Helena Township Board Minutes

January 12, 2017

Meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance by chair, Rick Teague at 7:00 pm. Members present were: Catherine Rice and Bonnie Robbins. Absent were: Dave Peterson and Butch Bartz. There were four audience attendees. Motion to approve agenda by Rice, supported by Robbins. Carried.

Sheriff Dan Bean presented the Antrim County SO report for December and a yearly comparison under Public Comment. (See handouts). He cautioned about a new Publishers Clearing House scam and cited an example within the County recently. Updated information was given on purchasing a tower and 911 operators and deputy hires. A recommendation was given to the board to take no action concerning the new marijuana law if approached for opening a business within the township. They will make the pitch of extra tax revenue up to $5000 for approval, which is unfounded. He cited stats from Washington and Colorado towns that have approved it and the stats of arrests in regard to its use.

Motion by Bonnie, supported by Rick to approve December minutes as presented. Approved.

Motion by Rick, supported by Bonne to approve the December Treasurer’s report. Approved.

Presentation of Bills:

December 1-31 $39,060.28 (included yearly township insurance).

January 1-12: $2,779.49.

There were no speakers or communications.

No updates were given for Zoning, Ambulance Service or Roads. No one was present from the committee requesting that the Community Center sign be replaced.

Planning Commission did not meet in December or January, but will meet in February to discuss liquor proposal for the Muffin Tin and a Woodworking home business on S. Lake St. New Zoning Ordinances were given to Board members and Planning Commission members who were in attendance. Public may purchase for $20 a copy, available in the office.

Parks & Rec presented a Memorials Policy for a Memorial Board at the Depot, a Memorial Donation Procedure, a Hold Harmless Policy, (which they requested be turned into the township and not P & R as they have no authorization), and a Hold Harmless form for signatures on record who have signed the Hold Harmless agreement. They also recommended that the township attorney send a letter to the cement company concerning the sidewalks at the Tennis Court Park project. Steve Dell will get the information to Rick that is needed to be in the letter from the attorney, and Rick will contact Chris Bzdok to draft the letter. The Township Board suggested that the Hold Harmless agreement be simplified, so P & R will work on that for the next board meeting.

The Audits from Tobin & Co. were given to board members, and authorization for payment was made.

Motion was made by Rick and supported by Cathy to raise the yearly compensation for the BOR from $175.00 to $200.00. Carried.

In public comment the board was thanked for their work, as was the Planning Commission and P & R.

Motion to pay bills by Teague, supported by Robbins. Carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

David Peterson, Clerk