Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
April 12, 2010
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
April 12, 2010
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on April 12, 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 Martin and supported by Member Brinkhuis to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 8, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt and Tim Eichler were present. Don Black arrived at 7:44 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Added to New Business: Deputy to Clerk/Treasurer. Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to approve the agenda as revised. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Thank you note from Judge William Baillargeon for allowing him to speak at the March meeting.
2. Invitation from State Representative Bob Genetski to the second "Local Officials Conference" on April 23 at the Griswold Auditorium in Allegan.
3. Letter from Michigan Gas Utilities Community Relations Department offering to make presentations to council meetings, if desired.
4. Letter from MML regarding fiscal year 2010-11 league dues stating that there would be a 12% reduction.
5. Notes from the April 6 meeting about potential plans for Memorial Day.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt stated that all funds reconciled with the "old bank", National City, which is now PNC. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to approve the treasurer's report for March as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After one addition and two changes in the Major Street Fund, a motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Brinkhuis to pay the bills as revised and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Member Brinkhuis reported that Ron VanDenBerg is willing to serve as Village Marshall. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Martin that President Harness appoint Ron VanDenBerg as Village Marshall as allowed by the Village Charter. Motion carried.
Public Works: Street Commissioner Martin and P.W. employee Tim Eichler gave a report on accessories for the bobcat, such as electrical switch needed to attach other pieces of equipment, and heated cab enclosure kit. More research is needed for the cab enclosure kit, but they requested permission to purchase an electrical switch, cost approximately $325. After further discussion, motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Brinkhuis to purchase an electrical switch for the bobcat for approximately $325. Motion carried.
Streets: Street Commissioner Martin gave a history and update of the drain at the northwest corner of North Main and West Allegan Streets. There was considerable repair done in March. Martin also reported that Tom Deneau of Wightman & Associates had inspected and evaluated the drains on University Street. He stated that he would have more information and a recommendation by next month.
P.W. employees are currently cleaning streets, and crosswalks and street lines will be painted.
Martin also reported that the storm drain across from the fire department has probably not been maintained. He had obtained an estimate from Kraai Well Drilling for $125 to pull and evaluate the pump. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Brinkhuis to have Kraai Well Drilling pull and evaluate the pump for $125. Motion carried.
Member Flower reported that he had attended a SAFTEA (formerly ISTEA) meeting. The village is still scheduled for 2013 for street work. Flower also reported on MDOT federal funding. There was a brief discussion on village funding for street improvements. It was also suggested that the village request bids from Pavement Restoration for crack sealing.
Sewer/Water: Flower reported on the following:
1. Pump No. 1 at the wellhouse needs to be pulled for routine overhaul. Estimates range from $8,500 - $20,000, depending on the condition of the pump. Possible contractors are Peerless-Midwest and Kraai Well Drilling.
2. Tom Deneau has requested information to do a rate evaluation which Flower will supply.
3. Inspection by Wood Choi indicates that monitoring wells need to be plugged.
4. Sampling is being done before new additives are put into the sewer line.
President Harness stated that he had talked to Ed Annen regarding the 425 Agreement between Martin Township and the village and learned that because the property in question will be transferred to the village, a franchise agreement is not needed and Martin Township does not need an ordinance.
Member Martin stated that it had come to the attention of the P.W. Department that a letter delivered to residents about the DEQ requirements for cross connection and back flow preventers has had no responses. It is crucial that the residents comply with the requirements, and that only a state certified technician can check for compliance. It was agreed that by the next meeting a complete program is in place with a list of certified plumbers available for residents who need to meet the DEQ requirements.
County Commission: Commissioner Don Black distributed synopses of the March 11 and April 8 meetings. He also gave an update on the jail project. It was noted that the next meeting is in the evening on April 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Old Business:
1. Property Acquisition: President Harness updated the council on the property at 1609 North Main Street, which has a home that could be renovated into a village office. The property is also adjacent to the P. W. property. The village made an offer of $60,000 which was accepted. PCI has evaluated and made recommendations to meet codes, and Duane VanderPloeg, builder, has also assessed the building and offered suggestions. A pest control inspection has been completed. Harness explained the options available. After considerable discussion, a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to move forward with the purchase of the home at 1609 North Main Street for $60,000 to be renovated into a village office. Motion passed 4-1. President Harness then explained that the deal cannot be completed because the village charter states that 5 votes are needed to approve the purchase of real estate. He will check with Ed Annen.
New Business:
1. Spring Cleanup: May 15 has been set and is agreeable with the township. Flower will do a newsletter and include appropriate information.
2. Memorial Day Plans: After reviewing the notes from the April 6 meeting, it was suggested that a more definitive timeline is needed. Another meeting is scheduled for May 4 where concerns will be addressed.
President Harness made a suggestion that a citizens award be considered, such as the Robert Brandon Community Award, given in recognition of someone who has put forth extra effort on behalf of the community. Nominations will be considered at the next meeting.
