Pittsfield Charter Twp, Michigan

APPROVED

Minutes of a Regular Meeting
Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees, March 26, 2002
E.A. Jackson Morris Hall, the Robert A. Lillie Service Center
6201 W. Michigan Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108

Members Present: Brostrom,Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter

Members Absent: None

Others Present: Nicole Hlavka (Recording Clerk), Judith Walter, Craig Harvey, Ann Harris, Debra Talcott, Kristin Orlowski, John Field, Dennis Ward, Larry Osterling

______________________________________________________________________

1.0 Call Meeting to Order

Supervisor Walter called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., a quorum was present.

2.0 Pledge of Allegiance led bySupervisor Walter.

3.0 Roll Call – all members present.

4.0 Open Meetings Act/Public Comment I

Craig Harvey of 14 Payeur Road, gave his reasons as to why Pittsfield Township should consider a resolution following due process. He talked about making a stand for basic human rights, constitutional rights, and justice, and wanted to know that the Board is willing to make a stand for the constitutional rights of the residents of Pittsfield Township.

Ann Harris, of 2397 East Textile Road, explained that during a previous futuring session citizens came up with seven points they felt were essential for the preferred future of Pittsfield Township. She said the seventh point relates specifically to this issue which is opportunities to practice true democracy, reverence for human and natural resources, freedom is encouraged, and justice is preserved. She said citizens are looking toward their government officials to take every opportunity to demonstrate that they are in sync with the will of the people.

Trustee Marine said that he felt very strongly about this issue and was concerned that local residents have been denied some of their rights. He said he fully agrees that everyone in this country is somewhat obligated to take a stand to make sure that some of the evils in the past don’t recur in the current or future atmosphere.

5.0Public Hearings/Presentations-none.

6.0 Approval of Minutes

6.1 Minutes of Regular Meeting on March 12, 2002.

Trustee Brostrom had one addition on page 5 in the motion for item 11.1. He requested that the words “for the” be put in after “Clerk Lirones” and before the word “purchase”.

Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 12, 2002.

MOTION CARRIED.

7.0 Consent Agenda-none.

8.0 Items from the Treasurer-none.

9.0 Items from the Clerk

9.1       Resolution Authorizing the hire of Ms. Arianne Garza to the Position of Department Assistant I – Clerk’s Office effective April 1, 2002 at a starting wage of $9.91 per hr., as stipulated by the AFSCME Union contract.

Motion by Trustee Burhop, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to authorize the hire of Ms. Arianne Garza.

WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees would like to authorize the hiring of Ms. Arianne Garza for the position of Department Assistant I,

AND, WHEREAS, Ms. Arianne Garza meets the qualifications set forth in the Department Assistant I job description and has successfully completed the pre-employment hiring process,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorize the hiring of Ms. Arianne Garza to serve in the position of Department Assistant I, effective Monday, April 1, 2002, at a starting wage of $9.91 per hr., as stipulated by the AFSCME Union Contract.

9.2       Motion to Approve Payables for March 22, 2002 checks 38322–38474 for total amount of $2,194,566.30.

Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the payables for March 22, 2002 checks #38322 - #38474 for a total amount of $2,194,566.30.

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

9.3 Resolution to Set the Annual Weed Mowing Fees and Dates.

Clerk Lirones pointed out that the fees have been slightly raised.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the Resolution to Set the Annual Weed Mowing Fees and Dates. (see attachment #1)

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

10.0 Items from the Supervisor/Assessor

10.1 Motion to Approve Professional Services for Thomas Traciak ACI Finance, Inc. in amount of $18,500.00 including expenses.

Clerk Lirones said for reasons previously stated, she would request the Board to take action allowing her to abstain from this vote.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Marine, to allow Clerk Lirones to abstain from this vote.

MOTION CARRIED.

Clerk Lirones thanked the Board and exited Morris Hall.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve professional services for Thomas Traciak ACI Finance, Inc. in the amount of $18,500.00 including expenses.

