Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
October 8, 2012
Village of Martin
Regular Meeting
October 8, 2012
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on October 8, 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, 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 September 10, 2012, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Present were Don Rambadt, Alice Kelsey, Darcy Doezema and Marlene Leep. Rep. Bob Genetski arrived at 7:22 p.m., and Don Black arrived at 7:45 p.m.
Mike, Mark and Paul Van Elderen were present to give various updates.
1. A letter dated October 8, 2012 regarding wastewater progress was reviewed, which included updates on what is being done on both the south and north sides of Van Elderen Inc. on East Allegan Street.
2. Letter dated October 8, 2012 requesting 10 acres north and west of Van Elderen be rezoned to industrial. Van Elderen would like to purchase the property from Gary Brinkhuis. Contact will be made with PCI regarding the necessary process for rezoning.
3. The Van Elderens offered to work with the village if a third well is needed.
Alice Kelsey asked for more details about the Van Elderen plans. Brinkhuis explained why more property is needed for truck docks, etc. There was also discussion on future violations and fines for sewer discharge.
Marlene Leep stated that she is not running for the Library Board, but the library is doing very well. She also mentioned the need for monetary subsidy.
Rep. Bob Genetski gave legislative updates from Lansing about the balanced budget, more money for higher education, passage of the Farm Aid Bill, school employees insurance, drop in unemployment rate, decrease in state income tax, business personal property tax and fireworks bill. He will be sending information regarding the state proposals on the November 6 general election ballot.
Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Thank you note from Dan Burns of BS&A for the recent purchase of their software programs.
2. Survey from the U.S. Postal Service soliciting community input for the Martin Post Office. A public meeting will be held on October 25 at the Martin Township Hall.
3. Ballot from MML Liability & Property Pool for this year's Board of Directors election. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Wykstra to authorize the Deputy Clerk to cast the ballot for the two incumbent directors and return. Motion carried.
4. Information regarding the Arts & Eats 2012 tour to be held October 20 and 21 throughout portions of Allegan, Barry and surrounding counties.
Financial Items:
1. Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt highlighted her report and noted that $10,000 is still delinquent in taxes, and she will be mailing notices to those property owners. After review, motion was made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Brinkhuis to approve the Treasurer's Report for September as submitted. Motion carried.
2. Payment of Bills: After review, motion was made by Member Wykstra and seconded by Member Brinkhuis to pay the bills as submitted and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
3. Computer Software Update: It was noted that BS&A had submitted hardware requirements for their applications. BS&A recommended I.T. Right for the necessary server and hardware needed, which must be installed prior to the BS&A programs. Therefore, Member Flower and Deputy Clerk Merrill met with Randy Allen from I.T. Right at the office on September 17 to determine needs for the BS&A software programs. After evaluating the existing equipment, Mr. Allen submitted an estimate of $4,513, which includes a server, license, an additional work station, Microsoft Office and annual service contract. Member Flower stated that he had checked with his son Brad about the equipment needs and learned that he could not do any better and was not available for technical support. After considerable discussion, a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Wykstra to accept the estimate from I.T. Right for $4,513 for server and other hardware. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
1. Public Safety: Member Brinkhuis reported that the Allegan County Mounted Division had been in town on October 5 and will also be in the village on Halloween.
2. Public Works: Street Commissioner Wykstra reported that the clutch is out on the Dodge truck and needs to be repaired for winter use. He had two estimates, one from Martin Tire for $1,000, and one from Ed Westendorp for $700-$800. After discussion, motion was made by Wykstra and seconded by Flower to have the clutch work done by Ed Westendorp on the 1997 Dodge truck. Motion carried.
Wykstra also reported that new tires were put on the dump truck and the mower is working well.
3. Streets: The storm drain on West Allegan Street has been replaced with some clean up to be completed. Wykstra reported that there was minor damage to some steps near Carman Pharmacy by a truck turning too close around the corner. He will pursue what repair may be needed.
4. Sewer/Water: Flower reported that work has begun on the sewer cleanout project on South Tenth Street. Member J. Seiser gave an update on the project and stated that the work should be completed by October 9.