3. Deputy Clerk/Treasurer: It was agreed to table this item until the May meeting.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted. Charlie Wicks, Melville Shook and Henry Coringa.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Brinkhuis to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk
Regular Meeting
April 12, 2010
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on April 12, 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 Martin and supported by Member Brinkhuis to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 8, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt and Tim Eichler were present. Don Black arrived at 7:44 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Added to New Business: Deputy to Clerk/Treasurer. Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to approve the agenda as revised. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Thank you note from Judge William Baillargeon for allowing him to speak at the March meeting.
2. Invitation from State Representative Bob Genetski to the second "Local Officials Conference" on April 23 at the Griswold Auditorium in Allegan.
3. Letter from Michigan Gas Utilities Community Relations Department offering to make presentations to council meetings, if desired.
4. Letter from MML regarding fiscal year 2010-11 league dues stating that there would be a 12% reduction.
5. Notes from the April 6 meeting about potential plans for Memorial Day.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt stated that all funds reconciled with the "old bank", National City, which is now PNC. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to approve the treasurer's report for March as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After one addition and two changes in the Major Street Fund, a motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Brinkhuis to pay the bills as revised and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Member Brinkhuis reported that Ron VanDenBerg is willing to serve as Village Marshall. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Martin that President Harness appoint Ron VanDenBerg as Village Marshall as allowed by the Village Charter. Motion carried.
Public Works: Street Commissioner Martin and P.W. employee Tim Eichler gave a report on accessories for the bobcat, such as electrical switch needed to attach other pieces of equipment, and heated cab enclosure kit. More research is needed for the cab enclosure kit, but they requested permission to purchase an electrical switch, cost approximately $325. After further discussion, motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Brinkhuis to purchase an electrical switch for the bobcat for approximately $325. Motion carried.
Streets: Street Commissioner Martin gave a history and update of the drain at the northwest corner of North Main and West Allegan Streets. There was considerable repair done in March. Martin also reported that Tom Deneau of Wightman & Associates had inspected and evaluated the drains on University Street. He stated that he would have more information and a recommendation by next month.
P.W. employees are currently cleaning streets, and crosswalks and street lines will be painted.
Martin also reported that the storm drain across from the fire department has probably not been maintained. He had obtained an estimate from Kraai Well Drilling for $125 to pull and evaluate the pump. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Brinkhuis to have Kraai Well Drilling pull and evaluate the pump for $125. Motion carried.
Member Flower reported that he had attended a SAFTEA (formerly ISTEA) meeting. The village is still scheduled for 2013 for street work. Flower also reported on MDOT federal funding. There was a brief discussion on village funding for street improvements. It was also suggested that the village request bids from Pavement Restoration for crack sealing.
Sewer/Water: Flower reported on the following:
1. Pump No. 1 at the wellhouse needs to be pulled for routine overhaul. Estimates range from $8,500 - $20,000, depending on the condition of the pump. Possible contractors are Peerless-Midwest and Kraai Well Drilling.
2. Tom Deneau has requested information to do a rate evaluation which Flower will supply.
3. Inspection by Wood Choi indicates that monitoring wells need to be plugged.
4. Sampling is being done before new additives are put into the sewer line.
President Harness stated that he had talked to Ed Annen regarding the 425 Agreement between Martin Township and the village and learned that because the property in question will be transferred to the village, a franchise agreement is not needed and Martin Township does not need an ordinance.
Member Martin stated that it had come to the attention of the P.W. Department that a letter delivered to residents about the DEQ requirements for cross connection and back flow preventers has had no responses. It is crucial that the residents comply with the requirements, and that only a state certified technician can check for compliance. It was agreed that by the next meeting a complete program is in place with a list of certified plumbers available for residents who need to meet the DEQ requirements.
County Commission: Commissioner Don Black distributed synopses of the March 11 and April 8 meetings. He also gave an update on the jail project. It was noted that the next meeting is in the evening on April 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Old Business:
1. Property Acquisition: President Harness updated the council on the property at 1609 North Main Street, which has a home that could be renovated into a village office. The property is also adjacent to the P. W. property. The village made an offer of $60,000 which was accepted. PCI has evaluated and made recommendations to meet codes, and Duane VanderPloeg, builder, has also assessed the building and offered suggestions. A pest control inspection has been completed. Harness explained the options available. After considerable discussion, a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to move forward with the purchase of the home at 1609 North Main Street for $60,000 to be renovated into a village office. Motion passed 4-1. President Harness then explained that the deal cannot be completed because the village charter states that 5 votes are needed to approve the purchase of real estate. He will check with Ed Annen.
New Business:
1. Spring Cleanup: May 15 has been set and is agreeable with the township. Flower will do a newsletter and include appropriate information.
2. Memorial Day Plans: After reviewing the notes from the April 6 meeting, it was suggested that a more definitive timeline is needed. Another meeting is scheduled for May 4 where concerns will be addressed.
President Harness made a suggestion that a citizens award be considered, such as the Robert Brandon Community Award, given in recognition of someone who has put forth extra effort on behalf of the community. Nominations will be considered at the next meeting.
3. Deputy Clerk/Treasurer: It was agreed to table this item until the May meeting.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted. Charlie Wicks, Melville Shook and Henry Coringa.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Brinkhuis to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk