VERGENNES TOWNSHIP BOARD

Regular Meeting Minutes

November 18, 2002

As amended

The regular meeting of the Vergennes Township Board was called to order by Tim Wittenbach at 7:00 p.m. in the Vergennes Township Hall.

 

Members Present:                     Tim Wittenbach -           Supervisor

                                                Mari Stone                    -           Clerk

                                                Vern Nauta                   -           Trustee

                                                Al Baird                        -           Trustee

Members Absent:                      Jean Hoffman               -           Treasurer

 

After tabling the item regarding Federal Poverty Income Standards for 2003 Assessments, there was a motion by Nauta, seconded by Stone, to approve the agenda.  The regular meeting minutes of October 21, and the special meeting of October 29, 2002, were accepted as presented.   Baird asked to have it noted that he did not see the interview materials on the table  he was not provided with a copy of the interview comments for himself during the October 29th meeting as depicted in the minutes, but the members present concurred that they were there.  Hoffman added they were present at the table and in her opinion, provided.  Baird also asked to have it noted that there was no notice retained for a meeting not held on October 28th, and Stone responded that since there was no meeting, there is no need to retain a notice.  During discussion of the presented invoices, a question was raised regarding the $2,000 expenditure for the repair of the Look fire station roof.   It was decided to wait on that item until more information could be gathered.  Motion by Nauta, seconded by Baird to approve bills as read.  Motion Approved.

 

Janine Mork was present to answer any questions from the Board regarding her candidacy for Receptionist.  Stone explained that the candidate hired at the October 29th special meeting was not able to accept the position after all.  Since Mork had gone through the interview process as a final candidate,  Stone suggested that the Board consider her.  After all had an opportunity to ask Mork questions, Stone motioned to hire Janine Mork for the reception position under the same conditions outlined in the October 29, 2002  meeting.  Nauta seconded, and the motion carried.  Mork will start on December 2, 2002.

 

Unfinished Business: None

 

New Business:

 

1.                   Request from Scout Troop 104 to use meeting space

 

Scoutmaster James Sterling was present with scouts Aaron and Jacob Sterling to ask for permission to use the township hall meeting space for Merit Reviews, which determine if a scout advances in rank.  They would like to schedule one for November 25th.  Sterling said that three or four adults interview each scout one at a time for about 20 minutes each.  On the 25th, there would be three interviews, and they will need the space for approximately 1½ to 2 hours.   During discussion it was noted that we have a history with this troop, their having performed service projects for the township over the past several years.  Baird was concerned that there is no policy for the use of the building and other groups may want to use the space as well.  It was noted that we have a reciprocal arrangement with the Methodist church across the street and that there is a history with this scout troop as well.   Our criteria for use in the past has been having a reciprocal arrangement.

 

Nauta motioned to allow Troop 104 to use the meeting space up to 4 times during the 2002/03 year, and in return it is understood that they will continue to assist the township with service projects.   Baird seconded and the motion carried.

 

 

 

2.                   Discussion regarding Special Use Permit Amendments  - Jeanne Vandersloot could not be present, but wanted the board to review the proposed amendments before she gives them to the Planning Commission to make sure they are what the board was looking for.  Several small language changes were suggested, and there was general agreement that it was what the board asked for.  Stone will go over the suggestions with Vandersloot and advise her to proceed.

 

Other Business

 

Nauta commented that the property on 2 Mile Rd. west of Parnell that has an old  mobile home on it now has two.  When he asked Vandersloot about it, she told him that it is temporary, that they are using parts from one to repair the other, and that they are removing the new one within 45 days.  He questioned the wisdom of that judgment, and whether Vandersloot has the authority to make these kinds of decisions without board input.

 

Citizens Comments

 

James Sterling noted that it was an interesting meeting for Aaron and Jacob to have attended, and that they would be earning a merit badge for their attendance.

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

 

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Mari Stone, Clerk