Minutes of the Village of Martin Board
July 12, 2010
Martin Village Council
Regular Meeting
July 12, 2010
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on July 12, 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: Members 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 June 14, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. Joshua Cole arrived at 7:40 p.m. Don Black and Paul Klein arrived at 7:57 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: One item was added to New Business - Computer Program for Taxes.
Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to approve the agenda with addition. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Thank you note from the family of Keith Rambadt for the donation to the Wayland Area Ambulance.
2. Thank you letter from the Martin Memorial Park Committee for the donation to the park renovation project.
3. Ballot from the MML for the Board of Trustees election. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Martin to instruct Acting Clerk Merrill to cast the ballot and mail. Motion carried.
4. Property endorsement from MML for the property at 1609 North Main Street.
5. Information from the Michigan Department of State regarding the November 2, 2010 Village election.
Joshua Cole: Josh, a corrections officer for the Allegan County Sheriff Department, was representing the Citizens for a Safe Allegan County. He distributed brochures regarding the millage proposal to be voted on at the August 3 election for a 20 year bond to renovate, construct, furnish and equip a new jail and sheriff's department. He encouraged the council to review the material and also to tour the current jail and the new site.
Paul Klein: Mr. Klein is running for Circuit Court Judge of Allegan County at the November 2, 2010 election. He explained what the Circuit Court handles and gave some personal and professional background information. He distributed an information card for review.
Treasurer's Report: After review, motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Martin to accept the treasurer's report for June as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: Acting Clerk Merrill gave several additions. Member Flower explained the Plainwell bills and stated that the village no longer pays the additional fees. He recommended holding 4 of the bills until adjusted amounts could be calculated. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to approve payment of the bills with additions and revision of the Plainwell bills. Motion carried.
Audit Update: Acting Clerk Merrill reported that she had met with the auditors for over three hours on June 30, and that all information had been turned over to Yeo & Yeo for completion of the audit.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Member Martin gave a follow up report from the B-93 Birthday Bash, which went very smoothly. Martin had also been in contact with the Mounted Division and learned that they have a "Ride Night" program. Martin asked about setting up a program to have them patrol the village occasionally, which the council was receptive to. The Mounted Division will meet and get back to the village.
Public Works: Martin gave an update on the demolition of the old village barn, stating that there are several required tests. He asked permission to contact Tom Deneau of Wightman & Associates for his assistance and expertise in preparing for the new barn as well as sidewalk and drainage issues on University Street. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Seiser to authorize Rick Martin to seek assistance from Wightman & Associates on various matters. Motion carried.
Streets: Concern was expressed about Templeton and University Streets related to the new construction underway at the elementary school, especially the truck traffic. After discussion, it was agreed that someone would attend the next school board meeting to inquire about the concerns.
Don Flower had a question from the resident at 944 East Allegan Street regarding a fence and location of the school sign. It was suggested that the Martin School Board should address this issue.
Sewer/Water: Member Flower reported on the following:
1. Phone message from Tom Deneau that Todd McLean was asking about the village's interest in a loan for the sewer system. This will be addressed at a meeting to be scheduled with Tom Deneau.
2. The Pit Boss treatment of the sewer lines. A new test is needed to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Flower also reported on an enzyme treatment which he heard about. There was considerable discussion. It was decided to use the Pit Boss treatment again, and then test after two weeks. After that possibly the enzyme treatment could be tried. Flower will make contact with the Pit Boss representatives and set up a meeting as soon as possible.
3. A call had been received from Consumers Energy stating the need to replace meters on the lift stations. Tim Eichler will assist with this on July 19.
4. Several past due delinquencies were added to tax bills.
5. Call had been received from Chad Kraai regarding the wellhouse pumps. Tim Eichler will meet with Chad.
6. New bills have been ordered.
7. Discussion on policy for delinquent customers, which needs to be addressed on a consistent basis.
8. Question about compliance letter for back flow preventers.
County Commissioner: Commissioner Black distributed synopses of the June 24 and July 8 meetings. He reminded the council of millage issues coming up. There was further discussion on the jail concerns.
Old Business:
1. Update on Property Acquisition, 1609 North Main: The closing took place on June 25. There has been some activity with files being moved from the old barn to the new garage at the North Main property. The Building Committee has met. There will be future recommendations on renovation.
2. Update on Building Code Violations, 1016 West Allegan: A four member CBA (Construction Board of Appeals) has been appointed by President Harness to act for the village. They are Gary DeKoekKoek, Dan Boniface, Duane VanderPloeg and Doug Hilton. They will need to be sworn in. Currently the village is waiting for an official request for a hearing from the property owners of 1016 West Allegan regarding the building code violations from PCI after inspection of the premises.
3. Update on 425 Agreement with Martin Township: Four copies have been signed by village officials. The township officials will sign and distribute as necessary, one of which will be returned to the village. Village and Township officials will then wait for a response from the City of Plainwell.
4. Update on Barn Demolition: Covered under Public Works report.
New Business:
1. Computer Tax Program: Treasurer Rambadt reported that the current cost to update the tax program is currently $360 per year but will increase to $800 next year. She will probably have that done next year.
Recent Community Deaths: Two names were submitted: Roger Evans and Keith Rambadt.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Martin to adjourn at 9:38 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk
Regular Meeting
July 12, 2010
The Martin Village Council met for its regular meeting on July 12, 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: Members 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 June 14, 2010, as submitted. Motion carried.
Recognition of Visitors: Don Rambadt was present. Joshua Cole arrived at 7:40 p.m. Don Black and Paul Klein arrived at 7:57 p.m.
Approval of Agenda: One item was added to New Business - Computer Program for Taxes.
Motion was made by Member Martin and supported by Member Flower to approve the agenda with addition. Motion carried.
Communications: The following were presented:
1. Thank you note from the family of Keith Rambadt for the donation to the Wayland Area Ambulance.
2. Thank you letter from the Martin Memorial Park Committee for the donation to the park renovation project.
3. Ballot from the MML for the Board of Trustees election. Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and seconded by Member Martin to instruct Acting Clerk Merrill to cast the ballot and mail. Motion carried.
4. Property endorsement from MML for the property at 1609 North Main Street.
5. Information from the Michigan Department of State regarding the November 2, 2010 Village election.
Joshua Cole: Josh, a corrections officer for the Allegan County Sheriff Department, was representing the Citizens for a Safe Allegan County. He distributed brochures regarding the millage proposal to be voted on at the August 3 election for a 20 year bond to renovate, construct, furnish and equip a new jail and sheriff's department. He encouraged the council to review the material and also to tour the current jail and the new site.
Paul Klein: Mr. Klein is running for Circuit Court Judge of Allegan County at the November 2, 2010 election. He explained what the Circuit Court handles and gave some personal and professional background information. He distributed an information card for review.
Treasurer's Report: After review, motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Martin to accept the treasurer's report for June as submitted. Motion carried.
Payment of Bills: Acting Clerk Merrill gave several additions. Member Flower explained the Plainwell bills and stated that the village no longer pays the additional fees. He recommended holding 4 of the bills until adjusted amounts could be calculated. Motion was made by Member Flower and seconded by Member Martin to approve payment of the bills with additions and revision of the Plainwell bills. Motion carried.
Audit Update: Acting Clerk Merrill reported that she had met with the auditors for over three hours on June 30, and that all information had been turned over to Yeo & Yeo for completion of the audit.
Department Updates/Reports:
Public Safety: Member Martin gave a follow up report from the B-93 Birthday Bash, which went very smoothly. Martin had also been in contact with the Mounted Division and learned that they have a "Ride Night" program. Martin asked about setting up a program to have them patrol the village occasionally, which the council was receptive to. The Mounted Division will meet and get back to the village.
Public Works: Martin gave an update on the demolition of the old village barn, stating that there are several required tests. He asked permission to contact Tom Deneau of Wightman & Associates for his assistance and expertise in preparing for the new barn as well as sidewalk and drainage issues on University Street. Motion was made by Member Flower and supported by Member Seiser to authorize Rick Martin to seek assistance from Wightman & Associates on various matters. Motion carried.
Streets: Concern was expressed about Templeton and University Streets related to the new construction underway at the elementary school, especially the truck traffic. After discussion, it was agreed that someone would attend the next school board meeting to inquire about the concerns.
Don Flower had a question from the resident at 944 East Allegan Street regarding a fence and location of the school sign. It was suggested that the Martin School Board should address this issue.
Sewer/Water: Member Flower reported on the following:
1. Phone message from Tom Deneau that Todd McLean was asking about the village's interest in a loan for the sewer system. This will be addressed at a meeting to be scheduled with Tom Deneau.
2. The Pit Boss treatment of the sewer lines. A new test is needed to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Flower also reported on an enzyme treatment which he heard about. There was considerable discussion. It was decided to use the Pit Boss treatment again, and then test after two weeks. After that possibly the enzyme treatment could be tried. Flower will make contact with the Pit Boss representatives and set up a meeting as soon as possible.
3. A call had been received from Consumers Energy stating the need to replace meters on the lift stations. Tim Eichler will assist with this on July 19.
4. Several past due delinquencies were added to tax bills.
5. Call had been received from Chad Kraai regarding the wellhouse pumps. Tim Eichler will meet with Chad.
6. New bills have been ordered.
7. Discussion on policy for delinquent customers, which needs to be addressed on a consistent basis.
8. Question about compliance letter for back flow preventers.
County Commissioner: Commissioner Black distributed synopses of the June 24 and July 8 meetings. He reminded the council of millage issues coming up. There was further discussion on the jail concerns.
Old Business:
1. Update on Property Acquisition, 1609 North Main: The closing took place on June 25. There has been some activity with files being moved from the old barn to the new garage at the North Main property. The Building Committee has met. There will be future recommendations on renovation.
2. Update on Building Code Violations, 1016 West Allegan: A four member CBA (Construction Board of Appeals) has been appointed by President Harness to act for the village. They are Gary DeKoekKoek, Dan Boniface, Duane VanderPloeg and Doug Hilton. They will need to be sworn in. Currently the village is waiting for an official request for a hearing from the property owners of 1016 West Allegan regarding the building code violations from PCI after inspection of the premises.
3. Update on 425 Agreement with Martin Township: Four copies have been signed by village officials. The township officials will sign and distribute as necessary, one of which will be returned to the village. Village and Township officials will then wait for a response from the City of Plainwell.
4. Update on Barn Demolition: Covered under Public Works report.
New Business:
1. Computer Tax Program: Treasurer Rambadt reported that the current cost to update the tax program is currently $360 per year but will increase to $800 next year. She will probably have that done next year.
Recent Community Deaths: Two names were submitted: Roger Evans and Keith Rambadt.
Adjournment: Motion was made by Member Brinkhuis and supported by Member Martin to adjourn at 9:38 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Merrill
Acting Clerk