Casco Township
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2010
7:52 p.m. Call to Order
Pledge to the Flag
Present: K. Holk, C. Stover, D.Goulston, P. Allagreen. J. Stevens, 32 Township residents, 2 visitors..
Motion by C.Stover. Supported by J. Stevens. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Motion by J. Stevens to approve Minutes of Regular Board meeting of February 2, 2010, with two (2) corrections; Under 2B – include March 31, 2010; and under Amended Budget change amount of Budget from $7,227.00 to $8,227.00 reducing the Contingency Fund to $7,789.44. Supported by D. Goulston. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Motion to approve Minutes of the February 24, 2010 Special Meeting by C. Stover. Supported by D. Goulston. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Motion by J. Stevens to accept Financial Report. Supported by D. Goulston.
5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
C. Stover advised that she is ninety-five (95%) finished with moving all the Township accounts to the new bank; that the bulk of the tax collections has been received and she will settle with the County after the 15th of the month.
1. Correspondence
A. St.Clair County MTA Quarterly Meeting
K. Holk advised that the meeting is being held on March 25, 2010, hosted by Grant Township at 11:30 a.m. She advised that if anyone on the Board was interested to advise by March 22, 2010.
It was the general consensus of the Board that no one would attend this year, as the Township has been in contact with the US Census Bureau.
2. New Business
A. Proposal from Birchler and Arroyo/Master Plan and Parks and Rec Update
C. Stover inquired as to if the Township might be developing its Parks and Rec. K. Holk said
no, since the millage will be up for renewal in November. As to the Master Plan update,
Bill Ruemenapp stated that the Planning Commission has been discussing Adair Road and
Palms and 26 Mile Roads. After further discussion, J. Stevens commented that he sees no
Need to address Parks and Rec at this time. There was discussion regarding the Gratiot
Corridor, and regarding repair costs of the Pelton Drain being assessed to Township residents
who are in that drain district.
Motion by C. Stover to table indefinitely, will take to the Planning Commission. Supported
By J. Stevens. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
B. Networking for Assessor’s and Treasurer’s Office
P. Allagreen explained situation and advised that she had obtained two (2) bids. One
from Hi-Tech for $5,942.00 and one from Network Computers for $2,999.99. C. Stover
commented that the networking needs to be implemented by May.
Motion by C. Stover to approve networking by Network Computer for $2,999.00. Supported
By P. Allagreen. Ayes 4. (Trustee Goulston excused himself from the meeting) 0 Nays.
Motion carried.
C. Contract for New Assessor Lynn Houston
K. Holk explained that Lynn Houston will charge $10.00 per parcel. Also, that Mrs. Houston
is working with Paul to finish things up. For full Tribunal matters, she recommends Attorney
John McNamee whose rate is $125.00 per hour. She advised the board that Mrs. Houston
will hold evening hours and will need office keys. K. Holk read Mrs. Houston’s
recommendation for software, but doesn’t think the Township needs it. Mrs. Houston will
pay for her assistant.
Motion by P. Allagreen to contract Lynn Houston as Township Assessor. Supported by
D. Goulston. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Motion by P. Allagreen to contract Attorney John McNamee at $125.00 per hour to represent
The Township in full Tax Tribunal matters. Supported by C. Stover.
5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Casco Township
Regular Board Meeting
March 2, 2010
Page 2
D. Lower Mileage Reimbursement to .50 cents per mile
K. Holk explained that the IRS had allowed .58.5 cents per mile, that Casco was paying .55.5
Cents per mile, but the rate has been reduced to .50.5 cents per mile.
Motion by P. Allagreen to reduce rate to .50 cents per mile. Supported by D. Goulston.
5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
E. Jeff Rhoades/ORV Ordinance
K. Holk addressed Mr. Rhoads with his request to address a possible ORV Ordinance. Mr. Rhodes stated that he hoped the board would keep an open mind in deciding. Mrs. Holk told him that the Ordinance’s intent was to improve tourism and asked him how such an Ordinance in
Casco would accomplish that. Mr. Rhoades stated that it would allow he and his buddies to go
from house to house. K. Holk stated that going from house to house will not improve tourism.
Mr. Bill Crook spoke and said basically it would allow people to travel from point A to point B legally. Jim Holk stated that the matter should be put to a vote by the people. Mr. Blair addressed the Board with problems he has experienced and discussed various police reports that he and others had filed with regard to ORVs on the roads and on property. Much discussion followed.
