Draft Helena Township Board Meeting May 12th, 2022

Meeting called to order at 7:02 PM.  Members present were Butch Peeples, David Peterson, Bonnie Robbins, Cathy Rice and Butch Bartz.  Motion by Robbins to approve the agenda and supported by Bartz and approved.  Motion by Robbins to approve the April’s meeting minutes and supported by Rice and approved. 

Conflict of Interest: None

Public Comment: Terry VanAlstine; Antrim County Commissioner introduced himself and spoke about study of the golden brown algae in Torch lake.  There is a hazardous waste collection in Elk Rapids from 8:00 am to noon June 11, 2022.

 Treasurer’s Report:  beginning balance April 1^st, 2022 is $821,518.27

                                     Total receipts: $43,946.50 and total disbursements: $25,557.81

                                     Ending balance April 30; 2022 is $839,906.96

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

Presentation of Bills: April 1-30: $12,370.68, May 1-12th; $6,881.30

Fire Chief/Sheriff Report: Sheriff Dan bean reviewed report and spoke about new hires and need for new jail.  There will be a 0.5 millage request for 911 on the August ballot.

 Paul Fabianoreviewed report for STLFD

 Speakers: Joe Willbee spoke about having Helena Township opt in for a proposed retail marijuana store in Alden.  There is an initial $5,000 municipal license.  He spoke about potential of 300 customers a day.  There is a 16.6% tax on marijuana retail sales.

Communications:  Sherri Steffen presented board with permit for July 4^th fireworks.

Zoning: Reviewed Bob Logee’s zoning report

Planning Commission:  Next meeting is May 17^th, 2022.  PC to review a special use permit for a food truck at the old mill across from the Alden State Bank in Alden.

Parks & Rec: Completed toddler playground at tennis court park.  Coy Mtn. preserve dedication; July 16^th.

Roads: Motion by Robbins for road maintenance for Alden Meadows and McPherson road for $130,000 total and supported by Peeples and motion carried.

Old Business: Waiting for bids for cameras for recycle bins.

New Business: Purchased additional signs for public accesses and no trailer parking signs for Alden business district.  Docks to be placed at Safe Harbor before Memorial Day weekend.

Announcements:  Memorial Day Parade will start at 1:00 PM.

Additional Public Comment: Jim Gurr commented.

Robbins made the motion to pay the bills and supported by Rice and approved.

Adjournment by call of the chair at 8:53 PM.

Prepared by Helena Township Clerk: David Peterson