BERRIEN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JANUARY 12, 2010 MINUTES

 

 

Berrien Township Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the township hall.  Clerk Mary Jane Dean called the meeting to order and opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance.

 

Roll call: Treasurer Paul Sprung, Trustees Kevin Klug, Ross Rogien, Harold Bishop, Julie Burke and Clerk Mary Jane Dean were present.  Supervisor Paul Bixby was absent.

 

Also present:  Building Inspector Jim Hoover, Fire Chief Tom Stiles, Deputy Supervisor Julius Grau, a government student and parent.

 

Ross Rogien made a motion seconded by Kevin Klug to appoint Paul Sprung as moderator for the meeting.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Ross Rogien made a motion seconded by Kevin Klug to approve the agenda.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Ross Rogien made a motion seconded by Kevin Klug to approve the December 8, 2009 minutes as submitted.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED. 
 

There was discussion on the bill submitted by Dr. Stanley Bell it was decided to review the contract before releasing the check.  Kevin Klug made a motion seconded by Harold Bishop to approve the January Township bills in the amount of $29,811.37 for payment.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Berrien County Sheriff report for the month of November showed the Township had 66 complaints, 3 tickets were issued and 5 arrests were made.  The County had 1273 complaints, 350 tickets were issued and 151 arrests were made.

 

Julie Burke made a motion seconded by Harold Bishop to approve the joint fire bills in the amount of $12,050.03 with the Township share of $7,784.31 for payment.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Township roads update – We need to appoint a road committee at the February meeting.  Suggested names to give the Supervisor were:  Ross Rogien, Kevin Klug, Julius Grau and Harold Bishop.

 

Hall update – the building committee has had several meetings getting issues worked out for the bids.  It was suggested having the sidewalks and ramp heated to prevent ice problems.  Finance committee will be meeting to discuss financing the project.  Need to talk with Stan about grants.

 

Tree removal – Brief discussion, work is still being done on preparing a township tree removal policy.

 

Lawn maintenance in subdivisions – continue to work on preparing a policy.

 

Civil infraction – the memo dated Oct. 21^st recommended that a meeting with the Judge wasn’t necessary.  It had been decided that the process will be done by receiving complaints not by touring the Township for violations.  Zoning Administrator Jim Hoover and Supervisor Paul Bixby will handle the complaints.  Question was raised if the complaints should be required to be written and signed.  Discussion this could cause friction among neighbors.

 

Annual Joint Fire meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the main fire station. 

 

 

Fire report – the dept. had 30 calls with a total cost of $3.784.00 for the month of December.  Fire Chief Stiles reported that the amount of medical calls should be going down as they are working with the dispatcher that the Dept. be called only when necessary by checking with Medic I first.

 

Emergency Management – No meeting was held.

 

Cemetery – two grave sites were sold and there were two burials at Union Cemetery for the month.  The maintenance agreement will be reviewed about liability for volunteers.

 

Planning Commission meeting – During the December meeting special land uses was discussed.  Mike Clark from Williams & Works was to review and report his findings at the meeting on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010.  He needs the question clarified before he finishes the final Zoning Ordinance draft.

 

Building Inspector Jim Hoover reported he issued 3 building permits of which 1 was a renewal for an estimated building amount of $6,200.00 for the month of December.  Electrical Inspector issued 3 permits for a fee of $1,493.00 for the month.

 

Treasurer Paul Sprung presented the 3^rd QTR. Treasurer Report with income at $243,487.24 and expenses at $383,635.55. 

 

Julie Burke made a motion seconded by Harold Bishop to amend the budget to remove the $50,000.00 received from the Berrien County Road Commission as annual income.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Mary Jane Dean made a motion seconded by Julie Burke to amend the Tax Administration cost center to $25,000.00.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.                  

Harold Bishop made a motion seconded by Kevin Klug to approve the 3^rd QTR. Treasurers Report.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Kevin Klug made a motion seconded by Harold Bishop to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

           

 

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MARY JANE DEAN BERRIEN TOWNSHIP CLERK

 

 

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PAUL SPRUNG MODERATOR FOR MEETINGBERRIEN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES