Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
July 13, 2009
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
July 13, 2009
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on July 13, 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 Flower and seconded by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 8, 2009, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:40 and Kalamazoo Gazette reporter Sharon Sturdevant arrived at 7:50.
Approval of Agenda: Two items were added to New Business: Martin Firefighters 5K Run/Walk and Website Update. Motion was made by Member Seiser and seconded by Member Flower to approve the agenda as revised. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Ballot for the MML Workers’ Compensation Fund Board of Trustees election. Motion was made by Member Rambadt and supported by Member Flower to cast the ballot for Larry Nielsen and return. Motion carried.
2.Notice of Hearing from Consumers Energy Company who is requesting approval of the reconciliation of Consumers Energy’s Electric Choice Incentive Mechanism (ECIM) for 2009.
3.Two letters with information about the Martin Family Fun Fest to be held October 2-3, 2009.
4.Letter dated June 11, 2009, from Martin Township Board Supervisor Terry Sturgis informing the village of their intention to obtain bids for the sidewalk replacement at Memorial Park.
5.Letter from Allegan County Health Department regarding electronic recycling.
6.E-mail from Scott Corbin, Director of the Allegan County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, stating that the application period for 2009 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program has been reopened until September 1, 2009.
7.Fax from MML reporting that the House Appropriations Committee has restored significant revenue sharing cuts.
8.Member Flower stated that an unsigned note had been placed in the drop box regarding P.W. part-time workers. Member Martin responded to the concern expressed in the note.
9.Member Flower had also received an e-mail from Scott Corbin regarding the Allegan County Emergency Plan.
10.Member Flower stated that he had received a phone call about someone staying overnight in the barber shop. President Harness will draft a letter to PCI regarding the concern.
Treasurer’s Report: After review, motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to approve the Treasurer’s Report for June 2009 as presented. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: Several additions were made. Question was raised about the bill from Plainwell for bioxide which they missed in 2007. Acting Clerk Merrill had researched the account and verified that the bill was not received. Member Brinkhuis made a motion to pay the bills as revised except the bioxide bill from Plainwell for $5,960.76. After further discussion, Brinkhuis withdrew his motion. Motion was then made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to pay the bills as presented with additions. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Brinkhuis - no report.
Public Works: Martin reported that Tim Eichler, P.W. employee, has found that various issues, such as weather, affect needed work getting completed. Martin suggested having a list of possible names to contact when temporary help is needed. After discussion, a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Seiser authorizing Rick Martin to compile a list of criteria (including qualifications and requirements) for temporary P.W. help and to post the position and accept applications to present to the council, with a deadline of July 27. Motion carried. It was suggested that information be posted in the office window and on the village website.
Martin also reported that the John Deere mower is in need of repairs. He is investigating various possibilities.
Streets/Sidewalks: Martin reported on several areas needing repair/replacement. There are sinking areas and spots affected by tree roots. The current budget allows $10,000 for sidewalk repair. There was discussion on who is responsible and how to request bids. Martin will have more information at the next meeting.
Sewer/Water: Flower reported on the following:
1. Plainwell is increasing the sewer rates effective July 1 (August 1 billing), which will be 70 cents more per thousand gallons. It was agreed to send a letter to Plainwell expressing the village’s opinion and dissatisfaction. Harness will draft letter.
2.The annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) has been posted and put on the website.
3.Wightman & Associates has completed the final draft of the water reliability study.
County Commissioner: Commissioner Don Black distributed synopses of the June 11 and June 25 meetings. He noted that the Probate Court move to the Court House was under budget. He also highlighted information on the animal shelter and county jail.
Old Business:
Memorial Park Update: Seiser reported that the township will replace the sidewalks at their expense. The next meeting will be July 23 with groundbreaking still scheduled for August.
Update on Wastewater Treatment Study: Harness reported on a meeting with Todd McLean from USDA Rural Development regarding the grant/loan process. Qualifying for the program is based on median income and the 2000 census. Wightman & Associates has been asked to prepare a new study which includes the recent increase by Plainwell. Harness suggested meeting with Tom Deneau to review the information and determine the next step. Motion was made by Brinkhuis and seconded by Martin to continue investigating the lagoon system proposal with Tom Deneau of Wightman & Associates and bring the information to the council. Motion carried.
New Business:
Second Public Hearing, Proposed Ordinances 58-1 and 60: There were no comments or communications from the public. Therefore, a motion was made by Brinkhuis, seconded by Flower, to adopt Ordinance 58-1 and Ordinance 60.
Roll call vote: Ayes – Seiser, Martin, Brinkhuis, Flower, Rambadt.
Nays - None.
Absent – None.
Motion carried.
Summary of adopted ordinances will be published in the Penasee Globe as required by Charter.
Martin Firefighters 5K Run/Walk: It was noted that the Martin Firefighters will sponsor a 5K Run/Walk on August 15, 2009, at the US 131 Motorsports Park to raise funds to benefit the Martin Fire Department. A brochure was distributed with registration information.
Website Update: Flower asked about the possibility of putting the village ordinances on the website. He had heard through Martin Township that it could be done for about $500. He was authorized to investigate and report to the council.
Community Deaths: Two names were submitted: James Solomon and Douglas Mason.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Flower and supported by Brinkhuis to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk
Regular Meeting
July 13, 2009
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on July 13, 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 Flower and seconded by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 8, 2009, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:40 and Kalamazoo Gazette reporter Sharon Sturdevant arrived at 7:50.
Approval of Agenda: Two items were added to New Business: Martin Firefighters 5K Run/Walk and Website Update. Motion was made by Member Seiser and seconded by Member Flower to approve the agenda as revised. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Ballot for the MML Workers’ Compensation Fund Board of Trustees election. Motion was made by Member Rambadt and supported by Member Flower to cast the ballot for Larry Nielsen and return. Motion carried.
2.Notice of Hearing from Consumers Energy Company who is requesting approval of the reconciliation of Consumers Energy’s Electric Choice Incentive Mechanism (ECIM) for 2009.
3.Two letters with information about the Martin Family Fun Fest to be held October 2-3, 2009.
4.Letter dated June 11, 2009, from Martin Township Board Supervisor Terry Sturgis informing the village of their intention to obtain bids for the sidewalk replacement at Memorial Park.
5.Letter from Allegan County Health Department regarding electronic recycling.
6.E-mail from Scott Corbin, Director of the Allegan County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, stating that the application period for 2009 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program has been reopened until September 1, 2009.
7.Fax from MML reporting that the House Appropriations Committee has restored significant revenue sharing cuts.
8.Member Flower stated that an unsigned note had been placed in the drop box regarding P.W. part-time workers. Member Martin responded to the concern expressed in the note.
9.Member Flower had also received an e-mail from Scott Corbin regarding the Allegan County Emergency Plan.
10.Member Flower stated that he had received a phone call about someone staying overnight in the barber shop. President Harness will draft a letter to PCI regarding the concern.
Treasurer’s Report: After review, motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to approve the Treasurer’s Report for June 2009 as presented. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: Several additions were made. Question was raised about the bill from Plainwell for bioxide which they missed in 2007. Acting Clerk Merrill had researched the account and verified that the bill was not received. Member Brinkhuis made a motion to pay the bills as revised except the bioxide bill from Plainwell for $5,960.76. After further discussion, Brinkhuis withdrew his motion. Motion was then made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to pay the bills as presented with additions. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Brinkhuis - no report.
Public Works: Martin reported that Tim Eichler, P.W. employee, has found that various issues, such as weather, affect needed work getting completed. Martin suggested having a list of possible names to contact when temporary help is needed. After discussion, a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Seiser authorizing Rick Martin to compile a list of criteria (including qualifications and requirements) for temporary P.W. help and to post the position and accept applications to present to the council, with a deadline of July 27. Motion carried. It was suggested that information be posted in the office window and on the village website.
Martin also reported that the John Deere mower is in need of repairs. He is investigating various possibilities.
Streets/Sidewalks: Martin reported on several areas needing repair/replacement. There are sinking areas and spots affected by tree roots. The current budget allows $10,000 for sidewalk repair. There was discussion on who is responsible and how to request bids. Martin will have more information at the next meeting.
Sewer/Water: Flower reported on the following:
1. Plainwell is increasing the sewer rates effective July 1 (August 1 billing), which will be 70 cents more per thousand gallons. It was agreed to send a letter to Plainwell expressing the village’s opinion and dissatisfaction. Harness will draft letter.
2.The annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) has been posted and put on the website.
3.Wightman & Associates has completed the final draft of the water reliability study.
County Commissioner: Commissioner Don Black distributed synopses of the June 11 and June 25 meetings. He noted that the Probate Court move to the Court House was under budget. He also highlighted information on the animal shelter and county jail.
Old Business:
Memorial Park Update: Seiser reported that the township will replace the sidewalks at their expense. The next meeting will be July 23 with groundbreaking still scheduled for August.
Update on Wastewater Treatment Study: Harness reported on a meeting with Todd McLean from USDA Rural Development regarding the grant/loan process. Qualifying for the program is based on median income and the 2000 census. Wightman & Associates has been asked to prepare a new study which includes the recent increase by Plainwell. Harness suggested meeting with Tom Deneau to review the information and determine the next step. Motion was made by Brinkhuis and seconded by Martin to continue investigating the lagoon system proposal with Tom Deneau of Wightman & Associates and bring the information to the council. Motion carried.
New Business:
Second Public Hearing, Proposed Ordinances 58-1 and 60: There were no comments or communications from the public. Therefore, a motion was made by Brinkhuis, seconded by Flower, to adopt Ordinance 58-1 and Ordinance 60.
Roll call vote: Ayes – Seiser, Martin, Brinkhuis, Flower, Rambadt.
Nays - None.
Absent – None.
Motion carried.
Summary of adopted ordinances will be published in the Penasee Globe as required by Charter.
Martin Firefighters 5K Run/Walk: It was noted that the Martin Firefighters will sponsor a 5K Run/Walk on August 15, 2009, at the US 131 Motorsports Park to raise funds to benefit the Martin Fire Department. A brochure was distributed with registration information.
Website Update: Flower asked about the possibility of putting the village ordinances on the website. He had heard through Martin Township that it could be done for about $500. He was authorized to investigate and report to the council.
Community Deaths: Two names were submitted: James Solomon and Douglas Mason.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Flower and supported by Brinkhuis to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk