~Minutes of Meetings~
2007
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Assessment |
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Budgets |
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Cemetery |
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Elections and Ballots |
| Hall Rental |
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History |
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Pet Licensing |
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Planning/Zoning |
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Public Safety |
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Road Issues |
| Tax Bill |
ELMIRA TOWNSHIP
OTSEGO COUNTY
ELMIRA, MICHIGAN
DECEMBER 13, 2007
A regular meeting of the Elmira Township Board was held on December 13, 2007 at 6:10 p.m. with Supervisor, Diane Franckowiak calling the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
All board members present. Assessor, Margaret Black and taxpayer Godlewski were present.
Diane P made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Seconded by Theresa and carried unanimously.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT:
Margaret stated that she continues to work on the files and will make site visits this winter.
The December Board of Revue went well. There were 7 items; 2 ag exempt, 4 PRE and l value change.
Tax Tribunal
a. Dismissal on all petitions with Great Lakes Energy
b. Water pollution control exemption applications. DEQ recommends they be granted
i. Quicksilver Resources
ii. DTE Gas and Oil
c. New Cases-received this week and will respond promptly.
i. Wayne & Sarah McGregor, 11317 East Shore Drive, Brighton, MI. Protesting the denial of PRE. They claim that it is the only home they own in Michigan.
ii. Doyle Edson. The taxable value was changed from 87,000 to 79,700 at March BOR. Owner wants taxable value to be 70,000. He has certified appraisal with a market value of 140,000.
The Polus issue has been resolved.
ORDINANCE OFFICER REPORT:
A warrant has been issued for the burned out property. Dorothy Layman will be going to court with the owner, Renee Kowalski.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT:
Leonard brought the board up to date with the billboard issue. Recall the “un-permitted” billboard in Elmira Township on the south side of M-32 just west of Camp Ten Road for Railside Bar. During the transition time after Richard Edmonds left employment with Otsego County, the Railside Bar made an application to Otsego County for the placement of the billboard. The permit was issued by Otsego County even though it was outside of the County’s purview to do so. The County is willing to work with Railside Bar to transfer the billboard to another part of the County where there is not a billboard ordinance as there is in Elmira Township. The sign was supposed to be removed by December 1, 2007.
The PC had discussed the possibility of placing “Way fare” signs at the township boarders along M-32. Leonard asked for the township board’s opinion. After discussion the board decided to stay with the current ordinance and not allow “way fare” signs.
The next PC meeting is scheduled for January 22, 2008.
FIRE AUTHORITY REPORT:
Diane F stated that member, Bruce Ogden will be going to Florida for three months and asked if the board would allow Don Cherry to fill in. Carl Essenmacher is ill and therefore Elmira Township is at a disadvantage.
Leonard made a motion to appoint Don Cherry to fill the temporary vacancy of Bruce Ogden to the Elmira-Warner Fire Commission. Seconded by Diane P and carried unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Diane P reported that the tax season is slow.
CD’s 71,788.86 104,986.10 75,242.08 110,722.08 107,682.27
Gen Fund 52,855.71 TOTAL 523,277.10
Tax Acct 2786 1,173.90 Tax Acct 2787 61,163.68 TOTAL 62,337.58
READING OF THE BILLS:
3489 Theresa Plachta, trustee 171.41
3490 Susan Schaedig, clerk 979.75
3491 Ron Geiger, liquor inspector, ordinance officer 224.66
3492 Leonard Skop, trustee, PC 281.41
3493 John Middleton, PC 110.00
3494 John Ernst, PC 110.00
3495 James Theisen, PC 110.00
3496 Diane Purgiel, treasurer 1,400.75
3497 Diane Franckowiak, supervisor 788.25
3498 Margaret Black, assessor 868.75
3499 Diane Franckowiak, reimb 50.00
3500 Diane Purgiel, reimb 97.70
3501 Ron Geiger, reimb 90.02
3502 Joanne Gee, hall dep reimb 50.00
3503 Duane Hoffman, PC 110.00
3504 Gloria Torello, PC 130.00
3505 D & H Excavating, snowplowing 96.75
3506 MMTA, Diane Purgiel dues 35.00
3507 New Urban News, Gloria Torello subscription 79.00
3508 Warner Township, reimb Maple Hill Cemetery 901.00
3509 WalMart, phone 58.96
3510 Great Lakes Energy 22.72
3511 Waste Management 65.46
3512 Dunn’s Business Solutions 40.23
3513 Sam’s Club, membership 35.00
3514 Susan Schaedig, reimb internet 14.99
3515 Great Lakes Energy 297.61
3516 CenturyTel 86.44
3517 Diane Franckowiak, Twp Convention 100.00
3518 Theresa Plachta, Twp Convention 100.00
3519 Independent Bank, Dec 07 taxes 613.77
3520 Roderick Wright, Dec BOR 50.00
3521 Eugene Fleming, Dec BOR 50.00
3522 Cynthia Prusakiewicz, Dec BOR 50.00
3523 Michigan Dept of Treasury, Oct, Nov, Dec 07 taxes 517.09
8,786.72
Theresa made a motion to pay the bills. Seconded by Diane P and carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Diane F read a letter from the OCRC in regard to the Mt Jack Road project. Wade-Trim gave an updated construction cost estimate for $660,340. The OCRC anticipates final construction costs to be less as this is a conservative cost estimate and this project will be part of a MDOT letting if approved by Elmira Township.
The recent soil boring information(l,500.00) indicated good drainage material, however, the gravel base averages approximately three inches in thickness topped by an average pavement thickness of less than two inches. An on-site meeting early next spring to review the preliminary plans is suggested.
Leonard made a motion to accept an agreement with the Otsego County Road Commission to proceed with the following work: Mt Jack Road(from Skop Road north 1.4 miles): crushing and shaping, add aggregate base, improvements to super elevations, vertical crest reduction, lane widening and shoulder pavement, drainage improvements, bituminous pavement and safety item upgrades. Elmira Township will reimburse the OCRC 100% of the estimated cost of materials upon completion of the work. Estimated cost $654,340, Township contribution $254,340. Upon MDOT approval of final construction plans, this project will be bid through MDOT and a revised cost estimate will be provided to Elmira Township. Seconded by Theresa and carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Theresa will check into a program for placing township information on the internet.
The board discussed the Maple Hill Cemetery billing and the clerk will contact Sally Skop. Diane F suggested that it may be appropriate at this time to have a joint meeting in regard to the cemetery.
Theresa made a motion to pay wages and registration fees for Diane F, Gene Fleming and Cindy Prusakawicz to attend the BOR training at Treetops on February 19, 2008. Seconded by Diane P and carried unanimously.
Diane F appointed Leonard Skop to conduct the January, 2008 meeting since she will be attending the MTA conference along with Theresa.
Sue made a motion to appoint Janelle Crawford, Doreen Ostrander, Barb Fleming and Peggy Hall as election inspectors for the January 15, 2008 Presidential Primary.
There being no further business to come before the board Leonard made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Theresa and carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m..
Susan Schaedig, Clerk
ELMIRA TOWNSHIP
OTSEGO COUNTY
ELMIRA, MICHIGAN
NOVEMBER 8, 2007
A regular meeting of the Elmira Township Board was held on November 8, 2007 at the Elmira Township hall commencing at 6:10 p.m. with Supervisor, Diane Purgiel calling the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
All board members present. Assessor, Margaret Black, Mike Roper and Gene Fleming of the Otsego County Road Commission were present.
Leonard made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Diane P and carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mike Roper of the OCRC stated that MDOT has approved the release of safety money for the proposed Mt. Jack Road Safety Project which is l.4 miles northwest starting from Skop Road. Funding will include 80% Federal Safety Funds(not to exceed $400,000) and a local match by Elmira Township of $218,810.00. The estimated 2008 construction cost(w/contingency) is $538,310. Design Engineering & Topo Collection $35,500 and Estimated Const. Eng/Inspection Cost(MDOT record keeping) $45,000.
Sue made a motion to proceed with the proposed 2008 Mt. Jack Road Safety Project. Seconded by Theresa and carried unanimously.
Sue reported that Jill is being paid unemployment by the State of Michigan and the township will be billed in September of 2008.
Diane reported that the O.I.L. contract has been signed and returned.
The board discussed Bill Kerr’s proposal of maps in 2008. The maps would be updated on a yearly basis, there would be new aerials and two training sessions at a cost of $1,396.00. The board felt the township would not benefit from these maps and no action was taken.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT:
Margaret reported that the preliminary report numbers on the sales study show that Elmira is the only entity in the county that was not in target range on residential assessment. It will take about two years to fix.
The December Board of Review will be held on Tuesday, December 11 at 9:00 a.m..
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT:
Leonard reported that the Rail Side Bar sign is in violation. According to attorney, Bryan Graham the large pieces of public property the County put into residential has to be put into a classification by itself(Right to Own).
There will be no Planning Commission meeting in December.
FIRE AUTHORITY REPORT:
Diane F reported that the officers are as follow: Ken Figiel, Chief, Don Franckowiak, Assistant Chief, Peggy Kennedy, EMS Captain.
TREASURERS REPORT:
Diane P reported on the treasurer’s seminar and the meeting with Tom Wagar regarding Title Companies.
CD 67,625.40 CD 104,986.10 CD 75,242.08 CD 110,722.08 CD 107,682.27 General Fund 60,711.64 TOTAL 526,969.57
Tax Acct 2786 1,149.71 Tax Acct 2787 6357.88 TOTAL 7,507.59
READING OF THE BILLS:
3458 Theresa Plachta, Trustee 121.41
3459 Susan Schaedig, Clerk 929.75
3460 Ron Geiger, Ordinance Officer, Liquor Inspector 257.43
3461 Leonard Skop, Trustee 231.41
3462 John Middleton, PC 110.00
3463 John Ernst, PC 110.00
3464 James Theisen, PC 110.00
3465 Gloria Torello, PC 130.00
3466 Duane Hoffman, PC 110.00
3467 Diane Purgiel, Treasurer 1,790.75
3468 Diane Franckowiak, Supervisor 713.25
3469 Diane Purgiel, reimb 642.27
3470 Diane Franckowiak, reimb 50.00
3471 Mark Rygwelski, lawn mowing 325.00
3472 Roderick Wright, reimb 142.54
3473 Waste Management 64.44
3474 Great Lakes Energy 22.72
3475 Margaret Black, assessor 868.75
3476 Roderick Wright, wages hall & park 132.00
3477 Dan Sevenski, hall cleaning 131.25
3478 Susan Schaedig, reimb internet 13.04
3479 United States Postal Service, POB 117 Elmira 32.00
3480 Great Lakes Energy 362.32
3481 CenturyTel 86.44
3482 Michigan Townships Association, MTA conference reg 420.00
3483 Alpine Computer 194.99
3484 Dunn’s Business Solutions 70.35
3485 Independent Bank, Nov taxes 641.33
3486 Holtons LP Gas 149.24
3487 United States Postal Service, tax bills postage 437.47
3488 United States Postal Service, postage, clerk 82.00
9,482.15
Theresa made a motion to pay the bills. Seconded by Leonard and carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Diane F brought to the board’s attention that when the exit signs need to be replaced there is a superglow sign that does not need bulbs or electricity. There are $30.00 each.
There being no further business to come before the board Leonard made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Theresa and carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m..
Susan Schaedig, Clerk
ELMIRA TOWNSHIP
OTSEGO COUNTY
ELMIRA, MICHIGAN
OCTOBER 11, 2007
A regular meeting of the Elmira Township Board was held on October 11, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. with Supervisor, Diane Franckowiak calling the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members present were: Diane F, Susan Schaedig, Diane P and Leonard Skop. Theresa was excused.
Leonard made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Seconded by Diane P and carried.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The OCRC informed the board that there are two more private roads in Elmira Township; Rolling Oaks and Peaceful Drive.
Diane P made a motion to pay for registration, wages and mileage for any board member to attend the Introduction to Township Laws workshop on December 11, 2007 in Grayling. Seconded by Leonard and carried unanimously.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT:
Diane F read Margaret’s report. She reported that she signed and sent in a stipulation on the Wolverine Power Tax Tribunal. It looks like we really had no choice in the matter and there was no “wiggle room”. So, we will owe approximately $5600 on 2000-2005. The tax was figured appropriately in 2006 and 2007 so nothing is owed on those years. We will proceed once the determination comes down from the Tax Tribunal.
I am continuing to input the backlog of information for the year. I am about half done. I hope to be able to put some concentrated time to finish soon.
I am compiling a list of items for the December Board of Review. So far, there are 2 PRE requests and one change at the Alltel building at the cell tower site on Flott Road. I’m sure there will be more as I wade through the information.
I contacted BS&A about the software printing out the wrong township licensing information and they have sent me the correction CD. I was not able to finish the download/upload for the GIS that you have been working on with BS&A. Hope to get that done early next week.
I have an appointment with Lawrence Polus on Saturday at 10 am to go over his land use and figure out what can be done there. That will probably add another one to the December BOR.
Mr Kerr at Equalization okayed Jill dropping off any mail she receives at Equalization and I will pick it up on my weekly trips. Jill agreed as well.
PLANNING COMMISSION:
Leonard reported that they are continuing to work on the Master Plan.
FIRE COMMISSION:
Diane F reported that they are in the process of hiring a Chief, Assistant Chief and EMS captain.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
CD 67,625.40 104,986.10 CD 73,000.00 CD 110,722.08 CD 107,682.27
Gen Fund 48,450.70 TOTAL 512,466.55
Tax Acct NW 1,149.71 Tax Acct MM 6379.22 TOTAL 7,528.93
READING OF THE BILLS:
3430 Theresa Plachta, trustee-Oct 171.41
3431 Susan Schaedig, clerk’s wages 979.75
3432 Ron Geiger, Ord officer, Liquor Inspector 219.99
3433 Leonard Skop, trustee-Oct 281.41
3434 John Middleton, PC meeting 110.00
3435 James Theisen, PC meeting 110.00
3436 Duane Hoffman, PC meeting 110.00
3437 Doreen Ostrander, flower beds 187.50
3438 Diane Purgiel, treasurer’s salary 1,400.75
3439 Diane Franckowiak, Supv Salary 738.25
3440 Dan Sevenski, hall cleaning 75.00
3441 Diane Purgiel, reimb 126.05
3442 Margaret Black, assessor’s contract 868.75
3443 Diane Franckowiak, reimb 50.00
3444 WalMart 16.57
3445 Waste Management 64.26
3446 Dunn’s Business Solutions 1,000.00
3447 Great Lakes Energy 66.73
3448 MMTA, treasurer’s conference 305.00
3449 Susan Schaedig, reimb internet 43.99
3450 Great Lakes Energy 336.80
3451 Accident Fund 294.00
3452 CenturyTel 86.44
3453 Water Systems Management, town hall 124.89
3454 Young, Graham & Elsenheimer, PC 272.00
3455 VOID
3456 Independent Bank, Oct taxes 492.81
3457 Crossroads Industries, Inc., newsletters 540.31
9,072.66
Leonard made a motion to pay the bills. Seconded by Diane P and carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Sue informed the board that Jill Kassuba filed for unemployment and the township is liable for the payments since she was considered an employee.
Diane F stated that attorney, Bryan Graham reviewed the O.I.L. contract which is only for the Antrim Formation. Changes have been made and all is in order.
NEW BUSINESS:
Leonard made a motion to allow any board member to attend the 2008 MTA conference in January. Registration fees, mileage, wages, hotel and $100.00 for meals & miscellaneous to be included. Seconded by Diane F and carried unanimously.
The next Township Association meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Gaylord Fire Hall.
There being no further business Leonard made a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Seconded by Diane P and carried.
Susan Schaedig, Clerk
ELMIRA TOWNSHIP
OTSEGO COUNTY
ELMIRA, MICHIGAN
SEPTEMBER 13, 2007
A regular meeting of the Elmira Township Board was held on September 13, 2007 at the Elmira Township hall commencing at 6:03 p.m. with Supervisor, Diane Franckowiak calling the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
All members were present. Others attending were Adam Gandolphi, Joseph Holt and Jacob Allen, Margaret Black and Ron Geiger and Duane Hoffman.
Leonard made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Seconded by Theresa and carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Joe Holt of O.I.L. Energy Corporation came back to the board and offered a full non development lease with no surface rights; the well has to be 300 foot from a water well, 200 foot from a home; the lease term is three years with a two year option to renew; the royalty was raised to 1/6th which is same as the state and an extension payment bonus of $50.00 per net mineral acre.
Diane P. made a motion to accept the revised oil and gas lease from O.I.L. Energy Corporation pending review and approval of an attorney. Seconded by Leonard and carried unanimously.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT:
Margaret stated that the sales study of homes sold in 2006 compares with the assessed value although she is finding some of the assessed values low. In Glen Meadows the homes have been assessed on inside measurements. She found a home listed on a real estate site with a square footage of 3,200 square feet but in our computer as 1,824 square feet single story w/basement-recreation finish and a 784 square foot, 1 story attached garage. The listing information did not compare with our cards.
Diane F. read a letter from Larry Polus whose land had been taken out of Ag. Margaret will contact Larry. She also informed the board that former assesser, Jill Kassuba had a stroke.
The board told Margaret that she is off to a great start and is happy with the work she has completed so far.
PLANNING COMMISSION:
Duane Hoffman presented a height variance for a house over 35 feet in height requested by Craig and Jennifer Harwood at 2615 Cynthia Lane. The proposed house will be 50 feet above grade and the understanding that the structure being built with the third floor being the top floor and that all building materials used above the standard height of 35 feet above grade are non-combustible and the driveway be widened to enable larger trucks easier access.
Diane P. made a motion to accept Elmira Township Planning Commission’s motion to recommend to the Otsego County Planning Commission to approve the height variance of Craig and Jennifer Harwood at 2615 Cynthia Lane; Gaylord, MI based on the Land Use Map. Seconded by Theresa and carried unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Diane P. presented a proposal from BS & A Software.
Option A: Elmira Township can use the Internet Services free of charge and BS & A will charge the users a convenience fee. Township pays no money. BS & A will set up the system, configure the web site, and the users pay a per-hit fee using a credit card to view the daily updated or real-time data. Elmira’s cost is free. End Users’ cost; Assessing/Equalization System $2.00/record; Comparable Sales Search-Assessing Records(allows searches for comparable sale date based on query and Neighborhood filters). $2.00/record.
Tax System $2.00/record.
Option B: Users of the web site pay nothing to view the data available and the Township pays $2,000.
Diane P stated that tax payments could be made electronically at a charge of $3.95 per payment. The board does not wish to use this option of payment at this time but will consider it from year to year.
Diane P read a letter of appreciation from the Otsego County Historical Society for the $100.00 contribution to further preservation efforts.
Leonard made a motion to accept the Option A proposal from BS & A Software. Seconded by Theresa and carried unanimously.
CD 67,625.40 CD 104,986.10 CD due 9-19 104,810.47 CD 73,000.00 CD 110,722.50
General Fund 48,596.50 TOTAL 509,740.55
Tax Acct Northwestern 1,055.60 Tax Acct Northwestern 371,163.13 372,218.73
The board discussed the one mill collected by the township for operating expenses which has been rolled back to .8880. Since the fire department will be asking for a renewal the board decided to wait before asking the voters for the additional millage to take it up to the one mill.
