Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
April 8, 2013
Village of Martin
Regular Meeting
April 8, 2013
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on April 8, 2013, at the Martin Village Office, 1609 North Main Street, Martin, Michigan.
Call to Order and Pledge to Flag: President Brinkhuis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was recited.
Roll Call: Members present: Brinkhuis, Flower, Rambadt, Doezema, Hunt, Kelsey, Wykstra and Deputy Clerk Merrill.
Approval of Minutes: Motion made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 11, 2013, with corrections. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Visitors present were: Don Black, County Commissioner (7:40 arrival), Don Rambadt, and Mina VanElderen. President Brinkhuis asked each visitor to state their purpose for attending and to discuss any issues they had for the Council to consider. Mina VanElderen, representing the Gun Lake Women's Club, informed and invited the Council to attend a fundraiser on May 17. She distributed information and answered questions.
Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Kelsey to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Communications: Clerk Doezema reviewed the following received correspondence:
(1) Marshall Plastic email - President instructed Clerk to draft a thank-you letter
(2) MI American Water Works Association - no action
(3) Email from Tim Davis on potential business - no further word since email
(4) Fontaine email on McGuire property - Clerk will follow up
(5) Announcement on Traffic Safety for Elected Officials - Usually attended by fire dept.
(6) Information from International League of Cities - No interest in joining
Financial Items:
1. Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt highlighted her report, reporting that all bills have been paid and we have reconciled with bank. Motion was made by Member Doezema and supported by Member Wykstra to approve the report for March 2013 as submitted. Motion carried.
2. Payment of Bills: The bills were reviewed by Clerk Doezema. The following bills were added: Office Depot (credit card charge) - $54.99, Ed Annen - $481.25, Miss Dig - $74.57, and Horizon Operations $450.00. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to pay the bills with additions and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
1. Public Safety: Member Hunt - No report. President Brinkhuis will call the mounted patrol to see if they need a meeting prior to the B93 event on June 8.
2. Public Works: Member Wykstra - Reported on bids received from VanderPloeg and Boniface for improvements to the Public Works building. Discussion on the bids and the need to do the work. Member Wykstra informed that the ceiling and insulation are the primary focus (bid of $8800). The work is needed to address heat issues in the big barn. Bids were also received to put in a specialty room ($8500) and to run utilities ($2200). Member Rambadt reported that there is $52,264 currently in the Building Fund and money could come from there or be split between funds. Issue is tabled until next month. Finance committee will discuss at their upcoming meeting.
3. Streets: Member Wykstra - Presented a bid by Balkema to fix 2 manholes. Member Wykstra moved that we approve up to $5500 to fix the manholes. Member Flower seconded. Motion carried. Member Wykstra discussed the quality of our roads and the need to have them swept before Memorial Day. We can hire Sani-sweep Inc. for $130/hr, with a projection of 5 hours to do the entire town. Commissioner Black suggested some alternatives, such as getting school kids or boy scouts to do it for free. Discussion by Council on the liability and the fear of having kids out on the streets so near traffic. Member Wykstra moved that we hire Sani-sweep Inc. for up to 6 hours. Member Flower seconded. Motion carried. There was an additional discussion on the search for a new truck and possible costs.
4. Sewer/Water: Member Flower - Reported that he has no budget yet but he is working on it. As part of the budget, he will address that Pump #2 needs to be rebuilt and will cost at least $22K. A new water meter reader is also needed, as soon as possible. Member Flower moved that we purchase the new meter reader, not to exceed $10K. Member Hunt seconded. There is approximately $175K in the Water Fund. Motion carried. Horizon Operations sent in their first report and it looks very thorough. Pump readings are up. Semi-annual sampling has occurred with additional testing done at the manhole by VanElderens. Member Flower and Member Doezema reported on Permit issued by City of Plainwell and additional requirements. Member Doezema moved that President Brinkhuis sign the permit if the lawyer agrees with doing so. Member Wykstra seconded. Motion carried.
5. Finance: Treasurer Rambadt - The Finance Committee will meet Saturday, April 13 at 9.
6. Ordinance and Policy: Clerk Doezema is reviewing our Ordinances. No report.
7. Civic Affairs: Member Kelsey - Reported on Memorial Day parade and activities. She suggested Paul Brewer as the Grand Marshall and asked whether anyone had other suggestions or if they were fine with that choice. No other names were put forth. Member Kelsey will contact Brewer and then contact Commissioner Black with his information. Ron Merrill shall MC again this year but states that it will be his last year to do so. Member Kelsey is securing a minister, music, etc. Discussion on the meaning of the parade and ceremony. Member Kelsey suggested we encourage the decorating of bikes. Member Rambadt recommended we do that, with a patriotic theme.
8. Five Year Planning: President Brinkhuis - no report.
9. County Commissioner: Don Black reported and distributed synopses of the March 14 and 28, 2013 County Commission meetings. He informed that Gun Plain Township is asking all municipalities to pass a resolution that the drug Sudafed only be sold by prescription, rather than over the counter. These resolutions would be used to encourage lawmakers to do the same. Commissioner Black also told of a presentation on "smart" utility meters and some of the discussions on them.
Old Business:
No old business.
New Business:
1. Community Garden request - Member Doezema asked if the public works employees could move a few truck loads of leaves to the community garden in the coming week. President Brinkhuis said that would not be a problem.
2. Museum display - Member Doezema informed the Council that the Old Jail Museum in Allegan will have a military display until July and encouraged members to visit.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted: Rose DeYoung, David Boyce, Paul Smit, Gerald Dehn, and Marvin Miller.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Wykstra to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Darcy Doezema, Clerk
Regular Meeting
April 8, 2013
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on April 8, 2013, at the Martin Village Office, 1609 North Main Street, Martin, Michigan.