Motion by K. Holk to table matter until more information is received. Supported by P. Allagreen. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motioned carried.
3. Public Hearing for 2010-2011 Budget (Opened at 8:48 p.m.)
Mr. Crook inquired as to the amount of attorney fees paid, and K. Holk explained the ongoing Court cases; some which are to defend the Township ordinances. She also explained that the
Township will be losing about $20,000.00 in revenue sharing this year, getting about $298,000.00; and with adding $74,000.00 to Contracted Assessing and $150,000.00 to roads, the budget is still down about $50,000.00. It was stated that the Fire Contract amounts are combined for Ira Township and the City of Richmond. K. Holk stated that if the Pelton Drain goes through, the Budget may have to be revisited. The Millage rate is now .7757 and will most likely be less, but the Township will know in May.
Motion by K. Holk to close the Public Hearing at 9:00 p.m. Supported by D. Goulston.
5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Regular Meeting reopened at 9:00 p.m.
Payment of Bills
Motion by C. Stover to approve payment of bills submitted (#22774-22793) after the February 2, 2010 meeting totaling $9,443.38; including one (1) debit card purchase; and bills submitted (#22794-22831), including e-file – Michigan Dept of Treasury and National City withheld totaling $85,576.77; and check #001 to Donald Scheuer for $245.00 for Liquor inspections and mileage. Supported by J. Stevens. Roll call vote – C. Stover – Aye, K. Holk – Aye, P. Allagreen – Aye, D. Goulston – Aye, J. Stevens – Aye. Motion carried.
Citizens Comments
J. Stevens commented on the Grand Opening of “The Aud” and advised that there are tiles being sold for $50.00 that will identify the contributor. It was the consensus of the Board that each member will donate $10.00 to purchase a tile for display in the Aud.
Bill Ruemenapp commented on his attendance at the 70 Mile Trail Loop. He advised that it is very expensive, even with grants. The cost to Casco would be estimated between $200,000 and $500,000.00, with a yearly maintenance fee. No cost analysis has been completed as of yet.
Motion to adjourn at 9:12 p.m. by K. Holk. Supported by C. Stover. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays.
Motion carried.
Patricia M. Allagreen
Casco Township Clerk
Casco Township
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2010
7:52 p.m. Call to Order
Pledge to the Flag
Present: K. Holk, C. Stover, D.Goulston, P. Allagreen. J. Stevens, 32 Township residents, 2 visitors..
Motion by C.Stover. Supported by J. Stevens. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Motion by J. Stevens to approve Minutes of Regular Board meeting of February 2, 2010, with two (2) corrections; Under 2B – include March 31, 2010; and under Amended Budget change amount of Budget from $7,227.00 to $8,227.00 reducing the Contingency Fund to $7,789.44. Supported by D. Goulston. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Motion to approve Minutes of the February 24, 2010 Special Meeting by C. Stover. Supported by D. Goulston. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Motion by J. Stevens to accept Financial Report. Supported by D. Goulston.
5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
C. Stover advised that she is ninety-five (95%) finished with moving all the Township accounts to the new bank; that the bulk of the tax collections has been received and she will settle with the County after the 15th of the month.
1. Correspondence
A. St.Clair County MTA Quarterly Meeting
K. Holk advised that the meeting is being held on March 25, 2010, hosted by Grant Township at 11:30 a.m. She advised that if anyone on the Board was interested to advise by March 22, 2010.
It was the general consensus of the Board that no one would attend this year, as the Township has been in contact with the US Census Bureau.
2. New Business
A. Proposal from Birchler and Arroyo/Master Plan and Parks and Rec Update
C. Stover inquired as to if the Township might be developing its Parks and Rec. K. Holk said
no, since the millage will be up for renewal in November. As to the Master Plan update,
Bill Ruemenapp stated that the Planning Commission has been discussing Adair Road and
Palms and 26 Mile Roads. After further discussion, J. Stevens commented that he sees no
Need to address Parks and Rec at this time. There was discussion regarding the Gratiot
Corridor, and regarding repair costs of the Pelton Drain being assessed to Township residents
who are in that drain district.
Motion by C. Stover to table indefinitely, will take to the Planning Commission. Supported
By J. Stevens. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
B. Networking for Assessor’s and Treasurer’s Office
P. Allagreen explained situation and advised that she had obtained two (2) bids. One
from Hi-Tech for $5,942.00 and one from Network Computers for $2,999.99. C. Stover
commented that the networking needs to be implemented by May.
Motion by C. Stover to approve networking by Network Computer for $2,999.00. Supported
By P. Allagreen. Ayes 4. (Trustee Goulston excused himself from the meeting) 0 Nays.
Motion carried.
C. Contract for New Assessor Lynn Houston
K. Holk explained that Lynn Houston will charge $10.00 per parcel. Also, that Mrs. Houston
is working with Paul to finish things up. For full Tribunal matters, she recommends Attorney
John McNamee whose rate is $125.00 per hour. She advised the board that Mrs. Houston
will hold evening hours and will need office keys. K. Holk read Mrs. Houston’s
recommendation for software, but doesn’t think the Township needs it. Mrs. Houston will
pay for her assistant.
Motion by P. Allagreen to contract Lynn Houston as Township Assessor. Supported by
D. Goulston. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Motion by P. Allagreen to contract Attorney John McNamee at $125.00 per hour to represent
The Township in full Tax Tribunal matters. Supported by C. Stover.
5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Casco Township
Regular Board Meeting
March 2, 2010
Page 2
D. Lower Mileage Reimbursement to .50 cents per mile
K. Holk explained that the IRS had allowed .58.5 cents per mile, that Casco was paying .55.5
Cents per mile, but the rate has been reduced to .50.5 cents per mile.
Motion by P. Allagreen to reduce rate to .50 cents per mile. Supported by D. Goulston.
5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
E. Jeff Rhoades/ORV Ordinance
K. Holk addressed Mr. Rhoads with his request to address a possible ORV Ordinance. Mr. Rhodes stated that he hoped the board would keep an open mind in deciding. Mrs. Holk told him that the Ordinance’s intent was to improve tourism and asked him how such an Ordinance in
Casco would accomplish that. Mr. Rhoades stated that it would allow he and his buddies to go
from house to house. K. Holk stated that going from house to house will not improve tourism.
Mr. Bill Crook spoke and said basically it would allow people to travel from point A to point B legally. Jim Holk stated that the matter should be put to a vote by the people. Mr. Blair addressed the Board with problems he has experienced and discussed various police reports that he and others had filed with regard to ORVs on the roads and on property. Much discussion followed.
Motion by K. Holk to table matter until more information is received. Supported by P. Allagreen. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motioned carried.
3. Public Hearing for 2010-2011 Budget (Opened at 8:48 p.m.)
Mr. Crook inquired as to the amount of attorney fees paid, and K. Holk explained the ongoing Court cases; some which are to defend the Township ordinances. She also explained that the
Township will be losing about $20,000.00 in revenue sharing this year, getting about $298,000.00; and with adding $74,000.00 to Contracted Assessing and $150,000.00 to roads, the budget is still down about $50,000.00. It was stated that the Fire Contract amounts are combined for Ira Township and the City of Richmond. K. Holk stated that if the Pelton Drain goes through, the Budget may have to be revisited. The Millage rate is now .7757 and will most likely be less, but the Township will know in May.
Motion by K. Holk to close the Public Hearing at 9:00 p.m. Supported by D. Goulston.
5 Ayes. 0 Nays. Motion carried.
Regular Meeting reopened at 9:00 p.m.
Payment of Bills
Motion by C. Stover to approve payment of bills submitted (#22774-22793) after the February 2, 2010 meeting totaling $9,443.38; including one (1) debit card purchase; and bills submitted (#22794-22831), including e-file – Michigan Dept of Treasury and National City withheld totaling $85,576.77; and check #001 to Donald Scheuer for $245.00 for Liquor inspections and mileage. Supported by J. Stevens. Roll call vote – C. Stover – Aye, K. Holk – Aye, P. Allagreen – Aye, D. Goulston – Aye, J. Stevens – Aye. Motion carried.
Citizens Comments
J. Stevens commented on the Grand Opening of “The Aud” and advised that there are tiles being sold for $50.00 that will identify the contributor. It was the consensus of the Board that each member will donate $10.00 to purchase a tile for display in the Aud.
Bill Ruemenapp commented on his attendance at the 70 Mile Trail Loop. He advised that it is very expensive, even with grants. The cost to Casco would be estimated between $200,000 and $500,000.00, with a yearly maintenance fee. No cost analysis has been completed as of yet.
Motion to adjourn at 9:12 p.m. by K. Holk. Supported by C. Stover. 5 Ayes. 0 Nays.
Motion carried.
Patricia M. Allagreen
Casco Township Clerk