BUSINESS FROM FLOOR:

1) A short discussion was held concerning the water survey ballots that were returned. The question to further pursuit bringing the water line into Hope Township was counted as 31 more no’s than yes’es. It was noted that 800 and some ballots went out and 500 was all that came back in. Also, the returned surveys from M-30, where the waterline already exists, was not counted. The surveys will be put on a township map and see what the road consensus was.

2) Ron Thompson, Township Assessor, was present to read parts of an e-mail he received from Joann Wilkie. She had questions concerning the Board of Review meetings held in 2006. Joann had notirized Dorothy’s property exemption papers, but they cannot be found. Dorothy has been exempted since 1996, and this be the first year for Ron to do the Board of Review for the township, and also the first year there was two Board of Reviews in March and July. Joann questioned if there was some papers missing. Dorothy acknowledged that she never signs in so there was no paper trail there. It was noted that after the 31 of December of that year there is nothing legally that can be done by the Board or Assessor to help this situation. In the future, the Treasurer suggested watching and helping people in situations we are aware of.

3) Ted Smith had a question whether it is legal to burn animal waste? He had contacted several agencies and they had no legal jurisdiction over the situation. The state DEQ controls these situations and has rules in place concerning them. DEQ will be contacted.

4) Robert Kelley had question concerning the trail at end of Stark Road going into state land. The Supervisor will check with road commission to see if there is an access available to public or if it’s private property.

5) John Schworthly, from 714 Mid-Gladwin County Line Road was present with a concern of his neighbor putting up a metal stake canopy. He had applied for a variance from the Board of Appeals before for a regular carport and was denied. The property line was to close according to the ordinance. The neighbors are concerned that he will continue to put metal around the awning and make it a enclosed carport. Supervisor will check with TCA to see what permits are needed and how it is classified.

6) Bob Bradfield had questions concerning his home business. Was noted our ordinance allows home businesses as long as you have only your family help and there is not a flow of traffic in and out that would bother your neighbors.

7) Rudy Turk was present and stated his neighbor behind him is putting a problem on Rudy using the access road that is on part of Rudy’s land behind him. Legally he cannot be kept off a public access road. Rudy is building up the back of his land to hope to prevent the flooding of his land in the spring.

CLERK’S MINUTES:

Minutes had been dispersed earlier plus appear on township’s website. Elgin moved to accept minutes from August’s meeting and Bob seconded. Motion carried.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

Financial reports had been dispersed earlier. Elgin moved and Bob seconded to accept the report. Motion carried.

OUTSTANDING BILLS:

A list of the outstanding bills were presented with the minutes. It was moved by Elgin and seconded by Bob to pay the bills. A roll call vote was called:

BOARD MEMBER	YES	NO
JOE
ELGIN
BOB
JOANN
MIKE

FIRE DEPARTMENT:

Jim was present with John Reisig to give report. Jim is still on medical leave from surgery. Jim gave a brief history why the Fire Department would support the Midland EMS vs. MMR. Midland EMS has 4
Ambulance stations in Midland County. One in Midland, Sanford, Coleman and Homer. They can be at an emergency in a matter of minutes. EMS offers free recertification training for the Midland County Fire Departments. EMS supplies AED with grant monies they have applied for and also supplies AED with pads, batteries, electronic cartridges as needed. They supply replacement oxygen bottles and replacement masks to replaced the ones used on runs.EMS will supply sterile water, c-collars, letter exempting county fire departments from having sager traction splint for the yearly state of michigan mfr vehicle inspection. Fire Departments. Have a one day notice of upcoming inspection. An ambulance is on stand-by for all major fires in Midland County for the medical well being for the home owners and firemen. The ambulance station for this area is stationed in Sanford, typically a 4-6 minute response time with 2 paramedics. Our fire chief is recommending the county to remain with Midland EMS. John Reisig gave report of 3 grass runs in August for Hope. One a grass fire, one mutual aid for Edenville for grass fire and one medical run. The new fire truck was taken and entered in the Sanford Founders Day Parade. Many good comments.

