Minutes of the Baroda Township Board Meeting

June 16, 2009

The meeting of the Baroda Township Board was called to order at 7:33 p.m. by Supervisor Jim Brow in the meeting room of the Baroda Township Municipal Building with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Those present: Susan Newcomer, Jim Brow, David Wolf, Wendie Shafer and Amy Hemphill along with three audience members.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS - Police Chief Gary Ruhl reported that a groundbreaking ceremony has been set for beginning work on the Lake Township Public Safety Building. He reported that the department has sold over $3,460 worth of raffle tickets for the Drug Dog fund raiser with the Lions club pledging to buy $500 worth of tickets. The tickets are for sale in the Police Department, and will be available for purchase at the Municipal Building before the Independence Day Fireworks display on July third. The raffle drawing will be held at 9:30 p.m. on July third. He explained that Dominion Chevrolet has donated a 1984 Corvette to be raffled along with other prizes. He said that the price for a drug dog is $12,000.00. Chief Ruhl reported that Michael Clark one of our full time officers has resigned from the department. He will discuss with the Police Board at their next meeting concerning hiring another officer.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Checking Account Balances

General Fund 135,289.00 Fire Maintenance Fund – 116,181.00

Trust and Agency Fund – 290.00 Water Fund – 42,933.00

Fire Equipment Fund – 112,086.00 Rubbish Fund – 69,506.00

Baroda Police Fund – 162,704.00 Baroda-Lake Police Fund – 22,062.00

Baroda-Lake Drug Forfeiture Fund – 229.00

CLERK’S and - PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT – Wendie Shafer distributed a budget comparison report and noted that the line item for Township Board Printing and Publishing needs to be budgeted. She reminded the Board that this line item had been added and that the Printing and Publishing lines for each of the Board members had been combined into the Township Board activity, with the line for each individual board member being deleted. Jim Brow moved, seconded by David Wolf to budget $750.00 for Township Board Printing and Publishing for 2009-2010. Vote – All Yes. Motion Carried. She mentioned that the July Board of Review will be held on July 23, 2009.

Wendie Shafer reported that Brian Wegener of Williams & Works submitted a revised survey taking into account the subjects that arose during the visioning workshop in May 2009. She said that as soon as the Planning Commissioners make their comments and any revisions, the survey would be printed and sent out with a request to be returned within 10 days. The surveys are to be returned directly to Williams & Works for tabulation.

She reported that Langworthy Strader, Leblanc has developed a draft ordinance amendment concerning RV Park Condominiums to be reviewed by the Planning Commission at their July 13, 2009 meeting. When the Commissioners are in agreement, a public hearing may be scheduled possibly toward the end of July.

OLD BUSINESS - Jim Brow reported that Kim Fowler had taken the revised letter to Ron Ellsworth and that Mr. Ellsworth has not yet signed it. Amy Hemphill remarked that June First was the first deadline for Mr. Ellsworth to show progress toward the clean-up of his property. Jim said that he had driven past Ellsworth’s property just prior to the meeting and could not see that any significant improvement had been made near the road as Mr. Ellsworth agreed to when he was present at the March Board meeting. Jim Brow moved, seconded by David Wolf to begin legal proceedings against Mr. Ellsworth. After discussion the Vote was Yes – 2, No- 3. Amy Hemphill moved, seconded by Susan Newcomer that Mr. Ellsworth be invited to attend the July 20, 2009 Board meeting to report on his progress. Vote – All Yes. Motion Carried.

David Wolf said that the Rubbish Committee had met and that he had a draft Ordinance that was probably 99% of what the Board could adopt. There was much discussion about the charges for recycling bags, green yard waste bags and about second roll carts. He said that Henry from Michiana Recycling and Disposal has said that he would incorporate the charge for the yellow recycling bags into the monthly charge for the first cart. David said that according to Attorney Wendling, the Village will need to adopt the same ordinance as the Township and we will need to enter into an intergovernmental agreement for the Township to administer the Rubbish pick up and placement onto the property tax assessments. He said he planned to attend the next Village Council meeting to present the ordinance and agreement to the Village Council.

NEW BUSINESS – Wendie submitted a form from the MTA for the Township to adopt the Principles of Governance, which is a pledge to excellence. All of the Board members signed the document which will be posted in the Municipal Building. She also requested to dispute portions of the bill sent by the Baroda Township Attorney, Bennett Schwartz concerning phone calls made to the Attorney for Kennedy Reese concerning RV Resort condominiums. Jim Brow agreed to call the Troff Petzke and Ammeson Law firm regarding the matter.

A request form the Berrien County Drain Commission for funds to be paid to the Berrien County Drain Commission for drain work done at Cleveland Village in excess of $5000 per mile was discussed. No action was taken.

CONSENT AGENDA- Copies of the minutes of May 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.

SUPERVISOR’S COMMENTS – Jim Brow reported the Village had borrowed and is interested in purchasing the Township’s used grasshopper mower for $2500.00. Susan Newcomer moved, seconded by Dave Wolf to sell the used lawnmower to the Village for $2500.00. Amy Hemphill abstained from voting. Vote - 4 Yes. Motion Carried.

Jim Brow reported that something needs to be done to improve Keehn Road. Residents had reported that the road is nearly impassable after a rain. Jim confirmed the situation by driving on Keehn Road on Friday after a rain on Thursday. It was suggested that the Road Commission be asked to address the problem.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned by Supervisor, Jim Brow at 8:23 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Baroda Township Board is Monday, July 20, 2009 in the Baroda Township Municipal Building meeting room at 7:30 p.m.

Wendie Shafer, Baroda Township Clerk