FIRE AUTHORITY REPORT:
Diane F reported that Don Cherry has retired. She also stated that there is no one to man the fire department during the day when she is gone.
READING OF THE BILLS:
3388 Accident Fund 750.00
3389 Diane Franckowiak, reimb 50.00
3390 Susan Schaedig, reimb 15.75
3391 Jill Kassuba, mileage 70.81
3392 Hefco Farms 182.00
3393 Graham, elsenheimer, Wendling & Kazim, P.C. 42.00
3394 Waste Management 61.60
3395 Diane Franckowiak, supv wages 688.25 3396 Theresa Plachta, trustee wages 121.41
3397 Susan Schaedig, clerk wages 929.75
3398 Ron Geiger, Liquor Inspector, Ordinance Officer 219.99
3399 Roderick Wright 319.00
3400 Jill Kassuba, final assessor wages 853.44
3401 Walmart 16.24
3402 Diane Purgiel, reimb 100.67
3403 Diane Purgiel, treasurer’s wages 1,350.75
3404 United States Postal Service, postage 82.00
3405 Leonard Skop, trustee wages 341.41
3406 John Middleton, PC meeting 110.00
3407 John Ernst, PC meetings 220.00
3408 James Theisen, PC meetings 220.00
3409 Gloria Torello, PC meetings 240.00
3410 Duane Hoffman, PC meetings 220.00
3411 Dan Sevenski, hall cleaning 81.25
3412 Municipal Underwriters of Mich, Inc. 7,600.00
3413 Carquest, hall cleaning supplies 115.66
3414 Great Lakes Energy 22.72
3415 Keskine, Cook, Miller, Smity & Alexander 400.00
3416 Diane Purgiel, reimb 34.95
3417 Theresa Plachta, reimb internet 106.80
3418 Complete Lawn Care 455.00
3419 Margaret Black, contract 1,125.79
3420 Gloria Torello, special meeting 85.00
3421 Gloria Torello, reimb 110.98
3422 CenturyTel 86.50
3423 Great Lakes Energy 345.52
3424 United States Postal Service, postage 443.40
3425 Michigan Dept of Environmental Quality, water sampling 18.00
3426 Susan Schaedig, reimb internet 43.99
3427 Donna Polus, hall dep reimb 50.00
3428 Independent Bank, Sept taxes 842.07
3429 Michigan Dept of Treasury 671.10
19,903.80
Leonard made a motion to pay the bills. Seconded by Diane P and carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
Sue made a motion to retain Doug Franckowiak of D & H Excavating for the 2007-2008 snow plowing season. His rates remain the same. Seconded by Theresa and carried unanimously.
Sue made a motion to pay for conference fees, wages, mileage and meals for Diane P to attend the 29th Annual State Treasurer’s Conference on October 14th through the 17th. Seconded by Theresa and carried.
There being no further business to come before the board Sue made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Diane P and carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Susan Schaedig, Clerk
ELMIRA TOWNSHIP
OTSEGO COUNTY
ELMIRA, MICHIGAN
AUGUST 9, 2007
A regular meeting of the Elmira Township board was held on August 9, 2007 at the Elmira Township hall commencing at 6:00 p.m. with Supervisor, Diane F calling the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
All township board members present. Others in attendance were Bob DeLong, Margaret Black, Ron Geiger and Joe Holt.
Leonard made a motion to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Diane F. and carried unanimously.
Joe Holt of O.I.L. Energy Corporation presented to the board a mineral rights lease for 7.20 acres. He left the lease for the board to review.
The board discussed the lease and decided not to act upon it. Diane F will inform Mr. Holt of the board’s decision.
Bob DeLong of Dunn’s Business Solutions demonstrated a used copier and presented a copier comparison to the board.
Sue made a motion to purchase two, used Savin 2513f copier/fax from Dunn’s for $500.00 each. Seconded by Leonard and carried unanimously.
The board decided to sell the treasurer’s copier for $200.00 and the hall computer will be given to the Fire Authority if they will accept it.
ORDINANCE OFFICER REPORT:
Ron reported that Charlie Beckner has cleaned up half of his mess. Doug Franckowiak estimated the cost for demolishing and removing the building from the Northern Land complaint at $6,000.00. The issue was tabled.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
CD 67,625.40 CD 101,582.95 CD 104,810.47 CD 73,000.00 CD 110,722.08
GEN FUND 44,543.14 TOTAL 502,284.04
TAX ACCOUNTS 1,030.89 39,741.56 TOTAL 40,772.45
Diane P reported that she has a CD coming due on August 25, 2007.
Diane P. presented a proposed newsletter to be sent out to the taxpayers. Cost estimate of the project for mailing 1,450 pieces by Crossroads Industries, Inc. is 638.04. Printing of a 1 sided, black ink newsletter @$.07, 101.50 or 2 sided @$.12, 174.00. A color, 1 sided copy would be $.30 or 435.00 and a 2 sided would be $.37 or 536.50.
Leonard made a motion to print and send a black ink newsletter to Elmira Township taxpayers. Seconded by Theresa and carried unanimously.
ASSESSOR’S REPORT:
Jill handed the computer, records and all materials relating to the assessor over to Margaret Black on July 31, 2007. She will work with Margaret during the transition period through August 25, 2007 at which time Jill will receive final payment for services.
Sue made a motion to pay Margaret Black starting from August 1, 2007 since she has started her duties early. Seconded by Theresa and carried unanimously.
Margaret reported that she has started checking each parcel in Section 1. The last time this was completed was in 1998.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT:
Leonard advised the board about the Harwood pre- application for a variance for the construction of a house 49 feet above grade. The PC also discussed attorney, Bryan Graham’s objections on the Large Parcel text.
FIRE AUTHORITY REPORT:
Diane F informed the board that Kristine Francis has resigned from the Fire Authority.
Diane F. made a motion to appoint Bruce Ogden to the Elmira-Warner Fire Authority to fill the two year vacancy left by Kristine Francis’ resignation. Seconded by Leonard and carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
The board discussed the equalization department’s offer for mapping services. Theresa commented that it is very difficult to learn and is not often logical. The township had purchased maps and photos earlier and this would be the same system with different photos. No action on this subject.
Attorney, Bryan Graham explained that since the assessor is an independent contractor and not a township employee, the assessor would not be covered by the Township Insurance policies for errors and omissions. It is always possible for the assessor to make a mistake when performing duties under the contract. The purpose of the E & O policy is to provide insurance coverage for those potential mistakes. Without such coverage, the assessor and potentially the Township could have to pay damages for those mistakes. The cost of the errors and omissions policy should be a cost of doing business as an independent contractor.
NEW BUSINESS:
Diane F. reported that she had checked propane prices for the 2007-2008 season. Holtons remains the same at 1.59 per gallon. The board will continue to purchase propane from Holton’s.
The board discussed the installation of a programmable thermostat. Rocky will be contacted to check on costs.
Diane F. reported that Otsego County Sheriff’s Deputy, Trevor Winkel was requesting Elmira Township have No Thru Truck signs placed at both ends of Mt. Jack Road. Discussion followed and the board took no action on this request.
Sue made a motion to adopt the 2007 Tax Rate Request(L-4029). Allocated .8880 and voted Fire .9781. Seconded by Leonard and carried unanimously.
READING OF THE BILLS:
3351 Jill Kassuba, assessor wages 1,491.56
3352 Theresa Plachta, Trustee 281.41
3353 Susan Schaedig, clerks wages 1,089.75
3354 Michigan Dept of Treasury 13.84
3355 Diane Franckowiak, reimb internet, fax, computer