BERRIEN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JUNE 9, 2009 MINUTES

The Berrien Township Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the township hall.  Supervisor Paul Bixby called the meeting to order and opened with the pledge to the flag.

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

Also present were: Building Inspector Jim Hoover, Fire Chief Tom Stiles, Emergency Management Rep. Julius Grau, Twp park caretakers Bill & Kim Fisher, representing    Adventist Frontier Mission-Craig Moore, Bruce Wickwire, Ademola Adewoye, Joe Margol from Berrien County Road Commission and (4) residents.

Paul Sprung made a motion seconded by Julie Burke to approve the agenda with the addition of the Township Park report.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

Ross Rogien arrived.

Paul Sprung made a motion seconded by Julie Burke to approve the minutes from the Township Board and Planning Commission joint meeting on April 20, 2009.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.  

Ross Rogien made a motion seconded by Kevin Klug to approve the May 12, 2009 minutes.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

Kevin Klug made a motion seconded by Julie Burke to approve the joint meeting minutes with the Planning Commission on May 18, 2009.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

Ross Rogien made a motion seconded by Kevin Klug to approve the township bills in the amount of $58,389.14 for payment.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

Julie Burke made a motion seconded by Kevin Klug to approve the joint fire bills in the amount of $19,465.14 with the township share of $12,574.48 for payment.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

Township roads – Snyder Rd. from Jones Rd. to U.S. 31 was previously on the Spring Breakup list but the road commission has decided to patch and seal coat it at no cost to the Township as reported by Joe Margol from the road commission.

Berrien County Deputy Jason Long arrived and presented the sheriff report.  There were 48 complaints, 18 tickets were issued and 2 arrests were made in the Township for the month of April.  The County had 1251 complaints, 508 tickets were issued and 209 arrests were made.

Time schedule for Smith Rd. – need to survey, set of plans and bid out end of July-

Sept. Oct. 1^st is cut off for doing roads.  Hipps Hollow which could be started 30-40 days.  Township would pay entire bill for Smith ($289,074.00) and Hipps Hollow ($47,035.00) latest proposal.  The 2009 Spring Road Breakups was a special offer where County would supply the labor and Township the material.  Matching funds could be used for replacing a culvert, tree removal or something like that.  No borings were done on Smith or Hipps Hollow.  The question was asked why all the tree removal on Smith Rd.  Rebuilding a road is considered high speed surface because of liability trees need to be removed.  Franklin Rd. needs a new culvert which are 15” minimum and last 20-30 yrs. (metal).  Board will review and discuss at next meeting.

Mr. Ademola Adewoye of Brooks Architectural, Inc. presented the proposal from the Adventist Frontiers Mission.  They are in the process of purchasing the property previously known as Pennellwood with 21.67 acres.  AFM is a non-profit 501.c.3 charitable corporation dedicated to the recruiting and training of cross-cultural missionaries.  The property will be used for a training seminar lasting from 4-12 weeks for a 5-6 months period.  Buildings would be: 4 four-plexes (for families), six bedroom motel style building for single or couples, 2 level office complex, pool bath and pump house, the existing two story brick house would be used to house maintenance/security personal and the dining center would be used to feed training attendees and for seminars.  They presently have 18 full time and 2 part time directors and staff.  This is a unique site if the lodge would be rented out it will be put on the tax roll.  There are no plans for the 4 acres across the ravine just a nature area.  This area has had issues if and when they have plans they should come back to the Planning Commission to see if it would be permitted.  Fire Chief Tom Stiles stated he has no problems so far.  The plans as presented will take 3-5 years to be completed.  Kevin Klug made a motion seconded by Ross Rogien to approve the special use request from the Adventist Frontier Mission as they currently presented to the Board.  Roll call vote:  Kevin Klug, yes.  Ross Rogien, yes.  Harold Bishop, yes. Julie Burke, yes.  Paul Sprung, yes.  Paul Bixby, yes.  Mary Jane Dean, yes.  Seven yes votes.  Zero no votes.  None absent.  MOTION CARRIED.

Ross Rogien made a motion seconded by Paul Sprung to permit Doug Shelton to do his annual July 3^rd fireworks display at his home located at 10868 Jones Rd.  Doug is certified for doing fireworks and has insurance.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.  Chief Stiles will be working with Doug as usual.             

A request was received from Chris Fuchs developer of Enchanted Forest.  The P.U.D. was granted in April 2005.  One extension was approved in 2007.  An opening has been made into the property to a large opening for the cul-de-sac.  Upon approval for the extension plans are to complete the legal work, survey and finish the road within the next five years. Ross Rogien made a motion seconded by Mary Jane Dean to grant Chris Fuchs a one year extension.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.  The Board would like to be given updates on the progress of the project that is why only one year extension was approved.  

Fire Chief Tom Stiles reported that the Dept had 26 calls which 19.5 were in the Township for a total cost of $2,336.00 for May.

Julius Grau reported on how Niles handled some old dynamite that was found in a house. Lansing wants to use the same procedure.  MSU is having a training session on Sept. 14^th on stress of animals during storms.

Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 18^th for AFM special use and met with the Township Board to work on the updates of the Zoning Ordinance.  The next meeting on June 15^th will be to continue working on the updates.

Building Inspector Jim Hoover reported that he had issued (8) permits for an estimated building amount of $125,575.00 for the month of May.  Electrical Inspector Ken Simpson issued (3) permits for a fee of $606.00.

Township Park - The park is in good shape.  There has been a coyote seen by Bill and Bob DNR was called.  The Interurban was checked as the Board had requested.  It needs a lot of cleaning.  There concerns about parking and neighbors complaining.  The Township should be a good neighbor by taking care of the property.  Parking spaces could be made just off Range line with a cleared waking area to the water.  Craig Moore offered for a nominal fee to help clear a path.  Supervisor and Mr. Moore will work on the project.

Financial report – Income at $53,115.51 is 9.11% of the budget.  Expenses at $56,422.99 is 10.36% of the budget this makes income $3,307.48 less than expenses.  Most of the Township’s income comes in December. 

Paul Sprung made a motion seconded by Kevin Klug to pay the registration fee for any Board member that attends the workshop in Lawrence.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED.

Ross Rogien made a motion seconded by Mary Jane Dean to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.  All ayes, none opposed.  MOTION CARRIED

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MARY JANE DEAN BERRIEN TOWNSHIP CLERK

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PAUL B. BIXBY BERRIEN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR