Unadilla Township Regular Meeting Minutes
May 14, 2009
Meeting called to order at 7:01 p.m. Pledge to flag. Present: Walker, Topping, Mahler, Cowan, Weiland. Absent: none. Motion Walker support Weiland to approve the agenda as amended, adding E.1 Status report on Ranger. Carried. Motion Walker support Weiland to approve the special and regular minutes of April 2009. Carried. Motion Topping support Mahler to pay bills as presented, Walker requested we hold the attorney bill, for what she considers overcharges. Topping requested we pay bill and can always get money off bills if there are any questions, Cowan requested we review within few days and pay at that time. Motion carried. Walker opposed. Call to public: Mrs. Rizzo present to inform citizens about County and Stockbridge ambulances both dispatched on all calls, Stockbridge costs more than County, she also had concerns with who calls off the ambulances. Topping informed public that they can purchase a subscription from the Stockbridge Ambulance for $35.00 per year for a family and then it would cost nothing, and that 90% of the time Stockbridge is the first to arrive on scene. Mrs. Bollinger concerned about drainage problem and neighbor pumping water onto her property. Mr. Schmidt thanked fire and police and people who supported the millage renewals, he also is still requesting we put agendas and updates from supervisor and clerk on website. He also spoke in support of seeking bids for new attorney. Mrs. Kunzelman and Mr. Abner also spoke on behalf of seeking new attorney. Reports: Ken Recker from Livingston County drain was present to discuss ongoing drain issue near Bullis and M-36. He presented a map showing the affected properties and discussed the easement issues and scope of the project, stating the cost could be spread over three years to the residents. His hope would be to start this August and finish by late fall. Motion Walker support Weiland to approve the resolution of the Livingston County Drain Department as presented. Roll Vote: Ayes: Cowan, Mahler, Walker, Weiland, Topping, Nays: None, Absent: none. Resolution approved. Paul McNamara from County GIS and Ron Van Houten county commissioner were present to discuss public safety concerns with our addressing situation. They requested we be advised of their concerns and emergency response concerns. Topping reported that the board was willing to address the problems two years ago, but that we did not approve of their ordinance as presented, we created our own and requested that be used, but the GIS department did not approve that one, which left us at a stand still. Mr. McNamara requested we re-send them what we proposed. Planning Report: Topping stated they have completed a PUD ordinance, it is being typed for final review for the next meeting. Also a public hearing was held and Planning removed the lot size requirement for Home Based Business or Home Occupations, that language is being sent to the county. Police Report by Chief Cook. DDP software was bought by CrimeCog. Elite Triathlon will take place in the township and they pay for two officers to be on duty. Firearms training requirements are being completed. He has 5 volunteers for clean up day. Fire Report by Chief Schroeder, they received the grant for the Polaris ranger and they are now requesting approval to purchase all the equipment and extras as presented at budget time. Mahler questioned if we could use the equipment fund to pay the estimated $10,200 extra equipment costs. Motion Walker support Cowan to approve the expenditure. Topping opposed until we know where the money is coming from. Carried. Chief reports they are having a pancake supper for 4th of July fundraising on May 30th. Motion Mahler support Topping to approve of Curtis press release re: Polaris. Carried. Recreation Report by Cowan, the signs are in and being put up at Unadilla Park along with a plaque to go on the gazebo in honor of Ryan Boyce who built it. They will also be holding an open house at the park on June 2nd at 6:30 p.m. Everyone welcome. Senior report by Mahler, she states they are having a senior prom coming up. Zoning report. Written report available. Correspondence: State Revenue Sharing cut update, and Certificate of appreciation from the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 510 for display of the POW/MIA flags. Unfinished Business: Lewis, Arnold Road complaints, Mr. Lewis spoke to Supervisor stating they went to the building department and are getting permits to build home, and some of the junk has been removed. Topping stated that the trailer still is not legal. New Business: Motion Walker to put out bids for new attorney, citing lack of experience and costs as the reasons. Mahler stated you have already done that. Walker amended that motion to state: terminate current attorney contract effective June 1st. and form a committee to interview attorneys, meet with them for services, which would include; office fees, travel fees, and experience qualifications. The committee consisting of herself, Trustee Cowan and clerk Topping, there was no support for that motion, but Trustee Cowan requested she amend the motion again to include the entire township board on the committee to interview new attorneys. Walker again amended her motion to include Cowan’s request and it was supported by Cowan. Opposed: Topping, Mahler, Weiland. Motion denied after much discussion. Motion Mahler support Cowan to approve the Multi-Lakes Resolution for Restated Articles of Incorporation. Roll vote: Ayes: Cowan, Mahler, Walker, Weiland, Topping. Nays: none. Absent: none. Resolution approved. Motion Walker support Weiland to approve of service contracts with Unadilla Cemetery ($2,000), Plainfield Cemetery ($3,000), Williamsville Cemetery ($2,000) and Hartford Cemetery ($180), allowing reduced fees for township residents to purchase plots in consideration of maintenance money for the cemeteries. Carried. Motion Mahler support Walker to approve budget amendment to move $7180.00 from the General Fund Balance to the Cemetery Maintenance fund. Carried. Motion Topping support Mahler to approve the Multi-Lakes resolution to amend the Sewer Use Ordinance. Roll Vote: Ayes: Cowan, Mahler, Walker, Weiland, Topping. Nays: none. Absent: none. Resolution approved. Motion Walker support Topping to approve cost of $2500.00 to the Livingston County Historical Society for the preservation of all of our old books, minutes, etc. Carried. Motion Cowan support Weiland to approve putting assessor information on-line, similar to what the tax information is now. Carried. Final call to public: Commissioner VanHouten stated that this year County is paying delinquent taxes back to township’s but he is concerned they won’t be able to do that in future years and just wanted us aware. Mr. Topping questioned commissioner about the upkeep of county roads and the disgrace they are in. Discussion on paving costs vs chip and seal. Ms. Helmboldt thanks board for preserving records. K. Schmidt disappointed. Motion Mahler support Walker to adjourn at 9:02 p.m. Carried.
Linda Topping, Clerk