Board Meeting Minutes – June 9, 2020
- Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Supervisor Jager at the Holton Township Hall, 6511 Holton Whitehall Road.
- Pledge of Allegiance was given by all present.
- Roll Call: Trustee Jager, Treasurer Halbower, Trustee Schroeder, Supervisor Jager, Clerk Hippler all present.
- Agenda set as presented
- 060120 Trustee Jager made the motion to approve the May 2020 regular meeting minutes as presented. Second by Trustee Schroeder. CARRIED.
- 060220 Trustee Jager made the motion to approve the payment of the May 2020 bills as presented. Second by Trustee Schroeder. CARRIED.
- Business from the floor
- Commissioner Gary Foster-National Guard will be providing free COVID-19 testing the weekend of June 12-14 at Oakridge Middle School. The County passed the truth in taxation resolution, the millage went down slightly. The County Offices are not set to open until after July 4. The south building with the treasures, assessor, veterans services building etc. will open June 15.
- 060320 Trustee Jager made the motion to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented. Second by Trustee Schroeder. CARRIED.
- Department Reports
- Library: Library will be open for patrons in a couple weeks. The drobox is open for returns and computers are available by appointment. The Library would like to purchase a few items with the funds available in the 19/20 FY budget including chairs and a bubble machine totaling $782.
- 060420 Trustee Jager made a motion to allow the Library to purchase the requested items up to $782. Second by Trustee Schroeder. CARRIED.
- Cemetery: Cemetery would like to purchase a trimmer and backpack leaf blower.
- 060520 Trustee Jager made a motion to allow the purchase of a trimmer for $200 and a backpack blower for $500 from Holton Hardware for the cemetery. Second by Trustee Schroeder. CARRIED.
- Fire Department: Chief Hawk thanked the community for the support they gave the department over the last few months. The on call shift program was no longer needed and would be stopped. The department would be participating in a parade for the Holton High School Class of 2020. Looking ahead, the department will need to replace its air packs and is looking to work with the county to save money on the replacement. Truck 1960 has been repaired and is back in service. The cost of the repairs was $103,000 which was covered by insurance less the township deductible.
- Assessor Presentation: Cory Burns introduced himself to the board. He is a certified assessor with 20 years’ experience currently working in Ravenna, the city of Montague, and in Newaygo County. Mr. Burns will be submitting a contact offer to provide the township with in house assessing services. The townships current contract with the County of Muskegon will be expiring at the end of September.
- Library: Library will be open for patrons in a couple weeks. The drobox is open for returns and computers are available by appointment. The Library would like to purchase a few items with the funds available in the 19/20 FY budget including chairs and a bubble machine totaling $782.
- Correspondence: None
- Unfinished Business: None
- New Business
- MTA membership is up for renewal. Board agrees to continue with current membership program. Arrangement is ongoing, no vote needed.
- 060620 Clerk Hippler made a motion to pay for the purchase of large flags for the cemetery in the amount of $326. Second by Trustee Schroeder. Discussion: Supervisor Jager purchased the large flags to honor the veterans of Holton and would like the cost to be covered by the township. CARRIED.
- 060720 Trustee Jager made a motion to reimburse Assistant Chief McGahan for expenses incurred when picking up the 1960 fire truck totaling $792.71. Second by Clerk Hippler. Discussion: Receipts were submitted for fuel, mileage, and a rental car, should all be covered? Meals were submitted for two people but only one fire fighter picked up the truck. Clerk Hippler asked what the reimbursement policy was; there is no reimbursement policy in place. CARRIED.
- 060820 Trustee Jager made a motion to purchase a new laptop for the Electronic Poll Book. Second by Trustee Schroeder. Discussion: Clerk Hippler noted the current EPB laptop is old and does not perform well anymore and requested that of the options provided, the purchase of the HP 17.3 inch laptop be approved. Trustee Jager amended her motion to purchase the 17.3 inch HP laptop from BestBuy. CARRIED.
- Future Business
- Supervisor Jager stated that there are marijuana growing operations occurring in the township that are unlicensed. He reached out to the state police but the growing operations are legal under the state’s medical marijuana laws. The Zoning Administrator has sent letters to addresses which have erected structures or have begun construction/property modifications. A nuisance smell ordinance could also be enacted. Treasurer Halbower suggested we look into what exactly the township’s rights and options are. He also stated that township permits are required for structures. Trustee Jager stated that Holton Township meets the requirements for a social justice discount so anyone wishing to obtain a license in Holton Township can receive a discount on the state fees. Supervisor Jager said he will wait to see what progress the Zoning Administrator makes and then consult the township attorney if necessary.
- 060920 Trustee Jager made the motion to adjourn at 8:12 pm. Second by Trustee Schroeder. ADJOURNED.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sarah Hippler, Clerk
Unofficial until approved by Board