The Austin Township Board Meeting was called to order on March 12, 2013 at 7:40 p.m. by Supervisor Kenneth Vredenburg at the Township Hall at 14132 Pierce Rd, Stanwood, MI, 49346.

Present were Kenneth Vredenburg, Elizabeth G. Carr, Carolyn Towsley, John Conforte, and John Brockway.

There was no Public Comment.

Minutes: Moved by Carolyn Towsley, supported by John Conforte to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: I have started the process of transferring our accounts to Isabella Bank. The account numbers have been assigned. They require $1.00 for the Checking Accounts and $100.00 for the Savings Account. The Savings Account must maintain a $100.00 balance. All of the papers have been signed and I will be meeting with them on Thursday.

Payment of the Bills: Moved by Elizabeth G. Carr, supported by Carolyn Towsley, to pay the Township bills-check #’s 7930-7942 and Cemetery bills-check #’s 1464-1463. Also to present for review the Fire Department check #’s 4725-4735 and First Responders check # 1344.

Unfinished Business:  

1.      Fire Department and First Responder Report:  The Fire Board Meeting will be next week on Wednesday, March 20^th. The 6x6 is not in operation yet.

2.      Assessor/Supervisor Report: There were no inquiries or appeals at the Board of Review.

3.      Treasurer’s Report: Taxes are done and balanced. I haven’t heard from the County yet if they balance with my figures.

4.      Clerk’s Report: There will be a school election on May 7, 2012.  In an effort to streamline the election process, all of the school elections will now be held at the townships. Mecosta-Osceola Human Services Collaborative Body is inviting township officials to their next event. The day will begin at 8 am on Thursday, March 14^th at the Michigan Works building and conclude at the Senior Center with a MOTA bus ride back to town. The Mecosta Osceola Intermediate School District Career Center will be celebrating their 50^th Anniversary on March 14^th. All are welcome. .Tours begin at 8:30, 12:40, and 6 p.m.

5.      Roads: The Township will wait to see how the tree removal and stump project comes along. We will consider laying gravel if we can get a better price from the Road Commission than their first proposal.

6.      Budget Meeting: The Budget Meeting will be Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.

New Business

1.      Fire Board: Carolyn Towsley submitted her resignation as a member of the Fire Board. Each Austin Township representative to the Fire Board serves a three year term. Gregg Babbitt serves as community member-at-large and was re-appointed last year. Carolyn served as Secretary and her position will be re-elected this year. Elizabeth G. Carr serves as Treasurer and her position will be re-elected next year. Fire Board Officer Positions will be elected by the Fire Board at their meeting. Austin Township will continue to maintain the Financial Records for the Mecosta Austin Fire Department, First Responders, and Cemetery. Moved by Carolyn Towsley, supported by John Brockway to nominate John Conforte to the Fire Board. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Elizabeth G. Carr

Austin Township Clerk