Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
December 8, 2008
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on December 8, 2008, 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.
Oath of Office: Newly elected Trustee Jeff Seiser was sworn in and invited to begin serving as Village Trustee. Oaths of office had previously been administered to President Larry Harness and Treasurer Anita Rambadt. Elected Clerk Sturgis was absent and as such did not take oath.
Roll Call: Members present: Flower, Harness, Rambadt, Seiser and Acting Clerk Merrill. Absent: Martin and Sturgis. Previous council members Brinkhuis and Porter were also present.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 10, 2008, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Sarah Reurink was present. She is interested in the vacant trustee position and gave some background information and reasons for her desire to be involved in the community. Don Black, Allegan County Commissioner, and Sharon Sturdevant, Kalamazoo Gazette reporter, arrived at 7:45 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Treasurer Rambadt requested the addition of "Christmas parade for 2009" to the agenda under new business. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda as revised. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Thank you note from Wings of Hope Hospice for the contribution in memory of Claud Keckler.
2. Notice of Hearing from Consumers Energy Company regarding their request to increase their annual electric revenues. Hearing is scheduled for December 18 in Lansing.
3. Fax from MML regarding a forum in Kalamazoo on December 12 involving representatives of local government and members of the art and culture community.
4. Member Flower relayed communications from Tom Deneau, Wightman & Associates, and Paul Bristol, USDA Rural Development, regarding possible loan/grant funds which could be available for qualifying projects, including flooding damage and library or fire truck. After discussion, it was agreed that a planning committee is needed to further investigate the possibilities. President Harness stated that he would serve and appointed Rick Martin and Gary Brinkhuis as committee members.
5. Member Flower updated the council on the village website that he and Fred Bogdan have been working on. There is still information to add, but it is progressing well.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt stated that all funds reconciled with the bank statements. She also reported that currently there is approximately $6,000 outstanding in delinquent taxes. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the November 2008 report as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After review of the bills, a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve payment of the bills as presented and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Information had been received from the Allegan County Board of Commissioners about police services, meetings and a survey. President Harness will review the information and attend the meeting on January 6, 2009 in Otsego.
Public Works: Street Commissioner Martin reported on the following via e-mail:
1. Kubota tractor had a radiator problem which was fixed. Then it hit a rock and is being repaired again and should be ready within a day or two.
2. Reminder of Christmas bonuses for Tim and Larry. Last year they were given $150 each, which was recommended for this year also.
3. Larry Curry has officially retired, and Martin is working on a retirement gift.
4. Martin and Harness are working on a labor list.
Streets: No report.
Sewer/Water: Member Flower reported on the following:
1. New battery for meter reader is working well.
2. Communication from Al Evink that he has shut down the lift stations at the drag strip as of November 7.
3. Lab reports of BOD testing and readings.
4. Still no payments from Gun River Estates. It was suggested that Ed Annen be contacted and that he write a letter to the mobile park owner. Flower will contact Annen.
5. Noted a newspaper article about Fennville's water/sewer rates, which are considerably lower than Martin.
County Commission Report: Commissioner Don Black distributed a synopsis of the November 13 County Commission meeting and highlighted some of the items, including a grant from the state for the Transportation Department which is building a new facility on Airport Drive and an addition to the Medical Care Facility.
Old Business:
1. Welcome to New Businesses: A draft of a welcome letter to new businesses was presented. A list of new businesses will be generated.
New Business:
1. Appointments: Tabled until next meeting. Committee assignments will also be presented at that time.
2. Joint Meeting with Township: The township has suggested either January 8 or January 26 as possibilities for another joint meeting. It was agreed that January 8 would be best. County Commissioner Black reminded the council that the next multi-government meeting in Wayland is January 26.
3. VCDC Update: Christy Wonderly had sent some information from MSHDA for the council to review and sign. President Harness stated that he looked over the information and explained some of the documents. There is still concern regarding the purchase offer and deadlines. After some discussion, a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to seek the opinion of Attorney Ed Annen, and if he is satisfied with the documents, to authorize President Harness to sign the needed documents and return to Christy Wonderly. Motion carried.
4. Christmas Parade for 2009: Treasurer Rambadt would like to see the Christmas parade for each year planned far enough in advance to place on the school calendar, as well as the Memorial Day parade. There was discussion with several suggestions, such as having the Christmas parade at night and cooperate with the Lions, school and PTO with a lighting of a tree at the school. It was also suggested that a committee be formed to plan the event. Possible committee members would be Anita Rambadt, Lori Martin, Heather Kruzel and Nikki MacVean. It was agreed that a plan and committee be presented by the February meeting.
Community Deaths: Name submitted: Donna Knight.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to adjourn at 9:04 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk
Regular Meeting
December 8, 2008
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on December 8, 2008, 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.
Oath of Office: Newly elected Trustee Jeff Seiser was sworn in and invited to begin serving as Village Trustee. Oaths of office had previously been administered to President Larry Harness and Treasurer Anita Rambadt. Elected Clerk Sturgis was absent and as such did not take oath.
Roll Call: Members present: Flower, Harness, Rambadt, Seiser and Acting Clerk Merrill. Absent: Martin and Sturgis. Previous council members Brinkhuis and Porter were also present.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 10, 2008, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Sarah Reurink was present. She is interested in the vacant trustee position and gave some background information and reasons for her desire to be involved in the community. Don Black, Allegan County Commissioner, and Sharon Sturdevant, Kalamazoo Gazette reporter, arrived at 7:45 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Treasurer Rambadt requested the addition of "Christmas parade for 2009" to the agenda under new business. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the agenda as revised. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Thank you note from Wings of Hope Hospice for the contribution in memory of Claud Keckler.
2. Notice of Hearing from Consumers Energy Company regarding their request to increase their annual electric revenues. Hearing is scheduled for December 18 in Lansing.
3. Fax from MML regarding a forum in Kalamazoo on December 12 involving representatives of local government and members of the art and culture community.
4. Member Flower relayed communications from Tom Deneau, Wightman & Associates, and Paul Bristol, USDA Rural Development, regarding possible loan/grant funds which could be available for qualifying projects, including flooding damage and library or fire truck. After discussion, it was agreed that a planning committee is needed to further investigate the possibilities. President Harness stated that he would serve and appointed Rick Martin and Gary Brinkhuis as committee members.
5. Member Flower updated the council on the village website that he and Fred Bogdan have been working on. There is still information to add, but it is progressing well.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt stated that all funds reconciled with the bank statements. She also reported that currently there is approximately $6,000 outstanding in delinquent taxes. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve the November 2008 report as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: After review of the bills, a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to approve payment of the bills as presented and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Information had been received from the Allegan County Board of Commissioners about police services, meetings and a survey. President Harness will review the information and attend the meeting on January 6, 2009 in Otsego.
Public Works: Street Commissioner Martin reported on the following via e-mail:
1. Kubota tractor had a radiator problem which was fixed. Then it hit a rock and is being repaired again and should be ready within a day or two.
2. Reminder of Christmas bonuses for Tim and Larry. Last year they were given $150 each, which was recommended for this year also.
3. Larry Curry has officially retired, and Martin is working on a retirement gift.
4. Martin and Harness are working on a labor list.
Streets: No report.
Sewer/Water: Member Flower reported on the following:
1. New battery for meter reader is working well.
2. Communication from Al Evink that he has shut down the lift stations at the drag strip as of November 7.
3. Lab reports of BOD testing and readings.
4. Still no payments from Gun River Estates. It was suggested that Ed Annen be contacted and that he write a letter to the mobile park owner. Flower will contact Annen.
5. Noted a newspaper article about Fennville's water/sewer rates, which are considerably lower than Martin.
County Commission Report: Commissioner Don Black distributed a synopsis of the November 13 County Commission meeting and highlighted some of the items, including a grant from the state for the Transportation Department which is building a new facility on Airport Drive and an addition to the Medical Care Facility.
Old Business:
1. Welcome to New Businesses: A draft of a welcome letter to new businesses was presented. A list of new businesses will be generated.
New Business:
1. Appointments: Tabled until next meeting. Committee assignments will also be presented at that time.
2. Joint Meeting with Township: The township has suggested either January 8 or January 26 as possibilities for another joint meeting. It was agreed that January 8 would be best. County Commissioner Black reminded the council that the next multi-government meeting in Wayland is January 26.
3. VCDC Update: Christy Wonderly had sent some information from MSHDA for the council to review and sign. President Harness stated that he looked over the information and explained some of the documents. There is still concern regarding the purchase offer and deadlines. After some discussion, a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to seek the opinion of Attorney Ed Annen, and if he is satisfied with the documents, to authorize President Harness to sign the needed documents and return to Christy Wonderly. Motion carried.
4. Christmas Parade for 2009: Treasurer Rambadt would like to see the Christmas parade for each year planned far enough in advance to place on the school calendar, as well as the Memorial Day parade. There was discussion with several suggestions, such as having the Christmas parade at night and cooperate with the Lions, school and PTO with a lighting of a tree at the school. It was also suggested that a committee be formed to plan the event. Possible committee members would be Anita Rambadt, Lori Martin, Heather Kruzel and Nikki MacVean. It was agreed that a plan and committee be presented by the February meeting.
Community Deaths: Name submitted: Donna Knight.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Rambadt to adjourn at 9:04 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk
December 8 2008