The Austin Township Board Meeting was called to order on October 11, 2011 at 7:33 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, and John Conforte. John Brockway was absent.
Public Comment: The ATV Ordinance passed on Thursday and took effect on Saturday. A request was made for the Township to provide a larger waste receptacle for events in the hall and to check the back entrance and make sure there is no tripping hazard there.
Minutes: Correction-Unfinished Business: #1. ‘The Pig Roast will be October 8th (not 10th), 2011". Moved by John Conforte, supported by Carolyn Towsley to accept the minutes as corrected. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: The Township has received $19,157.00 in revenue sharing. Most of the income this month has been from Hall Rentals. The Fire Department has received their portion of the 50/50 Grant-$4250.00. The Grant money will be used to reimburse the money taken out of their savings account. Moved by Elizabeth Carr, supported by John Conforte to accept the Finance Report subject to audit. Motion carried.
Payment of the Bills: Presented for payment Township check #’s 7598-7612 and Cemetery check # 1431, and for review Fire Department check #’s 4504-4518 and First Responder check #’s 1246-1257. Moved by Carolyn Towsley, supported John Conforte to approve the payment of the bills. Motion carried.
Unfinished Business:
1. Fire Department Report: The Pig Roast went well. The Fire Board approved to pay up to $75.00/month for high speed internet. The Fire Department is hoping to be able to connect up with the Charter line that is in front of Big L. The Fire Department would also like to purchase their own LP tank to give them greater flexibility to shop around for the least expensive price. They are on a need-to-call basis now. Phil Hanford will be taking the old tanks to scrap. Also truck 321 will be put on Craig’s List since we haven’t had any inquiries about it. Alan Brennan will check on the pricing of physicals. If they are $80.00 or less he will schedule half of them. There were 14 fire runs since last meeting. The new truck still needs tires, vinyl lettering, a fold down port-a-tank, and lights. There is one new fire fighter-Kyle Vredenburg. There was one strained shoulder injury at a fire. The department in also training with Morton Township as they get ready for their ISO testing. A new ruling will allow First Responders to administer Epi-pens.
2. Assessor/ Supervisor: The furnace has been repaired. Dick Jensen is willing to do our plowing again next year for the same price. We have had a bunch of construction slag dumped in our township on the 8Mile Rd two-track. The authorities have been contacted.
3. Treasurer’s Report: As of September 15, 2011 there was 76% of taxes and 71% of tax dollars paid. As of today there were 82% of taxes paid and 92% of tax dollars paid. The next Mecosta County Township Association meeting will be October 24, 2011at Grant Township.
We will be discussing medical marijuana, outdoor burning, a rebuttal to a Pioneer editorial, and possibly an elections update or a report from Trent Livermore, the animal officer.
4. Secretary’s Report: The Remus Historical Society is looking for donations of historical data and memorabilia that will honor veterans, celebrate area churches, and recognize the importance of recreation and sports in our community. They will be having a Fall Fest Day on October 15th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The office of Doug Wohlberg, our auditor, has moved to 560 76th Street SW, Byron Center, MI, 49315. His phone, fax, and email remain the same. I am in the process of registering the Fire Department and First Responders for quarterly Michigan tax payments instead of yearly payments. The form is complicated and difficult. I may have to get some help.
5. Roads: The Road Commission didn’t get any of the trees cut back that we were requesting. Will encourage them to keep working on the burms. They are really deteriorating. We have received out 2012 priority list back from the Road Commission.
New Business:
1. We need to remove some trees at the Cemetery. The Cemetery meeting will be Thursday night, October 13, 2011. Ron Hopkins will do the mowing again next year for the Cemetery.
Adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Elizabeth G. Carr
Austin Township Clerk