should the matter be tabled? Mr. LaBlonde asked if it could be tabled. Dean Borlace commented on how SEI had followed through on their commitment to bring a successful business to Forsyth Township, but how Forsyth Township had failed on their state requirements, which are required by statute, so why should SEI be penalized. Supervisor Minelli called 5 minute recess at 8:25 p.m. Peninsula Fiber Network LLL Easement (10q.): Motion by Armatti, supported by Nordeen, to approve the easement, see below, for $1,000.00, in lieu of $ Motion carried. 11

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13 DISCUSSION ITEMS: Bass-Pike-Crooked Lake Area Paving Letter: There are no funds available this year to approve any further road repairs. Next year there will be research on roads needing repair in the township. At that time the repairs will be listed in order of urgency. Minelli requested a letter be sent to the Association explaining that he will request that the County do a study and present a recommendation. Options to alleviat current staffing problems for EMS: Nordeen, liason for EMS, explained that there is need for additional personell for Ambulance services. They are currently looking at possibilities in hiring retirees, or possibly hiring some part time personell. They are looking at the financial possibilities. Office building boiler options: The current boilers are not efficient and require much maintenance. Mr. Jansci has researched options. One option is for two separate boilers, one for Library, the other for office. They would function separately, but one could take over if the other went out. The other option is one unit to cover both, which is the case now. Nordeen suggested that we look into grants to save money. The board would like to see bids. Police Department temporary staff change: Discussion of Rich Johnson filling in for Vallier, who will be out on medical leave. It was noted that, due to union rules, the position must be posted. OLD BUSINESS: There was no discussion on this topic. CORRESPONDENCE: UPPCO notice of public hearing: UPPCO had a public hearing on September 6, Being as the date has already passed, there was no discussion on the subject. PUBLIC COMMENT: Pat Johnson again stated she was upset with the way the ambulance service did not bill her neighbor s insurance. Rodger s explained that the insurance companies typically deny those type of claims. The suggestion was made that her neighbor should turn it into his insurance companies, just to make sure. Carl Bryzek stated that he wanted the township to make a motion to reduce taxes 45%, and that they should be adjusted to fair market value. Citizens thanked the board for fixing Blue Lake Road. Citizens recognized Julie Shaw for doing an awesome job on the National Night Out. BOARD MEMBER COMMENT: Roberts requested that the water hand-outs that Nordeen produced in a prior public meeting, be put on the Forsyth Township website. 13

14 Adjournment: Supervisor Minelli adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Stacy Filizetti Clerk/Secretary 14