The regular meeting of the Ensley Township Board was called to order by Clerk Harwood at 8:00 PM.  The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and a prayer.  Board members present were Cynthia Harwood, Faye Folkema, Steve Knox, and John VanderMeulen.  Supervisor Richard Bergman was absent, his deputy, Tim Bergman was present.  There were 12 guests.

In the absence of the supervisor, there was a motion by Harwood/Knox to have VanderMeulen to act as chairperson.  All affirmed.

Minutes of Previous Meeting:  The minutes were approved without objection with correction on spelling of Knox.

Treasurer’s Report: 

            General                         $235,858.25

            Checking                             4,987.37

            Roads                                49,733.44

            CD#1 General                  30,000.00

            Total                              $320,579.06

Receipts # 4341-4360 were used totaling $6,469.04.  The treasurer’s report was approved without objection.

Police Report:  Deputy Wade had 11 complaints, 9 citations, 13 warnings, 4 property checks, and 1 traffic accident for the month of October.

Building Inspector:  There were eight building permits and three electrical permits for the month.  There was a motion by Folkema/Harwood to go with the sign and add Crime Watch and get two (2) placards to hang for $530.00.  It will be beige with black letters.  Four ayes.  Motion carried.

Planning Commission:  They received the analysis of the master plan survey and received paperwork to read and study.  Their meeting was basically an informational one. 

Zoning Administrator:   Inspections were done on all three gravel pits.  Knox/Harwood made a motion to reimburse 1/3 expenses for the MTA Convention in Detroit.  All ayes.  Motion carried.  Brother fax/printer needs repair.  Doug will check on a new printer and fax.

County Commissioner:  He was not in attendance.

Assessor Report:  Rosenzweig reported on what he has been working on and what still needs to be done.

Zoning Board of Appeals:  The ZBA did not grant a height variance for the property at 8818 Oak Drive, but they did allow the 28 by 28 accessory building.  They also heard a request from 12310 S Tamarack Ave.  The variance was granted for the 12 by 18 addition to her house. 

Public Comment:  8:38p.m.

Unfinished Business:

1.       Old Computers:  The 4H did get one of the computers.  The cemetery associations did not seem interested.  Clerk will check with 4H to see if they are interested in another one and the Baptist Church may want the other. 

2.       Internet Tower:  Casair Internet had a representative (Scott Powell) to discuss putting up a tower on the township property.  They will do a test to see how high a tower would be needed at the fire barn.  He will come back next month with his findings.

3.       Township Hall Signage:  Done with building inspector report.

4.       Press Release Adoption:  There was a motion by Harwood/VanderMeulen to adopt the press release that the Times Indicator would not print.  Folkema abstained from voting.  3 ayes.  Motion carried.

ENSLEY TOWNSHIP-PRESS RELEASE October 6, 2006

On February 9, 2004, a Consent Judgment was entered by the Newaygo County Circuit Court in the case of Ensley Sand & Gravel, Inc v Ensley Township (Case No. 02‑18390-CZ-M).  It is the Township’s position that Ensley Sand & Gravel, Inc. has not fully complied with the Consent Judgment.  The Township Board for Ensley Township has not yet decided whether or not it will agree to any changes in the Consent Judgment or modifications thereto.  To the extent that the Township Supervisor or any other Township official has discussed the Consent Judgment or any portion thereof, that represents their own personal opinion and is not the position of the Township Board.  Only by action of the Township Board can the Consent Judgment be modified in conjunction with the approval of any such modification by Ensley Sand & Gravel and the Newaygo County Circuit Court.

New Business:

1.         Snow Plow Bids:   Three bids were received: 

Heckman & Son Lawn Care & Snowplowing               $35.00 per plow

Ponds Plus                                                                         $75.00 per plow

Frey’s Landcare & Snowplowing                                   $65.00 per push

There was a motion by Folkema/Harwood to go with Heckman unless it doesn’t include the town hall.  If not we will go with Frey.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

2.         Fire Barn Roof:  The roof has always leaked around the chimney.  Motion by Folkema/VanderMeulen to call and get it fixed.  If the cost is over $300.00, the board needs to be notified.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

The overhead door nearest the entrance has a problem and only goes up manually because of an electrical problem that was supposed to have been repaired.  VanderMeulen knows the owner and will call Environmental Door to fix.

3.         Board Appointments:  Clerk will put add in River Valley.  Folkema/Knox made a motion to annually advertise for the positions that need appointing.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

4.         Gravel Pit inspections:    Barber Creek license and permits need to be renewed.  Halliday Sand & Gravel needs to renew the proper permits.  The McMichael property has been fully reclaimed.  Ensley Sand & Gravel was inspected with the stipulations of the consent judgment in mind.  Folkema left the table for further discussion.  The mined and disturbed areas have not been covered with four inches of topsoil and fully seeded with grass (this is approximately 40 acres.)  There was a motion by Harwood/VanderMeulen to have Mr. Hall enforce the four (4) inches of topsoil per the consent judgment and he will get the definition of topsoil and get help if he needs it.  Two (2) ayes (Harwood, VanderMeulen) one (1) nay (Knox).  Motion passed.

Bills:  Checks #10334-10374 were used totaling $50,043.71.  There was $47,154.98 from the general fund (including 443.19 from escrow) and $2,888.73 from the building inspection fund.  There was a motion by Harwood/Folkema to pay the bills.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

Correspondence:   Road Commission meeting is December 7 at 2:00 p.m.  There was a motion by Folkema/Harwood to pay the trustees ½ per diem plus mileage.  The other board members get mileage.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

Public Comment:  10:25 to 10:30 PM. 

Adjourn:  There was a motion at 10:30PM.

Submitted by,

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