Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
June 11, 2012
Village of Martin
Regular Meeting
June 11, 2012
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on June 11, 2012, at the Martin Village Office, 1609 North Main Street, Martin, Michigan.
Call to Order and Pledge to Flag: President Harness called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Roll Call: Members present: Brinkhuis, Flower, Harness, Flower, Rambadt, J. Seiser, Wykstra and Deputy Clerk Merrill. Clerk K. Seiser was absent.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Wykstra and seconded by Member Flower to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 14, 2012 as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt, Marlene Leep and Alice Kelsey were present. Judge William Baillargeon arrived at 7:23 p.m., and County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 8:20 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Member Wykstra and seconded by Member Flower to approve the agenda as presented, except to table Judge Baillargeon's presentation until he arrived. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Notice of training courses offered by the American Red Cross in Allegan County on June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 12.
2. Information from MML Legislative Link regarding passage of SB 954 which increases the appropriations for the EVIP/revenue sharing program by $15 million, from $210 million to $225 million.
3. Invitation to an organizational meeting hosted by Allegan Township on June 18 for the purpose of creating a county-wide chapter of all municipalities.
4. Invitation from Representative Bob Genetski to the fourth annual "Local Officials Conference" to be held June 22 at the Griswold Auditorium in Allegan.
5. Press Release from the Allegan County Sheriff's Office stating that they will be conducting a Citizen's Police Academy in the fall of 2012 and listing the qualifications to attend.
6. E-mail from Christie Fontaine with 4 samples/proofs of the Martin Village historical photos she is working on for the village office. Samples were reviewed by council members.
Financial Items:
1. Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt reported that all funds balance with the bank. She also stated that there are two payments left on the Harthorn reimbursement of legal fees, and all payments have been made on time. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Brinkhuis to accept the treasurer's report for May 2012 as presented. Motion carried.
2. Payment of Bills: After the addition of three bills, a motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Wykstra to pay the bills as amended including forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
3. Payment to Martin Township: It was reported that two of the township firemen assisted with flushing the sewer system in January and April. Each worked 3 hours for a total of six hours. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Wykstra to pay Martin Township for six hours of assistance by firemen at $15.00 per hour from the sewer fund, total of $90.00. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
1. Public Safety: Member Brinkhuis reported that the Allegan County Mounted Division had been in town for the Memorial Day parade as well as two other occasions in May. A check will be cut to them for $250.00 for the month of May. They will also be on duty in town during the B-93 event June 23-24. There was discussion on plans for B-93, including renting a porta john from Plummer's. Brinkhuis will arrange for that as well as host those who are on duty.
2. Public Works: Member Wykstra reported that the door had been installed on the salt barn. He also reported that the P.W. employees will be painting lines in the village parking lot as per requirements from PCI.
3. Streets: Wykstra stated that the P.W. employees have been painting curbs and lines on streets as well as cleaning the streets. Member Flower reported that he had received a complaint about a portion of sidewalk on North Main which needs repair due to tree roots. There was discussion regarding the need to obtain a priority list for needed sidewalk repairs and obtain bids. There is $10,000 budgeted for sidewalk repair. Wykstra will investigate this matter.
Judge William Baillargeon: Judge Baillargeon arrived and presented a video on drinking and driving which was very enlightening. He stated that he wishes to raise awareness of substance abuse by sharing the video with various organizations and schools. Several questions were asked by council members of Judge Baillargeon.
4. Sewer/Water: Flower reviewed the Notice of Violation and fine from Plainwell and discussion from recent joint sewer meetings. There was considerable discussion by the council relating to the background and reason for the fine. It was reported that the fine was not directly due to the flushing in January and April as interpreted by the documentation. The fine was actually for pollutant levels caused by concentrated BODs which are put into the system by VanElderen. The flushing of the system caused pollutant levels to exceed the surcharge thresholds. VanElderen is aware of the problem and is working on a way to decrease the BODs. A progress letter dated June 7, 2012 from VanElderen to the Village and Plainwell stated that at this time they cannot commit to trucking high strength wastewater to Plainwell. Instead they plan on installing and testing a DAF system on the south side of the road, something similar being considered by the City of Coopersville. The system adds aeration to treat the high BOD waste which they hope will reduce the sludge which goes through the Martin pipe. Brinkhuis had a conversation with Mike VanElderen who explained the aeration system and how it works. President Harness reported on his recent meeting with Erik Wilson, Plainwell City Manager. Wilson reminded Harness that there has been an ongoing issue with BODs and VanElderen which affects the bacteria in the system. Harness plans to meet with Wilson on days of Village Council meetings to discuss any issues between Plainwell and the village. It was agreed that the cost of the fine should be the responsibility of the contributor, and there was discussion on how to recover the fine costs from VanElderen. It was stated that it is unfair that all customers pay the recovery costs for one customer. Harness recommended that the village proceed to communicate with Attorney Ed Annen and Engineer Tom Deneau for advice on recovery costs. Brinkhuis will continue to communicate with VanElderen on the issue. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to consult with Ed Annen and Tom Deneau to address the recovery costs from VanElderen. Motion carried.
Flower then reported on the June 7 joint sewer meeting. One item discussed was that the Village could request a variance from Plainwell for quarterly maintenance of the sewer line. President Harness will generate a letter to Plainwell requesting the variance. Harness reminded the council that the village is responsible for proper administration of its sewer system and needs to foster better communication and a good working relationship with Plainwell.
Flower read a letter dated June 7, 2012 from VanElderen requesting that the water service at 899 East Allegan Street be upgraded from a 1" line to a 4" line. They would run the new service into the old feed mill basement. This information will be forwarded to Tom Deneau for his advice.
5. County Commissioner: Commissioner Don Black distributed new Allegan County directories as well as synopses of the May 10 and May 24 County Commission meetings. Items highlighted were the Central Dispatch increase of the surcharge amount from $1.63 to $2.05 per phone beginning July 2012 through December 2013, the Kalamazoo River Superfund Site, and the Michigan Drug Court grants used to treat participants. He also noted the salaries for elected county officials and chief deputies. There were questions and discussion on various topics.
Old Business:
1. Office Sign: Since there seems to be no word from Cronen Signs, Flower will begin making new contacts for an outside office sign.
2. Water Bond Refinancing Update: Deputy Clerk Merrill reported that she had received phone calls from Ryan Bendzinski on May 30 and May 31 regarding the bond purchase. Mr. Bendzinski indicated that the timing was very good, better than expected. The negotiated sale date was May 31, 2012, and the award date was June 1, 2012. It appears that total savings will be $109,025.48 with costs of $37,704.00. The underwriter is Fifth Third Securities, and the issuer is the Allegan County BPW. Several communications have been received, including documents which need to be signed by the Clerk and Treasurer, and returned to Miller Canfield, bond counsel. The closing is scheduled to take place on June 27, 2012. A new payment schedule was received, indicating that the first payment is due November 1, 2012, which is $13,575.42, interest only.
New Business:
1. Resolution 2012-6-3, Property Tax Resolution: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Wykstra to adopt Resolution 2012-6-3, which establishes the 2012 property tax levy at 8.9609 mills.
Roll call vote: Ayes - Rambadt, J.Seiser, Wykstra, Brinkhuis, Flower
Nays - None
Absent - K. Seiser
Resolution declared adopted.
2. Election Reminders: Deputy Clerk reminded the council that petitions and other documents need to be completed and turned in to the Township Clerk by August 14, 2012 for the November 6 general election. She will put together packets of necessary documents which can be picked up by those interested. Offices which need to be filled are President, Clerk, Treasurer and two Trustees. The terms of trustees Gary Brinkhuis and Jeff Seiser have expired. There are no longer term limits for any office.
Recent Community Deaths: Names submitted were Frances Pieratt, Scott Germain, and Warren Dunklee.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Deputy Clerk
Regular Meeting
June 11, 2012
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on June 11, 2012, at the Martin Village Office, 1609 North Main Street, Martin, Michigan.
Call to Order and Pledge to Flag: President Harness called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Roll Call: Members present: Brinkhuis, Flower, Harness, Flower, Rambadt, J. Seiser, Wykstra and Deputy Clerk Merrill. Clerk K. Seiser was absent.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Wykstra and seconded by Member Flower to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 14, 2012 as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt, Marlene Leep and Alice Kelsey were present. Judge William Baillargeon arrived at 7:23 p.m., and County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 8:20 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Member Wykstra and seconded by Member Flower to approve the agenda as presented, except to table Judge Baillargeon's presentation until he arrived. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Notice of training courses offered by the American Red Cross in Allegan County on June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 12.
2. Information from MML Legislative Link regarding passage of SB 954 which increases the appropriations for the EVIP/revenue sharing program by $15 million, from $210 million to $225 million.
3. Invitation to an organizational meeting hosted by Allegan Township on June 18 for the purpose of creating a county-wide chapter of all municipalities.
4. Invitation from Representative Bob Genetski to the fourth annual "Local Officials Conference" to be held June 22 at the Griswold Auditorium in Allegan.
5. Press Release from the Allegan County Sheriff's Office stating that they will be conducting a Citizen's Police Academy in the fall of 2012 and listing the qualifications to attend.
6. E-mail from Christie Fontaine with 4 samples/proofs of the Martin Village historical photos she is working on for the village office. Samples were reviewed by council members.
Financial Items:
1. Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt reported that all funds balance with the bank. She also stated that there are two payments left on the Harthorn reimbursement of legal fees, and all payments have been made on time. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Brinkhuis to accept the treasurer's report for May 2012 as presented. Motion carried.
2. Payment of Bills: After the addition of three bills, a motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Wykstra to pay the bills as amended including forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
3. Payment to Martin Township: It was reported that two of the township firemen assisted with flushing the sewer system in January and April. Each worked 3 hours for a total of six hours. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Wykstra to pay Martin Township for six hours of assistance by firemen at $15.00 per hour from the sewer fund, total of $90.00. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
1. Public Safety: Member Brinkhuis reported that the Allegan County Mounted Division had been in town for the Memorial Day parade as well as two other occasions in May. A check will be cut to them for $250.00 for the month of May. They will also be on duty in town during the B-93 event June 23-24. There was discussion on plans for B-93, including renting a porta john from Plummer's. Brinkhuis will arrange for that as well as host those who are on duty.
2. Public Works: Member Wykstra reported that the door had been installed on the salt barn. He also reported that the P.W. employees will be painting lines in the village parking lot as per requirements from PCI.
3. Streets: Wykstra stated that the P.W. employees have been painting curbs and lines on streets as well as cleaning the streets. Member Flower reported that he had received a complaint about a portion of sidewalk on North Main which needs repair due to tree roots. There was discussion regarding the need to obtain a priority list for needed sidewalk repairs and obtain bids. There is $10,000 budgeted for sidewalk repair. Wykstra will investigate this matter.
Judge William Baillargeon: Judge Baillargeon arrived and presented a video on drinking and driving which was very enlightening. He stated that he wishes to raise awareness of substance abuse by sharing the video with various organizations and schools. Several questions were asked by council members of Judge Baillargeon.
