Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
March 8, 2010
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
March 8, 2010
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on March 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 Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 8, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Judge William Baillargeon was present. Don Black arrived at 7:35 and Don Rambadt at 7:45.
Judge Baillargeon is currently the District Court Judge for the 57th District. He presented several items of interest related to Allegan County:
1. A DVD titled "A Way Out" which shows the Allegan County Methamphetamine Diversion Program and has received outstanding acclaim.
2. The court in schools programs which have been implemented in various schools through the District Court and have been very successful.
3. Information and concern regarding texting while driving and possible future legislation.
4. The 175th anniversary of the Allegan County Sheriff Department.
Council members asked several questions which Judge Baillargeon answered.
Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to approve the agenda as submitted. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Thank you note from Laurel Scalia for the donation to Gift of Life Foundation given in memory of her son Marty.
2. Information from Lakeshore Energy about savings for Michigan Gas customers.
Treasurer's Report: After a question from President Harness regarding water employee wages, a motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Brinkhuis to approve the Treasurer's report for February as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After the addition of several bills, motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to pay the bills as revised and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: President Harness suggested that in the interest of emergency preparedness, a village marshall be appointed as outlined in the Village Charter. The name of Ron VanDenBerg was recommended, but he will be contacted before official appointment.
Public Works: Member Martin reported that he may be purchasing some small equipment as budgeted. He is also still obtaining information regarding employee vacation time. A meeting with the public works employees is scheduled for March 13 to get prepared for spring activities.
Streets: Commissioner Martin had received a call from Pavement Restoration regarding the sealant. Repair is needed in the storm drain on Main Street. Martin would like to use a camera to check on any deterioration. Crosswalks will be painted soon.
Member Flower referred to a communication from the Allegan County Road Commission Board with information about a meeting on March 25.
Sewer/Water: Member Flower reported that he is working on budgets for both the sewer and water funds and presented preliminary information. He will have a proposal by next month.
President Harness presented information regarding a treatment for the sewer system which he received from a salesman for State Chemical Solutions. A bacterial block called State Pit Boss is suspended in areas to be treated. The cost is $250 per block and would work for 60-120 days. Harness had contacted Tom Deneau who recommended trying the blocks. After further discussion, a motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Seiser to authorize Harness to pursue the treatment for a trial period. Motion carried.
Harness also reported on a conversation with Terry Sturgis regarding the use of a vacuum truck through the Gun Lake Sewer Authority and is waiting for Sturgis to get back to him.
Harness updated the council on the township franchise agreement, stating that the township had changed its course by hiring a new attorney who is suggesting a 425 agreement which would transfer ownership of the system to the village. There was considerable discussion on the current sewer situation as it relates to rates, township agreement, procedures and legalities. The ultimate goal and consensus of the council is to pursue a bulk rate.
County Commissioner: Commissioner Don Black distributed synopses of the February 11 and February 25 Allegan County Commission meetings and noted several items. There was discussion on the B 93 Birthday Bash and the continued concerns of the village, particularly the traffic control plan. There was also discussion on the new jail. Black stated that there will be a charette process (models) on March 22.
Old Business:
1. Update on Possible Property Acquisition, 1609 N. Main: There has been no word on the offer made by the village. The property has been foreclosed and Sharon Buys is still checking with the realtor. The offer may need to be revised.
New Business:
1. Resolution 2010-3-8: Adoption of 2010-2011 Final Budget: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Martin to adopt Resolution 2010-3-8, the General Appropriation Act of 2010-2011, to become effective April 1, 2010.
Roll call vote: Ayes - Seiser, Martin, Brinkhuis, Flower, Rambadt.
Nays - None
Absent - None
Resolution declared adopted.
2. Approve Applications for Farmland Agreement: Martin Township sent copies of applications for Farmland Agreement for Boersen Farms, Inc. and Dennis and Ross Boersen. The applications have been approved by Allegan County Planning Commission, Allegan Conservation District and Martin Township. Because the property is within one mile of the village, the applications also need village approval. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Brinkhuis to approve the applications for Farmland Agreement for Boersen Farms, Inc. and Dennis and Ross Boersen. Motion carried.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted: Joanne R. Kinsey and Burnath Brabon.
Miscellaneous: Member Rambadt stated that the Brandon Elementary Fun Run will take place on April 23. Member Flower reported that the new P.A. system had arrived.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to adjourn at 9:23 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk
Regular Meeting
March 8, 2010
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on March 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 Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 8, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Judge William Baillargeon was present. Don Black arrived at 7:35 and Don Rambadt at 7:45.
