Minutes of the Baroda Township Board Meeting

May 17, 2010

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 three audience members.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Chief Gary Ruhl reported that the Baroda-Lake Police department was beginning to move into the new Lake Township Public Safety Building, and would finish the move as soon as the occupancy permit has been issued. He reported that the Township Board would need to pass a resolution stating that the Police Department Employer contribution is limited by ordinance not to exceed 8% of employee Gross Payroll.

Dena Riley was unable to attend but reported that the Lincoln Township Public Library Teddy Bear Picnic is scheduled for next week.

Susan Newcomer gave a detailed treasurers report.

TREASURER’S REPORT - Checking Account Balances

General Fund – $135,043 Baroda Police Fund – $154,950

Rubbish Fund - $97,514 Fire Maintenance Fund – $92,004

Trust and Agency Fund $292 Fire Equipment Fund – $117,219

Water Fund – $50,199 Baroda-Lake Police Fund – $47,162

Baroda-Lake Drug Forfeiture Fund – $80,074

CLERK’S and PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT – Wendie Shafer reported that the new Planning Commissioner, Jason Steffes had attended his first meeting. She presented a letter from the Planning Commission requesting the Board adopt a resolution to approve a Zoning Ordinance Amendment changing the minimum lot size in the Agricultural zone from 5 acres for raising livestock or horses and 2 acres for residential use only, to 2 acres with no language regulating animals. She also reported that that Annual audit will likely begin the first week of June. Susan Newcomer moved, seconded by Wendie Shafer to approve the Zoning Ordinance amendment as presented. By Roll Call Vote – Susan Newcomer, yes; Amy Hemphill, Yes; David Wolf, yes; Jim Brow, yes; and Wendie Shafer, yes. Resolution adopted. #10 -13

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - Discussion was held concerning the charges for rubbish pick up at the 24 units at the Hickory Creek Apartments on Cleveland Ave. After having met with Henry from Michiana Recycling and Disposal, David Wolf recommended that a percentage be reimbursed to the Hickory Creek apartment complex because they did not receive the carts or service they had paid for in their tax assessment. David Wolf presented a proposal to amend the Baroda Township Rubbish Ordinance. He explained that Attorney Wendling had proposed two versions of an amendment. The Township Board members discussed the two proposals. David Wolf moved, seconded by Jim Brow to approve the Baroda

Township proposed amendment that addresses Mobile Home Parks and other cluster type housing as well as apartment building complexes. By Roll Call Vote – Susan Newcomer, yes; Jim Brow, yes; Amy Hemphill, yes; David Wolf, yes; and Wendie Shafer, yes. Amendment Adopted. #10 -14

After discussion Amy Hemphill moved, seconded by Susan Newcomer to adopt the Language for requesting a .05 millage for funding of continued Library services with Lincoln Township Public Library, to be placed on the August 3, 2010 Primary Ballot. By Roll Call Vote – David Wolf, yes; Susan Newcomer, yes; Amy Hemphill, yes; Wendie Shafer, yes; and Jim Brow, yes. Resolution Adopted.#10-15

The Baroda Township Board decided to reschedule a joint meeting with Lake Township and the Baroda-Lake Police Board to discuss a new Police authority agreement.

Wendie Shafer opened discussion on the possibility of purchasing a new computer and accounting software. It was decided to wait until later in the year so that the program can be set up and the accounting could be switched from one system to the other at the beginning of the calendar year.

NEW BUSINESS – After discussion Amy Hemphill moved, seconded by David Wolf to adopt a resolution stating that Baroda Township has an ordinance stating that, for the Baroda-Lake Police Department, the employer pension contribution is not to exceed 8% of employee Gross Payroll. By Roll Call Vote – Jim Brow, yes, Wendie Shafer, yes; Susan Newcomer, yes; David Wolf, yes; and Amy Hemphill, yes. Resolution Adopted. # 10 - 16

Wendie Shafer presented copies of several styles of a new Township Logo created by Jim Milius. It was the consensus of the Board members to use style #1 as the new Baroda Township Logo. Mr. Milius volunteered his time and materials to create several logo styles. The Board wishes to thank Jim Milius for his generous contribution to the community. It was discussed that in the future the Board should ask Mr. Milius to create a color version of the Logo.

CONSENT AGENDA - Copies of the minutes of the April 19, 2010 Baroda Township Board meeting and Baroda Township Bills for the month of April were distributed. After discussion, David Wolf 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. Two versions were presented, one of which was to be chosen by the Board. The Board chose the version that had bullet points.

SUPERVISORS COMMENTS – Jim Brow reported that at one of his Chief Elected Official’s meetings the Cornerstone Alliance had asked the Boards of the area municipalities to sign a pledge of support to new businesses that may start up in our communities.

PUBLIC COMMENT- Mrs. Terry Freehling mentioned that areas of the Township Website had not been updated recently. It was explained that the Clerk has not had the time to update the Website as often as would be preferred. She also mentioned that she has spoken with Roger Zilke about the possibility of procuring monies from the NRCS to help fund County Drain projects.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned by Supervisor Jim Brow at 9:20 p.m. The next regularly scheduled Township board meeting is Monday, June 21, 2010.

Submitted by,

Wendie Shafer, Baroda Township Clerk