Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
December 13, 2010
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
December 13, 2010
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on December 13, 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, J. Seiser, K. Seiser and Acting Clerk Merrill.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by member Flower, seconded by member Martin, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 8, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:50 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Letter from Allegan County Planning Commission, including a CD of the Allegan County Master Plan for 2010.
2. Letter from the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission regarding the recent action taken by the Legislature that amended sections of the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998. The amendments allow for the sale of spirits, mixed spirit drink and beer and wine between the hours of 7:00 a.m. on Sunday and 2:00 a.m. on Monday. If a governmental unit chooses to prohibit these sales, it must submit a resolution by December 15, 2010. After discussion and recommendation by President Harness, it was agreed to do nothing.
Treasurer's Report: After review by Rambadt, motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Brinkhuis to approve the treasurer's report for November as presented. Motion carried.
Several concerns were expressed about PNC Bank regarding some of their policies, especially in the area of community support. The Finance Committee will meet to further discuss the concerns.
Payment of Bills: After one addition to the Building Fund and several to the Sewer Maintenance Fund, motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Rambadt to pay the bills as presented with additions and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Audit update: Member Merrill presented the report from the audit. Yeo & Yeo recommends that all computers require a user specific login and password. They also commented on documentation of internal control policies. Merrill will call to request clarification about policies. Passwords can be set up easily.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Brinkhuis stated the Allegan County Mounted Division was at the parade, which went very well.
Public Works: On behalf of the D.P.W., Martin expressed appreciation for support for the new barn and P.W. office. They are happy with the outcome. The gas line needs to be connected to the new barn, which will then be completed. Martin presented the winter plowing sequence and procedure.
Martin reported on the job list for A.A.E.S.A.
A question asked by Brinkhuis regarding determining when Steve Bennington works. Martin stated Lori and Tim will determine when additional help is needed.
Streets: Martin reported on meeting with Hidden Ponds Association regarding snow plowing to the well house. They have no problem with dropping the blade on the way to the well house.
Martin stated that the equipment is working fairly well considering the age.
New Office, 1609 North Main: Martin stated it needs renovation of the bathroom to make it handicap accessible, as well as the ramp and entry door. Estimates for the work are as follows:
$3250 - electric/plumbing
$4470 - Need to make handicap accessible
$7919 - Office and Bedroom
$8170 - Bathroom Total $23,809 Additional $3765 for paint and stain unless volunteer labor is used. Another $1,500 would be the approximate cost of foam insulation.
Martin further stated that Duane VanderPloeg is available to do the work which could be completed In approximately five weeks.
Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis, seconded by Member Flower, to appoint Duane VanderPloeg as construction manager for the renovation needed at the new office at 1609 North Main. Member Martin will manage the improvements to the insulation. Motion carried.
Sewer/Water: Flower read reports from Tim on sewer and water. After discussion about the need for a new scale, it was agreed that the Water Committee should meet regarding the purchase of a scale.
Flower reported on the joint sewer meeting last week where he brought up various concerns. Harness reported on a meeting with Ed Annen regarding the $9,000 that Plainwell is requesting toward their attorney costs, which is no longer on the table, as well as multiplier fees. Annen 's opinion is that the village should not be paying the multiplier fees due to the 425 Agreement with Martin Township and should have the bulk rate. There is also the fact that the village was never notified of the recent rate change. Harness was instructed to authorize Annen to send a letter to Plainwell regarding the rate change and a letter to George Davis regarding the 425 Agreement.
Flower reviewed meter reading figures.
County commission: Don Black distributed synopses of the November 18 and December 9 meetings.
Old Business
1. Update on 1016 West Allegan: Harness stated that he had met with Ed Annen, Kirk Scharphorn and Ken Harthorn at the residence. After reviewing "corrections" and discussion, Harness reported that he felt further stipulations were necessary, i.e., allowing six months rather than one year to comply with building code violations, and reimbursement from Harthorns for village legal expenses incurred as a result of the violations. The residence cannot be rented until all corrections are made as outlined by PCI. Council instructed Harness to contact Ed Annen and have legal notification sent to all parties involved.
2. Merrill read letter from Ed Annen and letter from Shawn Willis, Harthorns attorney.
New Business:
1. Harness reported on Committee assignments - assignment sheet needs to be updated.
2. Christmas parade is set for next year on December 2, 2011.
3. Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Rambadt to establish a salary of $250 a month for a period of three months for Clerk Seiser and to review at that time. Motion carried.
4. Harness recommended appointment of Joyce Merrill to be Deputy Clerk during training period for Clerk or however long she would like to serve. Motion was made by Martin and seconded by Flower to appoint Joyce Merrill as Deputy Clerk. Motion carried.
Recent Community Deaths: Names submitted were: Margaret Gates, Violet Leep, Mary Simpson, and _________Arms.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Martin and seconded by Flower to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Seiser
Regular Meeting
December 13, 2010
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on December 13, 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, J. Seiser, K. Seiser and Acting Clerk Merrill.
Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by member Flower, seconded by member Martin, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 8, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:50 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Flower to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Letter from Allegan County Planning Commission, including a CD of the Allegan County Master Plan for 2010.
2. Letter from the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission regarding the recent action taken by the Legislature that amended sections of the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998. The amendments allow for the sale of spirits, mixed spirit drink and beer and wine between the hours of 7:00 a.m. on Sunday and 2:00 a.m. on Monday. If a governmental unit chooses to prohibit these sales, it must submit a resolution by December 15, 2010. After discussion and recommendation by President Harness, it was agreed to do nothing.
Treasurer's Report: After review by Rambadt, motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Brinkhuis to approve the treasurer's report for November as presented. Motion carried.
Several concerns were expressed about PNC Bank regarding some of their policies, especially in the area of community support. The Finance Committee will meet to further discuss the concerns.
Payment of Bills: After one addition to the Building Fund and several to the Sewer Maintenance Fund, motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Rambadt to pay the bills as presented with additions and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.
Audit update: Member Merrill presented the report from the audit. Yeo & Yeo recommends that all computers require a user specific login and password. They also commented on documentation of internal control policies. Merrill will call to request clarification about policies. Passwords can be set up easily.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Brinkhuis stated the Allegan County Mounted Division was at the parade, which went very well.
Public Works: On behalf of the D.P.W., Martin expressed appreciation for support for the new barn and P.W. office. They are happy with the outcome. The gas line needs to be connected to the new barn, which will then be completed. Martin presented the winter plowing sequence and procedure.
Martin reported on the job list for A.A.E.S.A.
A question asked by Brinkhuis regarding determining when Steve Bennington works. Martin stated Lori and Tim will determine when additional help is needed.
Streets: Martin reported on meeting with Hidden Ponds Association regarding snow plowing to the well house. They have no problem with dropping the blade on the way to the well house.
Martin stated that the equipment is working fairly well considering the age.
New Office, 1609 North Main: Martin stated it needs renovation of the bathroom to make it handicap accessible, as well as the ramp and entry door. Estimates for the work are as follows:
$3250 - electric/plumbing
$4470 - Need to make handicap accessible
$7919 - Office and Bedroom
$8170 - Bathroom Total $23,809 Additional $3765 for paint and stain unless volunteer labor is used. Another $1,500 would be the approximate cost of foam insulation.
Martin further stated that Duane VanderPloeg is available to do the work which could be completed In approximately five weeks.
Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis, seconded by Member Flower, to appoint Duane VanderPloeg as construction manager for the renovation needed at the new office at 1609 North Main. Member Martin will manage the improvements to the insulation. Motion carried.
Sewer/Water: Flower read reports from Tim on sewer and water. After discussion about the need for a new scale, it was agreed that the Water Committee should meet regarding the purchase of a scale.
Flower reported on the joint sewer meeting last week where he brought up various concerns. Harness reported on a meeting with Ed Annen regarding the $9,000 that Plainwell is requesting toward their attorney costs, which is no longer on the table, as well as multiplier fees. Annen 's opinion is that the village should not be paying the multiplier fees due to the 425 Agreement with Martin Township and should have the bulk rate. There is also the fact that the village was never notified of the recent rate change. Harness was instructed to authorize Annen to send a letter to Plainwell regarding the rate change and a letter to George Davis regarding the 425 Agreement.
Flower reviewed meter reading figures.
County commission: Don Black distributed synopses of the November 18 and December 9 meetings.
Old Business
1. Update on 1016 West Allegan: Harness stated that he had met with Ed Annen, Kirk Scharphorn and Ken Harthorn at the residence. After reviewing "corrections" and discussion, Harness reported that he felt further stipulations were necessary, i.e., allowing six months rather than one year to comply with building code violations, and reimbursement from Harthorns for village legal expenses incurred as a result of the violations. The residence cannot be rented until all corrections are made as outlined by PCI. Council instructed Harness to contact Ed Annen and have legal notification sent to all parties involved.
2. Merrill read letter from Ed Annen and letter from Shawn Willis, Harthorns attorney.
New Business:
1. Harness reported on Committee assignments - assignment sheet needs to be updated.
2. Christmas parade is set for next year on December 2, 2011.
3. Motion was made by Member Martin and seconded by Member Rambadt to establish a salary of $250 a month for a period of three months for Clerk Seiser and to review at that time. Motion carried.
4. Harness recommended appointment of Joyce Merrill to be Deputy Clerk during training period for Clerk or however long she would like to serve. Motion was made by Martin and seconded by Flower to appoint Joyce Merrill as Deputy Clerk. Motion carried.
Recent Community Deaths: Names submitted were: Margaret Gates, Violet Leep, Mary Simpson, and _________Arms.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Martin and seconded by Flower to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Seiser