Public Comment: Commissioner: The County addressed some concerns expressed to them about the new ATV Legislation. There won’t be a hospital merger until next year. They are having trouble syncing the two computer systems. Road Commission: The Road Commission is supporting the new ATV legislation. They may restrict up to 30% of the roads from ATV use, but are choosing not to do so. The 2012 Priority List is done. The Road Commission is planning on doing gravel projects with the Townships next year. The top priority job for next year will be to the road project on Buchanan Road. Austin Township feels there needs to be more work done to maintain the shoulders of the roads better. Also the Township would like to note that none of the tree work has been done on 9 Mile Rd. The Annual Road Commission meeting will be in the spring.
Minutes: Moved by John Brockway, supported by Carolyn Towsley to accept the minutes with corrections. Correction: #1. "They have sold the 6x6." Should read: "They have been looking to sell." Correction: #5. "Spend up to $20,000.00" should read: "Spending up to $7,500.00." Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Moved by John Conforte, supported by John Brockway to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Carried subject to audit.
Payment of the Bills: Presented for payment are Township check #’s 7583-7597 and Cemetery check #’s 1426-1430. Presented for review are Fire Department check #’s 4490-4503 and First Responders check #’s1243-1245. Moved by John Brockway, supported by John Conforte to pay the bills. Motion carried.
Unfinished Business:
1. Fire Department: The Fire Department had their pancake breakfast on September 11, 2011. The Pig Roast will be October 10, 2011. The next Fire Board meeting will be September 21, 2011.
2. Assessor/Supervisor: Our appeal with Tulleymore was settled. The Supervisor sent a letter in support of the ATV legislation. The L 4029 is filled out for the county.
3. Treasurer’s Report: The taxes have been coming in steadily. 1,258 taxpayers have paid their taxes. That is 67% of the taxpayers. 64% of the tax dollars have been paid.
4. Clerk: The extended warranty quotes on the election tabulators will be arriving soon. Those townships with the Electronic Poll Book will receive a 50% discount. The Republican Presidential Primary will be announced soon. The date will be February 28, 2012 – March 6, 2012. October 1, 2011 is the cut-off to announce the date of the Primary. The School Board Member Election has been moved to November starting in 2012. The Census numbers have changed our Senate District to 33 from 35. Our Congressional District #4 and House District #104 are unchanged. Because of the change I will need to issue new voter identification cards to everyone.
5. Roads: Our only priority for next year is Buchanan Road. It could cost up to $300,000.00.
6. Moved by Kenn Vredenburg, supported by Carolyn Towsley to collect the 1.25 mil allowable in taxes.
Kenn Vredenburg-yes
Elizabeth G. Carr-yes
Carolyn Towsley-yes
John Brockway-yes
John Conforte-yes
New Business:
1. Furnace: We need to have the furnace looked at. Kenn Vredenburg will contact Tom Pennington.
Adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
Elizabeth G. Carr
Austin Township Clerk