Minutes of the Baroda Township Board Meeting

December 21, 2009

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: Jim Brow, Amy Hemphill, Susan Newcomer, Wendie Shafer, and David Wolf, along with 9 audience members.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS Officer Shawn Martin reported that Brian Adams was sentenced to prison for 7 to 20 years for burglaries committed in Lake and Baroda Townships. He reported that Adams had confessed to many of the burglaries where property had been recovered during his arrest, but had not admitted to the burglaries where no property had been recovered. Officer Martin said that since the arrest, no other burglaries had happened. He reported that there have been quite a few weather related accidents lately. He also reported that Chief Ruhl had been contemplating knee surgery, but a cortisone shot has brought relief enough to postpone surgery indefinitely.

TREASURER’S REPORT - Checking Account Totals:

General Fund – $111,819 Baroda Police Fund – $74,835

Rubbish Fund - $27,413 Fire Maintenance Fund – $69,230

Trust and Agency Fund $291 Fire Equipment Fund – $41,031

Water Fund – $46,498 Baroda-Lake Police Fund – $24,072

Baroda-Lake Drug Forfeiture Fund – $14,713

Susan Newcomer distributed and gave a detailed Treasurers report.

CLERK’S and PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT – Wendie Shafer presented needed budget amendments. Amy Hemphill moved, seconded by David Wolf to approve the amendments as presented. Vote – All Yes Motion Carried.

The Clerk reported that a resident had reported that when their party had gone in to use the Hall, it had been left a mess by the previous user, and that the refrigerator was broken, and there were ants along the wall abutting the Fire Station. Discussion ensued. It was decided to have the grounds keepers put out ant traps and spray along the wall where the ants were seen. The refrigerator will need to be inspected to see if repairs can be made. Wendie Shafer requested that the Township pursue getting a new intergovernmental Police agreement developed and passed between Baroda Township and Lake Charter Township, before the Police move into their new building next spring.

Clerk Shafer reported that the Planning Commission via Williams and Works has completed a final draft of the revised Master Plan. She explained the changes made to the Master Plan during the review/revision process. The plan was distributed to the Board members prior to the meeting and is to be discussed at the January 18, 2010 meeting. Upon approval by the Board, and adopting a resolution to that effect, the Plan is to be distributed to neighboring communities, utilities and County Planning Commission for a two month comment period.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - Supervisor, Jim Brow presented a letter to the Board from the owners of the two Mobile Home Parks in Baroda Township and Hickory Creek Apartments, delivered by John Baird. The letter outlines what the entities believe to be unfair treatment by the Township for rubbish funding within their units. Audience members who reside in the Shawnee Mobile Home Park expressed their disagreement with the current Township Policy for rubbish funding. It was decided that Jim will contact the Township attorney, or attorney Peter Wendling, to review the letter and let the Township Board know if the authors of the letter have viable legal arguments.

NEW BUSINESS – Jim Brow reported on the estimate he received from the Berrien County Road Commission on the cost of ditching and graveling Keehn Road. The cost would be approximately $214,475. No action was taken.

Wendie Shafer reported that the IRS requires the Assessor to be classified as a Township Official, and hence as an Employee. Payroll taxes are to be deducted and paid beginning January 1, 2010 with the beginning of the new payroll tax year.

CONSENT AGENDA - Copies of the minutes of the November 16, 2009 Baroda Township Board meeting and Baroda Township Bills for the month were distributed. After discussion, Amy Hemphill moved, seconded by Susan Newcomer, to approve the Minutes of the last Board meeting, the Treasurers' Report and the Township Bills.

Vote – All Yes. Motion Carried.

SUPERVISORS COMMENTS – Jim Brow reported that the Board of review had met and needed to make only a couple of error corrections. One of the members of the Board of Review said they may not be available for the March Board of Review, and it was suggested that an alternate member be appointed. Supervisor Brow recommended Gary Campbell for the position. Amy Hemphill moved, seconded by Susan Newcomer to appoint Gary Campbell as an alternate Board of Review member. Mr. Campbell will attend the Board of Review training February in Kalamazoo along with the other BOR members.

Jim Brow reported that the paint in both of the Municipal Building restrooms is peeling. It was decided to get quotes for the job, noting that the rooms need to be sanded and made smooth again, and that special paint will be required. Pastor Holder suggested using a product called Emulsibond.

PUBLIC COMMENT- In addition to comments made by Mobile Park residents as mentioned above, Tom Lippert asked the Board to consider changing the setbacks for Campgrounds back to the distance that had been last recommended by the Township Planning Commission during the Ordnance adoption process.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned by Supervisor Jim Brow at 8:52 p.m.

The next meeting of the Baroda Township Board is Monday, January 18, 2010 in the Baroda Township Municipal Building meeting room at 7:30 p.m.

Submitted by,

Wendie Shafer, Baroda Township Clerk