Thursday March 11, 2004 at 7:00 p.m., the regular Middlebury Township Board meeting held at the Ovid Municipal Building was called to order by Supervisor Anthony Sinicropi with the pledge to the flag. Prayer was given by clerk Audrey Sovis. Sinicropi, Sovis, treasurer Carolyn Stevens, trustees Paul Dutton and Charles Simpson were present. There were 13 visitors. Lonnie Latunski of the Shiawassee County Road Commission discussed proposed road projects for 2004. He suggested a public hearing held by the township’s planning commission to discuss the use of storm drains and rolled curbs. Proposed road projects for 2004 include: Asphalt on Clinton St, Sealcoat Warren Rd. from M-21 to Krouse, and Baldwin Rd from Hibbard to Mason. Gravel on Austin from M-21 to Dewey. Partial re-construction on Simpson from Warren to 3/4 mi. east, tree removal and ditching. Total proposed road budget $54,083. Sgt. Doug Chapman reported from the Shiawasse Co. Sheriff’s Dept. The Dept. is now properly staffed and a deputy is posted in each district of the county. Meridian Rd. will be closely monitored for speed. Dumping of junk on Austin Rd. was brought to his attention by resident Bill Kline. Richard Ball and Mike Powers both took turns introducing themselves and announcing their intent to run for the position of State Representative of the 85th district. Kevin Bodensteiner from MMPA gave an update on the waste water treatment facility. They are working with the DEQ and are monitoring waste water as it travels towards the river. Four home wells are being monitored and appear safe at this time. Mr. Kline voiced his concern that the irrigation system may be purchased by Green Meadow Farms and may be used to spread liquid manure. Bill Lasher from the Village of Ovid came and asked if Middlebury would consider contributing to the cost of the village’s recyling dumpster. It is believed that some Middlebury residents are currently using this service at the expense of the village. At 8:20 p.m. the meeting was stopped and the public budget hearing was called to order. The budget was gone over line by line. A motion was made by Sinicropi to start a Road Fund of $10,000 from the General Fund Carryover with $10,000 subtracted from the Contingency Fund in order to balance the budget. Ayes: Sinicropi, Sovis, Stevens, Simpson, Dutton. Nays: none. Carried. A motion was made by Dutton to decrease the Interest and Dividends from $1,500 to $750, subtracting $750 from the Contingency Fund and to then accept the proposed budget for the 2004-2005 fiscal year with estimated revenue and expenses at $207,409. Seconded by Simpson. Ayes: Sinicropi, Sovis, Stevens, Dutton, Simpson. Nays: none. Carried. A motion was made by Dutton seconded by Simpson to approve the agenda. All ayes, carried. A motion was made by Simpson, seconded by Dutton to accept the minutes of the February 12, 2004 board meeting. All ayes, carried. A motion was made by Dutton, seconded by Stevens to amend the budget. Ayes: Sinicropi, Sovis, Stevens, Dutton, Simpson. Nays: none. Carried. A motion was made by Dutton seconded by Simpson to accept the treasurer’s report and pay the bills (cks # 1165-1185) in the amount of $10,469.38. All ayes, carried. A violation notice was read by Sinicropi from the Shiawassee County Zoning Office to Mrs. Betty Metz in regard to an abondoned trailer on property she owns. It was pointed out that the letter was sent to an incorrect address for Ms. Metz. Stevens offered to notify the zoning office of the correct address. A motion was made by Sovis, seconded by Stevens to give $1,200 from the Recreation Fund to the Ovid Parks and Recreation Committee, and $500 be given from that same fund to Gumaer Park. Ayes: Sinicropi, Sovis, Stevens, Simpson, Dutton. Nays: none. Carried. A letter was read from the Zoning Office introducing David Chrenka as the new Code Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector. Middlebury along with other townships are encouraged to send in their (approximately) 10 greatest zoning issues they wish to have addressed. Forms were enclosed. Resolution 2004-1 A motion was made by Sinicropi, seconded by Simpson to contribute $500 to the cost of a recycling dumpster currently paid for by the Village of Ovid, that is being used by some Middlebury residents. Ayes: Sinicropi, Sovis, Stevens, Simpson, Dutton. Nays: none. Resolution adopted. A motion was made by Sinicropi seconded by Dutton to not do the proposed road project for Clinton Street, but instead to sealcoat Simpson road from Austin to Baldwin at approximately $15,000. Ayes: Sinicropi, Sovis, Stevens, Dutton, Simpson. Nays: none. Carried. A motion was made by Simpson seconded by Stevens to accept the remaining road projects proposed by the Shiawassee Co. Road Commission for the year 2004. Ayes: Stevens, Sovis, Dutton, Simpson, Sinicropi. Nays: none. Carried. The sexton was addressed by the board in regard to his job performance. He was given a contract to sign and asked to get an estimate for the cost of leveling approximately 50 headstones that need the most urgent attention. Sinicropi will get at least two estimates to have the driveway of the cemetery graded, rolled and have crushed limestone applied. Dutton reported the library was given a new reading lamp. Simpson reported that the Maple Grove cemetery is looking into the idea of putting up a storage building. At 11:05 pm Simpson made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Stevens. All ayes. Carried. Audrey Sovis, clerk