4. Sewer/Water: Flower reviewed the Notice of Violation and fine from Plainwell and discussion from recent joint sewer meetings. There was considerable discussion by the council relating to the background and reason for the fine. It was reported that the fine was not directly due to the flushing in January and April as interpreted by the documentation. The fine was actually for pollutant levels caused by concentrated BODs which are put into the system by VanElderen. The flushing of the system caused pollutant levels to exceed the surcharge thresholds. VanElderen is aware of the problem and is working on a way to decrease the BODs. A progress letter dated June 7, 2012 from VanElderen to the Village and Plainwell stated that at this time they cannot commit to trucking high strength wastewater to Plainwell. Instead they plan on installing and testing a DAF system on the south side of the road, something similar being considered by the City of Coopersville. The system adds aeration to treat the high BOD waste which they hope will reduce the sludge which goes through the Martin pipe. Brinkhuis had a conversation with Mike VanElderen who explained the aeration system and how it works. President Harness reported on his recent meeting with Erik Wilson, Plainwell City Manager. Wilson reminded Harness that there has been an ongoing issue with BODs and VanElderen which affects the bacteria in the system. Harness plans to meet with Wilson on days of Village Council meetings to discuss any issues between Plainwell and the village. It was agreed that the cost of the fine should be the responsibility of the contributor, and there was discussion on how to recover the fine costs from VanElderen. It was stated that it is unfair that all customers pay the recovery costs for one customer. Harness recommended that the village proceed to communicate with Attorney Ed Annen and Engineer Tom Deneau for advice on recovery costs. Brinkhuis will continue to communicate with VanElderen on the issue. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to consult with Ed Annen and Tom Deneau to address the recovery costs from VanElderen. Motion carried.
Flower then reported on the June 7 joint sewer meeting. One item discussed was that the Village could request a variance from Plainwell for quarterly maintenance of the sewer line. President Harness will generate a letter to Plainwell requesting the variance. Harness reminded the council that the village is responsible for proper administration of its sewer system and needs to foster better communication and a good working relationship with Plainwell.
Flower read a letter dated June 7, 2012 from VanElderen requesting that the water service at 899 East Allegan Street be upgraded from a 1" line to a 4" line. They would run the new service into the old feed mill basement. This information will be forwarded to Tom Deneau for his advice.
5. County Commissioner: Commissioner Don Black distributed new Allegan County directories as well as synopses of the May 10 and May 24 County Commission meetings. Items highlighted were the Central Dispatch increase of the surcharge amount from $1.63 to $2.05 per phone beginning July 2012 through December 2013, the Kalamazoo River Superfund Site, and the Michigan Drug Court grants used to treat participants. He also noted the salaries for elected county officials and chief deputies. There were questions and discussion on various topics.
Old Business:
1. Office Sign: Since there seems to be no word from Cronen Signs, Flower will begin making new contacts for an outside office sign.
2. Water Bond Refinancing Update: Deputy Clerk Merrill reported that she had received phone calls from Ryan Bendzinski on May 30 and May 31 regarding the bond purchase. Mr. Bendzinski indicated that the timing was very good, better than expected. The negotiated sale date was May 31, 2012, and the award date was June 1, 2012. It appears that total savings will be $109,025.48 with costs of $37,704.00. The underwriter is Fifth Third Securities, and the issuer is the Allegan County BPW. Several communications have been received, including documents which need to be signed by the Clerk and Treasurer, and returned to Miller Canfield, bond counsel. The closing is scheduled to take place on June 27, 2012. A new payment schedule was received, indicating that the first payment is due November 1, 2012, which is $13,575.42, interest only.
New Business:
1. Resolution 2012-6-3, Property Tax Resolution: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Wykstra to adopt Resolution 2012-6-3, which establishes the 2012 property tax levy at 8.9609 mills.
Roll call vote: Ayes - Rambadt, J.Seiser, Wykstra, Brinkhuis, Flower
Nays - None
Absent - K. Seiser
Resolution declared adopted.
2. Election Reminders: Deputy Clerk reminded the council that petitions and other documents need to be completed and turned in to the Township Clerk by August 14, 2012 for the November 6 general election. She will put together packets of necessary documents which can be picked up by those interested. Offices which need to be filled are President, Clerk, Treasurer and two Trustees. The terms of trustees Gary Brinkhuis and Jeff Seiser have expired. There are no longer term limits for any office.
Recent Community Deaths: Names submitted were Frances Pieratt, Scott Germain, and Warren Dunklee.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Flower to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Deputy Clerk