MIDDLE BRANCH TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Monday, May 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.   

   

Meeting was opened by Patrick Babcock at the Middle Branch Township Hall at 7:00 p.m.

Board Members present:   Sarah Blackledge, Peggy Hoard, Bev Orvis, Patricia Michell and Patrick Babcock.

Guests Present:  Bob Hoard, Bob & Barb Tower and Scott Favor.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Patrick acknowledged guests.

 

     Bob Hoard reported he had begun to install the steel stakes with florescent tops on the Township properties.  He also reported he found 4 mattresses, air conditioner, TV. fridge and other large items that had been dumped on the property.  Also there was a pile of broken concrete dumped on the property partly blocking the road.  Patrick asked Bob if the items could be brought to the dumpsters on rubbish day.  Bob said he could use his trailer to transport the items to the dumpsters.  Patrick asked if could take care of the concrete.  Bob said he could.

     Stott Favor, representing Favor’s Forest Products out of Cadillac, addressed the Board concerning the standing Red Pine timber between the cemeteries on 14 mile road.  He is interested in purchasing the timber for about $1,500.00.  They pay with check $500.00 up front and then the balance at the end of harvesting.  The total amount of money is based on $20.00 per cord.  Discussion followed.  It was agreed that if there were a reason for the trees to be removed, disease, weakness, etc, that the Board would agree it would be good to get money for the trees instead of just losing them.  The decision will be tabled and the Board will begin the July 13th meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the cemeteries to evaluate the trees.  Mr. Favor said that a decision in July would work fine with him.

    Bob and Barb Tower didn’t have anything to address the Board on.  The Board noted their appreciation for their attending the meeting.

 

     The minutes from 03-30-09 meeting were read with one correction.  On page two it states 14 mile road and it should read 15 mile road.  Bev made a motion to approve the minutes with the one correction.  Sarah 2nd the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed.

    Treasurers Report was given.  Checking: $40,548.29, Citizens Bank: 16 month CD $30,725.30, CMCFU: 12 month CD: $10,241.47 and $10.00 in savings for a total of $81,525.06.

    The bills were presented to be paid   Patrick made a motion to pay the bills presented payroll checks 4825-4829 and AP checks 4610-4624.  Bev 2nd the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

 

Old Business:

    Peggy reported the Dangerous Building Ordinance was published, is in effect, and sent Dan Massy to place on our Web page.  The Board of Review Training Manual has not been returned by Becky Cavanaugh as to date. Dow Williams selected his 10 (ten) burial plots in cemetery II.

     Patrick gave an update on the burned house on M-66 and M-61.  It was ruled arson, but the guilty person has not been identified.  The bank has taken the place over.  We are on hold until further developments are completed by the bank.

    Peggy will contact MDOT regarding the scheduled changes to the parking lot at the Hall and 15 mile road in front of the Hall.  Barb Tower requests notice prior to the work being started at it will affect the Monday Music Group and guests attending the Hall on Mondays.  Peggy said she would keep Barb informed as she is informed.  Peggy reported that the AG maps are on the Clerk’s computer and there is also a back up.  If the Board of Review needs more information we can contact the AG office.  Peggy reported that the costs of dumpsters are basically the same for the same size and same service.  Peggy reported that Nixon Flooring is going to repair the all vinyl that is coming up and remove the entire sticky residue.  Nixon is waiting for a special infusing material to arrive and then he will complete the work.

    

New Business:

     Patrick presented the Board with a financial report from the Marion Fire Department and update on the construction of the new building and equipment.  They do have the monies in their account for the improvement costs.  The Board thanked Patrick for the appreciated updates on the Marion Fire Department. 

     Discussion on the gate that is blocking the Township 40 located off 10th Avenue was discussed.  Patrick reported he had received a phone call from a Mr. Kirk Kotchins (note spelling of name may not be correct), regarding the gate.  He stated he was encouraged by a past township official to place the gate there due to the public dumping large items on the township property.  He stated he had rented two huge dumpsters and filled them with debris.  (Please note earlier in the meeting that Bob Hoard had found large items, also, on the Township 40.)  More discussion followed. Patrick made a motion that for now, to leave the gate where it is and that it is to be kept unlocked at all times for fire safety and public access. Bev 2nd the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

     Patricia advised the Board that the Credit Union would not remove or add names to the authorization cards without a copy of Board minutes making a motion to this effect.

     Patrick made a motion to remove Donald Williams off the authorization cards at the Central Michigan Community Federal Credit Union and place Patrick Babcock on the cards.  Peggy 2nd the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

 

Additional Business: 

     Bob Hoard asked the Boards permission to cover the two holes in the bathroom roofs and paint the buildings.  Patrick made a motion to have Bob fix the roofs and paint the buildings.  Bev 2nd the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed.

    Bob Tower stated that he had white vinyl siding he would donate to the Township to cover the bathrooms at both cemeteries.  He said he would donate his time to help install the siding.  Peggy said she also would donate her time to install the siding and paint the inside of the bathrooms and the outside of the vault.  The inside of the bathrooms and the outside of the vault all need to be painted.

 

 

The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, July 13, 2009 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the cemeteries, then will resume immediately afterwards at the Middle Branch Township Hall.

    Patrick adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Peggy Hoard, Clerk Middle Branch Township