The Austin Township Board Meeting was called to order on February 8, 2011 at 7:40 p.m. by Supervisor Kenneth Vredenburg at the Township Hall at 14132 Pierce Rd, Stanwood, MI 49346.

Present were Kenneth Vredenburg, Carolyn Towsley, Elizabeth G. Carr, and John Conforte. Absent was John Brockway. There was one guest present.

There was no Public Comment.

Minutes: Corrections to the 1-11-11minutes: check numbers to be paid for the Township are-#’s 7429-7440; the Fire Dept. are-#’s 4392-4398; the First Responders is-# 1193; the Cemetery is #1409. Unfinished Business #2 should read: The Tax Tribunal about the Tulleymore Golf Course is scheduled during 2012. Moved by Kenn Vredenburg, supported by John Conforte to accept the minutes with corrections. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Next month the interest will be updated. Moved by Elizabeth G. Carr, supported by John Conforte to accept the financial report. Carried subject to audit.

Payment of the bills: The bills to be paid are: Austin Township-check #’s 7441-7460; Fire Dept.-check #’s4399-4408; First Responders-check #’s 1194-1205; and Cemetery-check #’s 1410-1411. Moved by Kenn Vredenburg, supported by Carolyn Towsley to amend 101-961-Mileage from $300.00 to $500.00 and to take the $200.00 from 925-955-Miscellaneous. Also to approve the payment of check # 7461 to Elizabeth G. Carr for mileage to the MTA Annual Conference and for election and miscellaneous office expenses. Motion carried. Also to be noted, Cemetery check #1411 to Kandy’s Accounting will be taken out of Contract Services 276-801. Moved by Carolyn Towsley, supported by John Conforte to accept the payment of the bills. Motion carried.

Unfinished Business:

1. Fire Department and First Responder Report: We have received the ISO Report. The new rates should take effect March 1st. A representative from the Fire Dept. will be clarifying several details before we publish the results. Research is still being done on acquiring high-speed internet. The Fire Dept. is not entirely satisfied with the trucks shown to them so far by the DNR for their truck lotto pick. They will wait for a more compatible 6x6. The new sign should be completed by the end of March. ANR will conduct a memorial dedication when the sign is finished. We received a DNR 50/50 Grant for wild-fire gear and a skid unit.

2. Assessor/Supervisor’s Report: I will be consulting with our attorney over a land division issue. The cost should be $100.00-$200.00. The Buchanan Road Project was discussed at a Road Commission Meeting, all of the funds will come from Federal Saftey monies.  We need to check into a discrepancy on the Equalization bill.

3. Treasurer’s Report: As of today 91% of the taxes are paid. 95% of summer taxes are paid, and 68% of winter taxes are paid. I have received the agreement from Morley Stanwood Schools. There will be a Mecosta Township Association Meeting in April at Aetna Township Hall.

4. Clerk’s Report: MTA General Conference report-They are saying that the posting of EFTPS tax payment transfers are the responsibility of Treasurers instead of Clerks. Also it is strongly

 

suggested that Clerks countersign tax dispersement checks from the Treasurer’s Office as a precaution against fraud. Any changes due to the new national health care plan are on hold until procedures for implementation are worked out. The MTA is offering a new program for their educational conferences. You can now sign up for individual sessions to be streamed live online or ask for an ‘on-demand’ version of the recorded class to be viewed at your convenience on your computer. I have received the file boxes for the Voter ID cards. There will be an election on February 22, 2011 sponsored by the MOISD for a new millage request of 1.25 mils for a period of 5 years. The Election will be held at the Morley Stanwood High School.

5. Internet: There is a company called CosAir attempting to provide satellite service to this area. They have not begun to service this area yet.

6. Budget: Assessor-change 209-741 Postage from $1,200.00 to $1,800.00. Attorney-change 210-801 Professional services from $2,000.00 to $5,000.00. Building and Grounds-change 265-920 Building and Grounds from $7,000.00 to $8,000.00. Public Safety-change 440-446 Highways, Streets, and Bridges from $40,000.00 to $60,000.00. Also in 440-447 Met Act put $3,500.00. Recreation and Culture-change 750-751 Parks and Recreation from $1,500.00 to $2,500.00.

7. Insurance: There will be a meeting with a representative from Western Insurance at the Fire Hall at 19095 8 Mile Rd, Stanwood, MI, at 7 p.m. on February 17, 2011 to discuss our insurance coverage for the Fire Department and the First Responders.

Adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Elizabeth G. Carr

Austin Township Clerk