AES Proposal for Benzie County

AES Proposal click Here

Township Board Meeting 2-3- 2016

The budget is at the bottom of this post. 

2-3-2016  Joyfield Township Meeting

Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call-  All present

Approve Agenda- Matt moves to approve the agenda, with the addition of another item- Cemetery Letter to be added to Old Business. Ted Seconds.  No Discussion.  Motion passed.

Public Input-  Resident speaks to the consistency of the minutes.  At the last board meeting, there was an agenda item called Cemetery Concerns. No motion was made during this discussion, but none of the discussion regarding that agenda item ended up in the minutes of that meeting.  In the past, the Supervisor has been concerned about being consistent with things.  In the December meeting, cemetery discussion without a motion was written into the minutes of that meeting.  Resident asks that the discussion surrounding the agenda item called “Cemetery Concerns” be added to the minutes before they are approved. 

No other public input.

Matt thanks the resident and proceeds to the next agenda item, reading and approval of the minutes from the meeting.  Ted and Matt have a discussion about what was discussed at last meeting, regarding Cemetery Concerns, Ted said there was no motion made during that discussion therefore it was not put in the minutes.  

Ted reads minutes from January 5 meeting.  They go back to discussion of Cemetery Concerns.  It’s decided to add the discussion to the minutes from January 5 meeting.  Matt moves to approve with changes, adding 'further action regarding cemetery lot 53 was discussed, supervisor to prepare letter for board review at next meeting.’  Also offers amendment regarding the appointment of Rob Lozowski as ordinance officer.  Instead, position was offered to Mr. Lozowski.  

Treasurer’s report-  GF  Open Bal- 72,123.26.  28,546.69 net deposits.  8211.89 Expenditures.  92,458.06 in the General Fund.   

Added all together, the township cash balance is 196.428.45 

Bills-  ATT, Consumer’s Energy- etc-  Foster/Swift- [Legal council], for 722$.  Bills totaled 1416.96$

Reports- Gary Sauer, Benzie County Commission- -Veterans memorial at Benzonia Park, committee received grant from the Tribe for 20,000$ which will move project along very nicely.  

-Maples- Sprinkler system completed the end of the month.  Roof spraying completed.  Pushing to get inspections done and hope to move folks in April 1st.  He says the idea is to get it open, let’s use it, this has been going on way too long.

Planning Commission-  Continuing to review the draft zoning ordinance. The last articles-are statute articles and they will be working with Gilmore and Blaine as part of the collaborative agreement to see how they can work those together and pick up good ideas from what they’re doing, what they had in their ordinance proposal and they will be having joint sessions with Blaine and Gilmore.  They had one joint meeting already.  

Local Road Committee-  Meeting yesterday, only two township representatives were missing.  We had two projects approved for 2016,  Demerly Road from U.S. 31 to Wallaker and Ballard road at the creek crossing, just before the Benzonia Township line.  Asphalt prices are low as oil prices are low and the RC would like to take advantage of the low prices by purchasing asphalt right now.  Road Commission funding will be increasing, about 200K per year coming out of the MI general fund.  1.7 million by 2021, up from the 400K they are at now.  Brine prices will be the same.  .17 cents per gal. 

Cemetery-  Ordinance work continuing, will try to have  more definitions research done and changes made before next meeting.  

Benzie County Chapter of MTA has been meeting since December to review the possibility of county-wide broadband.  There is an effort to look at what’s available and what state funds are out there to support- there will be a questionnaire out in July.  

Correspondance- SEEDS is looking for volunteer opportunities for landscaping, park & trail maintenance, tree planting and such.  

Old Business-  

Cemetery Letter- Draft in packet, discussing Lot 53, also a diagram depicting current location of existing markers, the existing veterans marker and where the relocation of it will be to go with the letter.  Take a moment to read the letter.  If we (the board) all agree,  it can sent, or if we (the board) wants to wait until the next meeting, it can wait until the next meeting as well.  The letter says the township hasn’t received any responses to get input in participating for moving this.  It’s our (the board's )responsibility to make sure this is situated correctly and we (the board)  will proceed to do that and giving them one more opportunity to participate with Oak Grove to get the marker moved.  Jim Evans moves to allow the supervisor to send the letter after dates on the letter are verified.  Mark Evans supports.  Motion passed. 

