Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
November 8, 2010
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
November 8, 2010
The Martin Village Council meet for its regular meeting on November 8, 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 seconded by Member Martin to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 11, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt and newly elected Clerk Kelly Seiser were present. Dennis Berkebile from Consumers Energy was also present. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:50 p.m.
Mr. Berkebile was present for the adoption of Ordinance 61, the Consumers Energy Franchise. After a second reading, motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to adopt Ordinance 61, Consumers Energy Company Electric Franchise Ordinance.
Roll call vote: Yes - Seiser, Martin, Brinkhuis, Flower, Rambadt.
No - None.
Absent - None.
Ordinance 61 declared adopted.
President and Clerk signed the ordinance, which will be faxed to Penasee Globe for publication in the next edition.
Member Martin asked Mr. Berkebile about a leach basin in the Consumers Energy right-of-way near Brandon Elementary School. Mr. Berkebile suggested making contact with the local Allegan personnel.
Approval of Agenda: One item was added to New Business: Community Promotion. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Verbal thank yous from Anita Rambadt and Joyce Merrill for their roses.
2. Agenda from the October 27 joint meeting with the township. Minutes have not yet been received.
3. Information from the IRS Department of Treasury regarding electronic deposits which may be required in January 2011.
Treasurer's Report: After review, motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to approve the treasurer's report for October as presented. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After two additions, motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Seiser to pay the bills as presented with additions and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Audit Update: Acting Clerk Merrill reported that Yeo & Yeo had submitted a draft of the audit and returned all financial materials. Merrill will be meeting with a representative from Yeo & Yeo to complete year end adjusting entries.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Martin reported that he had contacted the mounted division. They were not able to be in the village for Halloween, but Martin will check on other possible dates, such as the Christmas parade on December 3.
President Harness reported that the Allegan County Sheriff Department has been investigating a number of recent burglaries in the county, especially the Dorr and Wayland areas.
Public Works: Martin reported that the new barn building is progressing. Michigan Gas has been contacted regarding hookup to the new building, which will be above ground. Boniface is waiting on the concrete work to be done.
Harness stated that employee Tim Eichler would like to be more proactive in creating a job description for the P.W. Department.
Streets: The leaf pickup will continue until November 23. Most residents are complying with the requests in the fall newsletter.
Flower received a letter from MDOT and reported that the 10th Street project is still scheduled for 2013.
Martin read a letter from William E. Miller, Martin School Superintendent, seeking approval to install additional directional signage to the elementary and administration locations. It was the feeling of the council that permission should be obtained from property owners involved. Further investigation will be made about size and location according to the village zoning ordinance.
New Office, 1609 North Main: Martin stated that a walk through had been done. It was suggested that council members meet at the site to determine lay out, office furniture needed, etc. A date will be set.
Sewer/Water: Flower reported that he had a problem with the meter reader but is working on it. He read an e-mail that he sent to Prein & Newhof regarding sewer readings. He also stated that he sent out several delinquent letters and shut off notices. One customer requested that their delinquency be put as a lien on taxes because there was extra in their escrow account. However, that is not possible, and Flower will relay that information to them.
There is still a dispute with Plainwell about the township property bills. Harness has had no communication from Plainwell, but he will call Erik Wilson. Flower will recalculate the bills before payment by the village.
Martin read Sewer and Water reports from Tim Eichler with history and maintenance information, including back flow preventer tests. Some have complied with the test, but others have not. Harness would like a follow up on the residents who have not complied with the test.
There was discussion on the sewer system, which appears to be running more efficiently since flushing a year ago. There was also discussion on the well pumps. It is the opinion of Chad Kraai that nothing be done at this time.
County Commission: Don Black distributed synopses of the October 28 and November 4 meetings. He also presented a copy of a resolution from the Board of Commissioners establishing salaries for elected officials and chief deputies. He reported that the budget passed and gave an update on the jail project millage, which was defeated a second time by the voters on November 2. Black stated that the purchased Haworth building is being used. The Sheriff Department will be using a portion of the building, and much needed storage space will be used.
Old Business:
1. Update on 1016 West Allegan: It was reported that court papers were served on the Harthorns, who now want to sell the property. The renters have evacuated as ordered. The property is in the hands of a realtor, who has been in contact with the village as well as PCI. Note: After the meeting it was learned that court papers have not been served, but at least six attempts have been made. Mr. Annen is preparing documents for an alternative service.
New Business:
1. Christmas Bonuses: Motion was made by Rambadt and seconded by Seiser to give $200 to each of the P.W. employees, Tim Eichler and Lori Martin. Motion carried. Member Martin abstained.
2. Christmas Invitation from Township: Council members are invited to a potluck Christmas dinner on December 4 at the Township Hall. It was suggested that the village council members and employees be treated to a Christmas dinner in appreciation for all the work that they do. Merrill will make contact with the Grill House and set up a date.
3. Community Promotion: Flower had a Community Shoppers Guide which featured a new business in the Plainwell area. He made contact and learned that there is no charge for the promotion and felt that the new Palazzolo's Pizzeria should be given some recognition. He will investigate further.
Related to that, Harness reminded the council that he is still interested in recognizing deserving citizens with a Brandon Outstanding Citizen Award. This could possibly be given at next spring's Memorial Day Program. He wanted council members to be thinking about possible nominations.
Flower stated that a Veteran's Day Ceremony would take place on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park.
Recent Community Deaths: Names submitted were: William Rook, Sr., Richard D. Pierce, and Marvin DeYoung.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Martin and seconded by Flower to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk
Regular Meeting
November 8, 2010
The Martin Village Council meet for its regular meeting on November 8, 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 seconded by Member Martin to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 11, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt and newly elected Clerk Kelly Seiser were present. Dennis Berkebile from Consumers Energy was also present. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:50 p.m.
Mr. Berkebile was present for the adoption of Ordinance 61, the Consumers Energy Franchise. After a second reading, motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to adopt Ordinance 61, Consumers Energy Company Electric Franchise Ordinance.
Roll call vote: Yes - Seiser, Martin, Brinkhuis, Flower, Rambadt.
No - None.
Absent - None.
Ordinance 61 declared adopted.
President and Clerk signed the ordinance, which will be faxed to Penasee Globe for publication in the next edition.
Member Martin asked Mr. Berkebile about a leach basin in the Consumers Energy right-of-way near Brandon Elementary School. Mr. Berkebile suggested making contact with the local Allegan personnel.
Approval of Agenda: One item was added to New Business: Community Promotion. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Verbal thank yous from Anita Rambadt and Joyce Merrill for their roses.
2. Agenda from the October 27 joint meeting with the township. Minutes have not yet been received.
3. Information from the IRS Department of Treasury regarding electronic deposits which may be required in January 2011.
Treasurer's Report: After review, motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to approve the treasurer's report for October as presented. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After two additions, motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Seiser to pay the bills as presented with additions and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Audit Update: Acting Clerk Merrill reported that Yeo & Yeo had submitted a draft of the audit and returned all financial materials. Merrill will be meeting with a representative from Yeo & Yeo to complete year end adjusting entries.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Martin reported that he had contacted the mounted division. They were not able to be in the village for Halloween, but Martin will check on other possible dates, such as the Christmas parade on December 3.
President Harness reported that the Allegan County Sheriff Department has been investigating a number of recent burglaries in the county, especially the Dorr and Wayland areas.
Public Works: Martin reported that the new barn building is progressing. Michigan Gas has been contacted regarding hookup to the new building, which will be above ground. Boniface is waiting on the concrete work to be done.
Harness stated that employee Tim Eichler would like to be more proactive in creating a job description for the P.W. Department.
Streets: The leaf pickup will continue until November 23. Most residents are complying with the requests in the fall newsletter.
Flower received a letter from MDOT and reported that the 10th Street project is still scheduled for 2013.
Martin read a letter from William E. Miller, Martin School Superintendent, seeking approval to install additional directional signage to the elementary and administration locations. It was the feeling of the council that permission should be obtained from property owners involved. Further investigation will be made about size and location according to the village zoning ordinance.
New Office, 1609 North Main: Martin stated that a walk through had been done. It was suggested that council members meet at the site to determine lay out, office furniture needed, etc. A date will be set.
Sewer/Water: Flower reported that he had a problem with the meter reader but is working on it. He read an e-mail that he sent to Prein & Newhof regarding sewer readings. He also stated that he sent out several delinquent letters and shut off notices. One customer requested that their delinquency be put as a lien on taxes because there was extra in their escrow account. However, that is not possible, and Flower will relay that information to them.
There is still a dispute with Plainwell about the township property bills. Harness has had no communication from Plainwell, but he will call Erik Wilson. Flower will recalculate the bills before payment by the village.
Martin read Sewer and Water reports from Tim Eichler with history and maintenance information, including back flow preventer tests. Some have complied with the test, but others have not. Harness would like a follow up on the residents who have not complied with the test.
There was discussion on the sewer system, which appears to be running more efficiently since flushing a year ago. There was also discussion on the well pumps. It is the opinion of Chad Kraai that nothing be done at this time.
County Commission: Don Black distributed synopses of the October 28 and November 4 meetings. He also presented a copy of a resolution from the Board of Commissioners establishing salaries for elected officials and chief deputies. He reported that the budget passed and gave an update on the jail project millage, which was defeated a second time by the voters on November 2. Black stated that the purchased Haworth building is being used. The Sheriff Department will be using a portion of the building, and much needed storage space will be used.
Old Business:
1. Update on 1016 West Allegan: It was reported that court papers were served on the Harthorns, who now want to sell the property. The renters have evacuated as ordered. The property is in the hands of a realtor, who has been in contact with the village as well as PCI. Note: After the meeting it was learned that court papers have not been served, but at least six attempts have been made. Mr. Annen is preparing documents for an alternative service.
New Business:
1. Christmas Bonuses: Motion was made by Rambadt and seconded by Seiser to give $200 to each of the P.W. employees, Tim Eichler and Lori Martin. Motion carried. Member Martin abstained.
2. Christmas Invitation from Township: Council members are invited to a potluck Christmas dinner on December 4 at the Township Hall. It was suggested that the village council members and employees be treated to a Christmas dinner in appreciation for all the work that they do. Merrill will make contact with the Grill House and set up a date.
3. Community Promotion: Flower had a Community Shoppers Guide which featured a new business in the Plainwell area. He made contact and learned that there is no charge for the promotion and felt that the new Palazzolo's Pizzeria should be given some recognition. He will investigate further.
Related to that, Harness reminded the council that he is still interested in recognizing deserving citizens with a Brandon Outstanding Citizen Award. This could possibly be given at next spring's Memorial Day Program. He wanted council members to be thinking about possible nominations.
Flower stated that a Veteran's Day Ceremony would take place on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park.
Recent Community Deaths: Names submitted were: William Rook, Sr., Richard D. Pierce, and Marvin DeYoung.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Martin and seconded by Flower to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk