Home
Village Council
Board Minutes
Village Calendar
Email
Links
Community Project
News and Information
Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
May 10, 2010
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
May 10, 2010

The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on May 10, 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 Vice-President Brinkhuis, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.

Roll Call: Members present: Seiser, Martin, Brinkhuis, Flower, Rambadt and Acting Clerk Merrill.
Member Harness was absent.

Approval of Minutes: Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 12 and the special meeting of April 14, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.

Recognition of Visitors: None were present at the beginning of the meeting. Don Rambadt arrived at 7:40 p.m. and County Commissioner Don Black arrived at 7:49 p.m.

Approval of Agenda: Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to approve the agenda as submitted. Motion carried.

Communications: The following were presented:
1. An advisory letter from the Seventh-Day Adventist Church stating that young people would be in the area doing door-to-door missionary work during the months of June, July, and August 2010.
2. Memo from Sally Brooks, Allegan County Treasurer, regarding delinquent village taxes. A resolution will be presented later in the meeting.
3. Notice from the State Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth with information about the Michigan Plumbing Code.
4. Audit engagement letter from Yeo & Yeo. After review a copy needs to be signed and returned to Yeo & Yeo.
5. Flower read an e-mail from Jack Hoogendyk's office requesting a calendar of events for May, June and July, which he responded to.

Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Rambadt stated that due to the change over from National City Bank to PNC Bank, the statements arrived later than usual, and her report does not include the dividend amounts. They will be added. After review a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Martin to approve the treasurer's report for April 2010 as submitted, with dividends to be added. Motion carried.

Payment of Bills: After adding several bills, motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Rambadt to approve payment of the bills as presented with additions and any forthcoming utility bills. Motion carried.

Department Updates/Reports:

Public Safety: There was discussion regarding the B93 Birthday weekend on June 19-20. There continues to be concern about traffic and citizen safety. Member Martin had contacted the mounted division and inquired about the possibility of several officers being available to assist with traffic, etc. Martin also offered his property for them to use as a command post. A donation would be needed, but it was stated that there are sufficient funds budgeted for public safety. After further discussion, a motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Seiser to authorize Rick Martin to continue to pursue the use of the mounted division for the B93 weekend event on June 19-20, 2010. Motion carried.

Public Works:
Commissioner Martin reported that that the P.W. Department has been working on the usual spring clean up. He also gave an update on vehicle maintenance.

Streets: Martin reported that the P.W. employees have been cleaning gutters and painting crosswalks.

Sewer/Water: Flower reported on the following:
1. No word from Kraai Well Drilling regarding the storm drain pump across from the fire station or the pump estimate for the wellhouse.
2. The joint sewer meeting on May 5.
3. Letters being sent to delinquent customers.

Member Martin reported that diffusers had been purchased for flushing hydrants. He also stated that the ventilation system at the wellhouse has been repaired. He also noted that the compliance letter for the back flow preventers has been completed by Tim Eichler and is waiting for approval by President Harness.

County Commissioner: Commissioner Don Black distributed synopses of the April 15 and April 22 meetings. Brinkhuis had attended the April 22 meeting and recommended that others attend a County Commission meeting. Black highlighted the two millage questions being presented at the August election. He also presented a financial scenario regarding the Sheriff Office and Correction Center as well as an Administrator's Update.

Old Business:

1. Property Closing: No word yet.
2. Memorial Day Plans: A draft of the program was presented. Because the grass area may not be ready for foot traffic, Member Martin asked about the possibility of closing down 10thStreet from 118th Avenue to the main intersection so that seating could be utilized in the street for veterans and others. He has made contact regarding this. No decision was made at this time. The next park meeting will be held on May 18.
3. Deputy Clerk/Treasurer: It was reported that Lori Martin has been working with Acting Clerk Merrill on some of the responsibilities.
4. Other: Member Flower stated that the spring newsletter will be distributed soon. The cleanup with the township is this Saturday, May 15.

New Business:

1. Resolution 2010-5-1 Collection of Delinquent Taxes: Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Rambadt to adopt Resolution 2010-5-1 which allows the treasurer to collect delinquent taxes and penalties through February 2011.
Roll call vote: Ayes - Seiser, Martin, Brinkhuis, Flower, Rambadt.
Nays - None
Absent - Harness
Resolution declared adopted.

Community Deaths: One name was submitted: Sandra L. Germain.

Adjournment: On motion by Member Martin and support by Member Flower, the meeting was adjourned at 8:57 p.m. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,


Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk