The Austin Township Board Meeting was called to order on July 9, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. by Supervisor Kenneth Vredenburg at the Township Hall at 14132 Pierce Road, Stanwood, MI, 49346.

Present were Kenneth Vredenburg, Elizabeth G. Carr, John Conforte, John Brockway, and Connie Scott-Deputy Treasurer.

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

Finance Report: We received $24,752.39 in revenue which includes the State of Michigan Revenue Sharing check of $18,423.00 and spent $11,476.97 out of the General Fund. One CD will come due on July 23^rd. Tax collection has started. So far we have collected approximately $37,000.00. Approved subject to audit.

Payment of the Bills: Moved by John Brockway, supported by John Conforte to pay Township check #’s 8031-8046 with the addition of check #8047-$154.00- Election Source-for batteries and check#8048-$130.00 to Connie Scott- DT for wages, and Cemetery check #’s 1483-1486. Presented for review Fire Department check #’s 4777-4788 and First Responder check #’s 1362-1370. Motion carried.

Unfinished Business:

1.       Fire Department and First Responder Report: The Fire Department took the 6x6 to the parade on Independence Day. There are still a few minor repairs to make, but it is on the road, running and ready for service. We are down in our count of active members in both Fire and Rescue. Several members  have moved to other areas in search of work. The next Fire Board Meeting will be July 27^th at 7 p.m. at the Fire Hall.

2.       Assessor’s and Supervisor’s Report: Board of Review will meet July 16, 2013.

3.       Treasurer’s Report: the Mecosta County Township Association will meet at Sheridan Township on July 22, 2013 at 7 p.m.

4.       Clerk’s Report: We received our MTA membership renewal sticker. Doug Wohlberg will be here Thursday, July 11^th to do the F-65 audit.  I will be attending the Accounting Seminar in Gaylord on July 17^th.

Public Comment: Senator Judy K. Emmons from the 33 rd Senate District, accompanied by her chief of staff, Laura Toy, presented herself as our new Senator. The Senate district lines will change in 2014 and Senator Booher will be in a new district. Senator Emmons lives on a dairy farm. She has been a member of various Boards of Education in Montcalm County.  She served three terms in The Michigan House of Representatives. She chairs the Families, Seniors and Human Services Committee. She is also appointed to the Agriculture, Economic Development, Health Policy, and Military affairs, Veterans and Homeland Security committees.

New Business:

1.       Verizon: Tabled for more research.

Adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Elizabeth G. Carr/Austin Township Clerk