Off Premise sign Moratorium-  Matt has no specific recommendations in terms of amending our ordinance as of right now and part of the reason for that is there is still ongoing discussion with Lamar.  Matt has talked to the code office [building department] and the prosecutor.  Lamar’s attorneys requested contact with the township attorney or at least get their information talked about this, the impression he has been given is that Lamar is aware that the sign was built without permits, and our (the board’s) position is it would have violated the ordinance and therefore was not approved.  The issue is what to do with it now.  He thinks Lamar is willing to actually compensate the township for it’s efforts, compensate the township for costs incurred dealing with this so far, and also allow to make changes to our ordinance that would allow the sign to be finished and be considered a legal but non-conforming use.  This would be done in a manner that would not be contradictory to our moratorium or our existing ordinance, but what he needs to know from the board is, if we (the board) are willing to consider this, this discussion.  He hasn’t seen any documents drafted about it.  It would require Matt to go back through the attorneys to see what language would have to be put forward and we would have to consider it again as a whole board.  The alternative to that is we (the board) say , no we (the board) just want it torn down, it shouldn’t have been built, but then be prepared to take on all the expenses of the litigation that might ensue.  That’s not to say that position doesn’t have merit, but there’s always uncertainty with that.  He’s requesting a vote from the board, if he has the authority to proceed to work with the township attorneys and Lamar’s council to see if a resolution can be reached by changing the ordinance, to possibly allow this as legal -non-conforming.  Jim Evans makes a motion to allow the supervisor to continue to do the fact finding to see what the potential is for any one of those things.  The motion would be to allow the supervisor to continue to pursue resolution with our attorney and Lamar, regarding the sign, to be approved by the board.  Mark Evans supports the motion.  Discussion?  Ted asks for clarification of the motion.  Approve the supervisor to meet with the Attorneys and Lamar seeking resolution for the sign.  No other discussion.  Motion passes.  

Board of Review- Ted has prepared a notice of scheduled dates & times.  The organizational meeting place is a question, because it conflicts with the election in March. Matt needs to find a place to have a quick meeting.  Ted needs approval to put the notice in the paper.  Ted moves, Matt supports motion passed. 

Ordinance officer- Matt called Rob Lozowski tonight. He had actually talked to him a couple of weeks ago and Rob agreed to take the position for the 450$ as discussed, Rob came in and took his oath of office, so the position has been filled.  

New Business-

Meeting dates for 2016-  First Wednesday of each month for Regular Township Board Meetings at 7 p.m.  Ted moves, Matt supports, Motion Passed.  

Service Fees- Existing service fees, need a motion, Ted thinks we can simply continue on.  Biggest change would be in mileage pay.  Matt moves, Ted seconds no discussion motion passed.  

Township Salaries and Wages-  There are no changes for elected and appointed officials.  Resolutions 2 thru 5.  Approved by roll call vote. 

Budget 2016/2017-  Ted runs through the budget figures.  [Conversation garbled when Furnace kicks on].

Cemetery Maintenance Contract-  

Maple Trees along the East end of the cemetery are dying.  Ted has talked to the manager of the Road Commission and it’s likely they are in the right of way.  It’s being checked into. 

MTA & Broadband project-  More discussion, there’s a question that will be going out to the residents of the county.  Letter to Jim Sheets that the Joyfield Township board is aware of the project and of the questionnaire.  The MTA would like to put the questionnaire into the tax bills.  Ted Moves, Jim supports, no discussion.  Motion passed. 

Public Input-  Resident believes the broadband project is wonderful, a great benefit to both residents and visitors.  

Resident asking about the sign ordinance and discussion with the township attorney, first the ordinance was legitimate, then there was a conversation with the attorney - nothing was in writing, this was between the supervisor and the attorney, but he didn’t talk to the head guy, talked to his helper who felt the ordinance probably wouldn’t hold up in court.  Tonight we heard they violated the ordinance, it is legitimate, but  it would take money to take them to court to make them take it down.   But you’re going to work with attorneys to get a resolution to leave the sign there and they’re going to give you money, so it comes down to money.  Heard the ordinance was valid tonight but because you’re going to make some money they’re going to keep the sign.  So it’s the people with deep pockets that get to not follow ordinances. 

Board Comments-  Matt tries to explain the township won’t be “making money”, there’s no making money it’s all taxpayer money here and they’ve had to spend some of it to communicate about the ordinance and the violation of it.  Before he would consider making a concession for Lamar’s sake, he felt it was important to recoup some of what the taxpayers have already spent on this.  It’s not about making any money, it’s about getting expenses back.  The other angle is, we have taken a position that our ordinance is valid and enforceable, but that wouldn’t stop someone from challenging it in court, that happens all the time.  Before we put it to a legal challenge and take it to the court system he thinks it’s fair to weigh what it is that they’re asking the township to do and what kind of compromise they would make.  He thinks that’ fair and that’s the direction they’re going in.  

Treasurer Jennifer will soon be posting her office hours.

Meeting adjourned.  

Joyfield Township Board Meeting Jan 06, 2016

Notes from the meeting: 
*All members present

*No public input

*Clerk reads minutes from last meeting.

*Treasurer's report: GF Beginning Bal- 75,108.89; Net Dep- 1,159; Board Spenditures- 4,144.63 = 72,123.26. Bal- GF Sav- 72123.26; GF Check-5,000; Time Dep- 80,000; Cemetery Time Dep- 17935.37; Cemetery Savings- 1023.62; Tax checking-11.36; = Total Cash Bal- 176,093.61. Bills- totaling 7,937.39. Bills paid. (township officials got their part payment of income) 

* Reports: 
--Gary Sauer- The Benzie County Board of Commissioners had their organizational meeting, and were unable to elect a Chairperson or Vice Chairperson- votes were tied. Yearly meetings were established, no more afternoon meetings, but there may be evening meetings if townships would like to host a BOC meeting. 
--Joyfield PC- Ted Wood- December meeting cancelled. Township received grant for collaborative zoning, (see article posted below).Next Pc meeting- January 21st. 
--Jim Evans- Cemetery meeting Dec 16th, working on cemetery ordinance, revisions, hope to be done by mid spring and would like to have it revised by then, including revisions to address conditions that the cemetery & board have faced recently (improperly placed Veterans marker). The Local Roads Committee is working on setting a date. 

*Correspondence- from Oak Grove regarding the Veteran's marker. Matt personally talked to Mr. Jensen of Oak Grove. **Old Business- Cemetery Concerns- Since the weather is in, there will be no action right now on the improperly placed marker. Matt has talked to the township attorneys who have expressed an opinion that the township has the authority to move things within the cemetery as part of their maintenance provision. Open to suggestions, considering sending one more request [letter to the family], for assistance, if they don't get it, they'll [the township] will just have to move it when it's appropriate for the township. Jim E. says he believes the boundaries have been clearly marked and the marker is not on the proper lot , partially on partially off. He thinks it's unfortunate that there has been no communication back [from the family) to find resolution for this. He agrees one last letter to find what their intentions are, should be sent. Ted asks if a lack of reply would be taken as it's up to the board [to move the marker]. Jim says he would think so. Matt thinks one more notice, because of the weather, to give those concerned their every chance to provide their input, or Jim says to find out if there are any intentions of changing things. Ted says nothing can take place until the frost is out of the ground, Matt agrees. Matt will bring a draft of the notice to the next meeting. 

*Off Premise Sign moratorium- the township attorneys have drafted a moratorium against any placement of "off-premise" signs [billboards]. This will not include signs erected by businesses or signs business owners have planned to erect. Ted has made adjustments to the language in the sign ordinance. Only a summary of the ordinance will be published, you will have to contact the clerk for the ordinance in it's entirety. 

* New Business- Board of Review member Ken Fallowfield will be unable to finish his term, and Bob Meyers has agreed to fill the rest of the term. Matt will then go on the search for an alternate. The board makes a motion to appoint Bob Meyers to Board of Review. They will send several members to the Board of Review Training. 

* Ted talks about the audit of the township books. He's satisfied with current auditors and would make a motion to contact them for this year's audit. 

* Ordinance enforcement officer- There's been no need for one since the townships only liquor license holder went away. A couple things have come up- cemetery thing and the sign thing- there has come a need to appoint someone to serve notice to people or to handle permitting processes- coordinating. Rob Lozowski has agreed to fill that position. When Matt talked to him, he indicated maybe the pay should be increased from 440$. Matt is not in favor of increasing this yet. In time it should be increases if commensurate with responsibilities. In the near future, he doesn't have a specific task for that person. He makes a motion that the board extend appointment to Mr. Lozowski as township ordinance officer for current rate of pay. If he [Mr. Lozowski] doesn't accept the current rate of pay, they'll [the board] can come back in February to re-evaluate it. Matt says they can appoint someone at any regular meeting or remove someone the same way. Jim supports the motion. Ted- There are two months left on the pay schedule. Do they want to appoint now, or April one? Jim asks if it is pro-ratable? Ted says it can be pro-rated and should be pro-rated. Jim says he believes we need an ordinance officer when things do happen in an untimely fashion. Matt doesn't think it's right to raise the pay level to what he's [Mr. Lozowski] has suggested, just yet, on the other hand, he doesn't think people qualified to fill this role the way he is are in abundance. Matt was thinking- extend the offer, come back in February and make it official. The motion will be to appoint Mr. Lozowski in February at the current pay scale. Motion passed. 

* Ted needs permission from board to write a clearing check to Alliance for Economic success so they can administer the funds to the townships for the collaborative zoning. The pass-through grant was made out to Joyfield Township. Jim wonders if he should abstain, the board says no. Motion passed. Public Input question- Looking for clarification on grant received, how it helps Joyfield? It will help Blaine revise their ordinance which they adopted from the county? Ted Wood responds. The grant is to Lakes to Land, which does not have a bank account, and AES is a fiduciary for Lakes to Land. AES will then pay Beckett & Raeder for their work on this project for which the grant was issued. Lakes to Land applied for the grant. No other public comment. Board member comments- Jennifer- will have office hours Feb 16th from 9 to 5 at 5143 Demurely Rd. to collect taxes. 

*Meeting adjourned.