Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
July 8, 2013
Village of Martin
Regular Meeting
July 8, 2013
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on July 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, Wykstra, and Kelsey. Deputy Clerk Merrill was absent.
Approval of Minutes: Motion made by Member Flower and supported by Member Wykstra to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 10, 2013. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Visitors present were: Don Rambadt, Natalie VanHouten, Linda Gale, Rick Martin (8:15 arrival) and Don Black, County Commissioner (7:50 arrival). President Brinkhuis asked each visitor to state their purpose for attending and to discuss any issues they had for the Council to consider. Natalie handed out information on upcoming events at the library, such as the summer reading club and the adults book club.
Approval of Agenda: Member Doezema presented the agenda. Motion was made by Member Rambadt and supported by Member Wykstra to approve the agenda as amended, with additions of the Memorial Day parade and the Mounted Division. Motion carried.
Communications: Clerk Doezema reviewed the following received correspondence:
(1) MML Workers Compensation Fund - Motion made by Member Doezema to vote on the ballot as presented. Motion supported by Member Wykstra. Motion carried.
(2) "Thank you" email from Bob Benedict
(3) County of Ottawa seminar announcement
(4) Genetski legislative letter
(5) Allegan County Senior & Veteran Services
(6) "Thank you" from Barry Community Hospice
(7) "Thank you" from Wings Home Hospice
(8) Certificate of Liability Insurance received by Member Flower
(9) Email received by Member Flower with "compliment" regarding manhole repair
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 Hunt to approve the report for June 2013 as submitted. Motion carried.
2. Payment of Bills: The bills were reviewed by Clerk Doezema. Some bills were paid prior to the meeting, to ensure payment by due date. Motion was made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Hunt to pay the bills and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
1. Public Safety: Member Hunt reported that we are still trying to get the requested traffic count at the railroad crossing. He will get with Member Flower to complete this. President Brinkhuis asked that Member Doezema contact Blair Davis of Camp Communication to schedule a meeting to discuss the equipment on the water tower and recent disruption of service. Member Doezema will also look into the cost of changing service provider.
2. Public Works: Member Wykstra will look into the cost of spraying for mosquitos. He has started to get quotes for painting of the office building outside trim.
3. Streets: Member Wykstra discussed whether to do chip seal rather than crack seal on the roads. President Brinkhuis suggested that we let professionals give opinions on the two options. Member Flower reported on discussions between the Village and Tom Deneau regarding the North to South road repairs for next year. Member Doezema asked about replacing sewer lines during the process. The response is that the road repairs don't go deep enough to impact the lines and that the sewer lines all appear to be in good shape (under the roads).
4. Sewer/Water: Member Flower discussed that the sewer rates are going up next month. He also discussed the odor problem and the State Chemical solution. Horizon Operations replied to his questions but we need to call a meeting to discuss the options, prior to the August Council meeting. Member Flower is still have some issues with the meter reader equipment. Etna has been contacted. Member Flower also wants to get pump #2 rebuilt this summer. He will contact Peerless Midwest and Kraai for estimates.
5. Finance: Member Rambadt had no report.
6. Ordinance and Policy: Member Doezema had no report. The Rezoning Policy will be discussed in Old Business.
7. Civic Affairs: Member Kelsey had no report. President Brinkhuis reported on the present given to Ron Merrill for his many years of service to the community.
8. Five Year Planning: President Brinkhuis and Member Doezema will meet later with Don Black to start setting up our strategic planning.
9. County Commissioner: Don Black reported on and distributed synopses of the June 13 and June 27, 2013 County Commission meetings. He highlighted the Indigent Defense fee schedule and the vote that eliminated park fees. He also discussed the Economic Development Commission, which he believes could help businesses get started in Martin. He pointed out, though, that this is a fledgling group and is still trying to figure out its role and focus. County Commissioner Black also handed out the Meth Problem resolution.
10. Old Business:
1. Rezoning Policy - Member Doezema did a second reading of the Rezoning Policy presented at the June meeting. Motion to adopt the policy made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Flower. Roll call vote: Ayes - Brinkhuis, Rambadt, Kelsey, Wykstra, Flower, Hunt, and Doezema. Nays - None. Motion carried and the policy was adopted.
2. Community Garden Request - Member Doezema informed the Council that the Martin Area Community Garden turned down the offer voted on at the June meeting. The Garden group decided that the requested supplies were not needed at this time but they sincerely appreciated the gesture.
New Business:
1. Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: President Brinkhuis asked whether the Council wants to consider turning the Memorial Day activities over to another group, like the Martin Area Veterans, to bring new ideas to the Day. Member Rambadt said that there may be insurance issues, as the Village is currently insured for parades and special events. Member Flower added that we can't be assured that the Veterans group will be around forever and it is better to keep the activities under the control of the Village.
2. Mounted Division: Member Doezema read the email received from a member of the Mounted Division regarding the hours they put in during the B93 event. Due to traffic issues, extra riders and horses were needed. Last year we paid them $490 for the event/month. Member Doezema moved that we pay them $750 for June and B93 Event combined. Member Wykstra supported. Motion carried. President Brinkhuis will contact the leader of the group to see how they want the checks written. President Brinkhuis reviewed the details of the B93 issues for Rick Martin, who then relayed a story of how effective the Mounted Division is and the service they provide. He thanked the Council for having the patrol in town.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted: Ann Koelsch, Dale Buskirk, Dan Earle, Joyce Lapham, Glen Miller and Danny McBride. Member Doezema reminded the Council that the Koelsch memorial is August 3.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Hunt to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Darcy Doezema, Clerk
Regular Meeting
July 8, 2013
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on July 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, Wykstra, and Kelsey. Deputy Clerk Merrill was absent.
Approval of Minutes: Motion made by Member Flower and supported by Member Wykstra to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 10, 2013. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Visitors present were: Don Rambadt, Natalie VanHouten, Linda Gale, Rick Martin (8:15 arrival) and Don Black, County Commissioner (7:50 arrival). President Brinkhuis asked each visitor to state their purpose for attending and to discuss any issues they had for the Council to consider. Natalie handed out information on upcoming events at the library, such as the summer reading club and the adults book club.
Approval of Agenda: Member Doezema presented the agenda. Motion was made by Member Rambadt and supported by Member Wykstra to approve the agenda as amended, with additions of the Memorial Day parade and the Mounted Division. Motion carried.
Communications: Clerk Doezema reviewed the following received correspondence:
(1) MML Workers Compensation Fund - Motion made by Member Doezema to vote on the ballot as presented. Motion supported by Member Wykstra. Motion carried.
(2) "Thank you" email from Bob Benedict
(3) County of Ottawa seminar announcement
(4) Genetski legislative letter
(5) Allegan County Senior & Veteran Services
(6) "Thank you" from Barry Community Hospice
(7) "Thank you" from Wings Home Hospice
(8) Certificate of Liability Insurance received by Member Flower
(9) Email received by Member Flower with "compliment" regarding manhole repair
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 Hunt to approve the report for June 2013 as submitted. Motion carried.
2. Payment of Bills: The bills were reviewed by Clerk Doezema. Some bills were paid prior to the meeting, to ensure payment by due date. Motion was made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Hunt to pay the bills and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
1. Public Safety: Member Hunt reported that we are still trying to get the requested traffic count at the railroad crossing. He will get with Member Flower to complete this. President Brinkhuis asked that Member Doezema contact Blair Davis of Camp Communication to schedule a meeting to discuss the equipment on the water tower and recent disruption of service. Member Doezema will also look into the cost of changing service provider.
2. Public Works: Member Wykstra will look into the cost of spraying for mosquitos. He has started to get quotes for painting of the office building outside trim.
3. Streets: Member Wykstra discussed whether to do chip seal rather than crack seal on the roads. President Brinkhuis suggested that we let professionals give opinions on the two options. Member Flower reported on discussions between the Village and Tom Deneau regarding the North to South road repairs for next year. Member Doezema asked about replacing sewer lines during the process. The response is that the road repairs don't go deep enough to impact the lines and that the sewer lines all appear to be in good shape (under the roads).
4. Sewer/Water: Member Flower discussed that the sewer rates are going up next month. He also discussed the odor problem and the State Chemical solution. Horizon Operations replied to his questions but we need to call a meeting to discuss the options, prior to the August Council meeting. Member Flower is still have some issues with the meter reader equipment. Etna has been contacted. Member Flower also wants to get pump #2 rebuilt this summer. He will contact Peerless Midwest and Kraai for estimates.
5. Finance: Member Rambadt had no report.
6. Ordinance and Policy: Member Doezema had no report. The Rezoning Policy will be discussed in Old Business.
7. Civic Affairs: Member Kelsey had no report. President Brinkhuis reported on the present given to Ron Merrill for his many years of service to the community.
8. Five Year Planning: President Brinkhuis and Member Doezema will meet later with Don Black to start setting up our strategic planning.
9. County Commissioner: Don Black reported on and distributed synopses of the June 13 and June 27, 2013 County Commission meetings. He highlighted the Indigent Defense fee schedule and the vote that eliminated park fees. He also discussed the Economic Development Commission, which he believes could help businesses get started in Martin. He pointed out, though, that this is a fledgling group and is still trying to figure out its role and focus. County Commissioner Black also handed out the Meth Problem resolution.
10. Old Business:
1. Rezoning Policy - Member Doezema did a second reading of the Rezoning Policy presented at the June meeting. Motion to adopt the policy made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Flower. Roll call vote: Ayes - Brinkhuis, Rambadt, Kelsey, Wykstra, Flower, Hunt, and Doezema. Nays - None. Motion carried and the policy was adopted.
2. Community Garden Request - Member Doezema informed the Council that the Martin Area Community Garden turned down the offer voted on at the June meeting. The Garden group decided that the requested supplies were not needed at this time but they sincerely appreciated the gesture.
New Business:
1. Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony: President Brinkhuis asked whether the Council wants to consider turning the Memorial Day activities over to another group, like the Martin Area Veterans, to bring new ideas to the Day. Member Rambadt said that there may be insurance issues, as the Village is currently insured for parades and special events. Member Flower added that we can't be assured that the Veterans group will be around forever and it is better to keep the activities under the control of the Village.
2. Mounted Division: Member Doezema read the email received from a member of the Mounted Division regarding the hours they put in during the B93 event. Due to traffic issues, extra riders and horses were needed. Last year we paid them $490 for the event/month. Member Doezema moved that we pay them $750 for June and B93 Event combined. Member Wykstra supported. Motion carried. President Brinkhuis will contact the leader of the group to see how they want the checks written. President Brinkhuis reviewed the details of the B93 issues for Rick Martin, who then relayed a story of how effective the Mounted Division is and the service they provide. He thanked the Council for having the patrol in town.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted: Ann Koelsch, Dale Buskirk, Dan Earle, Joyce Lapham, Glen Miller and Danny McBride. Member Doezema reminded the Council that the Koelsch memorial is August 3.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Hunt to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Darcy Doezema, Clerk