Flower stated that an attempt was made to shut off the water at Shine Auto Wash, but they were given an extension until October 9. Readings will be reviewed, and it was suggested that Doug Hilton be contacted to check the meter for accuracy.
Flower reminded the Council that there is still a need to replace the meter reader.
5. County Commissioner: Don Black distributed synopses of the September 13 and September 27 County Commission meetings. He highlighted items including the 2012-2014 salaries of elected officers and chief deputies, the award of an Employee Assistance Program for three years, and the 2012 board schedule.
Old Business:
1. Sidewalk Repair: Brinkhuis reported that he had spoken with several residents in the Hidden Pond area about the request for sidewalk on the east side of North Main Street to Hidden Pond Drive and learned that they did not see the need for the sidewalk. Therefore, since there is no interest, no bids will be sought. He will have D.P.W. employees Tim and Mike decide which areas in the village need to be repaired and replace only the critical spots. There was discussion on where to put the old pieces when removed. Possibly Waanders or Jack Arnsman would take the pieces.
2. DEQ Recommendations: Flower stated that he had talked to Tim, and they are working on the recommendations from the DEQ.
3. Compensation, Council and Appointees: After discussion, it was agreed to make no changes at the current time.
4. Update on Boysen Building: Members Flower and Wykstra met with school officials on September 12 and gave an update on the plans for the Boysen building donated to the school. There are no definite decisions except that the building will be razed. Member J. Seiser stated that the school may propose a bond to be put on the February 2013 ballot. He also stated that the school needs to have the old library building next to the Boysen building to have enough property to rebuild. There was discussion on options and opinions.
New Business:
1. Christmas Parade: Member Rambadt reported that the parade will be held on December 7, and she will be meeting with various sponsors on Thursday, October 11 at the office.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted: John Joseph Ybarra, Evelyn B. Schippers, Norma J. Brenner and Gladys Houseman.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Brinkhuis to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Deputy Clerk
Regular Meeting
October 8, 2012
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on October 8, 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, 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 September 10, 2012, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Present were Don Rambadt, Alice Kelsey, Darcy Doezema and Marlene Leep. Rep. Bob Genetski arrived at 7:22 p.m., and Don Black arrived at 7:45 p.m.
Mike, Mark and Paul Van Elderen were present to give various updates.
1. A letter dated October 8, 2012 regarding wastewater progress was reviewed, which included updates on what is being done on both the south and north sides of Van Elderen Inc. on East Allegan Street.
2. Letter dated October 8, 2012 requesting 10 acres north and west of Van Elderen be rezoned to industrial. Van Elderen would like to purchase the property from Gary Brinkhuis. Contact will be made with PCI regarding the necessary process for rezoning.
3. The Van Elderens offered to work with the village if a third well is needed.
Alice Kelsey asked for more details about the Van Elderen plans. Brinkhuis explained why more property is needed for truck docks, etc. There was also discussion on future violations and fines for sewer discharge.
Marlene Leep stated that she is not running for the Library Board, but the library is doing very well. She also mentioned the need for monetary subsidy.
Rep. Bob Genetski gave legislative updates from Lansing about the balanced budget, more money for higher education, passage of the Farm Aid Bill, school employees insurance, drop in unemployment rate, decrease in state income tax, business personal property tax and fireworks bill. He will be sending information regarding the state proposals on the November 6 general election ballot.
Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Thank you note from Dan Burns of BS&A for the recent purchase of their software programs.
2. Survey from the U.S. Postal Service soliciting community input for the Martin Post Office. A public meeting will be held on October 25 at the Martin Township Hall.
3. Ballot from MML Liability & Property Pool for this year's Board of Directors election. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Wykstra to authorize the Deputy Clerk to cast the ballot for the two incumbent directors and return. Motion carried.
4. Information regarding the Arts & Eats 2012 tour to be held October 20 and 21 throughout portions of Allegan, Barry and surrounding counties.
Financial Items:
1. Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt highlighted her report and noted that $10,000 is still delinquent in taxes, and she will be mailing notices to those property owners. After review, motion was made by Member Wykstra and supported by Member Brinkhuis to approve the Treasurer's Report for September as submitted. Motion carried.
2. Payment of Bills: After review, motion was made by Member Wykstra and seconded by Member Brinkhuis to pay the bills as submitted and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
3. Computer Software Update: It was noted that BS&A had submitted hardware requirements for their applications. BS&A recommended I.T. Right for the necessary server and hardware needed, which must be installed prior to the BS&A programs. Therefore, Member Flower and Deputy Clerk Merrill met with Randy Allen from I.T. Right at the office on September 17 to determine needs for the BS&A software programs. After evaluating the existing equipment, Mr. Allen submitted an estimate of $4,513, which includes a server, license, an additional work station, Microsoft Office and annual service contract. Member Flower stated that he had checked with his son Brad about the equipment needs and learned that he could not do any better and was not available for technical support. After considerable discussion, a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Wykstra to accept the estimate from I.T. Right for $4,513 for server and other hardware. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
1. Public Safety: Member Brinkhuis reported that the Allegan County Mounted Division had been in town on October 5 and will also be in the village on Halloween.
2. Public Works: Street Commissioner Wykstra reported that the clutch is out on the Dodge truck and needs to be repaired for winter use. He had two estimates, one from Martin Tire for $1,000, and one from Ed Westendorp for $700-$800. After discussion, motion was made by Wykstra and seconded by Flower to have the clutch work done by Ed Westendorp on the 1997 Dodge truck. Motion carried.
Wykstra also reported that new tires were put on the dump truck and the mower is working well.
3. Streets: The storm drain on West Allegan Street has been replaced with some clean up to be completed. Wykstra reported that there was minor damage to some steps near Carman Pharmacy by a truck turning too close around the corner. He will pursue what repair may be needed.
4. Sewer/Water: Flower reported that work has begun on the sewer cleanout project on South Tenth Street. Member J. Seiser gave an update on the project and stated that the work should be completed by October 9.
Flower stated that an attempt was made to shut off the water at Shine Auto Wash, but they were given an extension until October 9. Readings will be reviewed, and it was suggested that Doug Hilton be contacted to check the meter for accuracy.
Flower reminded the Council that there is still a need to replace the meter reader.
5. County Commissioner: Don Black distributed synopses of the September 13 and September 27 County Commission meetings. He highlighted items including the 2012-2014 salaries of elected officers and chief deputies, the award of an Employee Assistance Program for three years, and the 2012 board schedule.
Old Business:
1. Sidewalk Repair: Brinkhuis reported that he had spoken with several residents in the Hidden Pond area about the request for sidewalk on the east side of North Main Street to Hidden Pond Drive and learned that they did not see the need for the sidewalk. Therefore, since there is no interest, no bids will be sought. He will have D.P.W. employees Tim and Mike decide which areas in the village need to be repaired and replace only the critical spots. There was discussion on where to put the old pieces when removed. Possibly Waanders or Jack Arnsman would take the pieces.
2. DEQ Recommendations: Flower stated that he had talked to Tim, and they are working on the recommendations from the DEQ.
3. Compensation, Council and Appointees: After discussion, it was agreed to make no changes at the current time.
4. Update on Boysen Building: Members Flower and Wykstra met with school officials on September 12 and gave an update on the plans for the Boysen building donated to the school. There are no definite decisions except that the building will be razed. Member J. Seiser stated that the school may propose a bond to be put on the February 2013 ballot. He also stated that the school needs to have the old library building next to the Boysen building to have enough property to rebuild. There was discussion on options and opinions.
New Business:
1. Christmas Parade: Member Rambadt reported that the parade will be held on December 7, and she will be meeting with various sponsors on Thursday, October 11 at the office.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted: John Joseph Ybarra, Evelyn B. Schippers, Norma J. Brenner and Gladys Houseman.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Brinkhuis to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Deputy Clerk