The Berrien Township Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 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, Julie Burke, Harold Bishop and Clerk Mary Jane Dean were present.Trustee Ross Rogien arrived late.
Also present:Building Inspector Jim Hoover, Fire Chief Tom Stiles, B.C. Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Supervisor Julius Grau and 3 residents.
Julie Burke made a motion seconded by Paul Sprung to approve the agenda with the addition of a report on the Free Tree Give Away.All ayes, none opposed.MOTION CARRIED.
Berrien County Sheriff report – the township had 51 complaints, 7 tickets were issued and 5 arrests were made.The County had 1284 complaints, 462 tickets were issued and 205 arrests were made.
Kevin Klug made a motion seconded by Harold Bishop to approve the April 13, 2010 minutes.All ayes, none opposed.MOTION CARRIED.
Kevin Klug made a motion seconded by Harold Bishop to approve the April 20, 2010 minutes.All ayes, none opposed.MOTION CARRIED.
Julie Burke made a motion seconded by Kevin Klug to approve the payment of the township bills in the amount of $18,582.98.All ayes, none opposed.MOTION CARRIED.
Julie Burke made a motion seconded by Harold Bishop to approve the payment of the joint fire bills in the amount of $17,388.10.All ayes, none opposed.MOTION CARRIED.
Township Roads – Ross reported that he hadn’t received estimates yet from the road commission in regards to the list of roads that he had given, he did hear that they were talking to Omega Paving.
Hall addition – the offices have been moved to the meeting room and the outside storage container has been filled.Some bushes, flower bed, some pavement has been removed and demolition has begun.
Free trees – Julie reported on the Free Tree Give-Away that was held on April 24 & 25, 119 trees were given out on Saturday and 91 on Sunday.Ross Rogien, Paul Sprung, Mark Coulston and Naomi Schneider helped Julie.
BS & A – Assessor Jennifer Woodley explained the advantages of purchasing the BS & A Equalizer Assessing.Net.The township currently has Pervasive version and BS & A will only support the program another 3 yrs.If we purchase now we will be given a 50% discount.With additional cost it can be used by the treasurer and building inspector.Ross Rogien made a motion seconded by Julie Burke to purchase the BS & A Equalizer Assessing.Net for the amount of $2,475.00 with payment spread over a 3 yr. budget and the annual service for the amount of $990.00.All ayes, none opposed.MOTION CARRIED.
Paul Sprung made a motion seconded by Ross Rogien to remove the special use (foster care) from 6557 Deans Hill Rd. as requested by owner Mr. Raul Blanco.All ayes, none opposed.MOTION CARRIED.
Hall construction hours were briefly discussed.It was decided it was too soon to change the office hour’s just wait until construction supervisor felt it would be necessary.
Fire report – the Dept had 22 calls for a total cost of $1,756.00.There have been 85 calls from Jan. to April. Chief reported that the large animal rescue workshop he attended was excellent.
Emergency Management – Julius reported on the spill at Pipeline Cluster in Niles on March 4, 2010.Lakeland has updated their Emergency plan. Next meeting the Disaster committee will work on the lay out for a format for each municipality to update their 5yr Hazard plan.
Franklin cemetery addition - the Supervisor had received an estimate for excavating that could range from $13-15,000.00.It appears that it will take quite a bit of fill and gravel.
Planning Commission received final draft of Zoning Ordinance to review.
Building Inspector Jim Hoover issued 17 permits which included 1 new home and 2 demolitions for an estimated amount of $440,701.00. Electrical Inspector Ken Simpson issued 7 electrical permits for a fee of $687.00.
Kevin Klug reported on the code enforcement workshop.More of a casual enforcement was the subject at the workshop. An on call person is being checked into for the township.
Financial report – Treasurer Sprung reported that he has checked and the interest could run 3.75 – 4% on the loan for the hall remodeling.The auditors will be here June 1st to begin the annual audit for year ending March 31, 2010.
Public comment – Mr. & Mrs. Lehman were present and explained the 5yr problem they have had with their neighbor.The land is being used by someone else for storing landscaping materials.The owner is supposed to be obtaining a special use permit.He has gotten a building permit for a fence.Jim is to start the process prior to the issuing of a citation.
Ross Rogien made a motion seconded by Julie Burke to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.All ayes, none opposed.MOTION CARRIED.
