The Austin Township Board Meeting was called to order on December 10, 2013 at 7:42 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 three guests present.

Public Comment: Art Adelman-The County has one million dollars in reserve. We are budgeting conservatively to be prepared for the future. The County included in their budget $3000.00 to 211 Services for one year and $3000.00 to the Road Commission towards to offset the cost of a weigh master. The Sobriety Court has received a grant for habitual felons. This will be a two year pilot program. The grant is for Mecosta, Osceola, and Lake Counties. Each participant must pay a $750.00 enrollment fee. There is a graduation ceremony for each participant who successfully completes the program. The program has eight participants, with a goal of twenty participants. The Governor has signed Public Act 161 allowing qualified veterans and unmarried widows of veterans to apply for exemption from property taxes.

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

Financial Report: We received our State Revenue sharing check. The rate of return of tax payments is in sync with the last two years. Accepted subject to audit.

Payment of the Bills: Moved by John Brockway, supported by John Conforte to approve for payment Township check #’s 8117-8131 and Cemetery check #’s 1494.  To present for review Fire Department check #’s 4829-4851 and First Responder check #’s 1393, 1395. Check #1394 is voided. Motion carried.

Unfinished Business:

1.       Fire Department and First Responder Report: The Fire Department was able to acquire a truck     from the DNR. The old truck has been sold for $3000.00. The money will be used to get the new truck into service. I have received a request to present a bid for insurance from a different carrier. We will discuss the proposal at the January meeting.

2.       Assessor’s and Supervisor’s Report: I will write a letter supporting the GIS mapping program. Townships will probably be asked to help support the program in the future. Two veterans applied and qualified for the new tax exemption program. The new propane tank is here from Tri-County. The new Xerox machine is here and set up also.
They must reapply annually.

3.       Treasurer’s Report: Nothing to report.

4.       Clerk’s report: Nothing to report.

New Business:

1.       Hall Rental Policy: Will table discussion of regular repeat renters until next month.

2.       FYI: The next Fire Board Meeting is January 15, 2014 at 7 p.m. at the Fire Hall. The next Joint Township Meeting will be January 16, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mecosta Township Hall.

Adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

Elizabeth G. Carr

Austin Township Clerk