Helena Township Board Meeting – 08/10/2017

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Supervisor Rick Teague. Present: Rick Teague, David Peterson, Butch Bartz, Catherine Rice and Bonnie Robbins. Motion to approve agenda by Robbins supported by Bartz and motion carried.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Teague, supported by Bartz and motion carried.

Conflict of Interest: None

Public Comment: Vickie Ferris commented on the 55 mph speed limit on SE Torch Lake Drive south of Alden where two accidents have occurred recently. She has asked the board to work with the Antrim County Road Commission and the Michigan State Police to lower the speed limit to 45 mph on SE Torch Lake Drive. The board received a copy of PA 447, January 5, 2017.

Diane Verplough, representing Friend’s of the Alden District Library, informed the board that $2,222.00 has been raised towards the community center sign that will cost $4400.00. Rice made the motion that the township will donate $500.00 towards the new sign with support by Teague and the motion passed.

Robbins commented on the reduced visibility from Franklin to SE Torch Lake Drive due to boat trailer parking on the shoulders.

Treasurer’s Report: Beginning balance as of July 1, 2017: $420,412.47

                                                                                Receipts: $8,233.98

                                                                           Disbursed: $37,012.87

                                                                   Ending Balance: $391,633.58 as of 07/31/2017

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

Presentation of Bills: July 1-31st: $31,169.54 and August 1-10th; $3,763.15.

Speakers: None

Communications: None

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Zoning: Molby gave zoning report.

Planning Commission: Robbins reviewed minutes from July 6^th Planning Commission meeting and asked the board to approve a special use permit to activate a digital sign. Robbins made the motion to approve the special use permit to activate a digital sign with support by Teague and the motion passed. Changes to the green belt buffer zoning language will be presented in a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 7^th. Peterson suggested the use of a memorandum of understanding between the township and the Antrim County Soil and Erosion officer.

Ambulance Authority: No update.

Parks & Rec: Ruth Smith reported that 163 surveys have been returned and reviewed resulting in 30 pages of analysis. There is a public forum scheduled for August 21^st at the Helena Twp. community center at 7:00 PM.

Peterson will call Consumer’s Energy to disconnect power at the Ballpark abandoned concession stand.

Roads: No update.

Old Business: None

New Business: Supervisor Teague made the motion to adopt the Helena Township Employee Leave Plan for the three twp. employees with support by Robbins and the motion passed.

Peterson made the motion to accept the estimate from Great Lakes Striping & Sealing, Inc. to asphalt the two entrances at the Depot and the entrance to the Ballpark for $10,790.00 with support by Rice and the motion passed.

Teague made the motion to accept the bid from Tri County Sand & Stone not to exceed $3,240.00 for Afton Stone at the community center, depot, ballpark and the cemetery with support by Robbins and the motion passed.

Announcements: None

Additional Public Comment: Jim Gurr commented.

Motion to pay bills: Robbins made the motion to pay the bills; supported by Teague and motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:09 PM.   Helena Township Clerk; David G. Peterson Jr.

David G. Peterson Jr.