The Regular Meeting of the Vernon Township Board was held on March 1, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Members present: Jeff Bean (Supervisor), Vicky Louch (Treasurer), Mike Turner (Trustee), Jacob McConnell (Trustee), Loren Cole (Clerk), and Julie Cole (Deputy Clerk). Members absent: None.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by J. Bean who led in the Pledge to the Flag.
L. Cole made the motion and J. McConnell seconded to approve and accept the minutes from last meeting. They also made the motion to amend the agenda by adding item 6.c under the Supervisor's report and then to accept the agenda for this meeting. Motion carried.
Visitors present: Gordon Gilchrist (resident), Jim Pohl (resident), Lee Cole (resident), and Paul Cole (resident). Also in attendance were Matt Kempf (INEFD fire chief) and John Pedjac (Denver Township supervisor).
Supervisor's Report
1. Roads: J. Bean reported on the Inter-County Task Force meeting he attended. At the meeting it was brought out that the remaining 2 miles of Vernon Road are scheduled to be finished in 2014.
2. Property Tax: Assessment notices have been sent and the Board of Review will be meeting Monday March 8th and Wednesday March 10th.
3. Township Assets:
a. Discussed the outcome of the February 13th event. Everyone thought it went well with about 30-40 people in attendance.
b. Cutting of trees in Cemetery: Josh Tossey is willing to cut down trees in the cemetery if they are first paint marked.
c. Some temporary posts have been set in the cemetery to protect some of the graves on which some people have been driving.
d. INEFD: The township is a share holder of 18.2% on the building and equipment of the INEFD fire barn.
4. Solid Waste: A sample recycling bin cover was presented.
5. Appointments to the ZBA & Planning Commission are still open. They are still in need of people on these committees.
6. Other:
a. Council of Government meeting was held in Mt. Pleasant and the major topic of discussion was the HazMat Team. Also the By-Laws of the organization are to be reviewed.
b. The At-Large seat on the INEFD board will be Jeff Bean. He informed this board that there will be no money from the township for his position on that board.
c. Wireless Internet: Bob Denton and Jeff Bean were talking regarding getting wireless internet for the township. There possibly is grant money available to work with a provider (like ISPmgt).
Clerk's Report
1. Pere Marquette District Library: The library statement/audit was available for viewing.
2. Elections: May 4th is the School elections for Clare County, August 2nd is the Primary elections and November 2nd will be the general elections.
3. Budget: The Budget vs. Actual report was presented.
Treasurer's Report
1. Financial Report as of : February 28, 2010
General Fund Checking............................. $80,725.05
Waste Management.................................. $67,718.25
Vernon City Highway Lighting.................... $ 2,318.39
Vernon Twp Perpetual Care Savings............. $ 2,674.46
Vernon Twp Cemetery CD _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ $ 29,019.42
CMCFCU-Prime Access Acct as of 12-31-09 _ $50,374.59
First Bank CD_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ $22,940.03
2. Review and Pay Bills:
Motion made by V. Louch to pay bills as presented in the amount of $16,476.76. Seconded by M.Turner. Motion carried. See attachment of bills paid.
3. Motion by L. Cole to pay the Road Commission for the Vernon Road work before the end of the fiscal year if the invoice comes this month. Seconded by V. Louch. Motion passed.
Trustees' Report
1. J. McConnell: No report.
2. M. Turner: No report.
Old Business:
1. Consideration of Isabella Co. Fire Chief's Assoc. Invoice for HazMat services. Motion by L. Cole to not pay the $125 invoice. Seconded by J. McConnell. Motion passed.
2. Consideration of ICRC 2010 Brine program. For the brine program this year, we will pay $5949.36. Motion made by J. McConnell to enter into the contract agreement. Seconded by V. Louch. Motion passed.
New Business
1. INEFD issues
a. Discussion regarding an amendment to the By-Laws that would allow for revising the Representative Term. Right now the By-Laws have the term at 3 years. What is normally taking place is at the discretion of each township board-so each Presidential year all members from the represented areas could change in December. The position of Member at Large is established at the time of the Gubernator election year. The other thought was that they could have no term and each township board would appoint a member as needed. Motion by J. McConnell to table the issue until the next meeting. Seconded by L. Cole. Motion passed.
b. John Pedjac and Matt Kempf discussed with the board the request from Denver township to add on 9 sections of Denver twp to the INEFD district. Discussion regarding the benefit cost wise to the present townships on the district but also the issue of the cost already incurred by the present townships on the fire barn and equipment. Historically, there have only been about 3 calls per year in that area. Motion by L. Cole to table this issue until the next meeting. Seconded by V. Louch. Motion passed.
2. Fiscal Year End issues
a. Review Fiscal Year End Income / Expense Budget vs. Actual. See report.
"Elections" over $167.74
"Twp hall expense" over $69.66
"Drains at large" over $11.74
Motion by M. Turner to balance these short accounts from line item
"Deputys: Clerk, Treasure, Supervisor" (255-100) in the total amount of $250. Elections would receive $168; Twp Hall expense would received $70; and Drains at large would receive $12. Seconded by J. McConnell. Motion passed.
b. Budget Hearing: The Budget Hearing was set for April 5, 2010 at 6 p.m. Proper notification will be done. The regular Board Meeting will be following the hearing
Adjournment:
V. Louch made the motion to adjourn and it was seconded by J. McConnell. Motion carried. This meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m. on March 1, 2010.
Respectfully Submitted
L. Cole, Clerk
J. Bean, Supervisor
V. Louch, Treasurer
M. Turner, Trustee
J. McConnell, Trustee