Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
October 11, 2010
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
October 11, 2010
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on October 11, 2010, 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: Brinkhuis, Flower, Harness, Martin, Rambadt, Seiser, and Acting Clerk Merrill.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 13, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. Don Black arrived at 7:40 p.m.
Dennis Berkebile, Area Manager for Consumers Energy, was present to explain and answer questions regarding the new Electric Franchise Ordinance. The current 30 year franchise expires in March 2011. Therefore a new ordinance needs to be adopted. The franchise allows Consumers Energy to do business in the village. A first reading needs to be done, followed by a second reading and adoption at the November 8 meeting. Mr. Berkebile will return for the November meeting to assist in completing the process. The proposed ordinance has been reviewed and approved by Attorney Ed Annen. After adoption the ordinance requires publication. Consumers Energy will assume all costs for the publication.
Approval of Agenda: Two items were added to New Business: Fall newsletter and Joint meeting with Martin Township. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Martin to approve the agenda with additions. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Ballot for MML Liability and Property Pool Board of Directors election. Council instructed Acting Clerk Merrill to cast ballot and return.
2. President Harness read a proposed letter from Kirk Scharphorn of PCI to Ken Harthorn regarding his non-compliance of the Construction Board of Appeal Hearing Order which was held July 28, 2010, related to the property at 1016 West Allegan Street. President Harness recommended that PCI be authorized to send the letter, and the council agreed. Harness will contact PCI with that information.
Treasurer's Report: After review, motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Brinkhuis to approve the treasurer's report for September 2010 as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After some additions and verification of others, motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Martin to pay the bills as presented with additions and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Member Martin reported that he had made contact with the Allegan County Mounted Division regarding their interest in spending time in the village. They would be willing to do so. Martin explained how the division operates and that they work on a donation basis. After discussion, it was suggested that approximately $200 be donated per month. Martin will follow up with the division and find out what can be provided for that amount.
Public Works: Martin reported that the old barn has been demolished, and the new barn is under construction. Tim Eichler is overseeing the project. The concrete work is next, and Seiser will oversee that contract.
Streets: Leaf pick up will begin October 19 until November 23. The P.W. Department is suggesting that leaves be placed between the streets and sidewalks to avoid clogging of drains.
New Office, 1609 North Main: It was reported that quotes for work on the office are needed and will be obtained. Martin presented information on available office furniture.
Sewer/Water: The matter of the bills from Plainwell for township property is still unresolved. Harness read an e-mail from Erik Wilson, Plainwell City Manager, regarding attorney fees and multiplier fees and his response to Mr. Wilson. After discussion, Harness recommended that if the response from Plainwell is anything other than what he outlined to Wilson, that the village attorney be contacted for further action.
Martin reported that the back flow preventer letters had been sent out and that there has been a good response. Inspections are taking place.
County Commissioner: Don Black distributed synopses of the September 9 and September 23 meetings. He highlighted items and reported on the schedule of jail informational meetings throughout the county.
Old Business: None.
New Business:
1. First Reading, Ordinance No. 61, Consumers Energy Electric Franchise:
The proposed ordinance from Consumers Energy was presented for first reading. A second reading and adoption will take place at the November 8 meeting.
2. Fall Newsletter: It was agreed that a fall newsletter would be beneficial to include information regarding leaf pick up, hydrant flushing, Halloween, and Christmas parade. Flower will prepare the newsletter.
3. Joint Meeting with Township: The Township has suggested October 25 or October 27 for a joint meeting. Council members preferred October 27. Flower will let township know.
Recent Community Deaths: One name was presented: Severin "Zeb" Hempen.
Adjournment: Motion made by Member Martin and supported by Member Seiser to adjourn meeting at 8:57 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Village Clerk
Regular Meeting
October 11, 2010
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on October 11, 2010, 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: Brinkhuis, Flower, Harness, Martin, Rambadt, Seiser, and Acting Clerk Merrill.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 13, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. Don Black arrived at 7:40 p.m.
Dennis Berkebile, Area Manager for Consumers Energy, was present to explain and answer questions regarding the new Electric Franchise Ordinance. The current 30 year franchise expires in March 2011. Therefore a new ordinance needs to be adopted. The franchise allows Consumers Energy to do business in the village. A first reading needs to be done, followed by a second reading and adoption at the November 8 meeting. Mr. Berkebile will return for the November meeting to assist in completing the process. The proposed ordinance has been reviewed and approved by Attorney Ed Annen. After adoption the ordinance requires publication. Consumers Energy will assume all costs for the publication.
Approval of Agenda: Two items were added to New Business: Fall newsletter and Joint meeting with Martin Township. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Martin to approve the agenda with additions. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Ballot for MML Liability and Property Pool Board of Directors election. Council instructed Acting Clerk Merrill to cast ballot and return.
2. President Harness read a proposed letter from Kirk Scharphorn of PCI to Ken Harthorn regarding his non-compliance of the Construction Board of Appeal Hearing Order which was held July 28, 2010, related to the property at 1016 West Allegan Street. President Harness recommended that PCI be authorized to send the letter, and the council agreed. Harness will contact PCI with that information.
Treasurer's Report: After review, motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Brinkhuis to approve the treasurer's report for September 2010 as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After some additions and verification of others, motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Martin to pay the bills as presented with additions and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Member Martin reported that he had made contact with the Allegan County Mounted Division regarding their interest in spending time in the village. They would be willing to do so. Martin explained how the division operates and that they work on a donation basis. After discussion, it was suggested that approximately $200 be donated per month. Martin will follow up with the division and find out what can be provided for that amount.
Public Works: Martin reported that the old barn has been demolished, and the new barn is under construction. Tim Eichler is overseeing the project. The concrete work is next, and Seiser will oversee that contract.
Streets: Leaf pick up will begin October 19 until November 23. The P.W. Department is suggesting that leaves be placed between the streets and sidewalks to avoid clogging of drains.
New Office, 1609 North Main: It was reported that quotes for work on the office are needed and will be obtained. Martin presented information on available office furniture.
Sewer/Water: The matter of the bills from Plainwell for township property is still unresolved. Harness read an e-mail from Erik Wilson, Plainwell City Manager, regarding attorney fees and multiplier fees and his response to Mr. Wilson. After discussion, Harness recommended that if the response from Plainwell is anything other than what he outlined to Wilson, that the village attorney be contacted for further action.
Martin reported that the back flow preventer letters had been sent out and that there has been a good response. Inspections are taking place.
County Commissioner: Don Black distributed synopses of the September 9 and September 23 meetings. He highlighted items and reported on the schedule of jail informational meetings throughout the county.
Old Business: None.
New Business:
1. First Reading, Ordinance No. 61, Consumers Energy Electric Franchise:
The proposed ordinance from Consumers Energy was presented for first reading. A second reading and adoption will take place at the November 8 meeting.
2. Fall Newsletter: It was agreed that a fall newsletter would be beneficial to include information regarding leaf pick up, hydrant flushing, Halloween, and Christmas parade. Flower will prepare the newsletter.
3. Joint Meeting with Township: The Township has suggested October 25 or October 27 for a joint meeting. Council members preferred October 27. Flower will let township know.
Recent Community Deaths: One name was presented: Severin "Zeb" Hempen.
Adjournment: Motion made by Member Martin and supported by Member Seiser to adjourn meeting at 8:57 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Village Clerk