Delhi Charter Township Board of Trustees Minutes

The Delhi Charter Township Board met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 in the Multipurpose Room at the Community Services Center, 2074 Aurelius Road, Holt, Michigan. Supervisor Goodrich called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ROLL CALL

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

Others Present:
John Elsinga, Twp. Mgr.
Larry Woodard, Superintendent of Maint./Safety Coord.
Rick Royston, Fire Chief
Sandra Diorka, POTW Superintendent
Tracy Carney-Miller, Dir. of Community Development
Wendy Thielen, Assist. Twp. Mgr. of Human Resources
Tricia Vander Ploeg, Administrative Sec’y./Deputy Supervisor
Amy Finch, Assistant Twp. Clerk/Deputy Clerk

MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING – JULY 19, 2005

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

MINUTES OF REGULAR TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING – JULY 19, 2005

Voice Poll Vote on the Amended Motion
A Voice Poll was recorded as follows: All Ayes
MOTION CARRIED

Voice Poll Vote on the Main Motion
A Voice Poll was recorded as follows: All Ayes
MOTION CARRIED

Amended Motion now reads:

General Fund	$55,391.18
Parks & Recreation Fund	12,808.01
Fire Equipment Fund	434.07
Downtown Development Fund	899.06
Community Development Fund	2,089.91
Trust & Agency Fund	5,357.79
Subtotal Common Savings	76,980.02
Subtotal Sewer Fund Receiving	23,084.67
Grand Total	$100,064.69
Includes the following to be reimbursed from separate bank accounts:
DDA Savings Account	$ 899.06

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

PAYROLL – JULY 28, 2005

General Fund	$ 67,871.19
Parks & Recreation Fund	22,079.05
DDA	4,280.33
Community Development Fund	14,326.36
Subtotal Common Savings	108,556.93
Sewer Fund/Receiving	44,262.53
Total Payroll	$152,819.46

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

2004 ANNUAL REPORT – MAINTENANCE/SAFETY DEPARTMENT

Larry Woodard, Superintendent of Maintenance/Safety Coordinator, gave his 2004 Annual Maintenance/Safety Department Report (ATTACHMENT I).

DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated July 26, 2005 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga (ATTACHMENT II).

Twp. Mgr. Elsinga reported that the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) approved the DDA Executive Director’s employment agreement at their July 26, 2005 Board meeting.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2005-021 – REGIONAL APPROACH TO PROVIDING EMS/FIRE SERVICES

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated July 28, 2005 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga (ATTACHMENT III).

Chief Royston stated that by adopting this resolution it is showing the support of the Board of Delhi Charter Township in examining different methods in which the Township can participate regionally with other fire departments to save costs in the long run.

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

AGREEMENT FOR ACCESS TO PROPERTY AND INDEMNITY BETWEEN DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP AND D. J. GOFF

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated July 28, 2005 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga (ATTACHMENT IV).

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

AGREEMENT FOR ACCESS TO PROPERTY AND INDEMNITY BETWEEN DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP AND PAUL ROBBINS

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated July 28, 2005 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga (ATTACHMENT V).

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

AGREEMENT FOR ACCESS TO PROPERTY AND INDEMNITY BETWEEN DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP AND WALKER TRUCKING COMPANY AND VALERIE WALKER

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated July 28, 2005 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga (ATTACHMENT VI).

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

AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER BALANCE FROM WATER DISTRICT #63 (LAMOREAUX #3) TO WATER IMPROVEMENT FUND

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated July 26, 2005 from Treasurer Harry Ammon (ATTACHMENT VII).

Treasurer Ammon reported that the bonds and bills have been paid on these accounts, and the remainder is less than 5% so it can be put back into the Water Improvement Fund.

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

AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER BALANCE FROM WATER DISTRICT #66 (DELL/LAMOREAUX/COLLEGE/WILLOUGHBY) TO WATER IMPROVEMENT FUND

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated July 26, 2005 from Treasurer Harry Ammon (ATTACHMENT VIII).

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

AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER BALANCE FROM SOUTH WASHINGTON/HIGGINS SANITARY SEWER SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DEBT SERVICE FUND TO THE SEWER SURPLUS FUND

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated July 26, 2005 from Treasurer Harry Ammon (ATTACHMENT IX).

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2005-020 – NINETY (90) DAY MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS UNDER ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39, 6.9.9A – BUSINESS EVENT SIGNS

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated July 27, 2005 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga (ATTACHMENT X).

Tracy Carney-Miller, Dir. Of Community Development, reported that this section (6.9.9A) of the Zoning Ordinance was approved in May 2005 with an August 1, 2005 effective date. A part of this section pertains to business event signs. The concept of this section is to provide temporary sign usage to businesses for a short-term basis. There was significant discussion by the Sign Committee on how this process of allowing temporary signs would be handled. Ms. Miller stated that the Ordinance does not completely provide the necessary language to implement this program. Ms. Miller stated that the Ordinance currently provides general discussion of the square footage of the sign, the height of the sign, that a permit would be required, and that the sign would be allowed on display for fifteen (15) days. It does not address some detailed items of a temporary sign program. Ms. Miller has had discussion with her staff, members of the community, the members of the Sign Committee, the Planning Commission and the DDA Board and she feels that there is some disjoint about what was originally envisioned with this section of the Ordinance. Ms. Miller would like to schedule a meeting with the Sign Committee and invite some of the DDA Board members to decide where the community intent was with the business event signs and then make the amendments to support the intent. Ms. Miller felt a moratorium was the best approach to take while correcting the Ordinance.

Trustee Krepps questioned what kind of egregious sign was envisioned to be allowed under this section that would be detrimental to the community. Ms. Miller responded that the Ordinance currently reads that a 3’ tall x 8’ long sign with display on both sides to be located within 10’ from the road right of way is allowed. The Ordinance does not state placement of the sign in regards to maintaining vision or where businesses can obtain these signs.

Trustee Krepps stated that he would like to see the ninety (90) day moratorium changed to possibly 30 days. Supervisor Goodrich stated that he was not certain if the amendment could be accomplished in 30 days, Ms. Miller concurred.

Trustee Ketchum stated, in his opinion, he did not agree with a moratorium, stating that he felt the Township should allow the business owners to place temporary signs as outlined in this Ordinance while the section is being revisited.

Clerk Hope stated that he does not disagree with Trustee Krepps and Trustee Ketchum however, he feels that the Board needs to clarify this section before it is implemented thus eliminating the need to take rights previously given to businesses away for them.

Trustee Hayhoe stated that he also agrees with Trustee Krepps and Trustee Ketchum.

Supervisor Goodrich stated that the DDA Board suggested a way to police temporary signs by allowing sign companies to supply uniform signs to the businesses, and making it the sign company’s responsibility to provide correct sizes, placement and removal of the signs.

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

PETITION FOR CHANGE OF ZONE – CASE NO. 05-786 – 2002 N. CEDAR STREET – TAX PARCEL #33-25-05-14-382-010 – C-2, GENERAL BUSINESS TO TC, TOWN CENTER, INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION

The Board reviewed the recommendation from the Planning Commission.

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

FINAL PLAT – THE DELLS NO. 2

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated July 14, 2005 from Dena Fitzgerald, Secretary, Community Development (ATTACHMENT XI).

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

SUPERVISOR GOODRICH

PINE TREE ROAD BRIDGE

Supervisor Goodrich reported that the bids for the Pine Tree Road Bridge would be let on Monday, August 8, 2005. After the bids are let, it will take approximately one month for any action to take place. The bridge will be a suspended box beam bridge. Actual construction will begin sometime in September 2005.

LETTER RECEIVED FROM ROBERT SCHEUERMAN

Supervisor Goodrich asked the Board members if they each received a letter from Robert Scheuerman and asked if there was anything the Board would like to do differently then what was previously done. It was the unanimous consensus of the Board to not make any changes.

L & L SHOP RITE FUND RAISER

Supervisor Goodrich informed the Board that L & L Shop Rite would be holding a fundraiser cookout on August 6, 2005 with proceeds to go towards the new Bike and Skate Park.

KIWANIS CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE

Supervisor Goodrich also informed the Board that the Holt Kiwanis would be holding its annual Chicken Bar-B-Que on August 5, 2005.

TREASURER AMMON

2nd QUARTER 2005 INVESTMENT REPORT

Treasurer Ammon gave his 2nd Quarter Investment Report (ATTACHMENT XII).

ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING – AUGUST 2, 2005

Treasurer Ammon reported on the Administrative Review Committee meeting held on August 2, 2005. The Committee heard a case of a resident that lives on Pine Tree Road. The residence had a back up sump pump that ran off water pressure. The pump was not hooked to a well but rather to the water system, which is how sewer usage is judged. The resident received a bill of $857.80. The Committee agreed to reduce his bill to its usual amount of $32.90 after a new primary pump was installed and an inspection was made showing that no water was going into the Township sewer system.

TOWNSHIP MANAGER ELSINGA

MONTHLY REPORT – JULY

Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that he would give a formal report of July 2005 at the next Board meeting.

MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL MANAGER’S CONFERENCE

Twp. Mgr. Elsinga attended the Michigan Municipal Manager’s Conference, which he stated was an excellent three (3) day conference. Twp. Mgr. Elsinga also stated that he attended the Strategic Planning Committee meeting for the Capital Area District Library (CADL). The entire CADL districts were represented at this meeting. The number one desire of the districts was a community center to help with a sense of place that could incorporate a library. Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that suburbia has a hard time identifying a sense of place. Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that at a luncheon presentation given at the Michigan Municipal Manager’s conference, a presentation was given by an attorney/planner from Boca Raton, Florida. The presenter stated that they superimposed a city center model on one of their main intersections. It was taken from a European model. The downstairs were mostly businesses; parks were in the center, with lofts up above. Multiple family housing stock across the street from single family housing hid parking areas. Twp. Mgr. Elsinga felt that the Township Hall and Veterans Memorial Gardens Park, along with the Town Center zoning, is a good start for the Township to promote business and identity.

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.