Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
September 14, 2009
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
September 14, 2009
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on September 14, 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 Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Flower to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 10, 2009. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Rambadt and seconded by Member Martin to approve the minutes of the special meeting of August 20, 2009. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Martin to approve the minutes of the special meeting of September 9, 2009. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: There were none at the beginning of the meeting. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:52 p.m., and Kalamazoo Gazette reporter Sharon Sturdevant arrived at 8:16 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Member Flower requested an addition of Variance Request to the New Business. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Note from Don Black to President Harness commending the council for their participation in the ground breaking for the Memorial Park renovation and continuing to honor veterans of Martin.
2.Two letters regarding the Martin Family Fun Fest to be held October 2 and 3, 2009, with forms for participation and sponsorship.
3.Outgoing letter to PCI advising them that the council had approved a variance for Harold Miller to construct a garage on his property at 1013 West Allegan Street.
4.Notice of Public Meeting from the Allegan County Board of Road Commissioners to be held September 22, 2009, regarding Federal Transportation CMAQ funding.
5.Brochure from MISS DIG System about their Annual Membership Meeting on October 9, 2009, at Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
6.Letter from the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council regarding a new policy for reimbursing agencies for data collection on the paved Non-Federal Aid road system.
7.Member Flower noted several e-mails between Tom Deneau and Erik Wilson concerning the sewer wastewater agreement.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Rambadt reported that all funds reconcile with the bank. However, she is concerned about the funds in the Water Debt Fund and the ability to make future bond payments. This will be considered at the budget workshop for 2010-2011. After review, motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to approve the report for August as presented. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After the addition of two bills to the Sewer Maintenance Fund, motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Brinkhuis to pay the bills as presented with additions. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Report:
Public Safety: Member Brinkhuis reported that there is very good visibility of law enforcement in the village.
Public Works: Member Martin reported that the new John Deere lawnmower will be available soon. The sidewalks are being edged. Martin has a list of persons interested in part-time work.
Streets: Martin reported that the equipment is being prepared for snow plowing. He also stated that there is a problem with a storm drain pump and a leach basin backing up on Lee Street as well as flooding on Lee Street. He plans to call Chad Kraai regarding the problems. There is also a curb water problem on East Allegan Street by the Moffat residence.
Member Flower stated that he had received a message from the County Drain Commission inquiring about the village drains, which he responded to.
Sewer/Water: Flower reported on a request from Tom Deneau for the agreement with the township. Deneau notes that the township needs to adopt the necessary ordinances for sewer and water. Harness will draft a letter to the township.
Flower has told Prein & Newhof to do the BOD sampling as previously done, deadline by the end of October. Flower also noted the recent bills from Main-Tech Services and highlighted the costs.
County Commission: Commissioner Black distributed synopses of the August 27 and September 10 meetings and highlighted several items, including the 2009 ballot proposal to renew 911 operating surcharge on phone bills and the proposed 2010 budget.
Old Business:
1. Memorial Park Update: Member Seiser reported that the August 29 ground breaking went very well. He also stated that some modifications are being made to the original plan but will save money. Steve Drewyor is donating excavating services. It was noted that there have been many persons donating labor to the project. The next meeting will be September 22. Brinkhuis stated that he had purchased sealer which was charged to the village. He also noted that there is a need to level the area between the curb and sidewalk.
2.Update on Sewer System: President Harness stated that he was very pleased with the special meeting on September 9 and the way the village presented themselves. He also stated that when Erik Wilson received the requested documents from Tom Deneau, he then contacted USDA Rural Development with the intention to hinder funding for the village. Harness was very disappointed with the reaction and response by the City of Plainwell and is considering writing a letter to the Plainwell City Council. Tom Deneau had followed up with the MDEQ which is still investigating information regarding the township agreement with Plainwell. Brinkhuis had received a call from Deneau, and the village attorney has been contacted.
3.Sidewalk Repair Update: Member Martin is still working on the repairs needed and is trying to coordinate the stump grinder with the sidewalk repair.
New Business:
1. Purchase of Bobcat: Information was received about the availability of a Bobcat in very good condition from VanLaan at a cost of $6,400. It was agreed that this would be a beneficial piece of equipment at a good price. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Seiser to purchase the Bobcat from VanLaan for $6,400 from the Infrastructure Fund. Motion carried.
2.Variance Request: Member Flower stated that he had received a request for a variance from Tom Sebright for an addition to a garage at 936 East Allegan Street because it would be too close to the school property line. It was agreed that the property owner, Darcy Doezema, should contact the school to get their consent for the addition. Village council members will look at the property in question and seek an opinion from PCI. Consideration of the variance will be addressed when the needed information is received and reviewed.
Other: Question was raised regarding the grocery store building which is becoming dilapidated and structurally unsound. Concern was expressed regarding possible liability to the village. There was some discussion on potential problems. Brinkhuis will inquire with property owners about insurance. Harness will check on Economic Development possibilities.
