TORCH LAKE TOWNSHIP

ANTRIM COUNTY, MICHIGAN

MINUTES OF TORCH LAKE TOWNSHIP SPECIAL BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2010, COMMUNITY SERVICE BUILDING

The purpose of the Special meeting was to hold a public hearing to receive public input on the proposed Township budgets for the 1010-2011 fiscal years and for the Township Board to act on the budgets and other matters.

Present:  Supervisor Parker, Clerk Windiate, Treasurer Schultz and Trustees Martel and Tomlinson.      
Audience +/- 14

1.                    Meeting was called to order at 9 AM followed by the pledge to the flag.

2.                    The Public Hearing convened at 9:05 AM.  Township budgets were presented as follows:

A.       General Fund:  Discussion included the Township’s need to hire the Assessor as an employee rather than a Contract; the raise in the cost of trash coupons from $20 to $25 for a book of ten; inquired into any plan for boat ramp repairs; the need to use ATV’s for the phragmites treatment; definition of “Fund Balance” to mean all the money just collected in taxes plus money we expect to get next year.  With no further questions, the General Fund portion of the hearing closed at 9:45 AM

B.       Fire Fund:  Opened at 9:45 AM:  Schultz asked where the Fire Chief was today?  She feels he should be present at this meeting; it has been suggested we “pay off” the balance left on the fire truck to save interest due on the loan.  With no further discussion the Fire Fund portion of the hearing closed at 10:00 AM.

C.       EMS Fund:  Opened at 10:00 AM:  Parker referred again to the tight budget for EMS; we are trying not to have a millage increase; there has not been one since approximately 2000; the size of the crew has increased;  the Director, Ditlow has a proposal to increase wages for EMTs and MFR, which will be tight, but  we’re going to give Kip the opportunity;  one change would be the manning of the station 24/7 which would cut down on response time;  the call level is way down, but the costs are still there; competitive bid was requested from Allied but their costs would be approximately $20,000 more than our cost to operate;  EMS health care has been changed from BC/BS to Priority Health HSA program which resulted in a substantial savings.  With no further discussion this portion of the meeting closed at 10:40 AM

D.       Liquor Fund:  Opened at 10:40, with no discussion.  Closed at 10:41 AM.

3.                    Budget Hearing is closed at 10:41.

4.                    Recess 10 minutes

5.                    Meeting reconvened at 11:34 AM (after conclusion of Annual Meeting of Electors)

6.                    Public Comment was received from Frank & Diane Wosek who thanked the Board on behalf of Birchview and Joe Marks Trail for the plan to pave Erickson Road.  They also appreciate the Board’s decision to freeze salaries for another year.

7.                    Items for discussion and Possible Board Action:

A.       Motion by Tomlinson to approve the General Fund Budget as prepared and presented at the Public Hearing is seconded by Schultz and passed 5-0 roll call vote.

B.       Motion by Schultz to approve the Fire District Budget as prepared and presented at the Public Hearing with a tax levy of 0.900 mills, with 0.4002 mills = $ 89,555 Operational Budget and 0.4749 mills = $ 106,268 Capital Outlay Budget was seconded by Tomlinson and passed 5-0 roll call vote.

C.       Motion by Martel to approve the Ambulance Budget as prepared and presented at the Public Hearing with a tax levy of 1.35 mills, with 1.2278 mills= $ 274,738 Operational Budget and 0.2599 mills = $ 58,166 Capital Outlay Budget is seconded by Tomlinson and passed 5-0 roll call vote.

D.       Motion by Windiate to approve the Liquor Fund Budget as prepared and presented at the Public Hearing was seconded by Tomlinson and passed 5-0 roll call vote.

8.                    Board Comments:  Parker has received a request to put up a tent near the East pavilion at the day park for a wedding.  It was decided the Township would like to suggest the best location where the tent would not interfere with the public space.  Schultz stated that the tax settlement is done and balanced with the County Treasurer’s office.  Final disbursements have been issued within this fiscal year.

9.                    Public Comment:  Gerry Sell would be concerned if they took over the whole park.  She also asked about Township liability if liquor is being served.  After discussion, there is a Motion by Martel and seconded to incorporate into the rental procedures of the Day Park and all Township properties the following:  Meetings at which alcoholic beverages will be available must have the prior approval of the rental manager and will require proof of a Host Liability Insurance Rider.  This rider, that is usually available through a homeowner’s insurance policy, shall name the township as an additional insured.  The rider shall have liability limits no less than $500,000 for a single occurrence and $1,000,000 in the aggregate.  A sale or value exchange of any kind for alcoholic beverages is not allowed at any meeting or rental located on township property.   This language is already included in the rental application used for renting the Community Service Building.  Motion carried 5-0.

10.                 With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 PM.

These minutes are subject to approval at the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting.