The Austin Township Board Meeting was called to order at 7:34 P.M. on January 13, 2009, by Supervisor Kenneth Vredenburg at the Township Hall at 14132 Pierce Road, Stanwood, Michigan. Members present: Kenneth Vredenburg, Carolyn Towsley, John Conforte, John Brockway, and Elizabeth Carr.  Five guests were present.

 

Public Comment: Ray Steinke County Commissioner reported on the jail break at the Mecosta County Jail in November. He also inquired about the effectiveness of the changes in the County Road Commission plowing schedule. Mr. Steinke informed us that effective in January 2009 Veterinarians in Mecosta County will be able to issue dog licenses when the dogs are brought in for their shots.  Mecosta County EMS Board approved the road change between Morton Township First Responders and Mecosta-Austin First Responders. Morton will be covering the east end of Austin Township (from 130^th to 10 Mile Rd. west to 140^th. and  north to12 Mile Rd.) to provide quicker response times since they are closer.

 

Pam Hills presented a report on various programs/funds that are available to us and on the security, condition, and future hopes of the Chemical Branch Bank in Stanwood.

 

Motion was made by John Conforte and supported by John Brockway to approve the minutes as written.  Motion carried.

 

Treasurer:  Received the State shared revenue check. CD #018 is coming due January 19^th. Moved by John Conforte and supported by John Brockway to approve the finance report subject to audit.  Motion carried. 

 

Motion was made by John Brockway and supported by Carolyn Towsley to pay the bills.  Motion carried.

 

Fire Department Report: The change in boundaries between the Morton and Mecosta-Austin Fire Dept. has been approved subject to review of the effectiveness of the response times and/or dropped calls.

 

Assessor’s Report:  Supplying information in a property dispute over ownership and taxes.  Moved by Carolyn Towsley and supported by John Brockway to authorize funds to contact Attorney Lobert to seek counsel on the matter.

 

Treasurer’s Report: 4% of parcels are paid and 38% of taxes are in. Contacted school districts about the summer taxes and received a verbal response that they had passed resolutions to keep the summer tax collection and for us to collect them at $3.00/parcel.  Have not received letters of confirmation yet. Kenn and Carolyn have looked into doing the tax mailings themselves at approximately $2.00/parcel, but Carolyn needs more training on the program.  Will revisit yearly.

 

Kenn Vredenburg will be attending Board of Review training and Elizabeth Carr will be attending ‘Setting up a Budget’ training in February.