Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
May 11, 2009
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
May 11, 2009
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on May 11, 2009, 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: 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 Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 13, 2009, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Black, Allegan County Commissioner, was present. Kalamazoo Gazette reporter Sharon Sturdevant arrived at 7:50 p.m. and State Representative Bob Genetski arrived at 8:03 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: One item was added to old Business as follows: Update on lagoon system. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to approve the agenda as revised. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Memo from Allegan County Treasurer Sally Brooks regarding delinquent village taxes. Resolution under New Business.
2.Letter from Martin Township Library Director Alicia Kershaw about a new program at the library, the MelCat program. The library needs to replace their computers for the program and is seeking donations.
3.Memo from State Senator Patty Birkholz regarding revenue sharing payments. According to estimates, the village will lose approximately $1,676 in revenue sharing.
4.Various communications with National City Bank regarding dividends and bank charges. Treasurer Rambadt and Acting Clerk Merrill met with Gary Mattison from the Martin branch and Leslie Gower from the Kalamazoo branch on April 30 to discuss the village concerns. They offered and explained the Super NOW accounts, which are designed for public funds. The NOW accounts provide a higher interest
rate as well as earnings credit with no bank charges. It was decided to transfer the village funds into the Super NOW accounts from the current MIF (Municipal Investment Fund) accounts, which took effect May 1. The bank will continue to monitor the dividends on the MIF accounts, and if they rebound to a better rate, they will contact the village.
Treasurer’s Report: After review of the April report, motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to approve the treasurer’s report for April as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to pay the bills as presented and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: It was noted that there is an increase of law enforcement (county and state) in the village. Concern was expressed about jake braking. After some discussion, it was moved by Member Martin, supported by Member Flower, to purchase four signs stating “No Jake Braking” to be placed at the village limits. Motion carried 5-1.
Public Works: Street Commissioner Martin had talked to Tim Eichler regarding cross walk painting before Memorial Day. Complaints were expressed about the curb lawn by the Clark station. Member Flower will send a letter to Alex Weinberg stating that the area needs to be cleaned by May 22 or the village will do so and charge accordingly.
Streets: Member Martin reported that Plummer’s cannot do the storm drain repairs as authorized at the April meeting. He further stated that there is a need to jet and clean the east and south drains this year and suggested that the money allotted toward the drain repairs be put toward jet cleaning the south and east lines videoing the two drains on West Allegan to determine a solution. After discussion, motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to clean the south and east drains and video the two drains on West Allegan. Motion carried.
State Representative Bob Genetski: Mr. Genetski gave a brief update from Lansing, including the state budget deficit, the decrease in revenue sharing, stimulus money, and March Reading Month. He also gave a reminder of the Local Officials Conference on May 29.
Sewer/Water: Member Flower reported on the following:
1. Auto reading seminar on May 19, which he plans to attend.
2.Request from Bobby Jones, who is interested in purchasing the Shine Car Wash next to Dover Farms. He would like to extend the sewer line from Dover Farms driveway west to the property line of the car wash, approximately 250 feet of 2 inch force main. There was discussion on the need for clarification of state property and utility lines. It was agreed that the project needs to be approved by village engineers Wightman & Associates, and Member Flower will correspond with Mr. Jones that contact needs to be made with Wightman & Associates to obtain approval for his proposed project, with any charges to be paid by Mr. Jones.
3.Word that Gun River Estates may be in foreclosure proceedings.
County Commissioner: Commissioner Don Black distributed a synopsis of the meeting of April 9 and 2009 Official Directory booklets for Allegan County. He noted the need for a county jail, which may appear on an election ballot. He also noted the recent accidental death of Debbie Daniels, HR Director, which will be a great loss to the county.
Old Business:
1. Memorial Park Update: Member Seiser reported that flyers have been completed and will be available at the parade on May 25. He also stated that 8 bricks have been purchased for display purposes. The committee is finalizing the pricing of the stone and brick and hope to break ground in August. Next meeting of the committee is May 14.
2.Memorial Day Plans: Plans for the May 25 parade and program are underway. The M.C. and speaker are confirmed. Music, pastor and grand marshall will be finalized soon. Promotion of the park project will take place as well.
3.Sewer Lagoon System Update: Member Brinkhuis reported that Rural Development has approved the lagoon system which has been sent to the state. President Harness further reported that Martin Township Supervisor Terry Sturgis had submitted a map from Wayland Township with options for sewer line, one of which would be close to Martin Township.
New Business:
1. Resolution 2009-5-6, Collection of Delinquent Taxes: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to adopt Resolution 2009-5-6, which would allow the Village Treasurer to collect 2009 taxes through February 2010 before turning over delinquents to the County Treasurer by March 1, 2010.
Roll call vote: Ayes – Seiser, Martin, Brinkhuis, Flower
Nays – Rambadt
Absent – None
Resolution declared adopted.
2. Update on Proposed Ordinances 58.1 and 60: Acting Clerk Merrill presented the proposed ordinances as prepared by Attorney Annen and outlined the process needed for adoption. A first public hearing will be published for the next meeting on June 8, 2009. Copies of proposed resolutions will be available for inspection at the village office.
