3.14.24 board meeting
Agenda: https://emmett.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=1264
AccessVision: https://www.accessvision.tv/telvue/861779
Public Comments (for budget):
[2:10] Joe Harris - Comparing language from past budget resolutions. "that only is exclusionary" in reference to only the supervisor being able to authorize amendments, wants anybody to be able to mess with these things.
Public comment (for agenda items):
[5:50] Devin... representing Jill and Mark, applying to become a licensed processor
[6:21] Joe Harris - regarding the remodel, doesn't want ARPA money used towards a remodel. Says the board is left out of the decision-making on where that money goes. "This money could be utilized for the public good instead of a 'palace for administrators'."
[8:35] Dave Banister - in support of the ARPA money used for remodel. "for ppl to say that they're building a palace for administrators I think is foolish. I'm a taxpayer, this building is all of ours... we should be proud of this building... I think it would be a good investment, especially if it doesn't cost me any taxpayer money. If this isn't done now, they put it towards the sewer project or do something, and you ask these township for building money and it comes time to do this, you're never gonna get it. I think this would be a good expenditure of this money, it would benefit the taxpayers of this township."
[11:05] Jim Carberry - "when we first moved here all township business was conducted across the street in the little brick building... I can remember when this building that we're in was a series of private businesses and then there was some other thing... I'm in support of using the ARPA money to go through, modernize this building, bring it up to code, and particularly the HVA systems, the sanitary systems... I think those are all good things for our township. Our township is growing, if this building can be brought up, modernized without any taxpayer funds so that we are able to meet the demand placed on us... I'm all in favor of it."
[13:00] Heather Rocho - oftentimes what I'm saying is meant for the people behind me.Regarding the ARPA money, "you can do whatever you want to a kitchen... it doesn't make me a better person...I'm concerned you build a new building, what happens to the people inside?"
[16:20] resident email, Katie Norton - "facility manager by trade, I support using the ARPA fund on infrastructure projects... I feel like proactive building maintenance is important for asset management and responsible spending. Considering we already paid an architect to design the changes it's important to follow through w implementation sooner rather than later to save costs, thank you."
[16:50] John Sims Jr letter to be read "Dear trustees I am writing to you as resident and business owner in Emmett township for 37 years... at first glance I questioned the remodeling of the admin offices and viewed the matter as an unneeded expense, however after looking at the issue my opinion changed for the following reasons. When the township took possession of the building a lot of work had, was done either incorrect or poorly installed to convert the existing building into township offices, these issues were very evident when our company completely removed the existing HVAC system for a public safety office and installed an entirely new system in 2016. During this process we found multiple instances of code violations and poor workmanship. This project w correct those types of issues... with updated and correct... systems future facility costs would be lowered as well as increased energy efficiency... multiple local govt has used ARPA funds for similar facility improvements including the city of Battle Creek."
[20:25] consent agenda - Clerk Myers votes no
[22:10] Supervisor Report:
Greg Moore, with Consumers Energy, is here to provide more information on the franchise ordinance that you will see later in the agenda.
[33:05] These months seem to fly by. Lots happening in our Township. I attended training for the E-Builder software. This is a software that is used by the State, County, Cities and engineers for the building of the new water main going down Verona Rd. This software allows me the ability to approve permits and permissions that happen in the Township during the construction of this project. "The Grand Loop" starts at Ackerson Drive and goes to Marshall Township. It comes around and down Verona to Raymond Rd. and Emmett St. There will be an extension going down 11 Mile Rd.
I have residents contact me often regarding street lights going out. Recently, a resident contacted me twice about a light. I called Consumers Energy to report it and found out that they have done away with the prompt for reporting. They now are steering everyone to use this website: streetlights.consumersenergy.com. When I used it, it seems user friendly. You type in an address or one nearby and it will show you street lights in blue. You click on the burnt out one and it will turn orange and prompt you to fill in some pertinent information. You can check back often on the progress; it will turn back to blue once replaced. You can also find the link to report on our website home page.
The new station being built on Beadle Lake Rd next to I-94 Exit 100 will be an Amico station. There have been rumors of it being a Love's Truck Stop; however, that is not the case. When talking to the owner, he said they weren't really looking at naming it but referring to it as the Amico Station. They still plan on having Lee's Famous Fried Chicken and a donut shop inside.
We just renewed our liability insurance for the new year. There was 3.8% increase in premiums and our representative said this was low compared to other municipalities seeing 5-6% increases. The representative explained that the recent lawsuit didn't affect our rates. However, with the current lawsuit and a possible one in the future, that could change our rate.
I would like to congratulate our current Planning and Zoning Administrator on successful completion of the Michigan State University Extension Zoning Administrator Certificate (ZAC) and Master Citizen Planner (MCP) status! This is a important step in her professional development and commitment to serve our Township. To earn these credentials, she had to complete 36 hours of training and pass a 155 question exam.
We held our first Firekeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board committee meeting last week. The board nominated me as the chair this year. As the chair, I was requested to say a few words at the 2024 Firekeepers Casino Revenue Sharing Event this morning where the Casino presents the giant check. I appreciate the positive impact the Casino has on the community.
I was contacted by Richard Piet do record a session again on his radio show on WBCK called Community Matters last month to give some township updates. This is the second time being on his podcast. It is a great way to spread the happenings throughout.
Road work will begin on Wattles Road March 25, 2024. Please be mindful of delays and cautious of the road workers.
A marihuana report is attached.
[36:50] Clerk Report:
The County completed the canvassing of the Election on Thursday 3/7/2024. Each precinct in Emmett Township were complete with zero remarks from the canvassers, meaning our inspectors did a fantastic job! Kudos to all of our Elections Team in Emmett Township, you are all amazing!
We are already busy working on the May election absent voter applications, they are out in the mail.
We have packets for Board Member positions to appear on the August Ballot, see me for a packet.
[39:20] Treasurer Report:
The 2023 tax season has come to an end. I met up with
the county on March 6th to get help with the settlement process with
this being my first settlement season. The county was a great help and
pointed me in the right direction. I have been working on wrapping up
the small things and getting the final checks disbursed to the entities.
I will begin on sending out the delinquent personal properties tax
invoices sent out as a few other miscellaneous invoices.
[40:10] public service report
[49:40] 12.1 resignation to accept Jim Mead's resignation - All vote yes except Tracy
[50:50] 12.2 - in regards to the consumers presentation given at the beginning of the meeting. All vote yes
[52:10] 12.3 3 bids for the building remodel, Juhnke interrupts w a request to move ARPA funds into account for the sewer system, doesn't want to talk about any of the bids. "These funds are a gift of God, ok, if it wasn't for the suffering that many ppl went through w covid, we wouldn't have it... we also have a sewer system that is 4/5ths of the way down the tube... It's gonna cost us 3 million dollars the statement is that we'll get bonds for that, ok... how many ppl in the township want to pay for advertising that payment? It is an increase in what you see in August and December, I guess, on your tax bill. You will pay for it, so why should we spend money doing this project here and not spend the money fixing what needs to be fixed for the township... I feel very strongly that I do not want to spend money on this township building." Belles "it is a 14 million dollar project, not a 3 million dollar, and a bond doesn't go to the taxpayers, we pay the payments out of our water sewer fund. I think you're thinking of a millage that they vote on for that."
[55:40] consideration of marijuana processing - mama made it (located next to the happy spa) all vote yes
[1:04:30] Lonnie keeps trying to interrupt but is told to wait until public comment
[1:04:40] purchase a new drug dog, all yes
[1:05:40] 12.6 consideration of Beckley road/b drive study -
Belles - "I have been sitting through all these committees w the accounting and the city... and they're talking about doing a study to make the traffic flow better down B drive N, all the way through to Beckley rd and they want to have a local inter-agreement..."
Juhnke says only about ~500ft of that road actually belongs to us
Belles - "so w the % of that, yes ours is the lowest amount of the fee... 18k, the counties more, the cities is higher."
...
Titus - "the way that I've read it, we'd be paying for our portion... 20%. City of Battle Creek's 52%, Calhoun county would be 28 and our portion is 20%."
...
Titus - "I mean the whole area is jammed up during the busy hours."
Juhnke and Tracy don't want to spend the money on it, Juhnke doesn't think the lights would make a difference.
Belles - "I'm going to move all the complaints over to you guys, you can handle that then. There are a lot of complaints. It doesn't matter to me whether you want to be a part of the study but there are a lot of complaints."
[1:06:00] discussion about traffic light study to make traffic flow better. Juhnke says no, as we only have about 20% of that section. They vote on not joining the study, Deb is the only no vote.
Public Comment
[1:10:20] Pat dougherty - Was a past supervisor. Shenanigans w the buildings. Doesn't know who the attorney is or why he doesn't address the public, defends Jim Mead saying he was the one being harassed by the supervisor.
1:12:00] Shannon Mikuski - "we need to see more respect between you guys, you shushed her... you don't talk to adults like that." Question about the police dog, saying that is a very good price.
1:13:00] Joe Harris - Talks about Jim Mead and calls out supervisor Belles for all the other people she has fired since taking office. Seems to be reading off a recall petition at the board meeting instead of filing one himself. cites gift cards from chikfila, attempted race-baiting of a public official, etc. "...she's responsible for the legacy of recklessness that she's leaving in her rake, her wake, and no one else. Anyone who says otherwise does not have all the facts." Somebody says he should run for office, to which Belles replied that he cannot.
[1:15:35] Lonnie Root - That sewer is the most important thing to us, not the remodel.
[1:16:15] Heather Rocho - if you don't like what you see, run. Be the change you want to see.
[1:18:20] Chris Kerry - mentions the ethics ordinance. Why can't the weed lady do her job?
Board Comments -
Titus and Sobeski thank everybody for attending the meeting, as well as the police and Jacob for his work with the budget.
Myers gives thanks for Jim Mead and his contribution to the board as well as the officers for their work
Juhnke talking about taxes "This township has not raised its tax limit since 1972, the problem is the system is set up to compare your house to somebody else that they think is similar to yours, and if that house sells, you're put right up there at the top of the bushel and that's where your increase comes from... in the value of your home, but is this increase real? or is what we're suffering bc of what the govt is doing in reference to our money? It's really going to come to a head yet this year I think... now we get a lot of our money from property tax, and we cannot control that annual increase even if we don't need it, we can't control it. It's all a matter of law, as is much of what we have to live with out here, every day. Understand, if that happens there's going to be some diverse things happen w reference to financing township govt. If you wanna get in touch w these people, go on facebook... I think MITAX or something like that... what I suspect is going to happen is our legislature is going to jump in when they see the handwriting on the wall and give us another cutback on the property taxes, because it is out of hand. When I pay 500/mo for services, I appreciate the services but there's no way everybody doing that is getting a fair shake bc of the way the govt runs."
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