Hope Township Board Meeting
October 10 , 2006


Mike Kressler - Supervisor                  Joe Lunsford - Treasurer                 JoAnn Wilkie – Clerk

Bob Davis – Trustee                         Elgin Childs - Trustee


CALL TO ORDER

The Supervisor called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The public budget hearing was opened at 7:00pm

BUSINESS FROM FLOOR:

Scott Marsh was present from Midland Conservation District. He explained how the request for a .0325 millage on the November Election for the conservation program would help townships. The millage would generate $117,500 towards the conservation programs. Right now the forester is covering Midland and Gladwin Counties, if millage passes he would be in Midland County only. Gladwin would have to finance their own forester.

Lori Childs has checked into prices for new cupboards and a sink in the kitchen for the Township Hall, would like to consider new hot water heater. Cost for new bottom cupboards and sink was $1,666.00. Discussion was held and decided to check into other places also. Lori is getting bid on labor to be done on kitchen.

CLERK’S MINUTES:

The minutes from the September 12, 2006 meeting had been dispersed earlier. Joe moved to accept minutes and Elgin seconded the motion. Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

The financial report had been dispersed earlier. Discussion was held on the separate accounts. No further questions. Elgin moved and Bob seconded to accept report. Motion carried.

Resolution to sign promissory note for new fire truck. Since it was necessary a new fire truck was needed for the welfare of the township people, a promissory note would be signed with Chemical Bank for financing the vehicle. It was moved by Elgin Childs and seconded by Bob Davis to sign note. Aroll call vote was polled:

BOARD MEMBER
YES
NO
JOE
ELGIN
BOB
JOANN
MIKE

OUTSTANDING BILLS:

A list of bills was attachted to the minutes. Elgin moved to pay bills and bob seconded. A roll call vote was called:

BOARD MEMBER
YES
NO
JOE
ELGIN
BOB
JOANN
MIKE

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

FIRE DEPARTMENT:

 

The diagnosis of the well problem was a leaky tank. Dan’s well drilling said cost would be between $300-400. Will get it done. There were four runs in September. No word yet when truck will be delivered. Red has been decided on for the color. A new assistant chief has been named, John Reisig.

PARK COMMISSION:

Mark Stewart was sick and Pat Taylor has job hours keeping him from meeting for next 3 meetings. A quorum was present and business conducted. Both the mower and flag conditions have been repaired.

PLANNING COMMISSION:
November 1, 2006 will be the next township planning meeting, and November 2, 2006 will be County Planning Meeting.

WATER DISTRIBUTION:
The Treasurer and Supervisor will meet with Cliff Miles on Thursday at 10:00am to discuss the excess money. There is considerable money left and townships would like to use it to further expand the waterline. Another thought is for a water station where people can buy water at a reasonable amount. This would also help keep water at end of line from becoming stagnant.
CHAPEL COMMITEE:

There have been many complaints concerning the mowing at cemeteries. Mainly the workers have been hitting headstones with tires and moving headstones. Also, cracks and spots have been put into headstones. Supervisor will check out. Clerk has told Sexton not to move headstones back because what has been done is no longer visible. Headstones at the old cemetery have been knocked over and damaged. Discussion was held on cutting down more trees and clearing across from the new road at cemetery. A new section can then be plotted out. Clerk will check with Chris Muma to see what is needed to cut the trees. Phil, who works for Muma, was present and provided information during discussion.

TOWNSHIP CODE AUTHORITY:

The last meeting was September 25. There was $7,074.71 in checking and $8,451.23 in savings. It was noted that Lee Township offers permits on their website. Joe will check out to see if this is something Hope would be able to do. Would be more convenient than hitting when office is open. Vicki, the ex-office assistant, has been awarded $2500.00 for unemployment. Amy Hoover is in training now to take over the office duties. There is another part-time person who will be quitting. October 23, 2006 is next meeting at county building.

WIXOM LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD REPORT:

Mike has been watching issues concerning the lake treatment.


TOWNSHIP ROAD ADVISORY COMMISSION:

The price for paving Wendt and Baker came in $15,00.00 less then was figured. Total was $95,970.00 and the Township’s share will be $59,847.85. $10,000.00 will come from general fund and the $49,847.85 from road millage fund. Joe made motion to pay road bill and Bob seconded motion. A roll call vote was polled and bill will be paid:

BOARD MEMBER
YES
NO
JOE
ELGIN
BOB
JOANN
MIKE

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Joe informed board the website has been updated and should be working for everyone.

NEW BUSINESS:

Motion by Elgin to pay expenses for board members and spouses that want to attend the MTA Annual Convention. It was seconded by Bob, and motion carried. Those interested in going are Elgin & Lori, Mike & Nancy, Bob & Karen, and JoAnn & Tony. Clerk will register as soon as possible.

Bombay Road situation was discussed. Supervisor advised that the land owner has got permits and is putting an addition on trailer there to live. All permits are in order.


ADJOURNED—BY ELGIN—8:45PM

 

JoAnn Wilkie
Hope Township Clerk