HANDY TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING

NOVEMBER 9, 2004

 

 

      The regular Handy Township Board meeting was called to order by Supervisor Denby at 7:31 p.m. in the Handy Township boardroom.  Members present: Tesch, Vaupel, Denby, Eisele, and Krebs arriving at 8:42 p.m. Absent: None.  Also

Present: Township Attorney Kehoe, Zoning Administrator Anderson, Ken and Maureen Cousino-Engineering Technologies, Sue Ward-Deputy Treasurer, Fred Dillingham-Livingston County Economic Development Council, Paul Burton, Jr.-Pro Street Auto, LLC., Laurie Hirth-St Johns Lutheran Church, Susan Demas-Livingston County Press and Argus, Kevin Shopshire-Detroit News and resident Joyce Lober.

 

Approval of Agenda:

 

      A correction regarding minute approval:  Special Meeting Minutes are October 5, 2004, and Regular Meeting Minutes are October 12, 2004.

      To add after approval of minutes, Public Hearing for CDB Grant.

      To address New Business, Item (A) Resolution Authorizing Submission of a CDBG Application to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation after the public hearing.

      To address a waiver of fees for Laurie Hirth-St John’s Lutheran Church under Brief Public Comments.

 

MOTION VAUPEL SUPPORT TESCH TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.    MOTION

CARRIED.

 

Approval of Minutes:

 

A) Township Board Special Meeting of October 5, 2004:

 

      A change on Page 2, New Business, Item ( C) Appointment of CPA Firm, to

read:   ….It was decided that using Abraham and Gaffney for the audit and

continuing with Ray Lemmon, CPA for accounting services would be the best alternative.

 

MOTION VAUPEL SUPPORT TESCH TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE

OCTOBER 5, 2004 SPECIAL MEETING AS AMENDED.   MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

 

 

Handy Township Regular Board Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2004 Page 2 (Approval of Minutes, Continued)

 

 

 

B) Township Board Regular Meeting of October 12, 2004:

 

MOTION VAUPEL SUPPORT EISELE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 12, 2004

REGULAR MEETING AS PRESENTED.   MOTION CARRIED.

 

PUBLIC HEARING:

 

A) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG):

 

MOTION VAUPEL SUPPORT TESCH TO GO INTO THE PUBLIC HEARING TO ADDRESS THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AT 7:37 P.M.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

      Mr. Fred Dillingham-Economic Development Council reported that the grant was for one million dollars.  The funds would be used to: 1) extend sewer down Layton and Smith Roads to be connected to the Aisin facility just inside the property line, 2) improve Layton and Smith Roads, 3) relocate utility poles if money is still available.  He reported that the grant application must be filed by November 17, 2004 along with a resolution from the Handy Township Board authorizing the submission of the application. 

Deputy Treasurer Ward questioned the relocation of the utility poles if their was not enough funds to cover the costs.  Mr. Dillingham reported that Aisin Corp. would then be obligated to pay the costs.  Mr. Dillingham also reported that the $300,000 Handy Township contribution to the grant would be obtained by an ‘in-house’ bond.  He stated that the Aisin project will provide revenue for Handy Township needs.

 

MOTION VAUPEL SUPPORT TESCH TO GO OUT OF THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:46 P.M.  

MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handy Township Regular Board Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2004 Page 3

 

A) Resolution Authorizing Submission of a CDBG Application to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation:

 

      The following resolution was offered by Eisele and Supported by Vaupel:

 

WHEREAS, the Township of Handy is requesting a Community Development Block Grant to assist in the location of Aisin World Corp of America to Handy Township and requires assistance with public infrastructure improvements including sewer extension, pump station, utility pole relocation, road gravel and road ditching to service the Fowlerville Test Track project; and

 

WHEREAS, this CDBG request for funding is known as the Fowlerville Automotive Proving Ground/Handy Township Economic Development Infrastructure CDBG project; and

 

WHEREAS, the Township of Handy is requesting $1,000,000 in CDBG funding with a $300,000 local match to assist with the project funding; and

 

WHEREAS, The Michigan Economic Development Corporation makes CDBG funds available to assist communities in the rehabilitation or placement of public infrastructure and/or facilities to improve the quality of life and to stimulate economic growth consistent with the Handy Township Community Development plan described in the application; and

 

WHEREAS, at least 51% of the beneficiates of the new jobs created will be low and moderate income persons; and

 

WHEREAS, no project costs will be incurred prior to the formal grant award, completion of the environmental review procedures and formal, written authorization to incur costs received from Community Services; and

 

WHEREAS, the Handy Township board authorized Fred Dillingham, Executive Director of the Economic Development Council of Livingston County to complete the Environmental Review Record and administer the CDBG project and designated Cynthia S. Denby, Handy Township Supervisor as the person to sign the application forms at the Special Handy Township Board meeting July 20, 2004; and

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this resolution confirm the public discussion and action taken by the Handy Township board on November 9, 2004.

 

AYES: 4, NAYS:0, ABSENT: 1, ABSTAIN: 0.

 

RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED

 

 

 

 

 

Handy Township Regular Board Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2004 Page 4

 

Brief Public Comments:

 

      Ms. Laurie Hirth-St John’s Lutheran Church reported of a fund raising car wash to benefit a disabled girl.  The funds collected are to be used to construct a wheel chair ramp for the girl to be used at her bus stop.  Ms.

Hirth stated that there was not enough funds collected to pay for the needed permits and asked that Handy Township waive the permit costs of $75. 

Attorney Kehoe stated that waiving the fees would benefit a private individual, therefore, the township is not able to approve the request.

 

Approval of Bills:

 

MOTION  VAUPEL SUPPORT TESCH TO PAY THE BILLS OF NOVEMBER 9, 2004 FROM THE APPROPRIATE ACCOUNTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $143,989.78.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Pending Business:

 

A) WWTP-Van Buren Road-Engineer’s Report:

 

      Ken Cousino-Engineering Technologies reported on F. J. Jones requesting a Substantial Completion Request.  Mr. Cousino reported that this request was denied due to outstanding completed items.  He reported that F. J. Jones was also requesting that a 2% retainage amount be withheld instead of the usual

5 % to which Mr. Cousino advised against.

 

MOTION EISELE SUPPORT KREBS TO AUTHORIZE PAY REQUEST A-18 TO F. J. JONES & CO. IN THE AMOUNT OF $114,653.00 AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE PAY REQUEST.  VAUPEL-ABSTAIN.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

      Mr. Cousino then reviewed the liquidated damages calculations and a change order request for F. J. Jones concerning exhaust fans, elimination of handrails, and a raise in the elevation of the finished grade around the digesters.

 

MOTION EISELE SUPPORT TESCH TO AUTHORIZE CHANGE ORDER A-15 FOR F. J. JONES & CO.  FOR THE AMOUNT OF $2,221.95 AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE

CHANGE ORDER.   VAUPEL-ABSTAIN.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Handy Township Regular Board Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2004 Page 5 (WWTP-Van Buren Road-Engineer’s Report, Continued)

 

      Mr. Cousino then requested an extension of Engineering Technology’s contract.

 

MOTION EISELE SUPPORT TESCH TO AUTHORIZE CONTRACT AMENDMENT E-3 IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,500.00 AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE AMENDMENT. 

  VAUPEL-ABSTAIN.   MOTION CARRIED.

 

      Mr. Cousino then reviewed the ETC budget and expense report, the ETC Allowance budget, and the Livingston County Financial Status Report.

 

1) Smith and Layton Road Project:

 

      Mr. Cousino presented an agreement for road funding with the Livingston County Road Commission.

 

MOTION VAUPEL SUPPORT TESCH TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR ROAD FUNDING WITH THE LIVINGSTON COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF LAYTON, DAMMAN AND SARGENT ROADS AND TO AUTHORIZE THE SUPERVISOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

      Mr. Cousino reported that the new project would be done in two phases.  The first phase is the sewer extension, the second phase is road improvements. 

He also reported that Aisin Corp. is requesting sewer hookup be available by August of 2005.  He then reviewed the preliminary construction cost estimates and Engineering Technology’s estimated costs.

 

MOTION VAUPEL SUPPORT EISELE TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES CORP. FOR THE AMOUNT OF $173,000 FOR SEWER AND ROAD DESIGN

WORK.   MOTION CARRIED.

 

2) Development Standards Ordinance:

 

      Review of Ordinance to be adopted by resolution.

 

A RESOLUTION WAS OFFERED BY EISELE AND SUPPORTED BY VAUPEL TO ADOPT THE HANDY TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENTAL STANDARD ORDINANCE DATED NOVEMBER, 2004 TO BECOME EFFECTIVE 11-10-2004.

ROLL CALL VOTE: VAUPEL-AYE, TESCH-AYE, EISELE-AYE, DENBY-AYE.

4-AYES, 0-NAYS, 1-ABSENT, 0-ABSTAIN.  RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.

Handy Township Regular Board Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2004 Page 6 (WWTP-Van Buren Road-Engineer’s Report, Continued)

 

3) Utility Billing Software, Special Assessment Software, Computers, Printers, Office Furniture, Training for Software:

 

      Mr. Cousino reported that the Centex development is requesting separate water meters for each home.  Discussion followed of the possible ways to read said meters.  Mr. Cousino reported that Handy Township can order the meters and be reimbursed by using the available bond money.

 

MOTION EISELE SUPPORT VAUPEL TO AUTHORIZE THE CLERK TO PURCHASE BS & A UTILITY BILLING SOFTWARE FOR A COST OF $1,595.00.

MOTION CARRIED.

 

B) Community Education-Recreation Report:

 

      None.

 

C) Joint Sewer Services with Village-Committees Report:

 

      Supervisor Denby reported that the discussion of the last meeting was of financing, funding, and surcharging for use of the sewer by Handy Township. 

Ken Cousino reported that both Silver Springs and Saratoga Springs developments are now interested in connecting to the proposed joint sewer services.

 

D) Zoning Administrator’s Report:

 

      Submitted. Zoning Administrator Anderson reported that the Centex project has already requested 42 land use permits.  A discussion of possible new projects followed.

 

E) Assessor’s Report:

 

      Submitted and reviewed.

 

F) Attorney’s Report:

 

      Attorney Kehoe reported on the flood insurance program update.  He stated that the maps are now being updated with a projected finish date of 2007.

 

 

Handy Township Regular Board Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2004

Page 7

 

G) Solid Waste Committee:

 

      None.

 

H) Roads:

 

      None.

 

I) Fire Authority Report:

 

      Supervisor Denby reported that there are monthly meetings working on the

fire authority taking responsibility beginning the first of the year.

 

J) Township Building Remodel-137 N. Grand Ave:

 

      Clerk Eisele reported that the painter had misquoted his bid for the

outside brick cleaning.  He has also stopped outside painting to be finished

next spring.  No representation was present and no bills had been submitted.

  Discussion followed.  It was decided to stop all work until bills could be

turned into the township for further action at the next regular meeting.

 

K) Mike Wallace/Update on Zoning Ordinance Violation:

 

      Resolved, not addressed.

 

L) John Fry/Update on Zoning Ordinance Violation:

 

      Zoning Administrator Anderson reported that he had heard nothing from Mr.

Fry.

 

New Business:

 

A) Resolution Authorizing Submission of a CDBG Application to the Michigan

Ecomonic Development Corporation:

 

      Already addressed after Public Hearing for CDBG Application.

 

 

 

 

Handy Township Regular Board Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2004

Page 8

 

B) Zoning Amendment Z-95-04: Rezoning of Property (I-1 to AC) For 8067 Van

Buren Rd:

      It was reported that both the Handy Township Planning Commission and the

Livingston County Planning Commission had recommended approval of this

rezoning request.

 

MOTION EISELE SUPPORT VAUPEL TO APPROVE THE REZONING AMENDMENT #Z-95-04 FOR

THE C. J. PALMER PROPERTY, 8067 VAN BUREN ROAD FROM ‘I-1’ TO ‘AC’ TO BECOME

EFFECTIVE SEVEN DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION.    MOTION CARRIED.

 

C) Extension of Affordable Housing Ordinance Moratorium:

The following resolution was offered by Eisele and supported by Vaupel:

WHEREAS, the Handy Township Board adopted an amendment to the Handy Township

Zoning Ordinance, Section 16.6 XX, known as the Affordable Housing Ordinance

on July 8, 2003; and

 

WHEREAS, the Affordable Housing Ordinance became effective on or about July

22, 2003: and

 

WHEREAS, Handy Township is the only Township in Livingston County to have

adopted an Ordinance to allow for the development of Affordable Housing in

Livingston County; and

 

WHEREAS, since the Affordable Housing Ordinance was adopted, Handy Township

has been the recipient of applications from numerous Affordable Housing

projects in Handy Township; and

 

WHEREAS, the number of new housing units proposed for these developments

represents approximately 43 percent of the Township’s total single family

housing units; and

 

WHEREAS, since the effective date of the Affordable Housing Ordinance of

Handy Township has not received any application for housing projects other

than  Affordable Housing; and

 

WHEREAS, the Handy Township Board is concerned about the effect that this

extremely disparate ratio of Affordable Housing single family dwellings to

non-Affordable Housing single family housing within the Township, and other

concerns related to the general health, safety and welfare of Handy Township

and its citizens; and

 

WHEREAS, the Handy Township Board previously established a moratorium on any

further Affordable Housing developments until January 11, 2005.

 

NO THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED THAT:

Handy Township hereby extends the moratorium on any further Affordable

Housing developments under Section 16.6 XX until January 11, 2005 for the

reasons set forth in the earlier resolution and to allow the Township

additional time that it has found to be necessary to determine what

amendments to the Zoning Ordinance would be in the best interests of the

Township and its citizens to help provide a broad base of housing for all

residents and their housing needs.

Yeas: 5, Nays: 0, Absent: 0, Abstain: 0.   RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.

Handy Township Regular Board Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2004

Page 9

 

D) Snow Removal/Winter 2005:

 

      Bids for sidewalk snow removal were reviewed.  The following motion was

made:

 

MOTION VAUPEL SUPPORT KREBS TO OBTAIN THE SERVICES OF GARY WEAVER, JR TO

PROVIDE SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $35 FOR SHOVELING SNOW AND $15 FOR SALTING

FOR THE 2004-2005 WINTER SEASON AS NEEDED.   MOTION CARRIED.

 

E) Supervisor’s Report:

 

      Supervisor Denby reported of receiving letters from Van Buren Road

residents who are interested in participating in Phase II of the Waste Water

Treatment System.

 

F) Treasurer’s Report:

 

      Treasurer Tesch expressed appreciation for contributions in memory of

Clifton Tesch.  She then submitted her report for review.

 

1) Software for Delinquent Personal Property Taxes:

 

      Treasurer Tesch reported of the need for the Delinquent Personal Property

Tax Software and training.

 

MOTION EISELE SUPPORT VAUPEL TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF THE SOFTWARE FOR

DELINQUENT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES FROM BS&A IN THE AMOUNT OF $995 AND TO

AUTHORIZE THE TREASURER AND DEPUTY TREASURER TO ATTEND A ONE DAY TRAINING

PROGRAM AT A COST OF $195 EACH.   MOTION CARRIED.

 

G) Clerk’s Report:

 

      Clerk Eisele reported on election results and turnout.  She reported that

the township is outgrowing the use of the VFW hall because of the parking

problems and lines extending outside of the building.  She reported of

conversations with school authorities concerning holding all elections at

the school.

 

 

 

 

Handy Township Regular Board Meeting Minutes of November 9, 2004

Page 10

 

Extended Public Comments:

 

      Resident Joyce Lober reported that the Livingston County Press did not

include Handy Township in their election results.

      Supervisor Denby expressed appreciation to Trustee Krebs for his work on

the Handy Township Board and Planning Commission.

 

Adjourn:

 

MOTION EISELE SUPPORT VAUPEL TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT

9:14 P.M.   MOTION CARRIED.

 

 

 

Sandra J. Weaver

Recording Secretary

 

 

 

 

Laura Eisele

Handy Township Clerk