Middlebury Township Board Minutes Draft Minutes Middlebury Township Board Regular Meeting Monday November 7th 2011 at 7pm Middlebury Township Hall 7627 W. M-21 Ovid, Michigan 48866 Minutes Supervisor Anthony Sinicropi called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm Call To Order with a Pledge to the Flag and a prayer led by Trustee Paul Dutton. Members Present: Supervisor Anthony Sinicropi, Clerk Susan Roll Call Tomasek-Swan, Treasurer Carolyn Stevens, Trustee Erin Dutton and Trustee Paul Dutton. Guest Present: There were nine guest present. Bill Lasher, Nancy Hughson, Jean Ott, Arlene Pesik, Rich Givens, Charlie Moore, Nancy Hughson, Michael Herendeen, Deputy Supervisor, and Lynn Bowne, township's attorney. Scheduled Comments: Scheduled Comments None…… Public Comments Rich Givens commented on the Maple Grove Cemetery Authority (MGCA) issue and gave his opinion on the cost involved. Opened 7:03 pm Closed 7:36 pm Larry Ordiway commented on how much Maple Grove Cemetery Authority needs the township. Nancy Hughson wants the people to vote on leaving the Maple Grove Cemetery Authority. Township's attorney stated it cannot go to a referendum as it is in the board powers to leave the Authority. Erin Dutton spoke her opinion on the staying with Maple Grove Cemetery Authority. Michael Herendeen noted the board does not have to act on this topic tonight. Mr. Herendeen stated that MGCA hasn't made any effort to raise their prices. He also pointed out that we have our own cemetery which cost us money. Arlene Pesik asked if Ovid became a city would the cemetery be owned by the "city". But Mr. Bowne stated the Authority owns the cemetery. Larry Ordiway stated with the undeveloped land, the total amount of Maple Grove land in Middlebury Township is 50%. The usable portion of land is about 30%. Carolyn Stevens reminded the board of money given to the Authority for road work still hasn't been done. Mrs. Stevens believes that we need to use our money for our cemetery. Charlie Moore stated that 1/3 of the Maple Grove Cemetery's land is located in Middlebury Twp. Charlie can't understand why everyone can get along and work together. Bill Lasher commented on Mr. Bowne's asking on why the board originally entered into the agreement and the reasons why. He asked the board to review the minutes and see if the reasons are still valid today. Rich Givens commented on that the Middlebury tax dollars are going to two cemeteries. Paul Dutton commented that he felt it is our "moral obligation" to care for the cemetery. Tony Sinicropi continue discussion on the "Moral Obligation". Where is the line to draw and taking care of the cemetery. Both sides have valid points. Mr. Sinicropi believes we should wait on this decision. Nancy Hughson wanted to know if we would considered a one year moratorium. Moved by E Dutton, seconded by Tomasek-Swan to approve the agenda as presented. Motion to Approve Agenda AYE: All NO: none CARRIED AGENDA APPROVED Moved by P. Dutton, seconded by Stevens to approve the minutes as printed. Minutes Approved AYE: All NO: none CARRIED Moved by P. Dutton and seconded by Tomasek-Swan to approve the Banking report as presented. Banking's Report Approved AYE: All NO: none CARRIED Moved by P. Dutton and seconded by Stevens to pay bills in with Bills Payment Approved checks numbered 2958-2967 and EFT totaling $37,740.73 and road fund check numbered 1013 in an amount of $35,805.60. AYE: All NO: none CARRIED Various meetings from MTA were reviewed by the board to see if any interested members wanted to attend. Communications Sinicropi discussed his meeting he attended on roads. MTA annual meeting deadline was discussed. Unfinished Business Stevens made a motion to table the leaving the Maple Grove Cemetery Authority until December to allow time find out why we originally entered into the Authority. Sinicropi seconded the motion. AYE: ALL NO: NONE CARRIED Stevens made a motion to add a line item in each department for educational expense with the amount to be determined at the next budget meeting. This motion will take effect with 2012-2013 budget. Mr. Sinicropi seconded the motion. AYES: Sinicropi, Stevens, Tomasek-Swan NO: P. Dutton, E. Dutton Carried New Business Lakeshore Gas company contacted the clerk regarding changing to a their gas company. Gas bill was reviewed and amount of gas used at the hall was not enough to pursue. Ordinance 2011-02 was presented by Lynn Bowne, township attorney. The ordinance was offered by P. Dutton and supported by Stevens. Roll Call vote Aye: P. Dutton, Stevens, E. Dutton, Tomasek-Swan, Sinicropi Ordinance 2011-02 Weed and Grass Control NO: None Adopted E. Dutton made a motion to approve the change Gruesbeck lot from 10 plots to 8 plots and sell the remaining plots accordingly. P. Dutton seconded. Gruesbeck AYE: ALL NO: None CARRIED Resolution 2011-07, Setting the 2012 Meeting Calendar for regular board meetings was offered by P. Dutton and supported by Stevens. 2011 Calendar Res. 2011-07 Roll Call vote Yes: Tomasek-Swan, E. Dutton, P. Dutton. Stevens, Sinicropi NO: None CARRIED E. Dutton made a motion to approve renewal of the Clerk's membership to MAMC. Stevens supported the motion. MAMC DUES AYE: ALL NO: None CARRIED Final Comments Bill Lasher wanted to thank the board for taking time to review the matter concerning Maple Grove Cemetery Authority. Opened 8:24 pm Closed 8:28 pm Michael Herendeen updated the board on OMESA. Mr. Herendeen spoke about the Pontack case. He also discussed the different options available to replace the ambulance giving OMESA problems. A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 pm. E. Dutton made the motion and was supported by Sinicropi. ADJOURNED AYE: All NO: none CARRIED Minutes prepared by ___________________________________________________________ Susan Tomasek-Swan Susan Tomasek-Swan, Middlebury Township Clerk Clerk