The Austin Township Board Meeting was called to order on October 8, 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, Carolyn Towsley, John Conforte, and John Brockway. There were two guests present.
Minutes: Moved by John Conforte, supported by John Brockway to approve the minutes. Motion carried.
Finance Report: The Township received the State Shared Revenue check of $19,350.00. Approved subject to audit.
Payment of the Bills: Moved by John Brockway, supported by John Conforte to approve for payment: Township check #’s 8082-8098 and Cemetery Check # 1492. To be added Township check # 8099 for $220.00 to John Brockway for four mowings. Also presented for review: Fire Department check #’s 4809-4816 and First Responder check #’s 1378-1390. Motion carried.
Unfinished Business:
1. Fire Depart. And First Resp. Reports: The Fire Board approved a $2.00/hour increase in the Fire Department top wage for the 2013 payroll year. The increase is to come out of their current wage line item. Truck 331-grass rig, the oil pan is rusted out. We are eligible to receive another truck from the DNR. We would be able to transfer the tank and lights. The hose test and pump test are done as of this date; the ladder test is scheduled for Oct. 24th. There were no injuries. The fit tests are done. A pet rescue oxygen mask was donated to the department. All of the oil is changed in the trucks. There has been a huge increase in Rescue Runs. There were 46 runs since our last meeting in July. There will be a MFR class this fall and winter.
2. Assessor’s and Supervisor’s Report: Our contract with Holton’s LP Gas is cancelled.
3. Treasurer’s Report: 84% of tax payers have been paid by 92% of tax money so far.
4. Clerk’s Report: Morley Stanwood will have an election on November 5, 2013. So far 54 absentee ballots have been sent out. Eight of those are from Colfax Township. Austin Township and Colfax Township have been combined into one precinct to save on costs for this election.
New Business:
1. Computer: Moved by Kenneth Vredenburg, supported by Carolyn Towsley to spend up to $1000.00 to purchase a new computer tower for the clerk’s office. Motion carried.
2. Fire Board: John Brockway is appointed as a stand-in for John Conforte on the Fire Board for the winter.
3. Board of Review: There will be a BOR meeting on December 10, 2013.
Adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
Elizabeth G. Carr
Austin Township Clerk