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

10.2 Motion to Approve Professional Services for Land Acquisition in amount of $30,000.00 plus out-of-pocket expenses. Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone with Donald W. Keim, Attorney.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve professional services for land acquisition in the amount of $30,000.00 plus out-of-pocket expenses for Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone with Donald W. Keim, Attorney.

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

Clerk Lirones returned to the meeting.

11.0 Items from the Department of Public Safety

11.1 Receive Police Department Weighmaster/Motorcarrier Monthly Reports for January and February 2002.

Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Police Department Weighmaster/Motorcarrier monthly reports for January and February 2002.

MOTION CARRIED.

11.2Receive Fire Department Incident Summary for the months of January 2002 and February 2002.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Fire Department Incident Summary for the months of January 2002 and February 2002.

MOTION CARRIED.

11.3Request waiver of False Alarm Fee for the following dates: February 15, 2002, February 17, 2002 and February 19, 2002 for Susan Steinbrecher, Operations Manager for Comprehensive Breast Center.

Supervisor Walter said Captain McGuire’s report indicated that the request did not fall under any reason allowed for a waiver and is recommending a denial.

Trustee Marine said there was a service call on the date of the third false alarm, and added that he found it very difficult to fine anyone for false alarms when they had tried to rectify the problem before the third alarm.

Clerk Lirones said that the fine is not meant to punish residents; but merely to recoup township costs. She said that people are given two free false alarms, this is the third one, and the township needs to keep from overspending.

Supervisor Walter said he hoped the people that hire these alarm companies could hold them responsible if it is a faulty system. He said the alarm companies should step up to their responsibility. He said he thinks this issue is improving since the township has been enforcing it.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to accept Captain McGuire’s recommendation of denial.

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

11.4Motion to Approve Station and Door Repairs/Maintenance -Fire Station, for the following to be charged to Fire Account 336-778 (Building Maintenance).

A.F. Smith Electric Inc.
Ceiling Fans for Stations 2 and 3 (Apparatus Bays) $4,500.00
Ann Arbor Door Systems
Repairs and Maintenance Station 1 $4,638.00

Total Cost $9,138.00

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Clerk Lirones, to approve the request for station repairs and maintenance at a total cost of $9,138.00.

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

11.5Motion to Approve Firearms Purchase of 9 (nine) Police Model Remington Shotguns from Michigan Police Equipment for total cost of $3,812.40 plus shipping to be charged to Capital Account 301-970.

Trustee Conner said he would like to see the budgeted amount in the account and the remaining balance when purchase requests come before the Board.

Trustee Marine pointed out that in the from Captain McGuire it stated that this request was budgeted in the amount of $4000.00 under law enforcement capital expenditures.

Trustee Conner said that there is no information included and it would be a good idea to see what the township is spending and how much is left in each line item.

Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve firearms purchase of nine Police Model Remington Shotguns from Michigan Police Equipment, for a total cost of $3,812.40 plus shipping, to be charged to Capital Account #301-970.

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

11.6 Motion to Approve Purchase of Portable Radios from Motorola Inc. for total cost of $6,156.60 plus shipping to be charged to Capital Account 301-970.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the purchase of portable radios from Motorola, Inc., for a total cost of $6,156.60 plus shipping, to be charged to Capital Account #301-970.

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

12.0 Items from the Department of Municipal Services/Planning and Zoning

12.1 Resolution to Authorize Approval of Land Use Plans by the Charter Township of Pittsfield Board of Trustees.

Supervisor Walter said this resolution is a result of the new planning act and that the state legislature has made serious revisions to all three of the planning acts. He said this gives the township power by resolution to have the right to approve the Comprehensive Plan and the Board of Trustees would be the ultimate authority in terms of approval.

Clerk Lirones said this allows the Board of Trustees to ratify the Comprehensive Plan and other land use plans or amendments. She said it is good to have a balance between the Planning Commission and elected officials.

Trustee Marine asked why the township would want to do this when for years this has not been allowed. He said part of the reason he is asking this is because the township’s experts in land use are on the Planning Commission.

Treasurer Skrobola said the 1995 Land Use Plan was not approved by the Board; it was received because the law did not allow the Board to accept or reject the Land Use Plan.

Supervisor Walter said that if the Board does not pass this resolution, the final adoption of the Land Use Plan will be done by the Planning Commission.

Trustee Burhop said it is good when elected officials have a final say over someone who is appointed.

Treasurer Skrobola said the constituency has recourse to the Board, and having that responsibility, it is appropriate for the Board to adopt or reject a plan.

Trustee Brostrom said that since the Board has initiated the whole process, it seems that it will have to return to the Board at some point.

Trustee Marine agreed that with elected officials there is recourse for the public, whereas with appointed officials there is none. He asked if the Board could get more updates on the Master Plan so as to have a better understanding of the work that is going on with it.

Clerk Lirones said she provides summaries of the minutes in the Board packets and will continue to provide the minutes as compiled of the various focus groups.

Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Conner, to adopt the resolution to authorize approval of Land Use Plans by the Charter Township of Pittsfield Board of Trustees dated March 26, 2002 (see attachment #2).

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

12.2Resolution Authorizing the Hire of Mr. Richard Lang to the Position of Utilities Director effective April 8, 2002 at a starting salary of $70,000 per yr., payable in bi-weekly increments.

Supervisor Walter said Richard Lang is currently with the City of Royal Oak and worked twenty five years with the City of Garden City before he retired. He said the Township is looking forward to getting the Utilities Department back on track.

Trustee Marine asked why Mr. Lang would like to work for Pittsfield Charter Township after retirement.

Mr. Lang said he was only 43 years old when he retired and enjoys serving the public.

Treasurer Skrobola commented that Mr. Lang has come to the township with outstanding credentials and great references.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to adopt the resolution to hire Mr. Lang to the position of Utilities Director effective April 8, 2002 starting at $70,000 per year.

WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees would like to authorize the hiring of Mr. Richard Lang for the position of Utilities Director,

AND, WHEREAS, Mr. Lang meets the qualifications set forth in the Utilities Director job description and has successfully passed the pre-employment hiring process,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorize the hiring of Mr. Richard Lang to serve in the position of Utilities Director, effective Monday, April 8, 2002 at a starting salary of $70,000 per yr., payable in bi-weekly increments.

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

Supervisor Walter thanked Mr. Lang and welcomed him aboard.

12.3Resolution to Approve the Purchase of Office Furniture for Utilities Department from SCP Enterprises for a price not to exceed $10,857.23.

Clerk Lirones said this request came before the Board before at a cost of approximately $13,000.00. She said that Trustee Conner had asked for more quotes, and the Interim Utilities Director wanted to thank Trustee Conner for pointing this out because the township saved $3,000.00.

Supervisor Walter said this change in the layout will direct the public to the front of the Utilities building while keeping the other parts of the building more secure. He said it would also provide a more welcoming entrance and give the Utilities personnel a place to do their work.

Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the purchase of office furniture for Utilities Department from SCP Enterprises, for a price not to exceed $10,857.23.

WHEREAS, The Township has a need for a reception area at the Utilities building to provide an appropriate business counter and entrance, and

WHEREAS, additional work stations for technicians are necessary to aid in managing required MDEQ Programs and other office work related duties, and

WHEREAS, following research into the purchase of the dividers, counter space and associated files, we have obtained the following prices:

Allied Office Systems $12,632.63
Custom Office Systems $13,217.46
Interiors Quick $13,920.00

SCP Enterprises $10,857.23

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Township Utilities Department be authorized to purchase panels, work surface counters, file drawers and associated equipment for the said improvements from SCP Enterprises for a price not to exceed $10,857.23.

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

12.4Resolution Authorizing an Unpaid Planning Internship to be filled by Mr. Dongsang Yoo effective March 27, 2002 up to 20 weeks.

Supervisor Walter said he would like to see the township get more interns. He said a lot of young people are realizing that one of the best roads to a good job is to get out into the work force and see what it is like and what you can do. He believes anything the township can do to encourage this is good.

Trustee Brostrom asked if this is a long established program at Eastern Michigan University.

Human Resource Manager Kristin Orlowski replied that it is.

Treasurer Skrobola said that there are quite a few graduates of the Public Administration Masters program from Eastern Michigan University that are doing quite well.

Motion by Trustee Marine, supported by Clerk Lirones, to approve the resolution authorizing an unpaid planning internship to be filled by Mr. Dongsang Yoo, effective March 27, 2002.

WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees would like to authorize the Planning Department to fill an unpaid planning internship, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dongsang Yoo meets the qualifications set forth in the planning internship position description,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorizes Mr. Dongsang Yoo, to serve in an unpaid planning internship, for a period of up to 20 weeks, at 20 hrs. per week, effective Wednesday, March 27, 2002.

ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES:	Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	None.
ABSTAIN:	None.
MOTION CARRIED.

13.0 Items from Parks & Recreation

13.1 Receive Memorandum re: Resignation of Ms. Amy Engelbert, Parks Maintenance Technician I effective February 11, 2002.

Motion by Trustee Burhop, supported by Trustee Marine, to receive the resignation of Ms. Amy Engelbert, Parks Maintenance Technician I, effective February 11, 2002.

MOTION CARRIED.

14.0 Unfinished Business-none.

15.0 New Business-none.

16.0 Public Comment II

Craig Harvey asked for a brief description of items 10.1 and 10.2 that were on the agenda.

Supervisor Walter said there was a public meeting several weeks ago explaining that the township was in negotiations with the Newmarket property owners and indicating what had been offered and what the owners want. He said that if the gap narrows between those two figures, the township will need to figure out how to raise the money to back up its offer.

Planning Commissioner Dennis Ward, of 3100 Platt Place North, thanked the Board for approving item 12.1 on the agenda. He said it was very important that the Board be part of the comprehensive planning process and was that it took that step by formally acknowledging it.

Trustee Marine said that maybe this resolution would make the Board take a more active role, but it could also take a more active role without it. He asked Planning Commissioner Ward why he favored this resolution.

Planning Commissioner Ward said that the Board is accountable to the public and it is very important that the Board not only receive the plan, but approve the plan. He said this is the future of our community and by having the Board take this active role, it ensures to the public that there is cooperation between the Planning Commission and the Board of Trustees. He said if the Board of Trustees approves it, it is not just a receivership; it is what the Board envisions for the future of Pittsfield Township. He also reminded everyone that there would be a meeting at the Township Hall the next night with the warden of the Huron Valley Correctional Facility. He said he has written letters to the Department of Corrections and has not received many responses. He said he asked Ritchie Coleman if it would be possible to have a township review board for the new security procedures.

Supervisor Walter indicated this meeting would be at 6:30 p.m. in Morris Hall. He said the warden is expected to be here along with the Director of Public Safety and Community Coordinator Ritchie Coleman. He said the prison is a very important part of the township and everyone is concerned. He mentioned that there was also a Brownfield meeting that night from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Saline Middle School.

Ann Harris encouraged the Board to be more involved in the planning process and not just in the beginning and at the end. She said that bringing information about the Planning Commission to the Board should not be just for the Board’s purpose. She said if information is put into a Board packet and is never discussed, it doesn’t help the citizens that come to the Board meetings.

Clerk Lirones said the focus groups have all been posted as joint meetings of the Board and the Planning Commission. She said the next Town Hall/open house meetings will be on April 18^th and May 16, 2002.

Supervisor Walter reminded citizens in the audience to pick up a copy of the Parks and Recreation Bulletin that also had community information in it, including a Master Pan update, Pittsfield Bike and Hike information, and an update on utilities.

17.0 Adjournment by Supervisor Walter at 8:25 p.m.

________________________________
Nicole Hlavka, Department Assistant II
Recording Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township

________________________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township

_______________________
James R. Walter, Supervisor
Pittsfield Charter Township

MINUTES APPROVED AS PRESENTED AT THE APRIL 9, 2002 PITTSFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING.