Minutes of the
January 17, 2011
The regular meeting of the Baroda Township Board was called
to order at
PUBLIC COMMENT – Diane Mensinger introduced Lisa Bowman, the new Miss Baroda Blossom Queen for 2011, who spoke briefly to the Board.
LIBRARY REPORT – Mary Hill from the Lincoln Township Public Library reported on the activities of the Library. She reported that the new Library contract was in the process of review and adoption by the Library Board. The Library is to be closed on February 14.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS - Shawn Martin reported on three grants the Police Department has received for this year. They are for purchasing bullet proof vests, breath testing equipment and other Police department equipment.
TREASURER’S REPORT - Susan Newcomer distributed and presented the Treasurers report. She also presented a report which included the amounts and allocation of taxes collected in December 2010.
Checking Account Totals:
General Fund – $61,991.00 Baroda Police Fund – $33,325.00
Rubbish Fund - $13,977.00 Fire Maintenance Fund – $32,699.00
Trust and Agency Fund $293.00 Fire Equipment Fund – $104,129.00
Water Fund – $55,205.00 Building Fund - $4,996.00
Baroda-Lake Police Fund – $66,174.00 Baroda-Lake Drug Forfeiture Fund – $13,084.00
CLERK’S and PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT – Wendie Shafer reported that the Planning Commission had received an application for a Special Use Permit for a winery on Shawnee Rd. at the eastern edge of Baroda Township.
A large voter turnout is expected for the May 3, 2011 School election due to the request of Lakeshore schools for a large millage increase.
Wendie requested the Board approve to have color Logo letter head printed for the Township. It was agreed to go ahead and have it done.
CORRESPONDENCE – Wendie Shafer reported having received a thank you letter from the Miss Baroda Blossom time committee for the Township’s support of the committee.
OLD BUSINESS – Jim Brow introduced attorney Steve Smith, substituting for Charlie Ammeson, who spoke about the authority of the Township Board to set rules and regulations for the Rubbish and recycling pick up. He suggested that the Township Board can require Opt. Out businesses and cluster residential properties to provide the same level of service and on the same day as is provided by the residential hauler.
NEW BUSINESS – Wendie Shafer presented resolutions addressing procedures for the 2011 Board of Review. David Wolf moved, seconded by Amy Hemphill, to approve a resolution to provide for alternate starting dates and to provide for hearing protests by appointment for the March 2011 Board of Review. By Roll Call Vote – All Yes. Resolution 11-01 adopted.
David Wolf moved, seconded by Susan Newcomer to Adopt the Federal Poverty Guidelines and the Baroda Township level asset test. By Roll Call Vote – All Yes. Resolution 11-02 adopted.
Susan Newcomer moved, seconded by Amy Hemphill to adopt a resolution to accept written protests to the 2011 Board of Review. By Roll Call Vote – All yes. Resolution 11-03 adopted.
Amy Hemphill presented a report concerning the conversion from a mainframe program to the BS&A tax program at the Berrien County Treasurer’s offices. She reported that it would be beneficial for the Township to purchase an upgrade of our existing BS&A assessing program to maximize the compatibility and connectivity between the programs. She reported that BS&A Company is offering a discount, computed on the number of parcels, to each municipality wishing to upgrade during the county conversion process. After discussion, Amy Hemphill moved, seconded by Susan Newcomer to purchase the BS&A assessing upgrade for $2,800. Vote – all yes. Motion Carried.
David Wolf reported he had received a letter from Mr. & Mrs. Van Lincoln that they are paying for rubbish service at their apartment complex, but do not use roll carts, and are paying for a dumpster separately. Dave had written back to the Lincoln’s giving them three options to choose from for what service they wish to contract for. The Lincolns replied they want to contract for a 4 cyd dumpster to be serviced once per week. David Wolf moved, seconded by Susan Newcomer to refund the Lincolns $1,564.96 for the overpayment for 2009 and 2010 tax years which is the amount over and above the service fee of $904.64 for the dumpster service, after their payment of the 2010 winter taxes. Vote – All Yes. M.C.
David wolf presented a request by John Baird for a refund of a portion of penalties and interest on his 2009 winter tax bill. David Wolf moved seconded by Jim Brow to reimburse Baroda Estates, from the Baroda Township General Fund, $361.25 this is 13% of interest and penalties charged on the 2009 tax bill which is for the portion of the tax bill other than the rubbish fee. Vote – All yes. Motion Carried
Wendie Shafer read a letter from Connie Miller who has a similar situation with rubbish service for her business and apartment, requesting a refund of rubbish fees paid on her tax bill. The Board tabled action on this matter until next month.
The Baroda Township Board scheduled two budget workshops for Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 7pm and Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 7pm in the Baroda Township Municipal Building meeting room.
CONSENT AGENDA - Copies of the minutes of the December 20th meeting, and Baroda Township Bills for the month were distributed. After discussion, David Wolf moved, seconded by Susan Newcomer to approve the Minutes of the last Board meetings, the Treasurers' Report and the Township Bills. Vote – All Yes. Motion Carried.
SUERVISOR’S COMMENTS – Jim Brow reported that Jerry Barefield has resigned from the Zoning Board of appeals. He said that a person is needed to fill his position. He asked that Board and audience members seek out persons who may fill the position.
PUBLIC COMMENT- Terri Freehling asked if the Park Committee is going to be re-activated to oversee the work to be done at the Park with the Grant funds soon to be made available.
Terri and Pat Freehling reported that the work done on the drains along their property is already failing and want the Township to address the issue of a bonded company, or a warranty by the Drain Commission, Engineering company, or Construction company to make repairs at no further cost to the taxpayers. They suggested that the Township Board appoint a citizen committee to police drain work done within the Township.
Prepared by Wendie Shafer
Baroda Township Clerk