Delhi Charter Township Board of Trustees Minutes

The Delhi Charter Township Board met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 4, 2005 in the Multipurpose Room at the Community Services Center, 2074 Aurelius Road, Holt, Michigan. Supervisor Goodrich called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

Members Present: Supervisor Stuart Goodrich, Clerk Evan Hope, Trustees John Hayhoe, Terri Jenks, Jerry Ketchum, Paul Krepps

Members Absent: Treasurer Harry Ammon

Others Present:
John Elsinga, Twp. Mgr.
Robert Scheuerman, P. E., Twp. Engineer
Jason Coker, Dir. of Accounting
Larry Woodard, Superintendent of Maintenance
Sandra Diorka, POTW Superintendent
Pete Stoughton, Assistant Planner
Wendy Thielen, Assistant Twp. Mgr. of Human Resources
Tricia Vander Ploeg, Administrative Sec’y./Deputy Supervisor
Barbara Prater, Assistant Twp. Clerk

A Voice Poll was recorded as follows: All Ayes
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

General Fund	$ 87,741.65
Parks & Recreation Fund	10,167.36
DDA	4,254.09
Subtotal Common Savings	$102,163.10
Sewer Fund/Receiving	40,036.65
Total Payroll	$142,199.75

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE – DECEMBER 21, 2004

General Fund	$209,193.16
Parks & Recreation Fund	5,463.88
Fire Equip. & Apparatus Fund	233.90
Water Improvement Fund	1,556.00
Brownfield Redevelopment Fund	122.19
Trust & Agency Fund	550.00
DDA/Sheriff’s Office Building Construction	1,784.17
Downtown Development Authority	4,728.52
Subtotal Common Savings	$223,631.82
Subtotal Sewer Fund Receiving	333,521.93
Grand Total	$557,153.75
Includes the following to be reimbursed from separate bank accounts:
DDA Savings Account	$ 6,512.69
Sewer 2003 Capital Construction For:
Holt/Waverly Pump Station	$ 1,097.96
West Town Drain	$ 59,645.06
Sewer 2002 Capital Construction For:
Outfall Line	$ 99,250.26

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps, Goodrich
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

Don Holley, 5115 Killarney Dr. – expressed concern about the lack of response that he has received from his correspondence relative to drainage issues affecting property in Glenmoor Manor and English Meadows Subdivisions. Mr. Holley referred to the letter dated 11/28/04 that he sent to Patrick Lindemann, Ingham County Drain Commissioner, Richard Greiner and the Township regarding these drainage issues.

Terry Esler, 5103 Killarney Drive – expressed concern about the drainage issues affecting property in Glenmoor Manor and English Meadows Subdivisions. Mr. Esler spoke about his conversations with Paul Pratt of the Ingham County Drain Commissioner’s Office who visited the site and with Mr. Greiner. Mr. Esler expressed concern that the ICDC is not following their own regulations. Mr. Esler further commented that the last time he had conversation with the ICDC office, they indicated that they have a solution to the drainage problem by doing some grading and gently run the water into the pond, but it could not be done until spring 2005. Mr. Esler also expressed concern that the ICDC is not using the drain that is already constructed on the property.

Supervisor Goodrich commented that drainage issues fall under the jurisdiction of the Ingham County Drain Commissioner, but that the Township would follow-up on these drainage issues.

ANNUAL SALARY FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT (MANAGER) OF DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated December 29, 2004 from Supervisor Stuart Goodrich and an E-mail dated 12/6/04 from Stacy Waters, ICMA (ATTACHMENT I).

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Hope, Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps, Goodrich, Hayhoe
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

PUBLIC OWNED TREATMENT WORKS (POTW) CHIEF PLANT OPERATOR POSITION

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated December 29, 2004 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga (ATTACHMENT II).

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps, Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

PART-TIME SECRETARY – MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated December 29, 2004 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga (ATTACHMENT III).

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Ketchum, Krepps, Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

PURCHASE OF TWO VEHICLES, PUBLICLY OWNED TREATMENT PLANT (POTW) AND MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated December 29, 2004 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga (ATTACHMENT IV).

Supervisor Goodrich expressed concern about purchasing two new trucks because of the number of plow vehicles in the Township’s current fleet of vehicles, and he commented that he believes that some of the work could be contracted out. He also expressed concern about purchasing a new truck and putting a lift gate on it to haul chemicals, and he mentioned that the cost of the truck does not include the plow unit or lights. Supervisor Goodrich further commented that the Township has various departments with tractor/plow vehicles which could share the use of those vehicles. Therefore, Supervisor Goodrich commented that he would like this agenda item sent back to the Township Manager’s office for further review. Trustees Krepps and Hayhoe concurred with Supervisor Goodrich’s comments. Clerk Hope commented that he is not sure about subcontracting work, but he does agree that the Township should re-evaluate how it is purchasing its vehicles. Clerk Hope commented that he likes the fact that the purchase of two vehicles was brought to the Board at one time instead of spreading the purchases out throughout the year.

Trustee Ketchum recommended that whenever a truck/plow is being considered for purchase, that the price of the total package should be provided when it comes before the Township Board for consideration.

Motion Withdrawn
Trustee Ketchum withdrew his motion to purchase two Ford F-250 Super Duty Trucks and Clerk Hope withdrew his second.

Twp. Mgr. Elsinga commented that staff would look at the total resources and assets that the Township has and start using them across the board, in addition to looking at the consideration of contracting out services.

UTILITY AGREEMENT FOR SANITARY SEWER BETWEEN DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP AND CENTENNIAL LAND, LLC

The Board reviewed memorandums dated December 28, 2004 from Twp. Mgr.
Elsinga and October 18, 2004 from Robert Scheuerman, P. E., Twp. Engineer (ATTACHMENT V).

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

PURCHASE 1989 MODEL 600 TYMCO STREET SWEEPER – MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

The Board reviewed memorandums dated December 29, 2004 from Twp. Mgr.
Elsinga and December 10, 2004 from Terry Powers, Maintenance Supervisor (ATTACHMENT VI).

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Hope, Ketchum, Krepps, Goodrich
Nays: Hayhoe, Jenks
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

PROPOSAL FOR A FACILITY EMERGENCY PLAN FOR THE PUBLICLY OWNED TREATMENT WORKS (POTW) – COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES,
LLC (CEMA)

The Board reviewed memorandums dated December 29, 2004 from Twp. Mgr.
Elsinga and December 8, 2004 from Sandra Diorka, POTW Superintendent (ATTACHMENT VII).

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Hope, Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps, Goodrich, Hayhoe
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER BALANCE FROM WATER DISTRICT 51 (M-99 TO WAVERLY ROAD) TO WATER IMPROVEMENT FUND

The Board reviewed memorandums dated December 28, 2004 from Treasurer Ammon and November 19, 2004 from Jason Coker, Dir. of Accounting (ATTACHMENT VIII).

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps, Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF ZONE, CASE NO. 04-769, 4300 BLOCK OF WILLOUGHBY ROAD, TAX PARCEL #33-25-05-11-376-011, MITCHELL FANNON, R-1C, ONE-FAMILY MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, TO RM, MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION

The Board reviewed the recommendation of the Planning Commission.

Clerk Hope commented that the property abuts the Glens of Willoughby Condominiums to the east, the Dells Subdivision to the north and Cedar Heights Subdivision to the west. The proposed rezoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Development Plan.

Pete Stoughton, Assistant Planner, commented that the proposed rezoning is consistent with the Future Land Use Map and the Planning Commission approved the rezoning.

Richard Cooley, Landscape Architect & Planner, commented that the developers intend to build affordable owner-occupied condominium homes at a cost ranging from less than $100,000 up to $130,000+. The site plan has not been finalized. If the RM zoning request were approved, then they would be following up with an application for a Special Use Permit to authorize more than six units per acre. There is plenty of space on the property for adequate buffers and to create transitions into the existing subdivisions. Mr. Cooley further commented that a traffic study would be provided to go along with their Special Use Permit request, because there are some concerns regarding traffic along Willoughby Road.

Mr. Cooley answered various questions regarding traffic issues, ingress/egress, and connecting roads. Trustee Ketchum spoke about traffic concerns and he commented that he is not in favor of high-density zoning.

Supervisor Goodrich reported that the Township is in receipt of three letters (on file in Clerk’s Office) relative to this proposed rezoning request. Two letters of opposition were received from Judith Hocking, 4365 Willoughby Rd., and Andrew Palmer, 4367 Keelson Dr. and a third letter was received from Ed MacKenzie, President, E. T. MacKenzie Co. complimenting the Petitioner, Mr. Fannon’ quality of work.

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Krepps, Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks
Nays: Ketchum
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF ZONE, CASE NO. 04-774, 2129 AND 2137 AURELIUS ROAD, TAX PARCEL #33-25-05-15-479-005 AND #33-25-05-15-479-006, LAURIE HOLLINGER, R-1D, ONE AND TWO FAMILY HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AND C-2, GENERAL BUSINESS, TO TC, TOWN CENTER, INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION

The Board reviewed the recommendation of the Planning Commission.

Clerk Hope commented that this rezoning requests involves two parcels. Currently there is an insurance office located to the south. The applicants want to expand their parking in the backyard for their business next door and to allow the house itself to be rented for residential use, which is allowed within the Town Center zoning.

Pete Stoughton, Assistant Planner, commented that the applicant did not have enough parking so they purchased the house next door. By rezoning the property to Town Center the applicant doesn’t need to tear the house down to provide the additional parking.

Pat Brown, Brown Management, commented that he owns the two properties.

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Krepps, Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks, Ketchum
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF ZONE, CASE NO. 04-775, 2121 PHILLIPS AVENUE, TAX PARCEL #33-25-05-15-434-001, MARK PREMER, RM-1, MULTIPLE FAMILY, TO R-1D, ONE AND TWO FAMILY HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION

The Board reviewed the recommendation of the Planning Commission.

Clerk Hope commented that the applicant is constructing a duplex on the site that meets the setback requirements for both RM and R-1D zoning. The property is currently zoned RM-1, which is no longer an available zoning district. The R-1D zoning would be consistent with the surrounding developments and Future Land Use Map.

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39, CASE NO. 04-770, ADDITION OF ANIMAL DAYCARE TO USES PERMITTED BY SPECIAL USE PERMIT, INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION
The Board reviewed the recommendation of the Planning Commission.

Pete Stoughton, Assistant Planner, commented that animal daycare is a difficult issue, because of the potential for a noise problem that would affect the adjacent businesses and there is also control issues due to the number of animals. Therefore, it was determined that the only way to properly protect the Township and adjacent uses is keep it as a Special Use Permit so that the Township could look at each individual building or site and the surrounding uses and through the Special Use Permit process require any necessary buffering, setbacks, etc.

Trustee Ketchum asked why there are specific conditions addressing dogs and not for cats, birds, etc. Mr. Stoughton responded that staff’s research indicated that the ratio of attendance to dogs was more important than anything else. Cats normally are not brought to an animal daycare facility, because if they are left with food and water they do well by themselves.

Trustee Ketchum expressed concern about the word “shall” in Section 5.9.4, 5), 9), which reads Hours of operation shall be 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Amended Motion

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps, Goodrich
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

Roll Call Vote on Main Motion
A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps Goodrich
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

Main Motion Now Reads

Pete Stoughton, Assistant Planner, commented that the text change requires a landscape buffer in RM Districts when adjacent to any residential property.

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Hope, Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps, Goodrich, Hayhoe
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39, CASE NO. 04-772, VARIANCE EXTENSIONS, INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION

The Board reviewed the recommendation of the Planning Commission.

Pete Stoughton, Assistant Planner, commented that currently a variance expires after six months if construction has not commenced. This proposed amendment change would allow the Director of Community Development to grant two six-month extensions.

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps, Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39, CASE NO. 04-773, SIGNS IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION

The Board reviewed the recommendation of the Planning Commission.

Pete Stoughton, Assistant Planner, commented that this proposed change would allow one subdivision sign at each entrance, and that the intent is to allow the developer to advertise their development.

Supervisor Goodrich asked if two subdivision signs would be allowed if there are two entrances into a subdivision, and Mr. Stoughton responded that his personal interpretation is that a sign at two entrances was not the intent of the ordinance. Mr. Stoughton commented that when a business has frontage on two streets, a subdivision sign is allowed on both streets, but that the ordinance always reads in terms of the single sign. Supervisor Goodrich asked if the Township would have some type of control over the number of signs and he also asked if two signs would be permitted if when a subdivision has two separate entrances. Mr. Stoughton commented that it makes sense to have to separate signs; however, he recommended that a qualifier be included. Trustee Krepps asked about subdivisions that may have three streets coming out onto a road, could each street have a subdivision sign, and Mr. Stoughton responded that it would probably be interpreted as such. Mr. Stoughton commented that it may be easier just to send this zoning case back to the Planning Commission for further review of the language.

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Ketchum, Krepps, Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39, CASE NO. 04-776, PARKING SPACE RATIOS, INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION

The Board reviewed the recommendation of the Planning Commission.

Pete Stoughton, Assistant Planner, commented that the proposed text amendment purpose is to create a specific designation for pet businesses in the Parking Ratio Section of the Zoning Ordinance.

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Krepps, Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks, Ketchum
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO RESOLUTION NO. 2003-052, FY 2004 GENERAL FUND BUDGET

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated January 3, 2005 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga (ATTACHMENT IX).

Jason Coker, Dir. of Accounting, commented that this proposed amendment to Resolution No. 2003-052 is a result of the acquisition of the Fred Schaefer property that was recently purchased (12/15/04), which was not anticipated to close before the end of the year.

Total revenues increased $79,000 from acknowledging the reimbursement from the Fire Equipment, Training and Apparatus Fund Budget to defray some of the Fire Department employee training costs. Total expenses also increased $79,000 to pay for the two lots acquired from Fred Schaefer.

A Roll Call Vote was recorded as follows:
Ayes: Goodrich, Hayhoe, Hope, Jenks, Ketchum, Krepps
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

SUPERVISOR GOODRICH

FEBRUARY1, 2005 TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETINGS CANCELLED

The February 1, 2005 Township Board and Committee of the Whole – Public Administration meetings are cancelled.

AMANDA LEITCH, HOLT COMMUNITY NEWS STAFF WRITER WINS AWARD

Amanda Leitch, Holt Community News Staff Writer, was recently awarded Editorial Employee of the Year by Lansing Community Newspapers.

CATA - NEW BUS ROUTE

A new CATA bus route in Delhi Twp. will provide service to businesses and residents along Holt, Washington, Willoughby, Keller, Depot and Delhi NE Roads beginning Monday, January 10, 2005. This route will be the “Route 19-Delhi Loop and will serve destinations such as Tamarack Apartments, Holt Plaza, Holt 9th Grade Campus and High School, Great Lakes Homes, Lutheran Heritage Village and Cedar Park Shopping Center (Service will operate weekday mornings from 6:30 a.m. until 8:35 a.m. and afternoons from 3:05 p.m. until 4:50 p.m.).

CATA currently provides three other established routes Route 7-Aurelius, Route 8-Pennsylvania/Holt, and Delhi Redi-Ride. Service changes on Route 7-Aurelius (effective Monday, Jan. 10th) will have buses traveling south of Jolly Rd. along Dunckel, Legacy Parkway, Belle Chase and Pine Tree Rd.

“THE TOOLBOX” MAGAZINE

Supervisor Goodrich reported on an article, “Lansing Area Housing Starts”, which includes Delhi Township, that appeared in the January 2005 edition of the “The Toolbox” Magazine, a monthly publication of the Greater Lansing Home Builders Association. This article indicated that Delhi Twp. ranked second with a 34% increase in housing starts between 2003 and 2004. Meridian Twp. ranked first with a 431% increase for the same period. Another article from this magazine asked about the best all around hassle-free place to build and Delhi Twp., Bath Twp. and DeWitt ranked No. 1. Grand Ledge ranked No. 2.

CLERK HOPE

NEW DELHI TOWNSHIP WEBSITE

Clerk Hope reported that he has completely revised the Township’s web site (wwwdelhitownship.com.) which went up last week; therefore, the New Year started out with a new web site.

TRUSTEES

HAYHOE

HIRING OF EMPLOYEES

Trustee Hayhoe referred to the Board acting on a approving a new position earlier in this meeting, and he commented that he probably would not be voting in favor of hiring very many more employees unless there is a good reason for hiring them, because he believes that there are enough people currently working in the Township.

SPECIAL TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING RE: NATIONAL CITIZENS SURVEY

Trustee Hayhoe asked about the meeting to discuss another National Citizens Survey. Supervisor Goodrich responded that a Special Twp. Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 for the purpose of discussing whether or not to implement a National Citizens Survey in 2005.

TOWNSHIP MANAGER ELSINGA

DECEMBER 2004 REPORT

The Board reviewed Twp. Mgr. Elsinga’s December 2004 Report (ATTACHMENT X).

The report includes updates on Cedar Lake, Ingham County Road Commission re: snow plowing of subdivision streets, new sewage pump station and interceptor sewer at the southeast corner of Holt and Waverly Roads, status of the Director of Community Development Position, closing on the purchase of the Fred Schaefer property located at the end of West Blvd., status of the redesign of the vacated Police Department space at the Community Services Center Building, and the status of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Needs Assessment for Delhi Twp.

Additions to Twp. Mgr. Elsinga’s December 2004 Report:

Lt. Jeff Cook replaces Lt. Cindy Martin, Delhi Division, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office
Lt. Jeff Cook was scheduled to replace Lt. Cindy Martin, Delhi Division, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, in February 2005, but Lt. Martin received a broken wrist from a sledding accident; therefore, the replacement became effective on January 3, 2005.

Acknowledgement to Township Board

Twp. Mgr. Elsinga expressed his appreciation to the Township Board for his recent salary increase and he commented that it has always been and will continue to be a pleasure to work for Delhi Township.

A Voice Poll was recorded as follows: All Ayes
Absent: Ammon
MOTION CARRIED

Meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.