Helena Township Board Meeting

January 9th, 2014

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance by Supervisor Rick Teague.  Present:  Catherine Rice, David Peterson, and Butch Bartz.  Trustee Robbins was absent.  Motion to approve agenda by Rice with support by Bartz and motion carried.

Conflict of Interest: None

Public Comment: Erin Ackler, owner of the Simply Elegant business in Alden representing DABA, commented on the street lights that are out, sidewalks in front of the businesses not having the snow removed, reports of the public restrooms at the Tennis Court Park not always being clean, and trash containers not being emptied in the business district of Alden.  Supervisor Teague responded and commented on the issues presented.

Approval of minutes:  Bartz made the motion to approve the minutes with support by Teague and motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:  Township:  Beginning balance as of Dec.1, 2013               $279,242.16                                                                                                                          

                                                         Receipts                                                            $135,193.17

                                                         Disbursements                                                    $44,675.98

                                                         Bank balance 12/31/13                                     $369,759.35                                                        

Motion to approve Treasurer’s report by Teague, supported by Bartz and motion carried.

Presentation of bills:  Dec. 1-31, 2013 – $33,195.68 and January 1-9, 2014 – $758.29                                                                                            

Speakers: Sheriff Dan Bean gave monthly report for December and year’s end report for 2013.  Department has hired new road patrol officer and the narrow band simulcast project is completed.

Communications: Peterson presented the board with copies of the 1994 sidewalk snow removal township resolution and ordinance.  Businesses are responsible for the removal of snow in front  of their businesses.

Committee Reports:

Zoning – Zoning Administrator Molby gave report for December.

Planning Commission – Robbins reported that the Planning Commission meeting is rescheduled for Wednesday the 15^th.   The ZBA will have an annual meeting in April and then select officers.

Copies of the Helena Township zoning ordinance to be given to all ZBA members and alternates.        

Ambulance Authority – no update

Parks and Recreation Committee – no update

Roads – no update

Old Business: Reminder that MTA conference is being held at Grand Traverse Bay resort last week in January.  Teague and Robbins to attend.  Molby asked about registering for MTA conference.

New Business: Board of review resolution introduced and Rice made the motion with support by Teague to approve the resolution that the board of review will meet the second Tuesday, March 11^th, 2014 and the motion carried.  Rice made the motion with support by Bartz that the board of review members (Steve Dell, Steve Kerschner, Ken Renaud, Dorothy Cole, and Rick Teague) attend the training session February 12^th in Traverse City for up to 5 people at a cost of $140.00.

Announcements:  None

Additional Public comment: None

Motion to pay bills: Teague made the motion to pay the bills with support by Bartz and motion carried.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:43 PM.

Respectfully submitted, David G. Peterson Jr., Helena Township Clerk