Board Minutes February 8, 2024 – Helena Township, Antrim County Michigan

Draft Helena Township Board Meeting February 8^th, 2024

Meeting called to order at 7:01 PM by Supervisor Peeples. Members present were Butch Peeples, Cathy Rice, Bonnie Robbins, David Peterson and Butch Bartz absent. Motion by Robbins to approve the agenda as submitted, supported by Rice and approved. Motion by Rice to approve the January 11th meeting minutes as submitted, supported by Robbins and approved.

Conflict of Interest: None

Treasurer’s Report: beginning balance January 1^st, 2024 is $618,370.20

Total receipts: $127,163.55 and total disbursements: $30,402.27

Ending balance January 31, 2023 is $715,131.48

Motion to approve the treasurer’s report by Robbins, supported by Peterson and approved.

A credit card with Helena Township on it with a $20,000.00 limit is needed for paying for materials for the kitchen remodel in order to provide tax exemption for purchases. Robbins made the motion to apply for a credit card with Helena Township and supervisor Clark Peeples on it with a $20,000.00 limit with support by Rice and motion passed.

Presentation of Bills: January 1-31; $19,340.15 and February 1-08; $2,360.18

Fire Chief/Sheriff Report: Reviewed South Torch Lake Fire & Rescue report from Chief Paul Fabiano, AC Sheriff report, County Commissioner report from Terry VanAlstine, Township Ambulance Authority report from Rick Teague who were all present. All reports are linked with the minutes on the township website, www.helenatownship.com.

Communications: None

Zoning: Reviewed Bob Logee’s zoning report

Parks & Rec: Barry Snyder spoke that the Five year plan is being reviewed by the county planning commission and Mancelona Public Schools. It will be presented to the board after their review. April 3^rd will be a meeting for local stakeholders with Parks & Rec committee.

Planning Commission: Robbins reported that the planning commission will be purchasing new zoning maps. There will be a committee set up to discuss renewable energy language, short term rental language and shore line protection language.

Roads: Received and reviewed road projects that were discussed with county road commissioner Burt Thompson. There is a total of $358,000.00 that will be available for 2024. Alden Meadows And East Torch Lake Drive will be done in 2024.

New Business: None

Old Business: Supervisor Peeples contacted electrician about repairing/replacing ceiling fan in gym yet to be scheduled.

Remodeling the kitchen has started with the removal of shelves, cabinets and the stove.

Work in the front entrance foyer will be started when the weather is warmer by Preferred Maintenance.

Announcements: None

Motion to pay bills: Robbins made the motion to pay the bills, supported by Rice. All present voted yes, motion carried.

Speakers: None

Public Comment: Carol Fricke asked about the maintenance of Fowler Lane which is a seasonal road. County road commission to be contacted by residents of Fowler Lane. Jim Gurr commented