Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
March 14, 2011
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
March 14, 2011
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on March 14, 2011, at the Martin Village Office, 1586 South Main Street, Martin, Michigan.
Call to Order and Pledge to Flag: The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Harness, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Roll Call: Members present: Flower, Harness, Martin, Rambadt, J. Seiser, K. Seiser, and Deputy Clerk Merrill. Member Brinkhuis was absent.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member J. Seiser to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 14, 2011, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:38 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Member Flower requested the addition of Martin Lions to New Business. Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda as revised. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Information from Allegan County Broadband Initiative regarding providing affordable high speed internet access in Allegan County. There will be a meeting on March 21, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at the Allegan Township Hall.
2. Letter from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church stating that young people from the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be in the Martin area doing door-to-door missionary work during the months of June, July and August of 2011.
3. Copy of a letter dated March 7, 2011, from Davis & Davis, Plainwell City attorneys, to Edward Annen regarding the Wastewater Treatment Service Agreement and Notice of Default by the Village. This will be addressed later in the meeting.
4. Letter from Consumers Energy dated March 2, 2011, requesting a Certificate of Insurance evidencing the insurance coverage agreed upon in a License Contract dated October 9, 2007. The request was relayed to the village's MML representative, and the Additional Interests Endorsement Schedule has been received.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt highlighted her report, and stated that all funds reconcile with the bank statements. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to approve the treasurer's report for February 2011 as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After the addition of three bills, motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to pay the bills as presented with additions. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Member Martin reported that he had been contacted by the Allegan County Mounted Division asking about specific dates when they would be needed. It was agreed that their services would be helpful at the B-93 weekend in June. Other possible events would be Memorial Day parade, homecoming parade and Christmas parade. The Mounted Division also mentioned "town rides". Martin will submit a list of events for approval.
Public Works: No P.W. report, but Martin reminded the council of a meeting on Saturday, March 19, at the village office with Tom Deneau of Wightman & Associates regarding water issues.
Streets: Martin reported that he had met with Clean Earth regarding the cleaning of storm drains and attempting the camera video on West Allegan.
New Office, 1609 North Main: Martin reported that the carpet has been installed in one of the offices and wood floors cleaned in the remainder of the office. Inside renovation has been completed, and Lori is cleaning the office. The hand rails are completed and need to be installed next to the handicap ramp. When that is complete, a certificate of occupancy will be issued.
Because of the amount of mud in the parking area, Martin recommended putting blacktop or crushed concrete over the area. He will have estimates by the next meeting.
Flower asked about the advisability of putting a smoking disposal container outside the main entrance. He also had a drawing of the main meeting room in the office and the possible configuration of tables for council meetings. After review, it was agreed to use the current table for the time being.
Flower also presented an estimate from Mulder's Moving and Storage for $450 for one-half day. They would shrink wrap file cabinets and provide boxes for loose items. After discussion, motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to hire Mulder's Moving and Storage to move from the current office to the new office. Motion carried. The move should be completed before the end of March.
Sewer/Water: Flower stated that he had overbilled Gun Plain Township, and after communicating with them, it was agreed to send them a refund check for $2,627.25 for the overpayment.
President Harness reported on the issues with Plainwell. The meeting on February 17 did not go well and ended with Plainwell giving the village documents of violation which had been already prepared and signed by the city. There is dispute on the 425 Agreement with Martin Township, which Harness outlined. The second meeting on March 8 went some better, but there are still unresolved issues regarding attorney fees, bulk rates and multiplier rates. Harness explained the history of the sewer issues with Plainwell, including the lack of cooperation on the part of Martin Township regarding the requested attorney fees nearly one year ago, which would have avoided the ongoing issues. The attorney fees requested were $9,000 but are now $70,000. Harness stated that there is need for further investigation before a decision is made. Attorney Ed Annen is working very hard to bring a resolution to the dispute.
County Commissioner: Don Black distributed synopses of the February 10 and March 10 meetings and highlighted the following: approval of the Allegan County Transportation Five Year Strategic Plan; award of an automated fee gate system bid for Gun Lake Park boat launch; possible contract with Wishbone Pet Rescue giving them managerial control of the county's animal shelter; and update on jail plans. He also responded to a question from the February 14 council meeting regarding payment for extra deputies on duty during the opening of the Gun Lake Casino. Revenue from the casino pays for the deputy services.
Old Business:
1. 1016 West Allegan: It was reported that the Harthorns have made the first two payments on time for reimbursement of village legal expenses. PCI should be conducting an inspection soon.
2. VanElderen Sewer Issues: Plainwell will be issuing a violation letter to VanElderen with a copy to the village.
New Business:
1. Resolution 2011-3-4: General Appropriation Act for 2011-2012: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to adopt Resolution 2011-3-4, the 2011-2012 village budget.
Roll call vote: Ayes - Rambadt, J. Seiser, Martin, Flower, K. Seiser.
Nays - None
Absent - Brinkhuis
Resolution declared adopted.
2. Trash Pick Up Date: Flower suggested May 14, 2011 as the date for trash pick up. He will check with the township, and if agreeable, he will include the date and regulations in a spring newsletter. It was also suggested that a dumpster for hazardous materials be available. (Note: After conferring with the township, the date of Saturday, May 21 was set as the day for trash pick up.)
3. Martin Lions: Flower stated that the taxable value of the Martin Lions building has increased, and due to a decrease in Bingo proceeds, the Martin Lions are unable to pay the taxes and other expenses. He asked about the possibility of turning the building over to the village which would eliminate the taxes. There was discussion and questions raised, but no decision was made.
4. President Update: President Harness stated that his health issues have greatly improved and he is willing to continue to serve as President. His job sometimes keeps him out of town, but he has continued to attend meetings regarding the sewer issues. He stated that he would like the council to go into closed session so that members could express their feelings and wishes regarding his position. He requested that Member Martin chair the session.
Closed Session: Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by J. Seiser to convene into closed session at 9:05 p.m. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Rambadt to reconvene into regular session at 9:40 p.m. Motion carried.
Recent Community Deaths: Names submitted were: Gerald D. "Butch" Kline and Aileen Oetman.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member J. Seiser to adjourn at 9:42 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Deputy Clerk
Regular Meeting
March 14, 2011
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on March 14, 2011, at the Martin Village Office, 1586 South Main Street, Martin, Michigan.
Call to Order and Pledge to Flag: The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Harness, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Roll Call: Members present: Flower, Harness, Martin, Rambadt, J. Seiser, K. Seiser, and Deputy Clerk Merrill. Member Brinkhuis was absent.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member J. Seiser to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 14, 2011, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:38 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Member Flower requested the addition of Martin Lions to New Business. Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda as revised. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Information from Allegan County Broadband Initiative regarding providing affordable high speed internet access in Allegan County. There will be a meeting on March 21, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at the Allegan Township Hall.
2. Letter from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church stating that young people from the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be in the Martin area doing door-to-door missionary work during the months of June, July and August of 2011.
3. Copy of a letter dated March 7, 2011, from Davis & Davis, Plainwell City attorneys, to Edward Annen regarding the Wastewater Treatment Service Agreement and Notice of Default by the Village. This will be addressed later in the meeting.
4. Letter from Consumers Energy dated March 2, 2011, requesting a Certificate of Insurance evidencing the insurance coverage agreed upon in a License Contract dated October 9, 2007. The request was relayed to the village's MML representative, and the Additional Interests Endorsement Schedule has been received.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt highlighted her report, and stated that all funds reconcile with the bank statements. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to approve the treasurer's report for February 2011 as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After the addition of three bills, motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to pay the bills as presented with additions. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Member Martin reported that he had been contacted by the Allegan County Mounted Division asking about specific dates when they would be needed. It was agreed that their services would be helpful at the B-93 weekend in June. Other possible events would be Memorial Day parade, homecoming parade and Christmas parade. The Mounted Division also mentioned "town rides". Martin will submit a list of events for approval.
Public Works: No P.W. report, but Martin reminded the council of a meeting on Saturday, March 19, at the village office with Tom Deneau of Wightman & Associates regarding water issues.
Streets: Martin reported that he had met with Clean Earth regarding the cleaning of storm drains and attempting the camera video on West Allegan.
New Office, 1609 North Main: Martin reported that the carpet has been installed in one of the offices and wood floors cleaned in the remainder of the office. Inside renovation has been completed, and Lori is cleaning the office. The hand rails are completed and need to be installed next to the handicap ramp. When that is complete, a certificate of occupancy will be issued.
Because of the amount of mud in the parking area, Martin recommended putting blacktop or crushed concrete over the area. He will have estimates by the next meeting.
Flower asked about the advisability of putting a smoking disposal container outside the main entrance. He also had a drawing of the main meeting room in the office and the possible configuration of tables for council meetings. After review, it was agreed to use the current table for the time being.
Flower also presented an estimate from Mulder's Moving and Storage for $450 for one-half day. They would shrink wrap file cabinets and provide boxes for loose items. After discussion, motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to hire Mulder's Moving and Storage to move from the current office to the new office. Motion carried. The move should be completed before the end of March.
Sewer/Water: Flower stated that he had overbilled Gun Plain Township, and after communicating with them, it was agreed to send them a refund check for $2,627.25 for the overpayment.
President Harness reported on the issues with Plainwell. The meeting on February 17 did not go well and ended with Plainwell giving the village documents of violation which had been already prepared and signed by the city. There is dispute on the 425 Agreement with Martin Township, which Harness outlined. The second meeting on March 8 went some better, but there are still unresolved issues regarding attorney fees, bulk rates and multiplier rates. Harness explained the history of the sewer issues with Plainwell, including the lack of cooperation on the part of Martin Township regarding the requested attorney fees nearly one year ago, which would have avoided the ongoing issues. The attorney fees requested were $9,000 but are now $70,000. Harness stated that there is need for further investigation before a decision is made. Attorney Ed Annen is working very hard to bring a resolution to the dispute.
County Commissioner: Don Black distributed synopses of the February 10 and March 10 meetings and highlighted the following: approval of the Allegan County Transportation Five Year Strategic Plan; award of an automated fee gate system bid for Gun Lake Park boat launch; possible contract with Wishbone Pet Rescue giving them managerial control of the county's animal shelter; and update on jail plans. He also responded to a question from the February 14 council meeting regarding payment for extra deputies on duty during the opening of the Gun Lake Casino. Revenue from the casino pays for the deputy services.
Old Business:
1. 1016 West Allegan: It was reported that the Harthorns have made the first two payments on time for reimbursement of village legal expenses. PCI should be conducting an inspection soon.
2. VanElderen Sewer Issues: Plainwell will be issuing a violation letter to VanElderen with a copy to the village.
New Business:
1. Resolution 2011-3-4: General Appropriation Act for 2011-2012: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to adopt Resolution 2011-3-4, the 2011-2012 village budget.
Roll call vote: Ayes - Rambadt, J. Seiser, Martin, Flower, K. Seiser.
Nays - None
Absent - Brinkhuis
Resolution declared adopted.
2. Trash Pick Up Date: Flower suggested May 14, 2011 as the date for trash pick up. He will check with the township, and if agreeable, he will include the date and regulations in a spring newsletter. It was also suggested that a dumpster for hazardous materials be available. (Note: After conferring with the township, the date of Saturday, May 21 was set as the day for trash pick up.)
3. Martin Lions: Flower stated that the taxable value of the Martin Lions building has increased, and due to a decrease in Bingo proceeds, the Martin Lions are unable to pay the taxes and other expenses. He asked about the possibility of turning the building over to the village which would eliminate the taxes. There was discussion and questions raised, but no decision was made.
4. President Update: President Harness stated that his health issues have greatly improved and he is willing to continue to serve as President. His job sometimes keeps him out of town, but he has continued to attend meetings regarding the sewer issues. He stated that he would like the council to go into closed session so that members could express their feelings and wishes regarding his position. He requested that Member Martin chair the session.
Closed Session: Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by J. Seiser to convene into closed session at 9:05 p.m. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Rambadt to reconvene into regular session at 9:40 p.m. Motion carried.
Recent Community Deaths: Names submitted were: Gerald D. "Butch" Kline and Aileen Oetman.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member J. Seiser to adjourn at 9:42 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Deputy Clerk