Draft Helena Township Board Meeting July 11th, 2024

Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by Supervisor Peeples.  Members present were Butch Peeples, Cathy Rice, David Peterson, Butch Bartz and Bonnie Robbins.   Motion by Robbins to approve the agenda as submitted, supported by Bartz and approved.  Motion by Robbins to approve the June 13th township board meeting minutes as submitted, supported by Bartz and approved.  Robbins made the motion to approve the June 20^th budget hearing minutes as submitted, supported by Bartz and approved. 

Conflict of Interest: None

Public Comment: (3 minute limit)

 Treasurer’s Report: beginning balance June 1st, 2024 is $761,821.11

                                     Total receipts: $22,835.28 and total disbursements: $48,462.17

                                     Ending balance June 30, 2024 is $736,194.22

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

Presentation of Bills: May 1-31; $27,692.28 and June 1-13; $18,933.35

Fire Chief/Sheriff Report:  Reviewed South Torch Lake Fire & Rescue report from Chief Paul Fabiano.  ISO rating is now down to 7.  Alden Firefighters Association annual roast beef sandwich sale is on July 27^th at the tennis court park in Alden.  Family and friends CPR training will be offered to the public on Sunday, August 4^th.  Register by calling 231 331-4204 or on-line at www.southtorchfire.org.  Smoke and carbon dioxide detectors are available to the public.

 AC Sheriff report from undersheriff Lasater, County Commissioner report from Terry VanAlstine; Public safety center and jail tours available during July, August, September, and October.  County building is completed.  Commissioners considering a bond proposal and annex building to be demolished.  Township Ambulance Authority report; 13 ambulance runs and 4 mutual aid runs, from Rick Teague and who were all present.  All reports are linked with the minutes on the township website, www.helenatownship.com.

Communications: None

Speaker: None

Committee Reports:

Zoning: Reviewed Bob Logee’s zoning report.

Parks & Rec:  Steve Dell reported that a local resident has offered a donation for toddler equipment at the tennis court park.  No SPARKS grants.  Gordie Schafer volunteered to fill open Parks and Rec position.

Planning Commission: Robbins reported that the planning commission recommends a special use   permit for the old mill building for potential retail use for owner Mike McCracken.  Robbins made the motion for the township board to approve this special use permit with support by Bartz and approved.  Public request to revisit deleted 2010 waterfront property ordinance.

Roads:  Bartz presented two invoices to the board.  Invoice #91 in the amount of $29,763.48 for the balance due for resurfacing section of S East Torch Lake Drive.  Invoice #86 for work on Antrim Street, Franklin Street, Smalley Street, Valley Street, and Terrace Street in the amount of $75,375.00.  Board approves the payment of these two invoices.

 New Business:  Bonnie Robbins read Resolution Confirming Fire Administrative Board and Delegation of Authority resolution 07112024.   Change made to resolution; page 4. Bullet #110 correct spelling to SOURCE.  Additional change of regular meeting to July 11, 2024.

 Motion to approve and adopt resolution 07112024 by Bartz with second by Robbins.  Resolution adopted by roll call vote:  Bartz – yes, Robbins – yes, Peeples – yes, Rice – yes and Peterson – yes.  Declared adopted July 11, 2024.

Old Business:  The addition at the tennis court pavilion to start in August with additional electrical power.  Ceiling fan in gym is on order.

Announcements:  

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

Speakers: None

Public Comment:  Owner of Harvey’s commented.  Ken Masck commented. Jim Gurr commented.  

Adjournment by call of the chair at 8:36 PM.

Prepared by Helena Township Clerk: David Peterson