Watertown Charter Township

Minutes of Board of Trustees Regular Meeting

April 21, 2008

7:00 P.M.

Call to order:  The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Board Members Present: Supervisor Adams, Clerk Husby, Treasurer Thelen, and Trustees Maahs, Mitchell, Weitzel, Zay.    Staff present:  Tubbs, Polverento

Public Comment:

• Husby congratulated Delta Township Clerk Vedder, Trustees Boles and Maxwell along with their local partners Resource Recovery and the Grand Ledge schools on the new event called “Greener Delta.”  It included a science fair, fuel efficient cars, alternative energy sources, and many presentations concerning recycling and the environment.  They had a collection point for disposing of old drugs.   She also reminded everyone of the Clinton County community clean up on April 25^th and the number to call for an appointment.
• Sgt. Knight reported daytime residential break-ins of which three were in Watertown...  Please report suspicious vehicles.  The subjects who broke into the Wacousta General Store have been apprehended.  They apprehended a female stealing gas from vehicles.  Next month starts the Click it or Ticket campaign through the aid of a grant. 
• Jack Enderle reported that Clinton County is conducting a study on greenhouse gas emissions.  They will evaluate all of the county vehicles and buildings.
• Steve Fabiano, fire chief, reported 41 calls for service in March.  There were 34 EMS, 5 MV, 7 fire with only 1 building fire, 1 grass, and 1 hazmat response.  The union contract for the firefighters has been ratified.  A grant has been submitted for the new pumper.
• Dick Turcotte asked about the Eaton Hwy paving.  From the letter he was sent, he asked about the attorney opinion.   He also asked what difference it would make if Clinton County Road Commission transferred Eaton Hwy to Eaton County.  Tubbs responded that she included that statement because Eaton County residents are frustrated and disappointed in the process.  It would not make the project easier because Eaton County cannot assess Watertown Charter Township residents.  Mr. Turcotte stated that the letter is very unclear.  He is concerned that if jurisdiction is transferred, that those residents in Watertown Charter Township will be disenfranchised.  Adams said that Eaton County has expressed zero interest in taking over Eaton Hwy.  Weitzel said that Clerk Husby had posed a question to the Clinton County Road Commission and there is a letter in “correspondence” that clearly shows the position of the County.  Husby added that the Clinton County Road Commission has no intention of transferring and Eaton County is not interested in taking it.  She did ask the road commission to come up with a better maintenance plan to improve the condition.
• Thelen informed the Board that Demmer Corporation has been welcomed into the township.  They took over a previous business that is now in bankruptcy. The previous business left a considerable tax obligation which Demmer stepped up and paid.

Consent Agenda:  Thelen asked that the Board read Correspondence Item #1 which covers a law that has been signed that allows two principal resident exemptions for some homes.  She feels that there will be numerous problems.  Weitzel asked about the DEQ notice of the violation by Lakeside Preserve and asked who handles this.  Motion by Thelen and seconded by Mitchell to approve the Consent Agenda items as presented.  Motion carried

Agenda Approval: Adams noted that item # 1a can be removed because she hasn’t had an opportunity to speak with the three applicants so there will be no recommendation tonight.  Motion by Maahs and seconded by Thelen to approve the April 21, 2008 Board of Trustees agenda as amended.  Motion carried

Approval of Minutes:  Regular meeting, March 17, 2008- Motion by Weitzel and seconded by Maahs to approve the March 17, 2008 Board of Trustees regular meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried

Special meeting, March 13, 2008-Motion by Thelen and seconded by Mitchell to approve the minutes of the Board of Trustees special joint meeting dated March 13, 2008 as presented.   Motion carried

Approval of bills:   Motion by Thelen and seconded by Mitchell to approve the special bill lists dated April 21, 2008 as presented.   Motion carried

Pending Business: 

1.         Building inspection fees.  Tubbs provided a resolution for the Board presenting a change in fees.  Weitzel asked why the annual permit fee for business was missing from the new fee schedule.  Tubbs said that it was an oversight, it should be there. Cranson (building inspector) explained the fee.  Thelen asked about administration fees.  Weitzel is concerned about the high building inspection fees.  Cranson pointed out that the Board of Trustees approves the fee schedule and he enforces the fees.  Weitzel has depended on other people to determine whether the fees were fair and just.  He reported that payments to MIS over the last six years came to over a million dollars.  Cranson explained that he maintains his own office and 6 full time staff.  He feels that the comparisons used were inaccurate because other inspection departments get government support.  He has worked in Watertown Charter Township for twenty years.  His inspections are about safety especially fire stopping.  Weitzel wants answers for the constituents.  Husby tried to find direct comparisons and it is hard because of the differences in how services are provided, in house or by contract.  Finding comparables for remodeling which was what we were looking for is the biggest issue.  She feels that RFP’s will help to clear up the whole issue to attempt to get direct more easily understood comparables.  Cranson commented that there are very few stand alone inspection services.  Thelen likes that the contracted service because users support the program rather than the taxpayer.  Zay explained the checklist that he brought up at another meeting that would provide feedback from the homeowner about the service provided.  Cranson would be fine with a checklist, but he doesn’t want it to come from him.  It should come from the township.  Rich Pochert was concerned about access to the property and trespassing. He addressed the ordinance and posed several questions about the township not enforcing the ordinance.  Adams suggested that the Board address the resolution presented; the other issues can be addressed in the future.  Maahs agreed adding that RFP's be sent out in the future. He suggested that Board members invite concerned citizens in to discuss the issue in a forum other than at a regular meeting.  Husby noted that the schedule has finished basements at $50.00 per square feet, but what about the fee for adding a second story.  Motion by Thelen and seconded by Maahs to waive the reading of resolution no. 04-212008-3.  Motion carried 

Motion by Thelen and seconded by Mitchell to adopt resolution no. 04-212008-3 reducing the building inspection permit fees by two dollars for general inspection and creating a new category for finished basements at a reduced rate of fifty dollars per square foot as amended (insert “annual permit fee for Non-residential buildings  $250.00 per trade). 

Yes:  Adams, Thelen, Maahs, Mitchell, Weitzel, Zay

No: Husby with a comment.

Motion carried and resolution adopted

Husby voted no because the resolution is still incomplete, we are not doing a through job with this. 

Maahs asked if there could be a time set up to hear citizen comments and allow them to have an input.  The planning director will coordinate this meeting.

New Business:

1.         Appointments:

b.   Zoning Board of Appeals-Planning Commission representative-Dick Turcotte.  Motion by Maahs and seconded by Thelen to concur with the Planning Commission to appoint Dick Turcotte to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a term of one year ending March 31, 2009.  Motion carried

2.         Parks & Recreation Plan:  MSU students’ presentation.  Senior students from MSU presented a power point presentation.    The purpose was to create a five year plan in order to apply for grants and serve the residents.  They used GIS mapping, conducted a facilities inventory, and assessed access.  The township actually meets and exceeds the standards with the exception of a badminton court.  Recommendations were broken down between short term and long term goals.  The short term goals to be completed within the next five years and the long term goals are goals for the future.  Accessibility is one of the main focuses.  It was suggested to include information concerning the parks and events in the newsletter and increasing signage to maximize the usage of the facilities.  Non-motorized travel was addressed with walkability as a goal.  Future projects include the possibility of a neighborhood mini park at the southwest of Airport Road and Driftwood Drive.  A gazebo to be used by all age groups or a small tot structure could be a part of the mini park.  The parcel on Watertown Parkway could be used for a disc golf course, a mountain bike trail, consuming 40 to 80 of the 120 plus acres.  With the options provided, the township would exceed the standards for National Recreation and Parks Association for acreage standards for the present and the future. Tubbs commended the students for their work and insight.  Harriet Smith asked about park personnel or security.  They commented that lighting would security.  They limited suggestions to low maintenance items in order to keep costs low.  Dale Westrick commented that he spoke with a representative for Frisbee golf and the cost was estimated at $9000.00.   

3.         RFP and Comprehensive Development Plan Update.  Polverento reported on the progress and presented a draft RFP.  Motion by Weitzel and seconded by Thelen that the Board of Trustees concurs with the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approves the Request for Proposals for a Comprehensive Development Plan Update for distribution and public notice.  Motion carried

4.         Non-motorized update and request for mapping funds.  Polverento presented an update on the project.  The committee would like to include some maps to help to identify areas.   The maps would visually enhance the plan.  In particular, the Wacousta village area and the Airport Road area would be identified.  The plan includes adding paved shoulders on Wacousta Road and a crosswalk to the park area.  Motion by Weitzel and seconded by Mitchell that the Board of Trustees approves funds for maps for the Non-motorized Circulation Plan Committee in an amount not to exceed $180.00.  Motion carried

5.         Resolution no. 04-212008-1: DeWitt Public Library District-support for referendum on the future of a new District Library facility.  Motion by Thelen and seconded by Maahs to waive the reading of resolution 04-212008-1.  Motion carried

            Tubbs pointed out that the word "supports" in the resolution that seems inappropriate.  Mitchell suggested “recognizes” be used in place of it.  Motion by Thelen and seconded by Maahs that the Watertown Charter Township Board of Trustees adopts resolution no. 04-212008-1 as amended to change the word “supports” to “recognizes.”

            Yes:  Zay, Mitchell, Husby, Adams, Thelen, Maahs, Weitzel

            No:  none

            Motion carried and resolution adopted

6.                  Looking Glass Regional Fire Authority:  funding the purchase of a new or demo tanker truck.  Mitchell pointed out that when they applied for the grant, they agreed to co-pay up to 50% since it will increase the chance of receiving the grant.  Adams explained that the grant would be awarded between June 2008 and March 2009.  Upon accepting the grant, they have a year to spend the money.  The cost of a new tanker truck would be in excess of $300,000.00.  Adams explained that the funds would come from the townships.  Watertown has created a reserve that should be able to cover it.  Adams asked about whether or not Eagle Township has signed the authority agreement.  Husby replied that they haven’t returned a copy yet, but she will get in touch with their Clerk.  Motion by Weitzel and seconded by Maahs to receive and place on file the communication from Chairman John Clark of the Looking Glass Regional Fire Authority pertaining to grants.  Motion carried

7.         Deer Creek Phase I Sewer approval.  Tubbs reported that it meets all standards and we              have received official notification from SCCMUA.  Motion by Weitzel and seconded by                        Thelen in accordance with the recommendation from SCCMUA, to move the acceptance of

            Phase I sewer approval of the Deer Creek subdivision.  Motion carried

8.         Monthly updates of information hosted on BS& A website.  Thelen explained the need

             to provide information on the web concerning assessments, taxes, utility billing, and special

             assessments on a monthly basis rather than a quarterly basis.  Motion by Thelen and seconded by

             Weitzel to approve the Equalizer Internet Services contract between BS& A and Watertown

            Charter Township dated March 18, 2008 in the amount of $2000.00 for monthly updates of assessing,

            tax, special assessments, and utility billing information placed on the township website.  Funds will

            be taken from General Office, BS & A Web Update Contract account number 101.260.730.002.

            Yes:  Maahs, Husby, Weitzel, Adams, Thelen

            No:  Zay, Mitchell

            Motion carried

9.         Cleaning contract.  Thelen explained that she has been asking for a copy of the cleaning                contract and it doesn’t seem to exist.  She decided to formally request it at a Board meeting. 

            Tubbs responded that she requested it from the Deputy Clerk today. She provided a copy to the

            treasurer.

10.       Policy & Personnel Committee Report.  Weitzel explained that there are two items: 

            preparation of an RFP for health insurance before the current contract runs out; and

            recommendation to seek statutory language to address donations. The Policy & Personnel  

            Committee is suggesting that the subject of donations be referred to the township attorney to

            determine if the township can donate and if so, what the parameters are.  Motion by Weitzel and

            seconded by Mitchell that on behalf of the Policy and Personnel Committee to refer this matter to

            the Township attorney to determine if the Township can make donations or contributions and if so,

            what are the parameters?  Motion carried  

There was a motion made at the Policy & Personnel Committee to have the township manager prepare an RFP for health insurance before the current contract runs out.  However, Policy 4.14 states that any money expended above $5,000.00 would be a Township Board decision.  Motion by Husby and seconded by Maahs that the Township manager prepare a proposal for the Board’s review for next month for health care insurance quotes for our township.  Motion carried

Thelen asked if the Policy & Personnel Committee draft minutes are on the website.  She thinks that her statement was not complete.  She is not in favor of cutting benefits.

7. 2008 Chloriding contract.  Tubbs explained that this contract needs to be corrected, but asked for conditional approval based on her approval of the amended contract.  The contract that was submitted includes paved roads.  She changed the program by changing the 3^rd application on certain roads. Motion by Adams and seconded by Maahs to approve the contract with the Clinton County Road Commission subject to approval by the Township Manager to provide for chloriding of township roads with a cost of less than $98,490.00.  Motion carried

11.  Budget adjustment.  Motion by Weitzel and seconded by Maahs to approve the budget adjustment of $946.00 from 101-000.000.393.038 to 101-253.000-957.000.  Motion carried

Discussion and Public Comment:   

·         Ted Buehler, 4743 St. Joe Hwy, expressed concern on building inspection fees and events as explained by Mr. Cranson and that no rebuttal to his statements was allowed. 

·         Rich Pochert, 9120 Angie Way, commented concerning building inspections and how things actually happened.  They received two letters that got progressively aggressive.  He doesn’t think that the adjustments made are sufficient.  He thinks that there are various ways to look at things.

Adjournment- The meeting was adjourned at 9:29 P.M.

Date approved: ________________                             _____________________________

                                                                                    Deb Adams, Supervisor

                                                                                    ______________________________

                                                                                    Jean Husby, Clerk