Call to Order and Pledge to Flag: President Brinkhuis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was recited.
Roll Call: Members present: Brinkhuis, Flower, Rambadt, Doezema, Hunt, Kelsey, Wykstra and Deputy Clerk Merrill.
Approval of Minutes: Motion made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 11, 2013, with corrections. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Visitors present were: Don Black, County Commissioner (7:40 arrival), Don Rambadt, and Mina VanElderen. President Brinkhuis asked each visitor to state their purpose for attending and to discuss any issues they had for the Council to consider. Mina VanElderen, representing the Gun Lake Women's Club, informed and invited the Council to attend a fundraiser on May 17. She distributed information and answered questions.
Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Kelsey to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Communications: Clerk Doezema reviewed the following received correspondence:
(1) Marshall Plastic email - President instructed Clerk to draft a thank-you letter
(2) MI American Water Works Association - no action
(3) Email from Tim Davis on potential business - no further word since email
(4) Fontaine email on McGuire property - Clerk will follow up
(5) Announcement on Traffic Safety for Elected Officials - Usually attended by fire dept.
(6) Information from International League of Cities - No interest in joining
Financial Items:
1. Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt highlighted her report, reporting that all bills have been paid and we have reconciled with bank. Motion was made by Member Doezema and supported by Member Wykstra to approve the report for March 2013 as submitted. Motion carried.
2. Payment of Bills: The bills were reviewed by Clerk Doezema. The following bills were added: Office Depot (credit card charge) - $54.99, Ed Annen - $481.25, Miss Dig - $74.57, and Horizon Operations $450.00. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to pay the bills with additions and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
1. Public Safety: Member Hunt - No report. President Brinkhuis will call the mounted patrol to see if they need a meeting prior to the B93 event on June 8.
2. Public Works: Member Wykstra - Reported on bids received from VanderPloeg and Boniface for improvements to the Public Works building. Discussion on the bids and the need to do the work. Member Wykstra informed that the ceiling and insulation are the primary focus (bid of $8800). The work is needed to address heat issues in the big barn. Bids were also received to put in a specialty room ($8500) and to run utilities ($2200). Member Rambadt reported that there is $52,264 currently in the Building Fund and money could come from there or be split between funds. Issue is tabled until next month. Finance committee will discuss at their upcoming meeting.
3. Streets: Member Wykstra - Presented a bid by Balkema to fix 2 manholes. Member Wykstra moved that we approve up to $5500 to fix the manholes. Member Flower seconded. Motion carried. Member Wykstra discussed the quality of our roads and the need to have them swept before Memorial Day. We can hire Sani-sweep Inc. for $130/hr, with a projection of 5 hours to do the entire town. Commissioner Black suggested some alternatives, such as getting school kids or boy scouts to do it for free. Discussion by Council on the liability and the fear of having kids out on the streets so near traffic. Member Wykstra moved that we hire Sani-sweep Inc. for up to 6 hours. Member Flower seconded. Motion carried. There was an additional discussion on the search for a new truck and possible costs.
4. Sewer/Water: Member Flower - Reported that he has no budget yet but he is working on it. As part of the budget, he will address that Pump #2 needs to be rebuilt and will cost at least $22K. A new water meter reader is also needed, as soon as possible. Member Flower moved that we purchase the new meter reader, not to exceed $10K. Member Hunt seconded. There is approximately $175K in the Water Fund. Motion carried. Horizon Operations sent in their first report and it looks very thorough. Pump readings are up. Semi-annual sampling has occurred with additional testing done at the manhole by VanElderens. Member Flower and Member Doezema reported on Permit issued by City of Plainwell and additional requirements. Member Doezema moved that President Brinkhuis sign the permit if the lawyer agrees with doing so. Member Wykstra seconded. Motion carried.
5. Finance: Treasurer Rambadt - The Finance Committee will meet Saturday, April 13 at 9.
6. Ordinance and Policy: Clerk Doezema is reviewing our Ordinances. No report.
7. Civic Affairs: Member Kelsey - Reported on Memorial Day parade and activities. She suggested Paul Brewer as the Grand Marshall and asked whether anyone had other suggestions or if they were fine with that choice. No other names were put forth. Member Kelsey will contact Brewer and then contact Commissioner Black with his information. Ron Merrill shall MC again this year but states that it will be his last year to do so. Member Kelsey is securing a minister, music, etc. Discussion on the meaning of the parade and ceremony. Member Kelsey suggested we encourage the decorating of bikes. Member Rambadt recommended we do that, with a patriotic theme.
8. Five Year Planning: President Brinkhuis - no report.
9. County Commissioner: Don Black reported and distributed synopses of the March 14 and 28, 2013 County Commission meetings. He informed that Gun Plain Township is asking all municipalities to pass a resolution that the drug Sudafed only be sold by prescription, rather than over the counter. These resolutions would be used to encourage lawmakers to do the same. Commissioner Black also told of a presentation on "smart" utility meters and some of the discussions on them.
Old Business:
No old business.
New Business:
1. Community Garden request - Member Doezema asked if the public works employees could move a few truck loads of leaves to the community garden in the coming week. President Brinkhuis said that would not be a problem.
2. Museum display - Member Doezema informed the Council that the Old Jail Museum in Allegan will have a military display until July and encouraged members to visit.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted: Rose DeYoung, David Boyce, Paul Smit, Gerald Dehn, and Marvin Miller.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Wykstra to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Darcy Doezema, Clerk