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Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
February 8, 2010
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
February 8, 2010

The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on February 8, 2010, at the Martin Village Office, 1586 South Main Street, Martin, Michigan.

Call to Order and Pledge to Flag: President Harness called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.

Roll Call: All members were present: Harness, Seiser, Martin, Brinkhuis, Flower, Rambadt and Acting Clerk Merrill.

Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Martin to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 18, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.

Recognition of Visitors: No visitors were present at the beginning of the meeting. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:45 p.m.

Approval of Agenda: One item was added to Old Business: P.A. System. President Harness also requested that discussion of the appraisal reports be done immediately as well as Old Business item No. 1, Property at 1609 North Main Street. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.

Appraisal Reports: President Harness reported that detailed appraisal reports had been obtained from Appraisal Associates for properties at 917 East Allegan Street and 1597 10th Street. He gave updates and renovations needed. Harness had also requested clarification from Professional Code Inspections regarding property at 1609 North Main Street. He read an e-mail from Kirk Scharphorn outlining the needed renovations and zoning requirements. Harness suggested that the Planning Committee, composed of Members Martin, Brinkhuis and Harness, meet to research the information and make a recommendation to the council.

Communications: The following was read:
1. Thank you note from Gift of Life Foundation for the contribution made in memory of Marty Scalia.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Rambadt reported that all funds balance with the bank. She also stated that there are only four parcels currently delinquent, for a total of approximately $1,500 to be turned over to the county. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Brinkhuis to approve the Treasurer’s Report for January 2010 as submitted. Motion carried.

Payment of Bills: It was noted that the water bond principal and interest payment is more than the total in the Water Debt Fund. Treasurer Rambadt recommended that the principal of $20,000 be paid from the Water Debt Fund and the interest of $29,863 be paid from the Water Special Reserve Fund. Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to approve payment of the bills, including the recommendation for the water bond payment, and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.

Transfers per 2009-2010 Budget: The budget included transfers from the General Fund as follows: $3,500 to Vehicle Fund and $30,000 to Building Fund. After some discussion, a motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Brinkhuis to amend the 2009-10
budget by eliminating the $30,000 transfer to the Building Fund and only transferring $3,500 to the Vehicle Fund from the General Fund. Motion carried.

Department Updates/Reports:

Public Safety: There was discussion and concern about the recent announcement that the B 93 Birthday Bash has been scheduled for June 19-20 at Motor Sports Park. The major concerns are traffic control and parking. Further investigation will be made regarding these concerns.

Public Works/ Streets: Member Martin reported on maintenance on trucks. He also asked about a possible vacation plan for employee Tim Eichler. Martin will present a plan at next month’s meeting. He further reported that the plowing crew is prepared for the predicted snowfall.

Sewer/Water: Member Flower reported that a Joint Sewer meeting will be held this week. He also read portions of the report from Peerless-Midwest on the testing and servicing of the water pumps.

President Harness gave an update on his meeting with Erik Wilson regarding sewer concerns. He needs to collect some information for Mr. Wilson and will have a proposal for the March meeting. He has an appointment with Attorney Ed Annen later in the week. It was agreed to review the bioxide treatment program.

County Commissioner: Commissioner Don Black distributed synopses of the January 28 and February 4 Allegan County Commission meetings and highlighted several items. He also answered questions from council members.

Old Business:

1. P.A. System: After review of the proposals presented at the January 18 meeting by Member Flower, a motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to purchase the MA-707PA System from Michigan-Kal Electronic, Inc. for a total of $1,566.97. Motion carried. Member Flower will take care of ordering the system.

New Business:

1. Adoption of 2010-2011 Proposed Budget: After review a motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Flower to adopt the 2010-2011 Proposed Budget as presented. Motion carried. Proposed budget will be posted as outlined in the charter.

Recent Community Deaths: One name was submitted: Curtis Kent.

Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to adjourn at 8:59 p.m. Motion carried.


Respectfully submitted,


Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk