Minutes of the Baroda Township Board Meeting

October 26, 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 2 audience members.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS Chief Gary Ruhl reported that there had been several burglaries in the Baroda-Lake area and farther south in Berrien County. In coordination with the Sheriff’s Department, one person has been apprehended and has admitted to several of the burglaries, and some of the stolen property has been recovered. Chief Ruhl reported that Elmo helped John Hopkins in the seizure of $16,000 and a car during a traffic stop in his first day on the job. Last week Elmo hit on a vehicle with a concealed compartment, during a traffic stop, which yielded $90, 035.00.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Checking Account Totals:

General Fund – $123,505 Baroda Police Fund – $74,781

Rubbish Fund - $48,928 Fire Maintenance Fund – $86,412

Trust and Agency Fund $291 Fire Equipment Fund – $41,008

Water Fund – $46,972 Baroda-Lake Drug Forfeiture Fund – $81

Baroda-Lake Police Fund – $62,975

Susan Newcomer distributed and reported on a detailed Treasurers report. Attached as part of minutes

CLERK’S and PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT - The clerk reminded the Board of an annual meeting with the County Road Commission. She reported that the Planning Commission has not yet made a ruling on renewing the Special Land Use permit for Mark Schutze’s NIMBY Pond races for 2010. She reported that a Public hearing is to be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. for a Special Land Use permit application for David Leslie on Browntown Rd. for a Tourist Home.

Wendie Shafer reported that the Campground Ordinance needed to be formally adopted and published, explaining that the Berrien County Planning Commission had requested the Board request them to waive their right to review the Ordinance amendment since the Twp. Board had made a legislative action changing the document. The County Planning Commission does not review actions made by a legislative body.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - the Township Board discussed briefly the Campground Ordinance amendment to the Baroda Township Zoning Ordinance. Susan Newcomer moved, seconded by Amy Hemphill to adopt the Amendment as changed by the Township Board. Voting YES – Amy Hemphill, David Wolf, Susan Newcomer, Jim Brow, and Wendie Shafer. Voting NO – None. Resolution adopted. 2009 - 15

NEW BUSINESS – Wendie Shafer presented a request from the Village to pay their legal fees involving the adoption of their Rubbish Ordinance and Intergovernmental Agreement. David Wolf moved, seconded by Susan Newcomer to pay the $1062 legal fee as requested. Vote – All Yes. Motion Carried.

Amy Hemphill and Wendie Shafer reported a regulation coming down from the State that will require that the Assessor be considered an employee of the Township rather than an independent contractor. The recommendation is to make the change at the first of 2010 in order to avoid having to issue her both a W-2 and a 1099 for the year 2009.

Jim Brow presented a request for approval of a Small Winemakers liquor license to David Maki for Old Shore Vineyards, Inc. at 264 Browntown Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107.

David Wolf moved, seconded by Amy Hemphill to pass a resolution to approve a Small Wine Maker License to David Maki for Old Shore Vineyards, Inc. Voting YES – David Wolf, Amy Hemphill, Susan Newcomer, Jim Brow, and Wendie Shafer.

Voting NO – None. Resolution Adopted. 2009 - 16

CONSENT AGENDA - Copies of the minutes of the September 21, 2009 Baroda Township Board meeting and Baroda Township Bills for the month were distributed. After discussion, David Wolf moved, seconded by Amy Hemphill, 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 said that he learned much about Drain Commissioners and other valuable information at the MATS conference he attended.

ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by Supervisor, Jim Brow at 8:09 p.m.

The next meeting of the Baroda Township Board is Monday, November 16, 2009 in the Baroda Township Municipal Building meeting room at 7:30 p.m.

Submitted by,

Wendie Shafer, Baroda Township Clerk