Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
October 11, 2011
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
October 11, 2011
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on October 10, 2011, at the Martin Village Office, 1609 North Main Street, Martin, Michigan.
Call to Order and Pledge to Flag: Vice-President Brinkhuis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Roll Call: Members present: Brinkhuis, Flower, Martin, Rambadt, Clerk K. Seiser and Deputy Clerk Merrill. Members Harness and J. Seiser were absent.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 12, 2011, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:42 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: One item was added to New Business: Christmas Parade. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.
Communications: The following was presented.
1. Ballot from MML for the Board of Directors. Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Martin that Clerk Seiser should cast the ballot and return. Motion carried.
Financial Items:
1. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Rambadt reported that summer taxes on 16 parcels remain unpaid. She will be sending out delinquent notices. After review of the report, motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to approve the Treasurer’s Report for September 2011. Motion carried.
2. Payment of Bills: One bill from Van Laan Concrete was added for $14,500 for the parking lot and sidewalk repair. A breakdown was determined. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to pay the bills as presented with addition and forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
3. Updates on BS&A and Performance Dashboard: Merrill reported that there will be a demo from BS&A on Wednesday, October 12. Flower, Rambadt, K. Seiser and Merrill will attend. Merrill is still working on the Performance Dashboard and stated that Yeo & Yeo have been very helpful. Only a couple of items are still needed, which were discussed with the council.
Department Updates/Reports:
1. Public Safety: Flower reported that someone from the City of Wyoming put in a new battery for the traffic signal. He also requested a quote from them on a yearly maintenance plan but has not heard anything yet. He will follow up with Wyoming.
1. Public Works: Martin reported that leaf pick up will begin October 18 and go through November 22. He also stated that Clean Earth will be coming to clean storm drains.
Martin encouraged the council to consider adding phase 2 to the parking lot which would be an estimated $9,615 plus preparation. He also suggested the addition of a salt bin between the P.W. office and the garage. The bid from Van Laan Construction is approximately $19,350 and the size would be 12 feet wide by 20 feet long with a 6 inch thick floor and an apron. Phase 2 cost would come from the Building Fund, and the council was reminded that the cost of the salt bin could come from the street funds.
After considerable discussion, a motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to go ahead with phase 2 of the parking lot with approximate cost of $9,615 for concrete plus preparation, project to be paid from the Building Fund. Motion carried. Brinkhuis abstained.
Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to proceed with the salt bin project to be paid from the Major (2/3) and Local (1/3) Street Funds. Motion carried with Brinkhuis abstaining.
2. Streets: Martin reported on the bids for crack sealing the streets and repair in other places. Because the total exceeded the amount budgeted, he recommended that only the street portion of the work be done and stated that A-l Asphalt presented a quote of 49 cents per lineal foot and Anderson Asphalt Maintenance gave a quote of 68 cents per lineal foot. Because action was taken at the September meeting for Martin to use the lowest bid, A-1 Asphalt will be doing the crack seal repair on October 11 and 12.
3. Sewer/Water: Flower reported on the following:
a. Water at vacant homes will be shut off, including snow birds. Flower stated that a policy is needed regarding this. The Ordinance/Policy committee of Harness, Martin and Flower will review this.
b. A complaint has been received from Jerry Curry that there is a foul odor at the Red Barn at times. Possibly their plumbing needs to be inspected.
c. VanElderen/BOD problem. At a recent Joint Sewer meeting Flower learned that Plainwell will begin billing the village in December for BODs. Flower stated that a meeting was held with VanElderen last week, and they are aware of the problem and are still testing and working with Wightman & Associates. Martin presented information on VanElderen pumping numbers and stated that they are aerating which is helping with the BODs.
d. Peerless-Midwest pulled the water pump last week which should be completed in about a week.
e. The billing went well and more delinquent notice letters were sent out.
f. Review of sewer notes from Tim Eichler. Pumpage seems to be improving.
g. Prein & Newhof is scheduled to do the bi-annual sewer testing in accordance with the Plainwell Agreement.
h. Distributed copies of the sewer and water budgets which will be forwarded to Todd MacLean at Rural Development.
4. County Commissioner: Don Black distributed copies of his synopsis of the Allegan County Commission meeting of September 22, 2011. He also stated that there is still a vacancy on the Commission on Aging and would like someone from the Martin/Hopkins area. He also reported on a meeting on September 29 on total road patrol coverage.
Old Business:
1. Update on Independent Water: No report.
2. Office Sign: Flower stopped at Cronen Signs, and they will send some information.
3. Update on 912 East Allegan and Hidden Ponds Home: Council has learned that there will be no foster care at 912 East Allegan, but they have connected to the water system. The home in Hidden Ponds is not near the water line according to PCI.
New Business:
1. Christmas Parade: Rambadt stated that the parade is set for Friday, December 2, at 7:00 p.m. It should be advertised and will be included in the fall newsletter.
2. November Meeting: Because several members will be out of town on November 14, it was agreed to set the meeting for Tuesday, November 22. Notice will be posted.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted: June E. Girton, Michael Allison, Janet W. Root, Ruth M. Boysen, Jerry G. McNees Jr., James L. Mills, Lloyd C. Polmanteer, Roger W. Polmanteer, and Velma L. Roobol.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Flower and seconded by Martin to adjourn at 8:38 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Deputy Clerk
Regular Meeting
October 11, 2011
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on October 10, 2011, at the Martin Village Office, 1609 North Main Street, Martin, Michigan.
Call to Order and Pledge to Flag: Vice-President Brinkhuis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
Roll Call: Members present: Brinkhuis, Flower, Martin, Rambadt, Clerk K. Seiser and Deputy Clerk Merrill. Members Harness and J. Seiser were absent.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 12, 2011, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:42 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: One item was added to New Business: Christmas Parade. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.
Communications: The following was presented.
1. Ballot from MML for the Board of Directors. Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Martin that Clerk Seiser should cast the ballot and return. Motion carried.
Financial Items:
1. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Rambadt reported that summer taxes on 16 parcels remain unpaid. She will be sending out delinquent notices. After review of the report, motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to approve the Treasurer’s Report for September 2011. Motion carried.
2. Payment of Bills: One bill from Van Laan Concrete was added for $14,500 for the parking lot and sidewalk repair. A breakdown was determined. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to pay the bills as presented with addition and forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
3. Updates on BS&A and Performance Dashboard: Merrill reported that there will be a demo from BS&A on Wednesday, October 12. Flower, Rambadt, K. Seiser and Merrill will attend. Merrill is still working on the Performance Dashboard and stated that Yeo & Yeo have been very helpful. Only a couple of items are still needed, which were discussed with the council.
Department Updates/Reports:
1. Public Safety: Flower reported that someone from the City of Wyoming put in a new battery for the traffic signal. He also requested a quote from them on a yearly maintenance plan but has not heard anything yet. He will follow up with Wyoming.
1. Public Works: Martin reported that leaf pick up will begin October 18 and go through November 22. He also stated that Clean Earth will be coming to clean storm drains.
Martin encouraged the council to consider adding phase 2 to the parking lot which would be an estimated $9,615 plus preparation. He also suggested the addition of a salt bin between the P.W. office and the garage. The bid from Van Laan Construction is approximately $19,350 and the size would be 12 feet wide by 20 feet long with a 6 inch thick floor and an apron. Phase 2 cost would come from the Building Fund, and the council was reminded that the cost of the salt bin could come from the street funds.
After considerable discussion, a motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to go ahead with phase 2 of the parking lot with approximate cost of $9,615 for concrete plus preparation, project to be paid from the Building Fund. Motion carried. Brinkhuis abstained.
Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to proceed with the salt bin project to be paid from the Major (2/3) and Local (1/3) Street Funds. Motion carried with Brinkhuis abstaining.
2. Streets: Martin reported on the bids for crack sealing the streets and repair in other places. Because the total exceeded the amount budgeted, he recommended that only the street portion of the work be done and stated that A-l Asphalt presented a quote of 49 cents per lineal foot and Anderson Asphalt Maintenance gave a quote of 68 cents per lineal foot. Because action was taken at the September meeting for Martin to use the lowest bid, A-1 Asphalt will be doing the crack seal repair on October 11 and 12.
3. Sewer/Water: Flower reported on the following:
a. Water at vacant homes will be shut off, including snow birds. Flower stated that a policy is needed regarding this. The Ordinance/Policy committee of Harness, Martin and Flower will review this.
b. A complaint has been received from Jerry Curry that there is a foul odor at the Red Barn at times. Possibly their plumbing needs to be inspected.
c. VanElderen/BOD problem. At a recent Joint Sewer meeting Flower learned that Plainwell will begin billing the village in December for BODs. Flower stated that a meeting was held with VanElderen last week, and they are aware of the problem and are still testing and working with Wightman & Associates. Martin presented information on VanElderen pumping numbers and stated that they are aerating which is helping with the BODs.
d. Peerless-Midwest pulled the water pump last week which should be completed in about a week.
e. The billing went well and more delinquent notice letters were sent out.
f. Review of sewer notes from Tim Eichler. Pumpage seems to be improving.
g. Prein & Newhof is scheduled to do the bi-annual sewer testing in accordance with the Plainwell Agreement.
h. Distributed copies of the sewer and water budgets which will be forwarded to Todd MacLean at Rural Development.
4. County Commissioner: Don Black distributed copies of his synopsis of the Allegan County Commission meeting of September 22, 2011. He also stated that there is still a vacancy on the Commission on Aging and would like someone from the Martin/Hopkins area. He also reported on a meeting on September 29 on total road patrol coverage.
Old Business:
1. Update on Independent Water: No report.
2. Office Sign: Flower stopped at Cronen Signs, and they will send some information.
3. Update on 912 East Allegan and Hidden Ponds Home: Council has learned that there will be no foster care at 912 East Allegan, but they have connected to the water system. The home in Hidden Ponds is not near the water line according to PCI.
New Business:
1. Christmas Parade: Rambadt stated that the parade is set for Friday, December 2, at 7:00 p.m. It should be advertised and will be included in the fall newsletter.
2. November Meeting: Because several members will be out of town on November 14, it was agreed to set the meeting for Tuesday, November 22. Notice will be posted.
Recent Community Deaths: The following names were submitted: June E. Girton, Michael Allison, Janet W. Root, Ruth M. Boysen, Jerry G. McNees Jr., James L. Mills, Lloyd C. Polmanteer, Roger W. Polmanteer, and Velma L. Roobol.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Flower and seconded by Martin to adjourn at 8:38 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Deputy Clerk