Casco Township
Regular Meeting Minutes
July 5, 2005

7:-00 p.m. Call to Order
Pledge to the Flag
Present: K. Holk, P. Allagreen, C. Stover, D. Goulston, and J. Stevens
L. King, Township Auditor, J. Dubay, Township Attorney, J. White, Richmond-Lenox EMS
Several Township Residents

Motion by C. Stover to approve Agenda with one (1) addition under New Business, supported by P. Allagreen. 5 Ayes, Motion carried.

Motion by C. Stover to approve June 7, 2005 Minutes, with correction of 4 ayes, Motion carried, supported by P. Allagreen. 5 Ayes, Motion carried.

Motion by C. Stover to approve June 27, 2005 Special Meeting Minutes, supported by P. Allagreen. 5 Ayes, Motion carried.

Motion by J. Stevens to approve Financial Report, supported by D. Goulston. 5 Ayes, Motion carried.

Motion by P. Allagreen to approve Quarterly Report with correction (regarding Attorney fee amount of $10, 389.00), supported by C. Stover. 5 Ayes, Motion carried.

L. King, Township Auditor addressed the Board and advised the Township is in good financial condition and that the audit went smoothly. C. Stover asked for explanation of reference of administrative costs and delinquent taxes being referenced under “taxes” in the audit and not separated under “fees and interest”. Mr. King advised that this has been the way these amounts are referenced in all audits he performs, as they are all generated under the tax fund. Mr. King advised he would change the format if the Township so requests. Attorney fee amount of $10,389.00 questioned by P. Allagreen and K. Holk. Mr. King advised that the $10,389.00 amount was “booked” twice and that he can “reverse” the entry in next year’s audit or if requested by Township, he can make the adjustment at this time. K. Holk requested the following corrections be made to the audit: Page MDA 3 - her name be correctly spelled to Holk instead of “Hoke”, and correct address of Township offices, Page 9 - Under “Parks and Recreation Acquisition and Development of Park Land” instead of “acquisition of park land”, Page 10 - Under “Vacation and Sick Leave Policy” - that it be noted vacation, sick leave, etc. - policy with full time employee and gave outline of one (1) week after first year and two (2) weeks after second year, Page 12 - Under Budgetary Information - Fiscal year commencing April 1 instead of July 1, Page 16 - Under “Defined Contribution Retirement Plan” - Add elected officials in addition to “all of its full time employees”, Page 17 - Under “Contingent Liabilities” - Government should be referenced as “Plaintiff” not “Defendant”. P. Allagreen requested “F-65" form. Mr. King advised he had forgotten to bring it with him this date, but will put it in the mail. Mr. King reported that the Township has no debt with the exception of the $15,000.00 accounts payable figure (carry over from previous year). K. Holk advised it was less carried over than the originally anticipated $84,974.00 amount. Mr. King will revise audit and resubmit five (5) corrected audits to Township. He collected incorrect copies.

Motion by C. Stover to Approve Audited Financial Report March 31, 2005 with corrections, Support by P. Allagreen. 5 Ayes, Motion carried.



Correspondence

A. Local Funding Increase
K. Holk read “News Release” - Casco Township and sixteen (16) other municipalities will receive an increase in their state revenue sharing dollars, if approved by Senate and will receive between $3,000.00 and $9,000.00. House Bill 4831 was approved by House Appropriations Committee and full House.




Casco Township
Regular Meeting Minutes
July 5, 2005
Page Two

B. St. Clair County Road Commission/County Road Appropriation
K. Holk read June 22, 2005 letter from Kirk Weston, Deputy Managing Director of St. Clair County Road Commission regarding “Match Money Funding” for limestone, gravel, chloride and additional maintenance projects, and requested Township contact with County Commissioner. K. Holk will contact County Commissioner Wally Evans with regard to same.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

Supreme Court Decision/Detachment Petition and letter from City of Richmond regarding possible tax base sharing and growth.

Township Attorney, J. Dubay addressed the Board and discussed the case and the non-favorable decision by the Michigan Supreme Court. The decision not only affected Casco and Columbus Township, but Fillmore Township and others as well. Co-Counsel William Fahey has offered to submit a Motion for Rehearing to the Supreme Court, deadline being today, at no charge to the Townships in the hopes of the Supreme Court re-addressing the issue, in that there was one (1) Dissenting Opinion. Fillmore Township and others will request a rehearing by the Supreme Court. At this time, Casco Township declines a Motion for re-hearing, in that only one Justice dissented and the likelihood of other Justices changing their positions is not probable. Mr. Dubay advised that the Supreme Court could reverse its decision or re-hear the matter. The effective date of Judgment would be held until determination by the Supreme Court. Further discussion was held and it was the general consensus by the Township Board that Township can proceed with separate Petitions, yet be open to discussions with the City of Richmond for possible 425 Agreement. K. Holk read June 25, 2005 letter from City Manager, Jon Moore. D. Goulston commented that he feels there has been a “softening” of the Richmond City Council and that the Township doesn’t want to lose its Industrial and Commercial tax base. G. Goulston inquired of the audience and comments were that it wouldn’t hurt to talk to the City. K. Holk advised that there would need to be talks with Richmond Township, Columbus Township and Lenox Township. D. Goulston commented that Township would want to see what Columbus Township decides as the Township has worked so closely
with them on this issue. K. Holk commented that the Township and the City of Richmond did come close to an agreement previously.

Motion by P. Allagreen that continued talks with City of Richmond be conducted with K. Holk and C. Stover representing the Township and J. Stevens acting as alternate; and
that single Petitions for Detachment be drawn up, Supported by C. Stover. 5 Ayes, Motion carried.

St. Clair County Drain Commission.

K. Holk read June 13, 2005 letter from Fred Fuller, St. Clair County Drain Commissioner, advising that County will reduce percentage the County pays for drain projects.











Casco Township
Regular Meeting Minutes
July 5, 2005
Page Three

Richmond-Lenox EMS/Ordinance for House Numbering

K. Holk read June 2, 2005 letter from Jeff White, Richmond-Lenox EMS regarding possible Ordinance for use by Casco Township for house numbering for purpose of response by EMS to emergencies requiring ambulance and/or fire services within the Township. Mr. White addressed the Board as to Ordinance adopted by Richmond Township for such purpose. Discussion by Township Board and input from audience resulted in consensus that homeowners should be responsible enough to provide for proper visible numbering for emergency purposes and that Township should not mandate such a requirement. Liability issues as to the Township were discussed. Mr. White stated his appreciation for the Township Board’s consideration of the matter.

Request for 2005 Millage Distribution for Parks and Recreation

Motion by P. Allagreen to approve 2005 Parks and Recreation Millage Distribution in the amount of $18,000.62, Supported by C. Stover. 5 Ayes, Motion carried.

St. Clair County GIS Mapping System

K. Holk presented to Township Board members map of Casco Township as prepared by St. Clair County Metropolitan Planning Commission. The $114.00 fee for preparation was waived as a “professional courtesy” to the Township. P. Allagreen will order paper from Staples for duplication of the map. Karen will contact county for zoning correction as to mobile home zoning.

Payment of Bills

Motion by P. Allagreen to approve bills submitted (#19197-19219) after the June 7, 2005 meeting totaling $32,694.01; bills submitted (#19220-19262) for the July 5, 2005 meeting totaling $28,021.15; and Liquor Fund check #1009 in the amount of $282.00. Supported by C. Stover. Roll Call Vote - K. Holk - Aye, P. Allagreen - Aye, C. Stover - Aye, J. Stevens - Aye, D. Goulston - Aye.
Motion carried.

Public Comments

W. Rumenapp commented and had questions as to Drain Commission communication as to mowing of roadsides and ditch bottoms.

Adjournment

Motion by K. Holk to Adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Supported by P. Allagreen. 5 Ayes. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia M. Allagreen, Clerk
 

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