The regular meeting of the Ensley Township Board was called to order by Supervisor Bergman at 8:00 PM.  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, Steve Knox, and John VanderMeulen.  There were 12 guests.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting:  The minutes of September 5, 2006 were approved without objection. 

Treasurer’s Report: 

            General                         $250,803.32

            Checking                            4,982.00

            Roads                            102,002.90

            CD#1 General                   30,000.00

            Total                             $387,788.22

Receipts #4309-4340 were used totaling $38,979.21.  The treasurer’s report was approved without objection.

Police Report:  There were 8 complaints, 12 citations, 19 warnings, 7 property checks, 2 traffic accidents, and 1 motorist assists.

Building Inspector:  There were 4 building permits and 4 electrical permits.

Planning Commission:  The PC is currently working on a land division ordinance, home occupations, the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, and the Master Plan Survey.  There was a motion by VanderMeulen, Folkema to have LSL prepare a written analysis of the results, with appropriate graphics.  4 ayes, 1 nay (Knox) -- Motion passed.   There was a motion by VanderMeulen/Harwood to remove “and shall have not less than a twelve (12) inch overhang” from Section 3.25 Minimum requirements for dwellings outside manufactured home parks.  All ayes.  Motion carried.  VanderMeulen/Harwood made a motion to approve Section 3.40 Land Divisions and Subdivisions, 3.35C, 3.42 Internal Access Required, 3.43 Underground Utilities, 3.44 Community Propane Tank and Distribution System, 3.45 Clearing of Land. and 3.46 Large Scale Residential Developments, also 15.05 Certain Residential Developments as Planned Unit Developments and under General Definitions - Section 2.03 Certain Residential Developments as Planned Unit Developments.  There were 4 ayes, 1 nay (Knox) Motion passed.

Zoning Administrator:  There were 5 zoning compliances given.  Inspections will be done at R & C Redi-Mix, Barber Creek Sand & Gravel & Halliday Sand & Gravel. 

County Commissioner:  Dan Powell reported on what the county had been doing.

Assessor Report:  It had been noted that the new assessor has had to do a lot of extra work.  There was a motion by Folkema/Harwood to pay the assessor for two (2) extra payments.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

Public Comment:  8:58-9:12 PM

Unfinished Business:

1.      Tree Damage Protocol:  The Cemetery Ordinance in Section 11F calls for “The Cemetery Sexton shall have the right and authority to remove and dispose of any and all growth, emblems, displays or containers thereof that through decay, deterioration or damage are determined to be unsightly, or a source of litter or a maintenance problem.  In Section 11D “The Township Board reserves the right to authorize the removal or the trimming of any tree, plant or shrub located within the cemetery in the interest of maintaining proper appearance and the use of the cemeteries.  Motion by Knox/VanderMeulen that the sexton is in charge of the cemeteries and he clears the tree damage and if he cannot, then the Board gets an insured business to clean up.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

2.      Old Computers:  The three computers will be offered to the 4H, and the two cemetery associations.  This was a motion by Bergman/Knox.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

3.      Internet Tower:  The Casair representative was not in attendance.  This item is postponed until the November meeting.

4.      ES&G Consent Judgment:  Bergman will get a retraction in the Times Indicator on the Bergman/Oppenhuizen interview.  The township has not given final approval to a complete compliance with the consent judgment and the pit is not available for new uses.  The Zoning Administrator will check the slopes, depth of top soil, and look for erosion problems. 

5.      Township Hall Signage:  There was a motion by Harwood/Knox to discuss this next month.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

New Business:

1.      Snow Plowing:  Knox/Folkema made a motion to advertise the same as last year in the River Valley.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

2.      Election Inspectors:  Harwood recommended:  Kimi Hackbardt, Yvonne Jordan,  Pat Patin, JoAnne VandenBerg, Gerry Pratt, Mary Hyrns, Joyce Hosmer, and Pearl Byers.  All affirmed.

3.      Electric at Park:  The underground electric is not working at the park.  Motion by Bergman/Harwood to have Platz Electric do the work and use underground conduit.  All ayes.  Motion carried.

4.      Site Condos:  Done with Planning Commission.

Bills:  Checks #10301-10333 were used totaling $74,453.85.  $17,658.39 was from the General Operating Fund (including $775.65 escrow), $54,064.65 from the Road Fund, and $2,730.81 from the Building Inspection Fund.  There was a motion by Folkema, supported by VanderMeulen to pay the bills.  All affirmed.

Correspondence: 

Public Comment:  10:23 to 10:35 PM  Knox/Folkema made a motion to allow Ellicks to put on and take off the US flags at their convenience.  All affirmed.

Adjourn:  There was a motion to adjourn at 10:36 PM.

Submitted by,