The regular meeting of the Baroda Township Board was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Supervisor Jim Brow in the meeting room of the Baroda Township Municipal Building. Those present: Susan Newcomer, Jim Brow, David Wolf, Wendie Shafer and Jerry Nitz along with two residents and one visitor.

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS   Chief Gary Ruhl reported that the Police Department had experienced no major traffic problems with the July Third Fireworks.  He said that having the additional parking at the Village industrial field was a tremendous help. He reported that there had been a fight at Connie’s bar, but that no arrests had been made.

 

He reported that there were no problems at the NIMBY Pond Snowmobile race. Attendance was down due to rain. Chief Ruhl promised that his department would complete the Police Department inventory by the end of the week.

 

Richard Hermann gave the Fire Department report. He said that there had been only one call this quarter so far.  There was a “smell” of gas, which turned out not to be a threat.  It was noted to remind Chief Klug of the need to complete the Fire Department inventory and to schedule physicals for the firemen after he returns from his honeymoon.  A question was raised as to whether a fireman’s personal physician could sign the form instead of having a second physical. Susan Newcomer said she would look into the matter.  Rich reported that the Propane Fire training hosted at the Township Park had been very valuable training, and a huge success.  He said that about 50 people with at least 9 area fire departments had participated in the training which was administered and paid for by Michigan Gas Utilities.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

General Fund – 110,093.88                              Fire Maintenance Fund – 90,585.31

Trust and Agency Fund 266.29             Baroda-Lake Police Fund – 98,359.68

Fire Equipment Fund – 122,654.20                  Water Fund – 32,679.61

Baroda-Lake Drug Forfeiture Fund – 1,102.61

 

Susan Newcomer gave a report on the township investments and savings accounts.

 

CLERK’S REPORT  Wendie Shafer presented the budget report. There was no recommendation for amendment.

 

PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT  Wendie Shafer reported that the Planning Commission is working on amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to comply with the new Zoning Enabling Act amendments and the new Planning Enabling Act.  She also reported that the Planning Commission recommends the Baroda Township Board consider replacing the Zoning Administrator due to ongoing non performance making it difficult for the Planning Commission to address applications in a timely manner.

 

AUDIENCE COMMENT  Dina Riley from the Lincoln Township Library reported on the programs and services provided by the Library.  She noted that over 300 people had signed up for the adult summer reading program.  This is nearly doubled from last year.

She said that on August 7, 2008 there would be a special historical program which includes an 1800’s style baseball game between the House of David baseball team and a group of Berrien County Judges.

 

NEW BUSINESS  Jim Brow presented a request by the Berrien County Road Commission to approve spending  between 2,222.00 and 4,444.00 to install a 24” culvert on Holden north of Lemon Creek Rd.  Jim reported that the project cost could be split 50/50 between Lake Charter Township and Baroda Township.  Wendie had made a phone call to Lake Charter Township and learned that the Lake Charter Township Board planned to vote on approving paying ½ the cost at their board meeting the same night. Jerry Nitz moved, seconded by David Wolf to approve spending approximately 2,220.00 to install a 24” culvert on Holden Road north of Lemon Creek Rd. Voting Yes – Jerry Nitz, Dave Wolf, Susan Newcomer, Jim Brow, and Wendie Shafer.  Voting No – None.  Resolution adopted.

 

CONSENT AGENDA  Copies of the minutes of the June 16, 2008 Baroda Township Board meeting, July 14, 2008  Planning Commission; and Baroda Township Bills for the month were distributed.  After discussing, Susan Newcomer moved, seconded by Wendie Shafer, to approve the Minutes of the last Board meeting, the Treasurers' Report and the Township Bills. Vote – All Yes.  Motion Carried.

 

SUPERVISOR’S COMMENTS  Jim Brow reported that on August 12, he plans to attend a MTA workshop covering Special assessments and Ordinance Enforcement in Kalamazoo.  He said that Kim Fowler would go with him to attend the Ordinance Enforcement Workshop.  He reported that Baroda Township was hosting the Chief Elected Officials meeting on August 1, 2008

 

Jim reported that Kim Fowler had sent a registered letter to Ron Ellsworth noting that there had been no significant improvement on his site. Mr. Ellsworth was given a deadline to make noticeable progress toward cleaning up his junk yard.  He said that it has become apparent the Mr. Ellsworth will not make any significant changes on his property unless he is taken to court.   David Wolf moved, seconded by Susan Newcomer that Jim Brow choose an attorney and proceed to bring court action against Mr. Ellsworth. Vote – All yes.  Motion Carried.

 

Jim reported that 363 Tires had been collected during the July 19, 2008 Tire Pick-Up, in spite of the very rainy weather.   Jim said that a court date of August 14, 2008 has been set for the new D’Agostino hearing.  Jim reported that a letter had been sent to Jim Small from the Ordinance Enforcement officer.  Mr. Small has been into the township office several times since then talking about why he should be able to weld sculptures on the property.  Jim received an answer from an MTA attorney that since Mr. Small has a special land use permit for a catering business, the only welding he would be allowed to do is work on the catering equipment.  He said that he feels like Ann Landers sometimes, having to be involved in the personal problems that occur between people.

 

AUDIENCE COMMENT  Jerry Nitz announced that he does not plan to run for re-election as a Township Trustee. He said that he had been a trustee for 24 years and had considered it an honor and a privilege to serve the community in this capacity for so long.  He said that he had learned much about local governing from John Shafer and Don Gast.  He said one instance that made a lasting impression was when John Shafer had said “It is our job to provide as many services for the Township residents as we possibly can”

 

ADJOURNMENT  The meeting was adjourned by Supervisor, Jim Brow at 8:25 p.m.

The next meeting of the Baroda Township Board is Monday, August 18, 2008 in the Baroda Township Municipal Building meeting room at 7:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Wendie Shafer, Baroda Township Clerk