Minutes of the Baroda Township Board Meeting

May 21, 2007

The meeting of the Baroda Township Board was called to order at 7:30 by Supervisor Jim Brow. Those present: Susan Newcomer, Jim Brow, Jerry Nitz, Steve Nitz and Wendie Shafer, along with fourteen residents.

TREASURER’S REPORT

General Fund – 154,719.56 Fire Maintenance Fund – 77,179.97

Trust and Agency Fund 572.04 Baroda-Lake Police Fund – 27,701.55

Fire Equipment Fund – 1,997.06 Water Fund – 19,545.21

Baroda-Lake Drug Forfeiture Fund – 1,242.12

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING Copies of the April 16, 2007 Baroda Township Board meeting and the May 14, 2007 Planning Commission Meetings were distributed.

POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT Chief Ruhl reported on the occurrence of a person driving recklessly at the Township Park.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT Richard Hermann reported that the Fire Department had been on 7 calls since April first. There were three non-emergency calls, one rescue call and one house fire caused by a portable battery charger.

OLD BUSINESS Jim Brow reported that Wiltse fencing company had recommended that the Township approve using commercial grade top railing for the fence rather than the specified residential grade. The proposal to spend an extra 712.50 was approved by a majority of the Board members.

Jim gave an update on the activities of the Ordinance Enforcement Officer saying that Kim fowler is concentrating on four major violations, and working on others as well. 1. The Ron Ellsworth situation has come to the point of going to court. 2. Kim had given Mr. Gaides until the end of this week to make progress in removing vehicles from his property. 3. John Day has been given an extension of two weeks to remove the unlicensed vehicles form his property.

4. There is action being taken on Shawnee Road concerning a new property owner placing 2-4 vehicles, which he does not own for sale near the roadway.

NEW BUSINESS Wendie suggested brought up that Barodafest has formed a committee and has begun plans to hold the festival this year. Since half of the money that was previously allotted to that group was given to the 5K run/Walk, it was suggested that the remaining unspent half be given to the Barodafest Organization. Jerry Nitz moved, seconded by Steve Nitz to donate $500.00 to Barodafest. Vote – All yes. Motion Carried.

Documents provided by the County Drain Commissioner to petition the County Drain Commissioners office to hold a Board of Determination to address the water drainage problem on Ruggles Road near the corner of Lemon Creek were offered by Jim Brow. Jerry Nitz moved, Seconded by Susan Newcomer to pass a resolution to request a Board of determination of the Berrien County Drain Commission for the Star/Wellington Drain.

Resolution 2007-10 was approved by unanimous roll call vote.

CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes of last meeting, Treasurer’s report, Township Bills was moved by Steve Nitz, Seconded by Jerry Nitz. Vote All Yes.

SUPERVISOR’S COMMENT Jim Brow gave an update on the sewer issue at the Strefling subdivision behind the old Hardings store. He mentioned the Wightman and Associates is working on giving us three proposals for sewer projects in the Township, and possibly the Village. Jim mentioned that new legislation is being introduced in the State House to take authority and tax revenue away from 99% of the townships in the State of Michigan. Discussion was held and it was recommended that each Board member contact the members of the committee that will be first to hear the bills (package of 9 bills HB4780-88).

AUDIENCE COMMENT The subject of funding for garbage removal was raised by David Wolf. After some discussion, Jim Brow appointed Dave to chair a committee of five people to work on formulating a special assessment district. Jerry Nitz volunteered to be on the committee. It was decided to have at least one person from the Village Board and two Township residents at large on the committee.

ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by Supervisor, Jim Brow at 8:34PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Wendie Shafer, Clerk