Casco Township

Regular Meeting Minutes

October 6, 2009

 

7:00 p.m.  Call to Order

Pledge to the Flag

Present:    K. Holk, C. Stover,  D.Goulston, J. Stevens. Absent:  P. Allagreen 4 Township residents.  Mr. Chuck Hazekamp, Interim Superintendent, Richmond Community Schools, Kelly Osterman, Regional Youth Initiative.

Motion by J. Stevens   to approve Agenda with three  (3) addition – 2 under Correspondence  add“C”,  - Letter from Pat Allagreen/Date of Return to Work; and “D” – St. Clair County Road Commission/Public Hearing for Marine City Dock.  Under  Old Business add “B” – Remove Colleen Stover as Township Appointee to Regional Youth Initiative.  Supported by  C. Stover. 4 Ayes. 0 Nays.  Motion carried.

Motion by J. Stevens to approve Minutes of  September 1, 2009 with one (1) correction – under Old Business #2 add “J. Stevens would  like The County and/or State statute that allows the Parks and Recs funds to be used for this purpose”.   Supported by C. Stover.  4 Ayes.

0 Nays.  Motion carried.

Motion by C. Stover to approve Minutes of Special meeting of September 21, 2009.  Supported by  J. Stevens.  4 Ayes.  0 Nays.  Motion carried.

Motion by J. Stevens to accept Financial Report.  Supported by D. Goulston.  4 Ayes.   0 Nays.  Motion carried. 

 

1.   Correspondence

 

A.  St. Clair County Metro Planning Commission/2009 Fall Workshop

Motion by D. Goulston to allow any member of the Township Board, Planning Commission,

or Zoning Board of Appeals to attend the fall workshop to be held on October 29, 2009 at the cost of $10.00.  Supported by J. Stevens.  4 Ayes.  0 Nays.  Motion carried.  K. Holk asked that anyone interested contact the office before the October 26th deadline, so the registration and fees can be sent in timely.

 

B.  Letter from Sandy Bishop/Recent School Election K. Holk read September 29, 2009 letter from Sandy Bishop. Sandy apologized for the error and felt part of the problem is the seals they use are very hard to read and using different and larger seals would help eliminate this type of error.  K. Holk noted that three Towships had the same errors and believes it is the seals that is partly responsible.   Karen also advised that she had spoken to Marilyn Dunn and asked how the count could be different.  Marilyn explained that when absentee ballots are counted this often occurs.  She advised Mr. Page had requested a human count and that when ballots are counted that way, the “intent of the voter” is taken into consideration, whereas when counted by tabulator, if the voter, tried to change their vote in any way (by erasing or scratching out”, it would be rejected by the tabulator and not counted; but when counted by humans, the absentee ballots were counted with the intent. 

 

C.  Letter from Pat Allagreen/Date of Return to WorkK. Holk read October 4, 2009 letter from Clerk, Pat Allagreen and explained that Pat hadrecently had hip surgery, and that she would be coming in on Saturday, October 10th to do payroll, and intended to return to work with no restrictions on October 19, 2009 to do accounts payable. 

 

D.  St. Clair County Road Commission/Public Hearing for Marine City Dock K. Holk read letter of September 29, 2009 from Mr. Kirk Weston, Managing Director,

St. Clair County Road Commission regarding the October 15, 2009 Public Hearing.  C. Stover and J. Stevens will attend.

 

2.   Old  Business

 

    A.  Sponsorship of Regional Youth Initiative Agreement  K. Holk advised that Kelly Osterman had brought the Bonding and Insurance Certificates. She also stated that theInsurance Certificate shows Casco Township as a “contributor”.  J. Stevens inquired as to the state statute that provides for the use of Parks and Rec Monies to be used for such a purpose; and Kelly advised him that there is no “statute” but that language in the millage bond language provided for that. J. Stevens stated that he

            would like a letter from Mark Brochu stating that this is allowable with the original language from the ballot proposal.  Motion by K. Holk to adopt the Resolution, but to hold off on signing of the Agreement Until the letter is received from Mark Brochu.  RESCINDED.  Upon further discussion, Motion by D.Goulston to adopt Resolution 2009-08 and that prior to finalization of the Agreement, that provision that the action by the Board is legal be attached to the Agreement.  Once the Agreement is received with the attachment, the check will be sent.  C. Stover has moved the funds into the checking account. Supported by J. Stevens.  Roll Call Vote:  C. Stover – Yes, K. Holk – Yes,

            D. Goulston – Yes, J. Stevens – Yes.  Motion carried.

 

   B.  Remove Colleen Stover as Township Appointee to Regional Youth Initiative K. Holk advised that the Regional Youth Initiative will have its own Board, and thatCascoTownship does not need a representative as Casco is giving the money.  C.Stover inquired as if she could attend as a Township resident.  K. Holk told her

    she could, but not as a representative of the Casco Township Board. Motion to remove Colleen Stover as Township Appointee to Regional Youth Initiative by J. Stevens.  Supported by K. Holk.  4 Ayes.  0 Nays.  Motion carried.

 

   3.    New Business

 

A.  Replacement of Cross Road Culvert at Mayer and Lindsey Roads K. Holk explained the cost of replacement will be shared with China Township

with  $12,9000.00 being Casco’s share. She also advised that Casco will be using berm funds which will cover the majority of  the cost.  Motion by J. Stevens to

approve payment for replacement of culvert.  Supported by D. Goulston.  4 Ayes 0 Nays.  Motion carried.

 

B.  Macomb County 70 Mile Trail Loop K. Holk gave brief outline of trail, and the reason for it being placed on Casco Township’s Side of County Line is because of the schools.  J. Stevens asked if they had addressed The I-94 overpass.  K. Holk and C. Stover advised they had not.  J. Stevens stated that he would like to see if Macomb County can do it on their side of County Line.  It was the general consensus of the Board that the homes between Lindsey and Puttygut are too closeto County Line for the project to be on Casco’s side.  J. Stevens would like more proof that the trail would be more advantageous on the Casco side versus the Lenox side.  Bill Ruemenapp commented that the Master Plan map at the Lenox Township offices has been Up for ten (10) years and that it has the trail on the Casco Township side.  In general, theBoard supports the concept of the trail, but would like more detailed information before making any commitment, and to be able to discuss it with Township residents.  D. Goulston commented that he thinks it is an excellent idea.  J. Stevens asked if a representative could attend the next Township Board meeting, perhaps Mark Brochu.  K. Holk will contact Mr. Brochu.

 

C.  Brenda Loper/Request for Pay Raise K. Holk read letter of Septmeber 30, 2009 from Brenda Loper requesting a $1.25 per hour increase to her current hourly rate of $13.75.  Motion by C.Stover to approve Brenda Loper’s request for pay raise.  Supported by D. Goulston.  3 Ayes.  1 Nay – K. Holk.  Motion carried.

 

D.  Snow Removal Contract K. Holk advised that the contract amount was the same as last year, $1,650.00.  Also, that the back  lot would only be plowed if there were special occasions taking place.  Motion by C. Stover to accept 2009-1010 contract.  Supported by J. Stevens.  4 Ayes.  0 Nays.Motion carried.

 

E.  SEMCOG/Lake St. Clair Phragmites Control Project K. Holk briefly outlined the proposal which has a total cost of $551,552.00, to eradicate phragmites.  The amount DEQ is asking the municipalities to contribute a total of $4,160.00; either by four (4) annual payments of $1,040 per year or a one (1) time payment of $4,160.00.  During discussion, Bill Ruemenapp pointed out that they will not be able to eradicate the phragmites, just control the species.  He also pointed out that without knowing that State revenue sharing will be, that now is not the time to commit to such a project.  K. Holk commented that in order to eradicate phragmites, everything else will be killed too.  After discussion, the Board decided to take no action at this time. 

 

F.  St. Clair County Road Commission/Local Road Funding Assistance Program K. Holk advised the Board that the Policy had been amended.  There was discussion as to

Item #11 of the Policy.  J. Stevens suggested that Tom Kammer be asked where he thinks Casco should do ditching.  It was decided that Casco Township will not be applying for the $25,000.00 for ditching.  J. Stevens asked K. Holk if she would check as to the status of the preparation of paving of Meisner by moving of the telephone poles.  She said she would inquire. K. Holk advised that she had spoken to Kirk Weston regarding St. Clair Highway.  She asked him if St. Clair Highway could be coated as was done in Adair.  He told her the County may be able to share costs.  She also advised the Board that she told Mr. Weston that if there is no resolution to this matter, the Township may start a lawsuit to get their money back. 

 

G.  Change in Notification Requirements for AG Buildings K. Holk outlined to the Board that AG buildings are exempt from building inspections, they are not exempt from electrical, mechanical or plumbing inspections.  Therefore, a new cover page advising of this will also require signature by the property owner that they received the information. 

 

Payment of Bills

Motion by C. Stover to approve bills, submitted (#22490-22507),  after the September 1, 2009 meeting totaling $6,775.92; and bills submitted for the October 6, 2009 meeting including e-file for 2 months Michigan Deprt. Of Treasury and taxes withheld  (#22508-22553), totaling $35,508.71.  Also, check #1073 to Don Scheuer for $278.00 for liquor inspections and  mileage.  Supported by  J. Stevens.  Roll Call Vote:  Holk - Aye, C. Stover – Aye,

Goulston – Aye, J. Stevens – Aye.  4 Ayes.  Motion carried.

 

Citizens Comments:  Mr. Chuck Hazekamp, Interim Superintendent, addressed the Township Board and members of the audience with regard to the recent information regarding the state of Richmond Community Schools, and options the School Board is considering. 

 

C. Stover announced the Salvation Army - Achatz/Lions Fill a Bus with Coats project.  New or gently used coats can be delivered either to Achatz Soup and Catering in Adair or Achatz Pie Company in Chesterfield.  If delivered to Achatz Soup, you will receive a free soup, if delivered to Achatz Pie, you will receive a free slice of pie.  There will be a barrel at the Township offices for coats to be dropped off  there as well.  The coats will be delivered by the Salvation Army at the Lions Thanksgiving Day game.

 

Motion to adjourn at 8:53 p.m. by K. Holk.  Supported by D. Goulston.  4 Ayes.  0 Nays.

Motion carried.

 

 

Brenda S. Loper

Casco Township Deputy Clerk