Community Deaths: None.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to adjourn at 9:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk
Regular Meeting
May 11, 2009
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on May 11, 2009, 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: 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 Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 13, 2009, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Black, Allegan County Commissioner, was present. Kalamazoo Gazette reporter Sharon Sturdevant arrived at 7:50 p.m. and State Representative Bob Genetski arrived at 8:03 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: One item was added to old Business as follows: Update on lagoon system. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to approve the agenda as revised. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Memo from Allegan County Treasurer Sally Brooks regarding delinquent village taxes. Resolution under New Business.
2.Letter from Martin Township Library Director Alicia Kershaw about a new program at the library, the MelCat program. The library needs to replace their computers for the program and is seeking donations.
3.Memo from State Senator Patty Birkholz regarding revenue sharing payments. According to estimates, the village will lose approximately $1,676 in revenue sharing.
4.Various communications with National City Bank regarding dividends and bank charges. Treasurer Rambadt and Acting Clerk Merrill met with Gary Mattison from the Martin branch and Leslie Gower from the Kalamazoo branch on April 30 to discuss the village concerns. They offered and explained the Super NOW accounts, which are designed for public funds. The NOW accounts provide a higher interest
rate as well as earnings credit with no bank charges. It was decided to transfer the village funds into the Super NOW accounts from the current MIF (Municipal Investment Fund) accounts, which took effect May 1. The bank will continue to monitor the dividends on the MIF accounts, and if they rebound to a better rate, they will contact the village.
Treasurer’s Report: After review of the April report, motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to approve the treasurer’s report for April as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to pay the bills as presented and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: It was noted that there is an increase of law enforcement (county and state) in the village. Concern was expressed about jake braking. After some discussion, it was moved by Member Martin, supported by Member Flower, to purchase four signs stating “No Jake Braking” to be placed at the village limits. Motion carried 5-1.
Public Works: Street Commissioner Martin had talked to Tim Eichler regarding cross walk painting before Memorial Day. Complaints were expressed about the curb lawn by the Clark station. Member Flower will send a letter to Alex Weinberg stating that the area needs to be cleaned by May 22 or the village will do so and charge accordingly.
Streets: Member Martin reported that Plummer’s cannot do the storm drain repairs as authorized at the April meeting. He further stated that there is a need to jet and clean the east and south drains this year and suggested that the money allotted toward the drain repairs be put toward jet cleaning the south and east lines videoing the two drains on West Allegan to determine a solution. After discussion, motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to clean the south and east drains and video the two drains on West Allegan. Motion carried.
State Representative Bob Genetski: Mr. Genetski gave a brief update from Lansing, including the state budget deficit, the decrease in revenue sharing, stimulus money, and March Reading Month. He also gave a reminder of the Local Officials Conference on May 29.
Sewer/Water: Member Flower reported on the following:
1. Auto reading seminar on May 19, which he plans to attend.
2.Request from Bobby Jones, who is interested in purchasing the Shine Car Wash next to Dover Farms. He would like to extend the sewer line from Dover Farms driveway west to the property line of the car wash, approximately 250 feet of 2 inch force main. There was discussion on the need for clarification of state property and utility lines. It was agreed that the project needs to be approved by village engineers Wightman & Associates, and Member Flower will correspond with Mr. Jones that contact needs to be made with Wightman & Associates to obtain approval for his proposed project, with any charges to be paid by Mr. Jones.
3.Word that Gun River Estates may be in foreclosure proceedings.
County Commissioner: Commissioner Don Black distributed a synopsis of the meeting of April 9 and 2009 Official Directory booklets for Allegan County. He noted the need for a county jail, which may appear on an election ballot. He also noted the recent accidental death of Debbie Daniels, HR Director, which will be a great loss to the county.
Old Business:
1. Memorial Park Update: Member Seiser reported that flyers have been completed and will be available at the parade on May 25. He also stated that 8 bricks have been purchased for display purposes. The committee is finalizing the pricing of the stone and brick and hope to break ground in August. Next meeting of the committee is May 14.
2.Memorial Day Plans: Plans for the May 25 parade and program are underway. The M.C. and speaker are confirmed. Music, pastor and grand marshall will be finalized soon. Promotion of the park project will take place as well.
3.Sewer Lagoon System Update: Member Brinkhuis reported that Rural Development has approved the lagoon system which has been sent to the state. President Harness further reported that Martin Township Supervisor Terry Sturgis had submitted a map from Wayland Township with options for sewer line, one of which would be close to Martin Township.
New Business:
1. Resolution 2009-5-6, Collection of Delinquent Taxes: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to adopt Resolution 2009-5-6, which would allow the Village Treasurer to collect 2009 taxes through February 2010 before turning over delinquents to the County Treasurer by March 1, 2010.
Roll call vote: Ayes – Seiser, Martin, Brinkhuis, Flower
Nays – Rambadt
Absent – None
Resolution declared adopted.
2. Update on Proposed Ordinances 58.1 and 60: Acting Clerk Merrill presented the proposed ordinances as prepared by Attorney Annen and outlined the process needed for adoption. A first public hearing will be published for the next meeting on June 8, 2009. Copies of proposed resolutions will be available for inspection at the village office.
Community Deaths: None.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to adjourn at 9:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk