The regular meeting of the Ensley Township Board was called to order at 8:00 PM by Supervisor Knox.  The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Prayer.  Board members present were Steve Knox, Cynthia Harwood, Faye Folkema, Joann VandenBerg, and John VanderMeulen.  There were Steve Boluyt-Building Administrator, Bob Hall-Zoning Administrator and twenty-three guests in attendance.

Minutes of Previous Meeting:  The minutes of January 8, 2008 and the special meeting of January 21, 2008 were approved without objection. 

Treasurers Report: 

            General                         $286,256.61

            CD #1 General                  30,000.00

            Checking                            1,584.77

            Roads                              81,712.84

            Total                            $399,554.22

Receipts #4693-4721 were used totaling $124,916.08.   VanderMeulen/Harwood made the motion to accept the treasurer’s report.  All affirmed.  Motion carried. 

Building Inspector:   There were two building permits and three electrical permits for the month of January. 

Zoning Administrator:  Mr. Hall gave a list of the permits that were given for the previous year.

County Commissioner Report:   Mr. Powell gave an update of what the County is doing.

Planning Commission Report:  There was a regular and a special meeting.   The Master Plan is getting close to completion.  They reviewed the by-laws again.

Public Comment:  8:33 PM.  None.

New Business: 

1.      Set Meeting Dates:  The Ensley Township Board will meet on:  April 1, May 13, June 3, July 1, August 12, September 2, October 7, November 11, December 2, January 6, 2009, February 3, 2009 and March 3, 2009 with the annual meeting to be March 28, 2009.  There was a motion by Folkema/VanderMeulen to accept the meeting dates.  All ayes, motion carried.

2.      Board of Review Dates:  The Board of Review will meet on March 11 from 2pm to 5 pm, and 6pm to 9pm & March 13 from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm.  There was a motion to approve these Board of Review dates by Harwood/VanderMeulen.  All ayes, motion carried.

3.      Approval of Principal Residence Poverty Exemption:  Assessor, Jason Rosenzweig prepared a new form as the state will be auditing granted poverty exemptions.  He felt a new application would give the board of review the best information in order to make their decision.  There was a motion by VandenBerg/Folkema to approve the form.  All ayes, motion carried.

4.      Amend Budget:  Harwood recommended adding $8,000 to the Township Board – Attorney, and adding $1,500 to the Planning Commission – Professional Services.  This money is from the Escrow – Reimbursements.  There was a motion to accept this recommendation by Knox/VanderMeulen.  There was a roll call vote where all voted aye. 

5.      Salary Resolution:  Clerk read Resolution 2008-1.  There was a motion to approve the resolution by VanderMeulen/VandenBerg.  There was a roll call vote where everyone voted aye. 

6.      Historical Society Use of Hall:  There are currently five people on the Historical Society.  Doug Verduin will notify the Board when they will use the hall.

7.      Summer Tax Collection:  Folkema/VandenBerg made the motion that we need to send a letter to Kent I.S.D., G.R.C.C. and Cedar Springs Public School that we do not collect summer taxes.  The clerk will do this.  All ayes, motion carried.

Unfinished Business:

            1.   Enforcement Officer Job Description:  Knox will check on the “Good Samaritan Rule” with the attorney.  There was a motion by VanderMeulen/Folkema to hold off looking into people/hold off on looking for someone/not to move forward into hiring someone at this time.  It should go to the attorney for his opinion.  All ayes, motion carried.

Bills:  Checks #10798-10830 were used totaling $12,413.63.  General Operating Fund was $12,001.53 (Escrow $1,400) and $412.10 was from the Building Inspection Fund.  There was a motion by VanderMeulen/Folkema to pay the bills.  All ayes, motion carried. 

Correspondence:   Harwood received the contract from the auditor.  There was a motion by Knox/Folkema for the clerk to sign the contract and return it to Kirkpatrick.  All ayes, motion carried.

Public Comment:   Barb VanderMeulen was contacted to get the Ensley Forest Committee going again.  There was a motion by VanderMeulen/Knox to allow them to re-establish and work on the preserve.  All ayes, motion carried

Adjourn: There was a motion to adjourn at 9:25 PM by VanderMeulen /VandenBerg.  All affirmed.

Submitted by,

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