PARK COMMISSION:

Karen Davis is revising the Caretakers duties. It will be made clear who is responsible for what duties. If Caretaker asks for help with project, he would be responsible for payment. There will be a more concise list next month. Next meeting is October 2 at the park.

PLANNING COMMISSION:

Some of the members from the Planning Commssion are planning on attending the workshop at Traverse City. Andy and marge Kobisa, Mike and Cathy Braley and Mark and Robin Stewart are planning on attending. There is also a workshop to be held in November at Frankenmuth and Mt. Plesant for Green Infractructural meeting. Joe moved to pay expenses for those wishing to attend and Elgin seconded. Motion carried. Next meeting will be November 7, 2007.

WATER BOARD:

Water District #1 sent out their new contract with changes that members requested. It was moved by Bob and seconded by Joann to accept the contract. A roll call vote was called:

BOARD MEMBER	YES	NO
JOE
ELGIN
BOB
JOANN
MIKE

The county poverty guidelines were available and the clerk has a copy.

CHAPEL COMMITEE:

The bids for the new part of the cemetary clearing were presented by Elgin and Bob.

COGGINS…………..…$4150.00
ROD POMRANKY……$3000.00

Elgin moved to accept Rod Pomranky’s bid and Bob seconded motion. Motion carried. Rod had stated he would be able to do clearing in october.

Wilbur Havens reported on the white fence separating the park from the cemetary. It will hopefully keep vehicles from running back and forth there. Wilbur had checked into fence and installation prices and they ranged from $1,800 to $2,100.00. The fence was purchased for $1,289.87 and Elgin Childs, Jim Hockemeyer, Mike Kressler and Wilber Havens did the labor for free. Elgin’s auger was struggling towards the end of job so it is understood the township will pay the repair cost. We thank all these guys for their hard work for the township.

TOWNSHIP CODE AUTHORITY:

The financial report as of August 27, 2007 was a combined amount of $18,728.89. The new building inspector is still getting his credentials from the state. He should be ready in three weeks. Ed Ganon is still filling in for TCA. There were 7 permits for Hope in August. Next meeting is September 24, 2007 at 5:00pm at county building.

WIXOM LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD REPORT:

No meeting. Ed Briggs inquired if he still was representative.

TOWNSHIP ROAD ADVISORY COMMISSION:

Jim reported the county has Tarvia done on one half of road. The road millage runs out the end of this year. It will need to go on the August primary next year. Treasurer will check on wording for the ballot. Next road advisory meeting is Thursday, October 25 at 7:00pm at townhall.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

None

NEW BUSINESS

1) Wynn Downing’s neighbor is suing the township for violation of our zoning ordinance. Jan VanSteenhouse has challenged if Wynn can have a camping trailer at her house and a porta john for visitors use. Supervisor stated it is a seasonal situation. Elgin moved to contact our lawyer and see options to take. Bob seconded and motion carried.
2) Neighbors are complaining about the situation with the burned house and mess where John Payne and family lived on Schearer Road. The board contends it is a health and animal bad situation. Supervisor will contact lawyer to find out legal way to remove the garbage and house and get dumpsters for all the refuse. We need legal paper telling okay to procede with destruction from Paynes and former owners, Matt and Wanda Frits. Clerk will check with the person who volunteered to distruct the house and load it in dumpsters. Elgin moved and Mike seconded to inquire from lawyer proper way concerning the property. Motion carried.
3) Berthiamue and Co. has sent out a quote for the 2008 audit. The amount was for $6300, plus preparing the F-65 to go into the state both 2007 and 2008. Bob moved to accept bid and Elgin seconded motion. Motion carried.

Bob moved to adjourn at 9:48pm.

JoAnn Wilkie
Hope Township Clerk