Nov 09 Min

Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
November 9, 2009

The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on November 9, 2009, at the Martin Village Office, 1586 South Main Street, Martin, Michigan.

Call to Order and Pledge to Flag: President Harness called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., 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 supported by Member Martin to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 12, 2009, as submitted. Motion carried.

Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. County Commissioner Black arrived at 7:45 p.m.

Approval of Agenda: Added to Old Business: Boysen Building. Added to New Business: Christmas parade. Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda with additions. Motion carried.

Communications: The following were presented:
1. Acting Clerk Merrill stated that she had contacted MML regarding the printing of ordinance violation citations and learned that MML does not print those.
2.Violation Notice dated November 4, 2009, from Michigan DEQ stating that the Village is in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act because lead and copper monitoring samples had not been conducted. Flower will check with Water Department employees.
3.President Harness had received information and prints from Tower Pinkster regarding the Martin Public School bond projects, requesting in particular any special permitting or approvals for construction within the Village’s right-of-ways.
4.Member Flower presented a copy of the Industrial User Permit from the City of Plainwell to Martin Township.

Treasurer’s Report: Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to approve the report for October 2009 as submitted. Motion carried.

Payment of Bills: Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to approve the bills for payment as presented. Motion carried.

Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: No report.
Public Works: Member Martin reported on the following:
1. Furnace in garage has been serviced. A programmable digital thermostat will be installed.
2.Plow has been put on the pickup truck.
3.Leaf vacuuming began on October 20 and continues.
4.Bids had been obtained for garage door openers for three doors on the metal barn as follows: American Garage Door, $2,496.50; Overhead Door, $1,967.00. After discussion, Martin recommended and made a motion, supported by Flower, to accept the bid from Overhead Door to install three door openers (1 8 foot door and 2 12 foot doors) at a cost of $1,967.00, to be paid from the Building Fund. Motion carried. It was noted that some electrical work will need to be completed to accommodate the door openers.
5.Bids are being requested to inspect three possible clogged leach basins on University Street.
Streets: Martin reported that Pavement Restoration tried to correct the bump on East Allegan Street, but there is still a water problem from Boysen’s parking lot which ponds in the yard at 990 East Allegan. There is safety hazard concern when the water freezes. Martin stated that a two foot section will be removed and the water flow checked after that.
Sewer/Water: The following items were reported and/or updated:
1. Flower had a problem with the meter reader, but it worked fine this month.
2.There was a recent sewer back up at 1024 West Allegan. Merrill contacted Meadowbrook Insurance claims representative, and they will continue the investigation.
3.Flower gave an update from the November 4 Joint Sewer meeting.
4.Harness gave an update on the recent successful flushing of the sewer main which he witnessed and found very interesting.
5.Brinkhuis gave an update on the BOD problem at VanElderens. He stated that Mike VanElderen has been very cooperative and has submitted a site plan to Tom Deneau of Wightman & Associates. VanElderen has submitted samples and also purchased tanks for pretreatment. He is also complying with any applicable fines.
6.Martin asked if residents with back flow preventers are in compliance. This will be checked, and if necessary, letters will be sent to those in violation.
County Commission: Commissioner Black distributed a synopsis of the October 22 Allegan County Commission meeting and highlighted several items. He also stated that he would be speaking on November 24 at Western Michigan University, relating his journey and recovery from his stroke, encouraging anyone to attend this free presentation.

Old Business:

1. Car Wash Update – Brinkhuis: Member Brinkhuis reported that he had made contact regarding the car wash but has had no return call.
2. Sewer System Update – Harness: President Harness read a letter received from Erik Wilson, Plainwell City Manager, dated October 7, 2009, regarding the Martin Village Sewer Agreement. Harness had drafted a response letter to Wilson which he read where he requested a bulk sewer rate and addressed the dispute between Plainwell and Martin Township. He plans to check with Ed Annen and Tom Deneau before he finalizes his letter.
3. Sidewalk Repair Update – Martin: Member Martin reported that patching had been done on University Street. Further repair will be done next spring.
4.Boysen Building – Flower: Member Flower reported that Barney McLaughlin requested permission to place a dumpster in front of the building because the roof awning is being repaired. Permission was granted as long as reflector signs were used to indicate the location of the dumpster.

New Business:

1. Computer Monitor: Member Flower stated that he was able to obtain a monitor for $99.99, no tax or shipping. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Martin to purchase the computer monitor for $99.99. Motion carried.
2.Christmas Dinner and Bonuses: Acting Clerk Merrill will investigate possibilities for a Christmas dinner for council members and employees and spouses. Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to give a $200 bonus to full time P.W. employee Tim Eichler. Motion carried with abstention by Brinkhuis.
3.Christmas Parade: It was noted that the Martin Lions Club is sponsoring a Christmas parade on December 5 at 10:00 a.m. Member Rambadt will contact the Martin High School band director regarding participation. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin that the Village will support and assist in the Christmas parade on December 5, 2009. Motion carried.

Recent Community Deaths: One name was submitted: Paul J. Ballay, Jr.

Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Village Clerk