Judge Baillargeon is currently the District Court Judge for the 57th District. He presented several items of interest related to Allegan County:
1. A DVD titled "A Way Out" which shows the Allegan County Methamphetamine Diversion Program and has received outstanding acclaim.
2. The court in schools programs which have been implemented in various schools through the District Court and have been very successful.
3. Information and concern regarding texting while driving and possible future legislation.
4. The 175th anniversary of the Allegan County Sheriff Department.
Council members asked several questions which Judge Baillargeon answered.
Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to approve the agenda as submitted. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Thank you note from Laurel Scalia for the donation to Gift of Life Foundation given in memory of her son Marty.
2. Information from Lakeshore Energy about savings for Michigan Gas customers.
Treasurer's Report: After a question from President Harness regarding water employee wages, a motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Brinkhuis to approve the Treasurer's report for February as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After the addition of several bills, motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to pay the bills as revised and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: President Harness suggested that in the interest of emergency preparedness, a village marshall be appointed as outlined in the Village Charter. The name of Ron VanDenBerg was recommended, but he will be contacted before official appointment.
Public Works: Member Martin reported that he may be purchasing some small equipment as budgeted. He is also still obtaining information regarding employee vacation time. A meeting with the public works employees is scheduled for March 13 to get prepared for spring activities.
Streets: Commissioner Martin had received a call from Pavement Restoration regarding the sealant. Repair is needed in the storm drain on Main Street. Martin would like to use a camera to check on any deterioration. Crosswalks will be painted soon.
Member Flower referred to a communication from the Allegan County Road Commission Board with information about a meeting on March 25.
Sewer/Water: Member Flower reported that he is working on budgets for both the sewer and water funds and presented preliminary information. He will have a proposal by next month.
President Harness presented information regarding a treatment for the sewer system which he received from a salesman for State Chemical Solutions. A bacterial block called State Pit Boss is suspended in areas to be treated. The cost is $250 per block and would work for 60-120 days. Harness had contacted Tom Deneau who recommended trying the blocks. After further discussion, a motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Seiser to authorize Harness to pursue the treatment for a trial period. Motion carried.
Harness also reported on a conversation with Terry Sturgis regarding the use of a vacuum truck through the Gun Lake Sewer Authority and is waiting for Sturgis to get back to him.
Harness updated the council on the township franchise agreement, stating that the township had changed its course by hiring a new attorney who is suggesting a 425 agreement which would transfer ownership of the system to the village. There was considerable discussion on the current sewer situation as it relates to rates, township agreement, procedures and legalities. The ultimate goal and consensus of the council is to pursue a bulk rate.
County Commissioner: Commissioner Don Black distributed synopses of the February 11 and February 25 Allegan County Commission meetings and noted several items. There was discussion on the B 93 Birthday Bash and the continued concerns of the village, particularly the traffic control plan. There was also discussion on the new jail. Black stated that there will be a charette process (models) on March 22.
Old Business:
1. Update on Possible Property Acquisition, 1609 N. Main: There has been no word on the offer made by the village. The property has been foreclosed and Sharon Buys is still checking with the realtor. The offer may need to be revised.
New Business:
1. Resolution 2010-3-8: Adoption of 2010-2011 Final Budget: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Martin to adopt Resolution 2010-3-8, the General Appropriation Act of 2010-2011, to become effective April 1, 2010.
Roll call vote: Ayes - Seiser, Martin, Brinkhuis, Flower, Rambadt.
Nays - None
Absent - None
Resolution declared adopted.
2. Approve Applications for Farmland Agreement: Martin Township sent copies of applications for Farmland Agreement for Boersen Farms, Inc. and Dennis and Ross Boersen. The applications have been approved by Allegan County Planning Commission, Allegan Conservation District and Martin Township. Because the property is within one mile of the village, the applications also need village approval. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Brinkhuis to approve the applications for Farmland Agreement for Boersen Farms, Inc. and Dennis and Ross Boersen. Motion carried.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted: Joanne R. Kinsey and Burnath Brabon.
Miscellaneous: Member Rambadt stated that the Brandon Elementary Fun Run will take place on April 23. Member Flower reported that the new P.A. system had arrived.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to adjourn at 9:23 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk