Ensley Township in Newaygo County MI

Ensley Township Board Meeting

Minutes of May 4, 2004

The regular meeting of the Ensley Township Board was called to order at 8:00 P.M. by Supervisor Bergman.  The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a prayer.  Board members present were Richard Bergman, Cynthia Harwood, Faye Folkema, John Patin and John VanderMeulen.  There were 13 guests.

The minutes of April 6, 2004 were approved without objection

Treasurer’s Report:

            General            $264,769.97

            Checking                3,376.55

            Roads                133,831.80

            CD #1 general      30,000.00   

            Total                $401,978.32

Receipts #3691-3700 were used totaling $2,010.46.

The treasurer’s report was approved without objection.  Patin made a motion to put road money in a 90 CD.  VanderMeulen supported this.  All ayes.  Motion passed.

Police Report:  There were six complaints, two arrests, one citation, four warnings, three property checks, one paper service and Stabile was assisted by other patrols three times.

Building Inspector Report:  There were six building permits and four electrical permits issued.

Zoning Administrator Report:  Evens was not in attendance.

Planning Commission Report:  There will be a public hearing next month concerning the height of buildings.  They are working on a stand-alone ordinance for burned out buildings or abandoned buildings.

Forest Project:  April 8 they had a meeting and considered logging or a D.N.R. grant.  There also is a possibility of acquiring additional swampland.  There was a motion by VanderMeulen, supported by Folkema to go ahead with the grant process.  All ayes.  Motion carried.  The grant they will work on is due April 1, 2005.  The next meeting is May 19, 2004 at 8:00 PM.  4H will make a sign from posts and plywood donated by VanderMeulen.

Public Comment:  8:10PM.

Old Business:

1.      Property Line:  VanderMeulen made a motion, supported by Patin that the township received a formal letter requesting a change of the line.    Patin felt that the Ensley Baptist Church and Ellick should be allowed to use property.  Folkema suggested that Ellick have their own survey done with their deed and compare the two surveys. All ayes.  Motion carried.

2.      E.S.& G.:  The township has not received a reclamation plan.  It was to be received by May 1.  The attorney recommended waiting until May 15.

3.      Wild and Vicious Animal Ordinance:  There was a motion to approve the ordinance by Bergman, supported by Folkema.  Roll call vote: Folkema, VanderMeulen, Patin, Harwood, and Bergman all voted aye.  Motion passed.

New Business: 

1.      Internet-Clerk:  Harwood explained the need for the township computer to have Internet.  She also explained how the township books are being upgraded to an internet server.  There was a motion by Folkema, supported by VanderMeulen for the clerk to get wireless Internet service and the township and clerk will each pay half.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

2.      Poling Place:  There was a motion by Harwood, supported by Folkema to hold the election at the fire barn.  All ayes.  Motion passed

3.      Public Safety Millage:  There was discussion as to whether the board should ask for one mill for public safety at the August election.  Folkema suggested that if we do, we should ask for ˝ mill for fire and ˝ mill for police.  After further talk, it was decided to wait and discuss later.

4.      Police Contract:  The contract was presented as “with Tahoe” and “without Tahoe.”  The cost difference is about $4,000.00.  A Tahoe would not need to be replaced, as often (three or four years vs. two years) so there could be a cost savings.  There was a motion by Harwood, supported by VanderMeulen to accept the contract with the Tahoe.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

Bills:  Checks #9257-9287 were used totaling $64,613.19.  General Operating Fund $12,473.91, Building Inspection Fund $2,139.28, and Road Fund $50,000.00.  Motion to pay bills by Patin, supported by.  All ayes, motion carried.

Public Comment:  9:00 – 9:15PM

Correspondence: 

Motion to adjourn at 9:20 PM by Patin, supported by VanderMeulen.

Respectfully submitted by,

Cynthia Harwood, Clerk

________________________

Richard Bergman, Supervisor

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