Ensley Township in Newaygo County MI

Ensley Township Board Meeting

Minutes of December 7, 2004

Supervisor Bergman called the regular meeting of the Ensley Township Board to order at 8:00 PM.  The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Prayer.  Board members present were Richard Bergman, Cynthia Harwood, Faye Folkema, John Patin, and John VanderMeulen.  There were 24 guests.

The minutes of November 9, 2004 were approved as corrected.

Treasurers Report:

            General                        $224,633.77

            Checking                            3,396.64

            Roads                                8,606.24

            CD#1 general                  30,000.00

            CD#2 roads                     80,000.00

            Total                            $346.636.65

CD#2 comes due on 12/15/04.  There was to motion by Bergman, supported by Folkema to put the money in a seven month CD.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

Police Report:  There were 45 hours patrolled.  Stabile had 6 complaints, 3 citations, 7 warnings, 7 property checks, and 1 traffic accident.

Building Inspector:  There were four building permits and four electrical permits.  Boluyt was in court today as a witness for a person who had a garage that was built badly.

Zoning:  There were 10 zoning compliances and one land split.  Evens will be in court on Thursday because of the Gillespie problems.

Planning:  Motion by VanderMeulen, supported by Harwood to have the board speak with unity and one voice as a board.  Roll call –one aye (VanderMeulen) four nay (Folkema, Knox, Harwood, and Bergman) Motion failed.  VanderMeulen asked Bergman if he asked Evens to put Eckelstafer’s special use on Planning Commission agenda.  Bergman replied that maybe he had.  Bergman was then asked if he had asked the Eckelstafer’s to come to the Planning Commission that something would be settled.  Bergman replied that he had.  Our attorney recommends not changing the ordinance for one person.  There was a motion by VanderMeulen, supported by Knox that we go with the board’s original recommendation that we send the Adult Foster Care to the Master Plan Committee.  Roll Call vote.  Four ayes, one nay (Bergman).  Motion passed. 

            Mr. Jackson from the M.S.U. Extension office offered to help with the Planning Commission.

Public Comment:  8:50-9:17 PM

Unfinished Business: 

1.      Charter Communications-Public Hearing:  VanderMeulen made a motion to close the regular meeting and go to public hearing.  Folkema supported this.  All ayes.  Motion passed.  There was discussion of the resolution.  There was a motion to close the Public Hearing by VanderMeulen, supported by Harwood.  All ayes.  Motion carried.  There was a motion by Harwood, supported by Folkema to accept the resolution.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

2.      Church Lot Line:  There was a motion by Folkema, supported by Harwood to hold a public hearing at the regular meeting in January to discuss the transfer of property.  Roll call vote:  All ayes.  Motion passed.

3.      Fire Barn Door Replacement:  The estimate for the door replacement is $700.00.  It is steel with closures.

4.      Englewright Lake S.A.D.:  There was discussion on whether the roads should be up to private road standards as in our ordinance.  And attorney costs were discussed.  Bergman will talk with attorney tomorrow to stop legal expenses.

5.      Trees:  Folkema contacted the property owner of the land north of Crandall Cemetery (Sevey) to discuss the tree trimming.  This will be discussed next month.

New Business:

1.      Generator-Pad & Building:  The Fire Dept. received a generator from the D.N.R.  They would like a three sided building with a chain link gate of about 6’X10’.  The Board needs ideas from professionals as to costs and best way to set-up.  This will be discussed next month.

2.      Recycling:  Brochures are available in the hall for recycling.

3.      Advertise for Planning commission People:  Don Lehnert and Harry Hackbardt have their terms expiring.  Knox would like to have people apply each year for the positions.  There was a motion by Bergman, supported by Harwood to advertise in the River Valley for the two Planning Commission positions.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

4.      Official Poling Location:  There was a motion by Bergman, supported by Harwood to have the official poling location be the fire barn.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

5.      Budget Workshop:  There was a motion by VanderMeulen, supported by Folkema to have the budget workshop be January 17, 2005 at 7:00 PM and the Master Plan Committee meet on January 10 at 8:00 PM.  All ayes.   Motion carried.

Bills:  Checks #9504-9539 were used totaling $10,237.61.  General Operating Fund was $8,845.60 and Building Inspection Fund was $1,392.01.  There was a motion by Folkema, supported by Harwood to pay the bills.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

Correspondence:  Mileage has gone up to $.405 per mile.

Public Comment:  M Ellick would like the wood from the cemetery and would like to be considered for the Planning Commission.

Adjourn:  There was a motion to adjourn at 11:02 PM.

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