Monday, January 11, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Middle
Branch Township Hall.
The meeting was opened by Patrick
Babcock 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Board members present: Patrick Babcock, Sarah Blackledge,
Beverly Orvis, Patricia Michell and Peggy Hoard.
Guests were acknowledged. Those present: Robert Hoard, Ron and Lynne Austin and Terry
Leach.
Patrick acknowledged guests. Bob,
Ron nor Lynne had any issues to bring up to the Board.
Minutes were read. Bev made a
motion to accept the minutes. Sarah 2nd
the motion. All were in favor and the
motion passed.
Treasurer’s report was given by Patricia. Total assets as of the end of Nov. are about
$78,818.76.
Patrick made a motion to pay bills of Payroll checks 4773-4900 and AP
checks 4672-4696 with check number 4672 voided.
Patrick made a motion to pay the bills presented. Bev 2nd the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Patrick addressed Terry Leach.
Much discussion followed concerning the burned residence on M 61 & M
66. It was not clear to Mrs. Leach if
the property is hers or the banks.
Patrick advised Mrs. Leach that the Board’s concern is that the burned building remains be
cleaned up for safety and for appearance as specified in the Middle Branch
Dangerous Building Ordinance and the Anti Blight Ordinance. Mrs. Leach acknowledged the ordinances and
said her son was willing to clean it up when weather permitted. Patrick related to Mrs. Leach that the Board
is willing to work with her and would wait until spring to pursue this issue,
however, requested that she keep the Board informed regarding foreclosure
issued. The Board thanked Mrs. Leach for
attending the meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
The water softener was installed.
Bev said she noticed the water is clear coming into the utility sink
where before it was rusty looking.
Placing one mil on the Nov. ballot for four years was discussed. Peggy will ask Alan Ginrich
to attend the May 10th Board meeting, along with any other Road
Commission staff, to answer the public’s questions on the mileage. It will be advertised in the Marion Press,
the township notice board and on the Web site that the meeting will address the
mileage and road issues.
NEW BUSINESS:
Patrick made a resolution to keep all wages and salaries the same in
2010 as were in 2009. Bev 2nd
the motion. All were in favor and the
resolution passed.
Input was requested for the 2010-2011 budgets by March 1st. Peggy reported the Board needs to budget for
four elections. Bev requested a carped
cleaner for the hall. Peggy reported that Election Source contract is $271.00
this year and it is recommended by the county clerk that we pay the full
contract, as one call would cost more that this. Bev made a motion to contract this year with
Election Source for $271.00. Patrick 2nd
the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.
Patrick distributed minutes and the 2010 proposed budget for the Marion
Community Fire Department.
1099 vs employee status for the township
assessors was discussed and determined the assessors could remain on their
current contract.
Contracts were discussed. It was
determined not to attend the MTA training on contracts; however, we do need to
contract with the rubbish service, as recommended by Par Plan, Middle Branch
Township Insurance Co.
New manuals for the Board of Review staff was discussed and determined
that the Board of Review could purchase up to three new manuals when they
attend the Feb. 8, 2010 Board of Review training.
The safety issue of non smoking staff and smoking staff sharing the same
vehicle to attend trainings/meetings was discussed. Peggy made a resolution that Middle Branch
Township Board, being concerned for the health and welfare of their staff, will
allow smoking and non smoking staff to ride in separate vehicles to trainings
and meetings. Patrick 2nd the
motion. All were in favor and the
resolution passed.
Peggy brought it to the Boards attention that Holton’s propane had
allowed the Townships propane pig to run out of fuel. Discussion followed. It was determined that Peggy would obtain
prices for a new and a used 500 gal. Pig from various supplies and the township
would purchase their own tank this summer. This would allow the Board to barter
for a locked in, lower price for the township.
It was brought to the Boards attention that somewhere on the web it had
Donald Williams listed as Supervisor.
Peggy will check this with Dan Massy and get it corrected.
Marion Public Library invoice for $858.00 was discussed and determined
to be paid in full.
A letter from a grant writing company regarding grants for roads was
shared. It was determined that Cliff Youngs at the Osceola County Road Commission was writing
grants.
Patrick adjourned the meeting at 8:20
p.m.
The next regular meeting will be held on
Monday March 22, 2010 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Middle Branch Township
Hall. The 2010-1011 budget
will be presented. A special board
meeting will be held on Monday March 29, 2010 to adopt the budget.
Respectfully
Submitted,
Peggy Hoard,