Helena Township Board Meeting May 11^th, 2023

Meeting called to order at 7:03 PM.  Members present were David Peterson, Bonnie Robbins, Cathy Rice, Butch Peeples and Butch Bartz. Motion by Rice to approve the agenda and supported by Robbins and approved.  Motion by Bartz to approve the April’s meeting minutes and supported by Robbins and approved.

Conflict of Interest: None          

 Public Comment: None

Treasurer’s Report: beginning balance April 1^st, 2023 is $776,497.59

Total receipts: $38,744.26 and total disbursements: $23,815.37

Ending balance April 30, 2023 is $791,426.48

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

Presentation of Bills: April 1-30; $13,374.10 and May 11; $8,154.88

Fire Chief/Sheriff Report:  Paul Fabiano presented report. Sheriff’s report presented by the under-sheriff.

Speakers: None

Communications: County commissioner Terry VanAlstine gave County commissioner report received by email and will be put on website

Zoning: Reviewed Bob Logee’s zoning report.  ZBA has two hearings coming up.  Two alternate seats open on ZBA.

Planning Commission: April meeting cancelled. Zoning Board of Appeals to meet April 27^th for a variance request that was denied.  They met on May 11^th for a language interpretation and determined land split met the ordinance and can proceed thru land division process.

Parks & Rec:  Steps to the lake completed at Lone Tree Point.  Spark grant update.  New volleyball posts and net at Depot park.  The board approved bringing in topsoil at the second volleyball court.  The board approved widening and lengthening the approaches at the Ball Park and the Depot Park.

Roads: Dust control brine issues from EGLE put on hold.  County will brine one time for free.  Bartz presented board with cost estimate from county road commission to pave 3800 feet of SE Torch lake Drive for $175,00.00.  Rice made the motion to accept cost estimate for $175,000.00 for paving 3800 feet of SE Torch lake Drive with support by Robbins and motion carried.

Supervisor Peeples read resolution 51123 ballot language to increase road millage funds from 0.75 mill to 2.0 mill for a period of 7 years, 2024 through 2030 for the purpose of providing funds for road construction and maintenance in Helena Township.  If approved and levied in its entirety, it is estimated that the 2.0 mill would raise an estimated $337,059.56 for the township when levied in 2024.  Road millage increase to be placed on the ballot for a special election to be held August 8^th, 2023.  Motion by Robbins to accept resolution 51123 with support by Bartz.  Roll call vote 5 ayes and zero no’s.  Resolution accepted/

Old Business: Peterson presented seal coat bid from Quality Sealcoating in the amount of $12,500.00 for the community center parking lot.  Robbins made the motion to accept the seal coat bid with support by Rice and approved and motion carried.

New Business: Purchase 3 laser jet printers for township office.  Motion by Rice to purchase 3 printers; not to exceed $2000.00 with support by Bartz and approved and motion carried.

Announcements:  Budget meeting; June 21, 10:00 AM.

Additional Public Comment:  

Motion to pay bills:  Robbins made the motion to pay the bills and supported by Bartz and approved and motion carried.

Adjournment by call of the chair at 8:10 PM.

Prepared by Helena Township Clerk: David Peterson

Treasurer’s report May 31, 2023

STLFD Report May 2023

Sheriff report May 2023

Land Use Permit Report May 2023