2009-07-13 Approved

State of Michigan
County of Shiawassee
Charter Township of Owosso

BE IT KNOWN that the Owosso Charter Township Board of Trustees met in regular session on Monday, July 13, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the township board room in the Owosso Charter Township Hall, 2998 West M-21, Owosso, 48867.

CALL TO ORDER: Supervisor Miller called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led Pledge of Allegiance.

Supervisor Miller called for a moment of silence for former Owosso Township Supervisor Jim Stewart who passed away June 21.

ROLL CALL:
Present: Supervisor Danny Miller, Treasurer June Cudney, Trustee Gary Schultz, Trustee John Archer.
Absent with notice: Clerk Judy Gute (family medical), Trustee Jayne Campbell, and Trustee Diane Krajcovic.

Others Present: Attorney Bowne, Fire Chief Greger, Building Administrator Delaney, Assessor Schweikert, and MMR Manager Jason MacDonald.

AGENDA: Trustee Schultz moved to add 1815 W. Mason Road – Dangerous Building Act – to agenda under New Business; remainder of agenda accepted as printed.
Ayes: All. Nays: None.

MINUTES – PREVIOUS MEETING June 8, 2009: Discussion
Trustee Archer questioned the use of the words “press/pressing” under B) Weed Commission in New Business. He suggested the wording be changed to “necessary.” After some discussion, Trustee Archer moved to change the language in the minutes to: “Miller and Archer felt documentation and a central location were necessary.” Trustee Schultz seconded. Motion carried. Remainder of minutes approved as printed. Roll Call: Supervisor Miller-Yes, Trustee Archer-Yes, Treasurer Cudney-Yes, Trustee Schultz-Yes.

TREASURER’S REPORT:
Treasurer Cudney indicated that the 4th line of the report needed to be amended under Fireman’s Fund to reflect “130” not “136.” After correction, Trustee Archer moved to accept remainder of the June 8, 2009, Treasurer’s Report as printed, Trustee Schultz seconded, and motion carried. Roll Call: Supervisor Miller-Yes, Trustee Archer-Yes, Treasurer Cudney-Yes, Trustee Schultz-Yes.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Opened at 7:12 p.m.
Darlene Walker of SATA asked what they can do to get support from Owosso Township. After some discussion, Supervisor Miller stated that the issue was not on the Agenda for the July meeting, but if they would like to come back in August, the issue can be made an Agenda item for the board to discuss at that meeting. It was explained that the millage was voted down in 2004, but it could be back on the ballot in 2010. Eloise Reed, one of many senior representatives from Stoney Creek Village Apartments, read a statement why the township needs SATA. Bill Biergans and Elizabeth East, also from Stoney Creek, commented on the SATA issue as well. Supervisor Miller told the group not to get discouraged and invited them all to come back for the August meeting and stated again that the issue would be placed on the agenda. Attorney Bowne conveyed that he would have answers and information at the August meeting regarding an initiative to get the issue on the ballot.

Mike Thornton, 2615 W. Wilkinson Road, thanked the board and road commission for the nice job on road repairs.

COUNTY/STATE REP. COMMENTS: Supervisor Miller read a letter from the Sheriff’s office indicating that, because of budget restraints, a deputy will be furnished for only one meeting per quarter. If one is needed at any other time, a request must be made.

David Lazar introduced himself as a Republican candidate for state representative for the 85th District.

Henrietta Sparkes gave a brief update on Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners matters. It was noted that Peter Preston, community development director, had resigned. It was also noted that the contract for county legal notices was with the Independent newspaper. Henrietta reported that the county has spent over $10,000 this year to pick up deer along the roadways. Mike Thornton offered congratulations to Henrietta on her 50th wedding anniversary.

SHERIFF DEPARTMENT: Letter read by Supervisor Miller.

CEMETERY REPORT: Attached to minutes. It was mentioned that the cemetery is looking ragged. Treasurer Cudney reported that she has received a call from a gentleman about whether there was anything in place to eliminate flowers, etc. Supervisor Miller said there was a cemetery ordinance with restrictions and that he would bring to next meeting. Supervisor Miller also would call the gentleman back. Trustee Archer asked about the status of the road on the south side, between sections 2 and 3, being moved over; it was concluded that the road has been moved and the situation is under control.

ASSESSOR’S REPORT: Attached to minutes.

FIRE REPORT: Chief Greger reported that seven (7) alarms were responded to during the month of June. Also reported that the new truck is in the process of being painted and lettered. Trustee Schultz asked about putting topper on the truck – Chief Greger said the issue is still being considered.

AMBULANCE REPORT: MMR Manager Jason Macdonald thanked the board for understanding his absence from last month’s meeting as he had a house full of sick people. Trustee Schultz thanked him for coming to report at the governmental meeting. Manager MacDonald reported that the fiscal year ended June 30, and it was a strong year. He also said the fund is financially healthy, and there’s no need to panic, but he is taking a look at line items.

BUILDING INSPECTOR/CODE ENFORCER REPORT: Attached to minutes. Inspector Delaney reported that all fees that come in stay in the department – department doing okay. Delaney also mentioned briefly the two projects that were approved at the June 10 zoning board meeting - Constine RV camp and Helvie go-cart track.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
A) Dowling Drive update – Supervisor Miller
B) Water Contract update: Attorney Bowne has tweaked the contract and a meeting was scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, August 6, to go over the contract prior to the regularly scheduled August 10 township board meeting.
C) Street Light Assessment: Scheduled for August meeting.
D) Constine - Siminski Fire update: Discussion was held regarding the pending statement for services rendered to the township during a fire at 2700 South Delaney Road on April 14, 2009. The question was whether the township should pay the bill in the amount of $2,900 to Mike Constine for use of an excavating machine he provided during the fire. Supervisor Miller and Trustee Schultz said that since the township called for the machine, the township should pay the bill and ask for reimbursement from Mr. Siminski. Treasurer Cudney felt that Mr. Siminski should pay the bill. Attorney Bowne was asked if a lien could be placed on the Siminski property if the township wasn’t reimbursed for the charges. Attorney Bowne explained that there would have to be a judgment from a court hearing first. There was also a question as to whether Mr. Siminski had insurance and if so, would it cover the costs of the excavating machine. Discussion was also held on whether the funds could come from the fire charges recovery fund. It was concluded that the cost recovery from that fund was for hazardous spill only. Discussion will be held at the August meeting as to whether Mr. Siminski is in violation of an ordinance with some of the activities taking place on the property. Also a question if Mr. Siminski has a burning permit.
Trustee Schultz moved that the township pay Mike Constine the amount of $2,900 for services rendered during a fire on the Siminski property at 2700 South Delaney Road on April 14, 2009. Trustee Archer seconded, and Supervisor Miller asked for a Roll Call. Supervisor Miller-yes. Trustee Schultz-yes. Trustee Archer-yes. Treasurer Cudney-No. Motion carried.
E) Community Service update: Youth from Corunna painted two sides of the garage and did a nice job on the paint. Also did other work in the cemetery.
F) Redi Mix update: Reported by Attorney Bowne and Supervisor Miller that a judgment was issued by Judge Lostracco. Discussion with Mr. Ardelean needed –being worked out.

NEW BUSINESS:
A) Roofing Training House: Three bids were sought to fix roof. Bids received were: Sunrise Awnings: $9,000; Fitch Construction: $9,706; Hall Construction: $10,376. There was discussion as to what each bid included. Trustee Archer moved to accept Fitch Construction bid for $9,706. Trustee Schultz supported.
Roll Call: Supervisor Miller-yes. Trustee Schultz-yes. Trustee Archer-yes. Treasurer Cudney-yes.
B) Cemetery Fence: Discussion by Supervisor Miller and Trustee Schultz that a fence should be put up at the cemetery to be a better neighbor and to stop the leaves from blowing. Bids were received from Superior Siding-$6,000; All Phase in Ovid-$7,140; Spartan Fence in Perry-$4,100. Trustee Schultz moved to accept the bid from Spartan Fence in the amount of $4,100. Trustee Archer seconded. Question was raised by Lee Wing of why to spend $4,100 on a fence to be a good neighbor? It was explained that there were other reasons for the fence. The private property was being used as a driveway; fence needed to protect township property. Vote taken – Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
C) Appointment: Supervisor Miller moved that Supervisor Miller and Trustee Schultz be appointed to a Cemetery Committee for property management. Treasurer Cudney supported motion. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.
D) Fire Hall #1: Building needs repair – why redo building. As of March 2009, there is $1 million in the Operations Fund. Grant didn’t happen. This is the time to build; people want jobs. Resolution for plans for new building will be ready at August meeting.
E) 1815 Mason Road – Dangerous Building Act: Trustee Schultz reported that the Health Department condemned the house located at 1815 Mason Road and that no one has been in the home since 2006. Attorney Bowne said the owner would have to be notified of the record of violations. Tax bills are mailed to the address and are paid through 2007. Taxes not paid for 2008. Board asked Attorney Bowne to send letter to owner.

PAYMENT OF BILLS: Treasurer Cudney moved to pay bills. Trustee Schultz supported. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mike Thornton asked Bob Delaney for all building permits that have been issued to Mr. Siminski for his property at 2700 South Delaney Road.

COMMUNICATINS/BOARD COMMENTS: Treasurer Cudney reported that there have been 1,000 hits to taxes online since the first of March. Information is free for own parcel - $2 for other parcels. It’s updated daily.

ADJOURNMENT: Trustee Schultz moved to adjourn, Treasurer Cudney seconded the motion, and it was carried. Ayes: All. Nays: None. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:


Debbie Whipple, recording secretary


Judy K. Gute
Owosso Charter Township Clerk



Danny C. Miller
Owosso Charter Township Supervisor


These minutes were approved as printed as corrected on this ________ day of

______________, 2009.