The regular meeting of the Ensley Township Board was called to order at 7:30 PM by Supervisor Starr.  The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer.  Board members present were Phillip Starr, Cynthia Harwood, Faye Folkema, Brenda Bird, and John VanderMeulen.  There were five guests in attendance.

Approval of Agenda:  There was a motion by Harwood, seconded by VanderMeulen to approve the agenda. All affirmed

Minutes of Previous Meetings: There was a motion by Bird, seconded by VanderMeulen to approve the Minutes of November 9, 2010.  All affirmed.

Treasurers Report: 

            General                                    

                        Fifth Third Bank                          150,681.07

Independent Bank                     199,162.10

CD#1 General                                30,000.00

            Common Checking                                     2,235.44

            Roads                                                          99,548.51

            Total                                                        $481,627.12

Receipts #5528-5554 were used totaling $32,559.80.  There was a motion by Harwood, seconded by Bird to approve the treasurer’s report.  All affirmed.

Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator:  There was one building permit and three electrical permits issued.  No zoning compliances were issued, one land division and a zoning board of appeals application was received.

Planning Commission:  The commercial district was discussed and next year’s meeting dates were set.

Nature Preserve:  Three electrical poles were donated.  Family Club will be published in the River Valley happenings section.

County Commissioner:  The county commissioner was not present.

Public Comment:  7:48PM. None.

New Business:

1.   Mowing Bids:  Three bids were received:  Phil Butler - $7,500, Frey’s Landcare - $9,500, and A C & C Lawn Care - $7,080.  There was a motion by Starr, supported by Folkema to contract with Phil Butler again this next year.  All ayes, motion carried.

2.   Board & Commission Appointments:  Starr made the following recommendations:  James Bonzo and Ross Harwood be appointed to the planning commission for a three year term, Janet Dravk, Fred Folkema and Doug Verduin were appointed to two year terms on the board of review, Bob Snow was appointed to a three year term on the park advisory board, Bill Greenhoe was appointed to a three year term on the zoning board of appeals, Steve Boluyt and Dave Rondeau were appointed to the forest committee for three year terms, and the construction board of appeals had Daniel Fisk, Michael Folkema, Bill Gould Jr., Ray Andrus and Joe Montambo all appointed for two year terms.  This was a motion by Starr, seconded by Harwood where all voted aye.

3.   Board of Review Dates:  Resolution 2010-04 to set the dates for the July and December board of review meetings was offered by Starr and seconded by Harwood.  There was a roll call vote where all voted aye.

4.   Carbonite-Treasurer:  There was a motion by Starr, seconded by Bird to have Carbonite installed on the treasurer’s computer and Cindy can help install it.  All affirmed.

5.   BS&A Software:  There will be up to a 20% discount for the purchase of the assessor and treasurer’s software in May.  There was a motion by Folkema, seconded by Bird to commit to the purchase of new BS&A software for the treasurer and assessor.  All ayes, motion carried.

6.   West Michigan Strategic Alliance:  VanderMeulen will take this to the planning commission for their opinion of whether to join it again this year.

7.   Metro Act – Renewal:  There was a motion by Harwood, seconded by Bird to renew the contract.  All affirmed.

Unfinished Business:

1.   KDL Library:  Starr will discuss the cost of the election with Tri County and get the date.  This will be discussed again in January. 

2.   Zoning Administrator:  Steve Boluyt was hired on a trial basis.  He is willing to continue.  There was a motion by Harwood, seconded by Starr to continue Boluyt as zoning administrator.  All affirmed.

3.   Building & Architectural Services Proposal:  There was a motion by Starr, seconded by Harwood that our Township Board choose option 2 from the Township building committee report to plan for a new township hall at our current Ensley Center location and begin the process of hiring a licensed architectural firm to help us develop the necessary plans for a building and also site preparation.  1 aye, 4 nays (Bird, Folkema, Harwood and VanderMeulen.  Motion by VanderMeulen, seconded by Folkema to table the decision on the location for an indefinite time until we have more community insight and financial ducks in a row.  All affirmed.  Folkema to call Solon Township Supervisor to find out where the finances are coming from for their new hall.

4.   Baptist Lake Park Erosion:  There was a motion by Harwood, seconded by Bird to put $3,000 in next year’s budget for erosion repair at the park.  All affirmed.

Bills:  Checks #11857-11878 used totaling $9,887.90.  The General Fund was $9,572.10, and the Building Inspection Fund was $315.80.  There was a motion by Bird, seconded by Folkema to pay the bills.  All affirmed.

Supervisor’s Report:   Pine Avenue is a seasonal road.  It was decertified, so the NCRC does nothing to the road but grade the intersection.  It is still a public road so it can not be blocked.  140^th Street is seasonal and does get graded two times per year.  Fire trucks could get down it.  NCRC does not plow the snow.

Correspondence:   Noted.

Public Comment:  9:48 to 10:00 PM.

Adjourn: There was a motion to adjourn at 10:00 PM.  All affirmed.

Submitted by,

________________________

Cynthia Harwood, Clerk