The Delhi Charter Township Board of Trustees met in a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 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, Treasurer Harry Ammon, Clerk Evan Hope, Trustees Jerry Ketchum, Paul Krepps, Roy Sweet

Members Absent: Trustee John Hayhoe

Others Present:
John Elsinga, Twp. Mgr.
Rick Royston, Fire Chief
Pete Stoughton, Planner
James Lenon, POTW Maintenance Supervisor
Wendy Thielen, Assist. Twp. Mgr. of Human Resources
Tricia Vander Ploeg, Admin. Assistant/Dep. Supervisor
Amy Finch, Assistant Twp. Clerk/Deputy Clerk


PUBLIC COMMENT

Mike Hamilton, 4541 Sycamore St - spoke in favor of the proposed township-wide vehicle replacement plan (reported on at the February 7, 2006 Committee of the Whole meeting).


NEW BUSINESS

PURCHASE OF A 2006 AMBULANCE FROM LIFE LINE EMERGENCY VEHICLES

The Board reviewed memorandums dated February 13, 2006 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga and Rick Royston, Fire Chief (ATTACHMENT I).

KREPPS MOVED TO ACCEPT THE BID OF $112,364 FROM LIFE LINE EMERGENCY VEHICLES
FOR THE PURCHASE OF A 2006 FORD E-450 SUPERLINER AMBULANCE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

Chief Rick Royston stated that the 2006 Fire Equipment Replacement/Training Budget indicated the replacement of an ambulance in 2006. The unit to be replaced is a 1995 Ford Ambulance.

Trustee Ketchum questioned if the bid price is the total price. Fire Chief Royston answered in the affirmative. Trustee Ketchum questioned where Life Line Emergency was located. Chief Royston stated that the company is located in Iowa. Pat Brown, Fire Marshall, will pick the vehicle up from Life Line.

Mike Hamilton, 4541 Sycamore - questioned if this ambulance was going to be a reserve ambulance. Fire Chief Royston stated that the oldest ambulance would be placed in reserve.

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



ANNUAL SALARY FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated February 15, 2006 from Supervisor Goodrich (ATTACHMENT II).

AMMON MOVED TO APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP, WHICH PROVIDES FOR AN ANNUAL SALARY
OF $95,717, EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 7, 2005.

Supervisor Goodrich stated that the Board conducted the Township Manager’s annual performance review on February 7, 2006.

Trustee Sweet questioned if this equaled the 2.6% pay increase that the other employees were given this year. Supervisor Goodrich answered in the affirmative.

Supervisor Goodrich stated that the contract date has been amended, making it effective from November 7, 2005 to December 31, 2006.

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



RESOLUTION NO. 2006-005 – SUPPORT OF “SLOW DOWN TO GET AROUND” AWARENESS

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated February 15, 2006 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga (ATTACHMENT III).

HOPE MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2006-005 SUPPORTING THE “SLOW DOWN TO
GET AROUND” CAMPAIGN BEING ESTABLISHED TO PROMOTE SAFE DRIVING WHEN APPROACHING
PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES WORKING IN ROADS AND RIGHT-OF-WAYS.

Steve Reed, Granger Container Service, stated that a group was formed in August 2005 to help promote safe driving when approaching public service vehicles working in roads and right-of-ways. The groups are contacting municipalities around the State asking for their support of the “Slow Down to Get Around” campaign. Resolutions will be presented to the State in hopes of getting legislation passed to stiffen penalties to help protect workers on the roadways.

Trustee Ketchum stated that he agrees with stiffer penalties and stated that he would be willing to help in any way he could.

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


ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT

AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39 – CASE NO. 05-801 – PERMITTING OF SIGNAGE IN ASSOCIATION WITH HOME OCCUPATIONS, SECOND CONSIDERATION (PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39.120)

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated January 30, 2006 from Tracy Miller, Director of Community Development (ATTACHMENT IV).

SWEET MOVED UPON SECOND CONSIDERATION, TO ADOPT CASE NO. 05-801 AMENDING
ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39, SECTION 5.1.11, WHICH PERMITS THE USE OF SIGNAGE (AS
PROVIDED IN SECTION 6.9.9 (B)) IN ASSOCIATION WITH HOME OCCUPATIONS FOR WALL
SIGNS ONLY, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION (ZONING ORDINANCE
NO. 39.120).

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



AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39 – CASE NO. 05-803 – ADDITION TO THE LIST OF “ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS”, SECOND CONSIDERATION (PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39.121)

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated January 30, 2006 from Tracy Miller, Director of Community Development (ATTACHMENT V).

KREPPS MOVED UPON SECOND CONSIDERATION, TO ADOPT CASE NO. 05-803 AMENDING
ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39, SECTION 5.1.1, WHICH ADDS R1-E, ONE-FAMILY HIGH-DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, TO THE LIST OF “ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS”, AS RECOMMENDED
BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION (ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39.121).

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



AMENDMENT TO SUBDIVISION CONTROL ORDINANCE NO. 88 – CASE NO. 05-806 – FINANCIAL GUARANTEES AND THE ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS, SECOND CONSIDERATION (PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 88.5)

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated January 30, 2006 from Tracy Miller, Director of Community Development (ATTACHMENT VI).

AMMON MOVED UPON SECOND CONSIDERATION, TO ADOPT CASE NO. 05-806 AMENDING
SUBDIVISION CONTROL ORDINANCE NO. 88, SECTIONS 3.4.3, 5.5.1, 5.5.2 AND 5.5.3,
PERTAINING TO THE USE OF FINANCIAL GUARANTEES AND THE ISSUANCE OF BUILDING
PERMITS PRIOR TO FINAL PLAT OR CONDOMINIUM APPROVALS, AS RECOMMENDED BY
THE PLANNING COMMISSION (ORDINANCE NO. 88.5).

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



AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39 – CASE NO. 05-802 – REVIEW AND PROCESS OF CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENTS (INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION)

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated February 15, 2006 from Tracy Miller, Director of Community Development (ATTACHMENT VII).

KETCHUM MOVED UPON INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION, TO ADOPT CASE
NO. 05-802 AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39, SECTION 5.14 (CONDOMINIUM
REGULATIONS), WHICH MAKES MODIFICATIONS TO THE PROCESS BY WHICH CONDOMINIUM
DEVELOPMENTS ARE REVIEWED AND PROCESSED BY THE TOWNSHIP TO MAKE IT MORE
SIMILAR TO THE PLAT PROCESS, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION.

Pete Stoughton, Planner, stated that the intent of this amendment is to have the condominium process parallel the plat process, giving both the same level of control.

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



AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDNANCE NO. 39 – CASE NO. 05-804 – DRIVEWAY STANDARDS (INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION)

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated February 16, 2006 from Tracy Miller, Director of Community Development (ATTACHMENT VIII).

AMMON MOVED UPON INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION, TO ADOPT CASE NO.
05-804 AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39, SECTIONS 5.21.6 AND 6.1.2.2, WHICH
PROVIDES ADDITIONAL REGULATION OF DRIVEWAYS WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP TO PROMOTE
MORE EFFECTIVE PROVISIONS OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION.

Pete Stoughton, Planner, stated that Fire Chief Royston requested this amendment due to the number of homes that set off the road with long and/or winding driveways. These driveways can make it difficult for fire fighting equipment to navigate and set up an adequate fire suppression mechanism. By making the owner aware of these conditions before the approval of the site plan or building permit would allow staff the opportunity to provide recommendation to the property owner on altering the driveway layout to better facilitate the use of emergency vehicles.

Fire Chief Royston stated that if the property owner is not willing to follow the staff recommendation; a deed restriction can be placed on the property. This will allow future owners of the property to be aware that the Fire Department may not be able to, in a reasonable manner, reach their home and set up an adequate fire suppression mechanism.

Trustee Ketchum questioned if the Township is requiring a driveway permit that the Road Commission is already requiring. Mr. Stoughton stated that the Road Commission requires driveway permits in the road right-of-way only.

Trustee Ketchum stated that he is concerned with the last sentence of Section 5.21.6, item 2, which reads, “If the property owner opts not to comply with the recommendations made as a result of this review, the Fire Department and other emergency service providers may not be able to provide emergency services to the property”. Trustee Ketchum stated that to him, this opens the Township up to liability. Chief Royston stated that all that this item represents is that if the condition exists, the Fire Department may not be able to get to the structure. The Township attorney drafted the proposed amendment.

Trustee Sweet stated that there was some discussion at the Planning Commission about taking the language out of the zoning ordinance that stated that a home could not be built more than 150’ off the roadway. Trustee Sweet questioned if this language was still in the zoning ordinance. Chief Royston stated that it was his understanding that the language was left in the ordinance.

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



AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39 – CASE NO. 05-805 – FENCING REGULATIONS (INTRODUCTIONS AND FIRST CONSIDERATION)

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated February 16, 2006 from Tracy Miller, Director of Community Development (ATTACHMENT IX).

HOPE MOVED UPON INTRODUCTION AND FIRST CONSIDERATION, TO ADOPT CASE NO.
05-805 AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 39, SECTIONS 5.7.8, 5.9.6, 5.10.5, 5.11.4,
5.13.6, 5.15.7, 5.19.7 AND 5.22.4, WHICH CLARIFIES EXISTING FENCING REGULATIONS
AND ADDS FENCING REGULATIONS TO THE NON-RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS WHERE
NONE PREVIOUSLY EXISTED, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION.

Pete Stoughton, Planner, stated that the fence section of the Zoning Ordinance states that the conditions for fencing are in each district; however, that is not the case with most of the commercial and industrial districts. This amendment adds the districts and gives the Planning Commission the ability to recommend higher fences when there is a greater differential of use next to each other and allows the developer, at their discretion, to do this. The current standards, which are a maximum fence height of 6’, would be followed.

Trustee Krepps stated that if he understands this correctly, the amendment does not require higher than 6’ fence but allows the Planning Commission to add the requirement, if they choose. Mr. Stoughton stated that it creates two (2) standards. It allows the current standards to remain, if the owner decides that they want a fence, the current standards would regulate what they would do. In evaluating the difference in uses, if a great potential for an adverse impact is discovered, the Planning Commission could require a fence up to 10’ in height.

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



PUBLIC HEARING – 8:00 P.M.

AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO RESOLUTION NO. 2006-003 – ROAD IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT/ROLL – BERKLEY AND HUNTLEY SQUARE AREA

HOPE MOVED TO OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT/ROLL FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BERKLEY AND HUNTLEY
SQUARE AREA.

A Voice Poll was recorded as follows: All ayes
Absent: Hayhoe
MOTION CARRIED

Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that the Ingham County Road Commission (ICRC) has jurisdiction over the roads in Ingham County. The ICRC has identified the roads in the Berkley and Huntley Square subdivisions as one of the priorities in Delhi Township in need of repair.

Lowell Sharrah, 1655 Pearson Court – questioned how the ICRC determined the need of repairs to these roads. Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that the typical response for the citizenry was that the roads have some alligatoring and some cracks. Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that this project is for resurfacing, with some milling down along the edges, for a preventative maintenance program. If the roads were to continue to deteriorate
without repair, the restoration cost to repair these roads would increase by multiples. Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that this is the third and final phase of this project in these subdivisions.

Motion to Close Public Hearing – 8:06 p.m.

HOPE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.

A Voice Poll was recorded as follows: All ayes
Absent: Hayhoe
MOTION CARRIED



RESOLUTION NO. 2006-006 – ROAD IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT/ROLL – BERKLEY AND HUNTLEY SQUARE AREA

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated February 13, 2006 from Twp. Mgr. Elsinga ATTACHMENT X).

SWEET MOVED TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2006-006, WHICH IS THE FIFTH OF FIVE
RESOLUTIONS, WHICH ADOPTS AND CONFIRMS THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
ROLL FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE BERKLEY AND HUNTLEY SQUARE AREA IN
THE FINAL AMOUNT OF $135,842.50 FOR FOUR (4) YEARS AT AN INTEREST RATE OF
8.0% PER ANNUM.

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



SPECIAL USE PERMIT NO. 06-246 – HARPER AND EIFERT ROADS – TAX PARCEL #33-25-05-28-400-024 – CONSUMERS ENERGY – PERMIT EXPANSION TO ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION

The Board reviewed a memorandum dated February 16, 2006 from Tracy Miller, Director of Community Development (ATTACHMENT XI).

KREPPS MOVED TO APPROVE SPECIAL USE PERMIT NO. 06-246, HARPER AND EIFERT
 ROADS, TAX PARCEL #33-25-05-28-400-024, CONSUMERS ENERGY, TO PERMIT THE
EXPANSION OF AN ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PLANNING
COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 13, 2006 WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITION:

1. THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT GRANTS THE RIGHT TO FURTHER EXPAND THE FACILITY
PROVIDED FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS MEET ALL OF THE CONDITIONS IN SECTION 3.3
(SITE PLAN REVIEW) AND SECTION 8.2.4 (SITE DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS) OF THE
ZONING ORDINANCE IN EFFECT AT THE TIME OF EXPANSION.

Jeff Watson, Senior Engineer, Consumers Energy, Jackson and Chris Thelen, Area Manager, Consumers Energy, Lansing, were in attendance. Mr. Watson stated that with approval of this Special Use Permit, the size of the existing sub-station would be doubled. Supervisor Goodrich questioned if there would be the same number of overhead lines with the expanded sub-station as the current sub-station. Mr. Watson stated that currently there are two (2) overhead distribution circuits. Another transformer bank with two (2) more distribution circuits will be added to the expanded sub-station. Supervisor Goodrich questioned if this sub-station is nearing capacity. Mr. Thelen stated that this sub-station has reached capacity. It is anticipated that construction will begin May 2006. A mobile sub-station will be brought in during construction.

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



CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Minutes – Committee of the Whole Meeting of February 7, 2006

B. Approval of Minutes – Regular Meeting of February 7, 2006

C. Approval of Claims – February 14, 2006 (ATTACHMENT XII)

D. Approval of Payroll – February 9, 2006 (ATTACHMENT XIII)

E. Utility Agreement for Sanitary Sewer between Delhi Township and Vision Quest Consulting, Inc. – Patient Care Drive and Physician Lane, Phase II (ATTACHMENT XIV)

F. Supplemental Water Agreement No. 215 – Water Service Agreement between Delhi Township and the Lansing Board of Water and Light – Berry Farms Subdivision, Phase I (ATTACHMENT XV)

G. Acceptance of Sanitary Sewer System for Great Lakes Christian Homes III (ATTACHMENT XVI)

HOPE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS.

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


REPORTS

SUPERVISOR

JOINT TOWNSHIP BOARD/SCHOOL BOARD MEETING –MONDAY, MARCH 13TH AT 6:30 P.M.

Supervisor Goodrich stated that a Joint Township Board/School Board meeting will be held at the Holt High School on March 13th at 6:00 p.m. (changed from 6:30 p.m.).



TREASURER

COLLECTION OF WINTER 2005 PROPERTY TAXES

Treasurer Ammon stated that, to date, the Treasurer’s office has collected $27,852,000 of the $29,436,000 due in Winter 2005 Property Taxes. After the due date had past, the Treasurer’s office re-billed the non-payers. By doing this, Delhi Township has collected $9,000 worth of penalties and interest that would have otherwise gone to Ingham County (for payments received after February 28, 2006).

CLERK

SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION – FEBRUARY 21, 2006

Clerk Hope passed out a summary of the results for the Special Primary Election held on February 21, 2006 (ATTACHMENT XVII).

Clerk Hope stated that, to him, the results of the race were not as interesting as the information about the turnout and the absentee ballots. Sixty-six percent of the ballots tabulated were received from absentee voters. Overall turnout was 7.37% and turnout at the polls was 2.52%. The Special General Election will be held on March 14, 2006.



TOWNSHIP MANAGER

DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING POSITION

Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that a candidate for the Director of Accounting position would be on the March 7, 2006 Board of Trustees meeting agenda. Upon approval, the tentative start date for this candidate will be March 8, 2006.


MERGING POTW & MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENTS

Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that it was determined that with the limited staffing, and with a lot of overlapping within the POTW and Maintenance Departments, the merging of these two departments would be beneficial. Sandra Diorka, POTW Superintendent, will become the Director of these merged departments. Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that he met with staff from both departments this morning to indicate the direction that was going to be taken.

Trustee Krepps questioned if this merger was discussed at a previous meeting. Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that the merger was not discussed; however, with the vacancy left by the retirement of Larry Woodard, Superintendent of Maintenance, it was determined that the position would not be filled. Trustee Krepps questioned if this meant that the management in the larger department would get pay and classification upgrades. Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that this will eliminate introduction of a new employee in the organization, offering opportunity for staff within the organization. The job analysis questionnaire will address the issue of pay/classification upgrades.

Supervisor Goodrich stated that the merger will save the Township a substantial amount of money. Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that in recent years, the Township has consolidated the Fire Department and the Treasurer’s office, work between the Manager’s office and the Clerk’s office was consolidated and many items within the Community Development Department have been consolidated.


HOLT EDUCATION FOUNDATION COMMUNITY RECOGNITION DINNER

Twp. Mgr. Elsinga stated that the Holt Education Foundation Community Recognition dinner will be held on March 27, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. Department Heads and Board members interested in attending, please contact Wendy Thielen.



ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.