Ensley Township in Newaygo County MI

Ensley Township Board Meeting

Minutes of July 6, 2004

The regular meeting of Ensley Township Board was called to order at 8:00 PM by Supervisor Bergman.  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 21 guests.

The minutes of June 1, 2004 were approved without objection.

Treasurer’s Report: 

            General            $243,998.78

            Checking                3,381.92

            Roads                  25,042.23

            CD#1 general       30,000.00

            CD#2 roads         80,000.00

            Total                $382,422.93

Receipts 3717-3729 were used totaling $32,143.77.

The treasurer’s report was approved without objection.  Folkema noted that the auditor had questioned the odd amount of escrow money for Wolverine Power.  The reason was, that this was a percentage of the construction cost.  There was a motion by Folkema to pay the escrow interest as figured by the auditor.  This was supported by VanderMeulen.  All ayes.  Motion passed.

Police Report:  Stabile was not in attendance.

Building Inspector:  Boluyt had ten building permits and six electrical permits.  It was noted that permits are down 20% for the first six months of this year, compared to last year.

Zoning Administrator:  There were 12 zoning compliances and 1 land split.  There was a motion by VanderMeulen, supported by Folkema to upgrade Evens’ computer to Windows XP.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

Planning Commission:  Bob McKay expressed a desire for a Class E distressed vehicle license.  They will be discussing this at their next meeting.  There will be a public hearing for William Eckelstafer to enlarge their adult foster care home from 3 to 11 patients. 

Baptist Lake Park Committee:  Jane Dykman reported that the Lake Association voted to close the boat ramp from 10 PM to 7 AM.  The Park Committee met and voted to keep it open.  This is their recommendation to the Board. 

Public Comment:  8:20PM.  There was discussion about the park boat ramp.  Joan Formsma, Jane Dykman and Jim Townsend represented the Lake Assn.  The Board will check the rules of other parks.

Old Business:

1.      Charter Cable Renewal:  Law Weathers & Richardson recommended that we pass an extension to the contract expiring December 31, 2004.  A new franchise agreement is forthcoming.   Harwood, supported by Patin, offered the Resolution.  A roll call vote followed.  All members voted aye.  Resolution 2004-3 passed.

2.      Englewright Lake Board Appointment:  Mary Balberde explained that the Board did appoint Sandra Byrne correctly.

3.      Church and Township Property Line:  The Ensley Baptist Church sent a letter requesting 30 foot additional.  This will be discussed next month after we have seen where the new line would be.

New Business:

1.      Town Hall Plaster Repair:  Steve Boluyt will call around for prices to repair the plaster on the front wall and the bathroom.

2.      Handicap Ramp Wood Preservation:  There was a motion by Patin, supported by VanderMeulen to have Harwood apply wood preservative on ramp and be reimbursed for wood preservative.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

3.      Shrubbery by Memorial:  There was a motion by Patin, supported by VanderMeulen to have Folkema remove old shrubs and plant new ones.  She will be reimbursed for the new shrubs.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

4.      Civil Infraction-Boca Code:  There was a motion by Patin, supported by VanderMeulen to adopt Civil Infraction for the Boca Code.  There was a roll call vote and Ordinance 04-2 passed.

Bills:  Checks #9323-9357 were used totaling $25,841.99.  General Operating Fund $22,710.78 and Building Inspection Fund $3,131.21.  There was a motion to pay the bills by Folkema, supported by Patin.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

Correspondence:  Mahlon Ellick sent a letter contending the property line.  A letter was received from the Dept. of Community Development requesting that we pass a resolution to allow the county to inspect dwellings of eligible applicants.  There was a motion by Folkema, supported by Harwood to grant the county building, electrical, and mechanical inspectors to do inspections for the County Housing Rehabilitation Program.  There was a roll call vote.  Resolution passed.

Public Comment:  9:15 – 9:30 PM: There was a question on when the blacktop for Beech would be done and when Cottonwood would be reconstructed.  There was comment that many trees and shrubbery have been planted at Crandall Cemetery.  There was also an inquiry as to if the unapproved minutes could be on the website.  Folkema to check on this.

Motion to adjourn at 9:32 PM by Patin, supported by Harwood.

Respectfully submitted by

Cynthia Harwood, Clerk

________________________

Richard Bergman, Supervisor

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