Recent Community Deaths: Two names were submitted: Stephen L. Kimberlin and Thomas Steele.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to adjourn at 8:49 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Village Clerk
Regular Meeting
September 14, 2009
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on September 14, 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 Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Flower to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 10, 2009. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Rambadt and seconded by Member Martin to approve the minutes of the special meeting of August 20, 2009. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Martin to approve the minutes of the special meeting of September 9, 2009. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: There were none at the beginning of the meeting. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:52 p.m., and Kalamazoo Gazette reporter Sharon Sturdevant arrived at 8:16 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Member Flower requested an addition of Variance Request to the New Business. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Note from Don Black to President Harness commending the council for their participation in the ground breaking for the Memorial Park renovation and continuing to honor veterans of Martin.
2.Two letters regarding the Martin Family Fun Fest to be held October 2 and 3, 2009, with forms for participation and sponsorship.
3.Outgoing letter to PCI advising them that the council had approved a variance for Harold Miller to construct a garage on his property at 1013 West Allegan Street.
4.Notice of Public Meeting from the Allegan County Board of Road Commissioners to be held September 22, 2009, regarding Federal Transportation CMAQ funding.
5.Brochure from MISS DIG System about their Annual Membership Meeting on October 9, 2009, at Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
6.Letter from the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council regarding a new policy for reimbursing agencies for data collection on the paved Non-Federal Aid road system.
7.Member Flower noted several e-mails between Tom Deneau and Erik Wilson concerning the sewer wastewater agreement.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Rambadt reported that all funds reconcile with the bank. However, she is concerned about the funds in the Water Debt Fund and the ability to make future bond payments. This will be considered at the budget workshop for 2010-2011. After review, motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to approve the report for August as presented. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After the addition of two bills to the Sewer Maintenance Fund, motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Brinkhuis to pay the bills as presented with additions. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Report:
Public Safety: Member Brinkhuis reported that there is very good visibility of law enforcement in the village.
Public Works: Member Martin reported that the new John Deere lawnmower will be available soon. The sidewalks are being edged. Martin has a list of persons interested in part-time work.
Streets: Martin reported that the equipment is being prepared for snow plowing. He also stated that there is a problem with a storm drain pump and a leach basin backing up on Lee Street as well as flooding on Lee Street. He plans to call Chad Kraai regarding the problems. There is also a curb water problem on East Allegan Street by the Moffat residence.
Member Flower stated that he had received a message from the County Drain Commission inquiring about the village drains, which he responded to.
Sewer/Water: Flower reported on a request from Tom Deneau for the agreement with the township. Deneau notes that the township needs to adopt the necessary ordinances for sewer and water. Harness will draft a letter to the township.
Flower has told Prein & Newhof to do the BOD sampling as previously done, deadline by the end of October. Flower also noted the recent bills from Main-Tech Services and highlighted the costs.
County Commission: Commissioner Black distributed synopses of the August 27 and September 10 meetings and highlighted several items, including the 2009 ballot proposal to renew 911 operating surcharge on phone bills and the proposed 2010 budget.
Old Business:
1. Memorial Park Update: Member Seiser reported that the August 29 ground breaking went very well. He also stated that some modifications are being made to the original plan but will save money. Steve Drewyor is donating excavating services. It was noted that there have been many persons donating labor to the project. The next meeting will be September 22. Brinkhuis stated that he had purchased sealer which was charged to the village. He also noted that there is a need to level the area between the curb and sidewalk.
2.Update on Sewer System: President Harness stated that he was very pleased with the special meeting on September 9 and the way the village presented themselves. He also stated that when Erik Wilson received the requested documents from Tom Deneau, he then contacted USDA Rural Development with the intention to hinder funding for the village. Harness was very disappointed with the reaction and response by the City of Plainwell and is considering writing a letter to the Plainwell City Council. Tom Deneau had followed up with the MDEQ which is still investigating information regarding the township agreement with Plainwell. Brinkhuis had received a call from Deneau, and the village attorney has been contacted.
3.Sidewalk Repair Update: Member Martin is still working on the repairs needed and is trying to coordinate the stump grinder with the sidewalk repair.
New Business:
1. Purchase of Bobcat: Information was received about the availability of a Bobcat in very good condition from VanLaan at a cost of $6,400. It was agreed that this would be a beneficial piece of equipment at a good price. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Seiser to purchase the Bobcat from VanLaan for $6,400 from the Infrastructure Fund. Motion carried.
2.Variance Request: Member Flower stated that he had received a request for a variance from Tom Sebright for an addition to a garage at 936 East Allegan Street because it would be too close to the school property line. It was agreed that the property owner, Darcy Doezema, should contact the school to get their consent for the addition. Village council members will look at the property in question and seek an opinion from PCI. Consideration of the variance will be addressed when the needed information is received and reviewed.
Other: Question was raised regarding the grocery store building which is becoming dilapidated and structurally unsound. Concern was expressed regarding possible liability to the village. There was some discussion on potential problems. Brinkhuis will inquire with property owners about insurance. Harness will check on Economic Development possibilities.
Recent Community Deaths: Two names were submitted: Stephen L. Kimberlin and Thomas Steele.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to adjourn at 8:49 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Village Clerk