REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 10, 2009Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Roll Call: Board members present Lynda Arman, Clerk, Bill Dohm, Supervisor, Connie O’Neill, Treasurer, Ken Garver, Trustee, Wayne Allerding, Trustee. Also present Jane Taylor and several guests (attached list). Distribution of Correspondence: Financial Statements: Minutes of Emmet County Road Commission of May 1, and 15, 2009: Minutes of Emmet County DPW of May 13, 2009 and 1st qtr. Curbside pick up report: Minutes of H.S. District Library Planning Committee meeting of May 21, 2009: Minutes of HSASDA of March 12, April 9, & May 14, 2009: Principles of Governance Pledge: H.S. Recreation Cost Breakdown. Approval of Minutes: Motion by Allerding, supported by Garver and carried, Regular Meeting Minutes of May 13, 2009 was approved as presented by the Clerk. Public Comment: None. North View Trail Special Assessment District No 1: The Supervisor stated that the next order of business was to conduct a public hearing on the consideration of the paving and improvement plans for the private road, known as North View Trail in Section 9, the estimate of costs for the project, the special assessment district proposed to be created for the recovery of such costs and the petitions for the same.
The Supervisor asked for a motion to go into Public Hearing for that purpose. Upon motion by Mr. Garver, and supported by Mr. Allerding, the motion carried.
The Supervisor reported that proper notice of the hearing on these matters had been published in the Harbor Light Newspaper the week of May 26 to June 2, 2009, and again the week of June 2 to June 8, 2009 and had been mailed by first-class mail to each property owner within the proposed assessment district as shown on the current tax rolls of the township on May 22, 2009. Affidavits of the publications and mailing of these notices were then presented and filed as a part of the records of the meeting.
The Supervisor presented the petitions requesting the improvement and special assessment district, the properties included in the proposed district, the engineering plans, and cost estimates. He then asked for public comment.
Mr. Robert Humphrey questioned why this was being done at this time. He felt the timing was wrong due to the economy. He also thought the cost was excessive compared to the added value of his property. Mr. Dohm explained that the Township was responding to the petitions, the economy could be an advantage due to contractors being more competitive now, and the added value could be better determined after exact costs are obtained.
Mr. Brian Garber questioned why the property owners could not make the improvements on their own, or select their own contractor to save costs. Mr. Dohm explained that they could, but they could not use the Township as a special assessment agent to collect for the costs.
Supervisor Dohm explained that it was the intent of the Township to use a per parcel cost assignment rather than a front foot or per acre formula. The Township intended to finance the project with Township Road or General fund balances, and charge an interest rate somewhere in the 5% range for unpaid balances. A determination as to the length of the payment spread has not yet been determined, but it was thought that somewhere in the 10 to 15 year range would be appropriate.
The Supervisor explained that petitioners could withdraw their support of the project by submitting a written withdrawal up until the end of this hearing.
The Supervisor then asked for the 2nd time for additional comments. None being heard, the Supervisor then asked for the 3rd. time for additional comments. None being heard, the Supervisor asked for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Upon motion by Mrs. O’Neill and supported by Mr. Allerding the motion was carried and the Public Hearing was closed.
Having not received any written petition withdrawls, Mr. Garver motioned and supported by Mr. Allerding, the Supervisor was instructed to seek competitive bids for the project and report the results back to the Board on July 8, 2009. Motion carried.
The Supervisor advised those in attendance that the Board would review the bids at the July 8th meeting, at which time a determination would be made to proceed or not with the special assessment roll, including the amount, interest rate and length.
Petoskey Public Library Contract: It was recommended that the Township enter into the agreement (attached herein) for another year. The agreement is from August 1, 2009 through July 31, 2010. Motion by O’Neill supported by Arman and carried in a roll call vote as follows: Dohm aye, O’Neill aye, Garver nay, Allerding nay, Arman aye, the Agreement passed.Harbor Springs District Library: Supervisor Dohm discussed the meeting with the Library Committee reviewing some of the discussion at the meeting, that being the name of the Library, the amount of mills and the ballot terms. No other action was taken. Michigan Lottery Gaming Division: A request was made by Manna Food Project of Harbor Springs for a Resolution for a Charitable Gaming License. Manna Food Project is a nonprofit organization operating in the Township. Upon review of the Resolution motion by O’Neill supported by Garver and carried the Resolution was passed. HSASDA Term Appointment: Motion by O’Neill supported by Allerding and carried John Johnson was reappointed to a 3 year term for the HSASDA. Report on Township Hall Improvements: A new light will be installed near the handicapped parking places. Cabinets for the board room have been ordered and will be installed later this month. Lawn problems have been solved. No other discussion was made on the improvements of the hall. Report on Budget Savings Adjustments: The Revenue Sharing was reduced by the State. Supervisor stated that the Wequetoning project would not be done this year. No other discussion was made. Approval of Bills: Upon review of the voucher for payment of the bills, motion by Allerding supported by Garver and carried board approved payment of the following bills: General Fund $36,341.45; Sewer Fund $23,446.18; Water Fund $5,299.98. Reference to breakdown attached herein. No other business was brought before the board. Being of no further business brought before the board, Supervisor Dohm adjourned the meeting at 5:15 P.M. Lynda L. ArmanTownship Clerk
