Pittsfield Charter Twp, Michigan

APPROVED

Minutes of a Regular Meeting
Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees, November 12, 2002
E.A. Jackson Morris Hall, The Robert A. Lillie Service Center
6201 W. Michigan Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108

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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 – Present: Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. Absent: Brostrom.

4.0 Open Meetings Act/Public Comment I

Supervisor Walter moved items 12.9 and 12.10 to follow item 5.1 in the agenda. He added that Greg Cook from the AATA would not be in attendance tonight and Dawn Gabay, also from the AATA, would be answering any questions in his place.

5.0 Public Hearings/Presentations

5.1 Presentation by Greg Cook on the Contract for AATA.

Dawn Gabay of AATA introduced herself, and said she would make the presentation in place of Greg Cook. She said that the increase in the local share to be paid by Pittsfield Township is 60.9%. She said this is due to increasing costs, healthcare costs, and the new contract. She explained that in the year 2000, the contracted amount was $60,000. That year there was also a fare increase and additional fares were credited to Pittsfield’s account as an estimate for the following year. Due to this, in 2001 only $35,000 was paid by Pittsfield to AATA, and in 2002, $35,000 was paid. She said that it was later found that the ridership did not support that estimate of increased revenue, and Pittsfield had been credited with more fares than it should have been. In conclusion, for the 2002-2003 year the estimated ridership was left at the same level as the year 2000. That, along with the other increases in cost, accounts for the $67,789.00 bill for the 2002-2003 year.

Supervisor Walter said that the #16 route passes right in front of several subdivisions and condominiums. He suggested trying to boost ridership for these residents, not only to get more fares, but also to reduce traffic in the area. He said that a flyer with a map would be adequate.

Ms. Gabay said that some targeted marketing could be done in that area.

Russell Banush, of 7235 Remington Ct., said that it would be a good idea to attach a coupon for one free ride to get people to try the bus service.

Ms. Gabay said that technique has been used before.

Trustee Conner asked how many bus riders are generated from Pittsfield Township.

Ms. Gabay said that she did not have those figures with her, but that the estimated fares for Pittsfield for 2003 amounted to $150,339.00, at $1.00 per fare.

Supervisor Walter said that the ridership may amount to more than that due to transfers and reduced fares.

Clerk Lirones surmised that any expansion in the service area would cost more. She said that requests are often received to have the route expanded further out and that the Board would have to decide if the township wanted to subsidize a larger area.

Ms. Gabay agreed and said that the current service area could also be reconfigured.

Supervisor Walter asked if service areas could be expanded using subsidized fares for moderate to low-income people. He asked if AATA would be able to work with Pittsfield to provide that service.

Ms. Gabay said that AATA would be able to work with Pittsfield under an agreement. She said that reduced fares are currently available for low-income and disabled people. She said that she would have the Service Development Manager begin the process and contact Pittsfield.

Mr. Banush said that the EPA has some monies available for regional programs to encourage public transportation. He said he would give Clerk Lirones the name of the contact person.

Supervisor Walter said that any expansion will need to have a built in ridership, and that free passes or other offers need to be in place to ensure that the township does not subsidize empty buses.

6.0 Approval of Minutes

6.1 Request to Approve the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting Held on October 22, 2002.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Clerk Lirones, to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on October 22, 2002.

Supervisor Walter said that the name of the gentleman from Post, Smith, Lutz, and Ziel LLP was “Williamson”, not Williams.

Trustee Burhop asked if item 12.12, was supposed to be “not to exceed $5,900.00 without further authorization by the Board”.

Supervisor Walter said that was the way the resolution was written, and that he did not intend on authorizing any more, except maybe a few dollars, without first bringing it back to the Board. He said that was the motion the way it was passed.

MOTION CARRIED.

6.2 Request to Approve the Minutes of the Joint Meeting of Pittsfield Township Planning Commission and Board of Trustees held on October 28, 2002.

Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the minutes of the joint meeting of the Pittsfield Township Planning Commission and Board of Trustees held on October 28, 2002.

Trustee Burhop made the following corrections to the minutes: on page 1, 1st paragraph under item 12.1, first line, was changed to read “…going from the east township lines towards the east end of Saline”, page 3, 1st complete paragraph, the word “were” was replaced with “where”, the 3rd paragraph, 2nd line, the spelling of the word “principles” was corrected, on page 5, 3rd paragraph, the word “as” was replaced with “at”, the 4th paragraph was changed to read “…to show a specific ramp…”, in the 5th paragraph the word “have” was changed to “has”, on page 7, 2nd paragraph, 13th line, the spelling of the word “intersection” was corrected, in the 7th paragraph, the 2nd line was changed to read “…suggested an amendment”, in the 5th line a comma was added after the word “separate”, and in the 12th paragraph, 2nd line, a comma was added after the word “plan”.

MOTION CARRIED.

7.0 Consent Agenda

8.0 Items from the Treasurer

9.0 Items from the Clerk

9.1 Request Approval of Payment of the Payables, checks 40503-40643, in the amount of $822,836.22.

Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Marine, to approve payment of the payables, checks 40503-40643, in the amount of $822,836.22.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

10.0 Items from the Supervisor/Assessor

10.1 Requests to Approve a Contract for Services from AATA.

Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve a contract for services from the AATA.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

10.2 Reappointment of the following Commissioners to the Housing Commission with term ending 11/20/2004.

Christina Lirones – President

Kenneth Brostrom

Jeffrey Marine

Marilyn Burhop

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Clerk Lirones, to reappoint the following commissioners to the housing commission with term ending 11/20/2004.

Christina Lirones – President

Kenneth Brostrom

Jeffrey Marine

Marilyn Burhop

MOTION CARRIED.

11.0 Items from the Office of Public Safety

11.1 Motion to Approve Termination of Administrative Secretary Maribeth Hanna from her employment with the Department of Public Safety, effective October 16, 2002.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Marine, to approve termination of Administrative Secretary Maribeth Hanna from her employment with the Department of Public Safety, effective October 16, 2002.

MOTION CARRIED.

11.2 Receive Police Department Weighmaster/Motorcarrier Report for July-September 2002.

Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Marine, to receive the Police Department Weighmaster/Motorcarrier report for July-September 2002.

MOTION CARRIED.

11.3 Request to Approve Replacement of Draft Hose and Relief Valves – Fire Department, to be purchased from Halt Fire Inc. at a cost of $2,290.00 and to be charged to account #336-777 Fire Equipment and Supplies.

Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the replacement of draft hose and relief valves – Fire Department, to be purchased from Halt Fire Inc. at a cost of $2,290.00 and to be charged to account #336-777 Fire Equipment and Supplies.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

11.4 Receive Letter Of Resignation from David Trader, Police Reserve.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Clerk Lirones, to receive a letter of resignation from David Trader, Police Reserve.

MOTION CARRIED.

11.5 Request to Replace (13) Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) – Fire Department, from West Shore Fire Services at a cost of $6,877.00 and charged to account #336-777 Fire Equipment and Supply.

Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Marine, to replace (13) Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) – Fire Department, from West Shore Fire Services at a cost of $6,877.00 and charged to account #336-777 Fire Equipment and Supply.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

11.6 Motion to Approve Request to Expand Detective Bureau Office Space. Renovations to be Purchased from Office Furniture USA of Pittsfield Township in the amount of $1,658.85 and charged to account #301-970.

Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve a request to expand Detective Bureau Office Space Renovations to be purchased from Office Furniture USA of Pittsfield Township in the amount of $1,658.85 and charged to account #301-970.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

11.7 Receive Police Department Call Activity Statistical Report for the Month of October 2002.

Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Police Department Call Activity Statistical Report for the month of October 2002.

MOTION CARRIED.

11.8 Receive Police Department Weighmaster/Motorcarrier Report for the month of October 2002.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Police Department Weighmaster/Motorcarrier report for the month of October 2002.

MOTION CARRIED.

11.9 Receive Fire Department Incident Summary Report for the Month of October 2002.

Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to receive the Fire Department incident summary report for the month of October 2002.

MOTION CARRIED.

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

12.1 Request Approval of Proposed Amendments to Zoning Ordinance ZOA 02-169 [2^nd Reading].

Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Clerk Lirones, to request approval of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, ZOA 02-169 [2^nd Reading].

Mark Spencer, Senior Planner, corrected some of the language in the Bed & Breakfast facility definition, as suggested by Trustee Burhop.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

12.2 Receive Building Department Permit Summary for the month of October 2002.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Building Department permit summary for the month of October 2002.

MOTION CARRIED.

12.3 Request to Approve Great Lakes Waste/B.F.I. Rubbish Report and to Pay Bill in the amount of $48, 826.14 for the month of October 2002.

Motion by Trustee Connor, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the Great Lakes Waste/B.F.I. Rubbish Report and to pay the bill in the amount of $48,826.14.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

12.4 Request to Approve Resolution to Purchase new Meter Reading Equipment from S.L.C. Meter Service Inc., at a cost of $5,685.00.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve a resolution to purchase new meter reading equipment from S.L.C. Meter Service Inc., at a cost of $5,685.00.

WHEREAS, The Pittsfield Charter Township Utilities Department has a need for the meter reading probes capable of obtaining auto reads from all meters in place in the water system, and

WHEREAS, The Pittsfield Charter Township Utilities Department has thoroughly researched available equipment and has found a satisfactory system with the desirable capabilities applicable to our meters, and

WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Utilities Department has field tested the reading equipment and find it satisfactory, and

WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Utilities Department finds the price of $5,685.00 to be fair. Additional prices could not be obtained due to compatibilities and components.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pittsfield Charter Township Utilities Department be authorized to purchase a three unit meter reading system from S.L.C. Meter Service, Inc., for $5, 685.00 as shown in attachment “A”.

Phil Maly, Interim Utilities Director, said that it is difficult to transport meter reading information from the field to the office billing system. He said that the current meter reading equipment in use was misrepresented to the township when it was purchased several years ago.

Trustee Conner asked about the Metron-Farnier meters.

Mr. Maly said that the new meters are radio read and there are no problems with them.

Trustee Conner asked if the new meter reading equipment had been field tested.

Mr. Maly said yes, and it had proved satisfactory.

Trustee Burhop asked how old the old equipment is.

Mr. Maly guessed about 2 years and said that the township will receive a $13,000.00 credit for its return.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

12.5 Motion to Approve to Enter into a Condominium Development Agreement with Master Key Northern, Inc. (Heritage Falls Condominium) and to Authorize the Township Supervisor to Sign such Agreement.

Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, for approval to enter into a condominium development agreement with Master Key Northern, Inc. (Heritage Falls Condominium) and to authorize the Township Supervisor and Clerk to sign such an agreement.

Mark Spencer, Senior Planner, spoke briefly about some changes in form to the Development Agreement.

Trustee Burhop asked if the language in item 13 was correct.

Mr. Spencer said that section had been written by the lawyers, but he would check on it.

Supervisor Walter said it could be a typo.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

12.6 Request to Approve Resolution for Authorization to Purchase Traffic Safety Cones and Traffic Safety Vests – Utilities Department, from NES – Work Safe at a cost of $1,703.10.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve a resolution for authorization to purchase traffic safety cones and traffic safety vests –Utilities Department, from NES – Worksafe at a cost of $1,703.10.

WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Township Utilities Department has a need for traffic cones and safety vests that meet the current safety standards, and

WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Township Utilities Department has a need for ten traffic cones per vehicle to allow for safe working conditions in traffic, and

WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Utilities Department has researched available prices and find NES – Work Safe to be the most economical provider,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pittsfield Charter Township Utilities Department be granted permitted to purchase to purchase 90 ea. 10lb. traffic cones with one 6-inch and one 4-inch reflective band at $14.75 per cone, and 8 ea. safety vests at $46.95 per vest for a total cost of $1,703.10.

Phil Maly, Interim Utilities Director, said that there is a current shortage of this type of equipment and that each truck should have 10 of these.

Supervisor Walter asked if this was based on OSHA requirements.

Mr. Maly said he was not sure about OSHA, but was certain that it complied with State Police standards. He said that that it is safer and more efficient to carry this equipment on each truck.

Trustee Connor asked if the road safety signs were also necessary.

Mr. Maly said yes, and that those are currently still being investigated. He mentioned that he would be back before the Board at a later time for those.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

12.7 Request Approval of Resolution to Approve Final Plat for Ashford Village No. 6 Subdivision SP-97-4.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Clerk Lirones, to approve a resolution of approval for Final Plat for Ashford Village No. 6 Subdivision SP-97-4. (See Attachment #1)

Mark Spencer, Senior Planner, spoke briefly about his report and some small corrections that had been made.

Treasurer Skrobola asked how a traveler would identify which court lots 301 and 302 belonged to.

Mr. Spencer said that much of this, including the street names, had already been established before he had become involved with it.

Supervisor Walter asked if the street names had already been cleared with the Post Office.

Nick Mancinelli, of Trimount Companies, said that they had been approved a long time ago.

Supervisor Walter said there may be some confusion between “Hylander Court” and “Highlander Way”, which was a street elsewhere in the township. He asked if it had been approved by the Ypsilanti Post Office.

Mr. Spencer said that the names are usually sent to all three post offices, the Road Commission, and Public Safety.

Clerk Lirones asked what Public Safety had said.

Mr. Spencer said that Public Safety most likely did not comment, or if they did it would have been before he had started.

Supervisor Walter said his main concern was that a Public Safety vehicle summoned in an emergency might end up on Highlander Way instead of Hylander Court, and there is a great distance between the two. He asked if the names could be revisited.

Mr. Spencer said that they could be before the signing of the plat or by action of the Township Board.

Mr. Mancinelli said that houses cannot be sold until the plat is approved. He suggested putting a time cap on the name change to ensure that it is completed in a timely fashion.

Clerk Lirones said that there was no danger of delay.

Mr. Spencer said that if no other agencies objected, it may be possible to rush through a name change in a few days. He said that it may need to be taken to district court for an amendment later.

Mr. Mancinelli suggested approving the plat but changing the name before the homes are built.

Supervisor Walter asked if any of the Board members objected to approving the plat with the caveat that a possible name change be looked at to avoid conflict with Highlander Way. There were no objections.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

12.8 Request Approval to Order Storm Drain (catch basin) Markers for Phase II Compliance Program, from ACP International, Arlington TX, at a cost of $1,515.00.

Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Clerk Lirones, to approve ordering storm drain (catch basin) markers for the Phase II Compliance Program, from ACP International, Arlington TX, at a cost of $1,580.00.

Jan BenDor, Deputy Clerk, mentioned that the dollar amount had been changed due to a decrease in price and the addition of adhesive and shipping charges. She said that the total is actually $1,580.00. That correction was made to the motion.

Trustee Burhop asked where these will be installed.

Deputy Clerk BenDor said that they will be placed on all of the catch basins in the township, and that it is hoped that volunteers from homeowner’s associations, scout groups, and others will affix the labels.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

12.9 Discussion of the Work Plan for Proposed Water System Improvements.

Roger Gaugler, Consulting Engineer for Pittsfield Township, said that the current proposed project had originally been envisioned in the 1970’s, and formally proposed in 1984. He said that during the 1990’s, the Utilities Department had put together a capital improvement program in which this project was listed, but that action had never been taken on it. He said that there have been increasing problems in the last two years in dealing with Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA), and this proposed project is designed to meet the ultimate demand for water for the township. He said that the purpose of the meeting was to bring the Board up to date on this project.

Robert Czachorski, of Ayres, Lewis, Norris & May, Inc., presented a brief overview of the existing water system. He described the township’s three pressure districts and the fact that the elevation of the land increases toward the west end of the township. He illustrated the need for the project with a chronology of the current system, in relation to the corresponding population served by it throughout the years. He concluded by giving an overview of the proposed project and its three components - a ground storage reservoir, a 30 inch transmission main, and a booster station – and their proposed costs adding up to about $10,400,000.00.

Trustee Burhop asked if there would be any provisions in place for failed wells which could occur due to impacts from the proposed widening of US-12.

Mr. Gaugler said that there is no intention of ever servicing people south of the service area line.

Trustee Burhop asked what would happen should their wells fail.

Mr. Gaugler said that they will have to deal with the County Health Department which governs wells and septic fields.

Trustee Burhop asked how many wells Mr. Gaugler expected people to drill in order to get water.

Mr. Gaugler said that a conscious effort had been made over the last 15 years to have a stable district boundary line and to not go beyond it. He said that in the future the township could change the boundary lines, but that the proposed project today does not take into account anyone south of the boundary line.

Supervisor Walter asked if there was sufficient capacity to service others on an emergency basis.

Mr. Gaugler said that for the first 100, yes, but for the first 100,000, no.

Treasurer Skrobola asked if there would be enough volume and pressure with the new provisions to serve areas such as Thistle Down and Hunter’s Ridge, or would that constitute the addition of another line.

Mt. Gaugler said that he did not want to commit to that at this point, but that the current program was not intended to serve these areas. However, he said that the modeling can be revised in the future and the volume of the storage tank is more than enough to service any contingencies in the future.

Supervisor Walter asked if there would be any capability of extending the system without this project.

Mr. Gaugler said no.

Supervisor Walter asked if the township did this project now, if the redundancy that would be built in might possibly be re-allocated if emergencies come up, until the township has the build out of that area. He added that this would, in essence, provide a level of protection not only for people in the anticipated service district but people on the fringe who might have some problem.

Mr. Gaugler said yes, and that reallocation is always an option.

Trustee Conner asked what will happen if YCUA does not agree to the portion of the project where a shared YCUA/Pittsfield water line would be installed. He asked how much more it will cost the township if YCUA opts not to participate. He asked how the removal of the new central area parkland from the service district has affected the project.

Mr. Czachorski said if YCUA does not participate, an additional $1 million to $1.5 million could be added to the cost. Regarding the removal of the parkland from the service area, he said that the booster station now being proposed was only 6300 gpm; if that area were served, 8000 gpm would be required. He said removing this area had decreased the western district’s water needs by approximately 25%, but decreased the cost by less than 25%.

Mr. Gaugler said that the size of the tank had not been decreased.

Treasurer Skrobola said that this project will even out the problems experienced last summer, when YCUA could not provide the volume the township needed. He said that this tank would cover that aspect.

Supervisor Walter concurred, and said that this would even out the flow during peak hours. He said the tank would be filled 24 hours per day, so water would be drawn from the tank during peak hours, and the tank would be filled during off-peak hours.

Trustee Marine said that the problems the past few summers have dealt with the water pressure in the elevated tank.

Mr. Gaugler corrected that the real problem is volume, because YCUA does not have an adequate system to get enough water to the western areas of the Township.

Trustee Marine questioned the reasoning behind adding a new tank when the Township is already having problems filling the current tank.

Mr. Gaugler said that the larger the line, the less friction loss there will be, so this larger line would reduce friction loss, allowing as much water as possible to move from east to west. He explained that YCUA has its own capital improvement program, and are committed to over $30 million worth of improvements over the next ten years; some of the improvements involve boosting up YCUA’s southern system, and the Merritt Road booster station. He said that if Pittsfield Township does not make efforts to put this plan in motion, Ypsilanti never will, which will cause a problem for Pittsfield in the next 2 to 4 years. He said YCUA does not give Pittsfield enough water because they do not have sufficient transmission and pumping capacity in the area of the Merritt Road station. He said that YCUA is willing to give Pittsfield an unlimited resource of water, but are incapable of doing so at this point.

Supervisor Walter said that YCUA had improved the volume when it boosted the second pump at Merritt Road from 50 to 200 hp. He said the capability of YCUA to pump a large amount of water 24 hours a day is necessary. He explained that two issues are important: volume and pressure. He said that the additional booster stations will provide the pressure and the larger line and ground storage tank will provide the necessary volume.

Mr. Gaugler pointed out that if YCUA does not provide the necessary volume, this project shouldn’t and couldn’t be done properly. He said that the township had talked to YCUA for two years about this, and they had not made any move to increase their capability. So, the township had decided it needed to move ahead, to prove to MDEQ what the township was doing, so MDEQ could put pressure on YCUA do their part.

Treasurer Skrobola confirmed with Interim Utilities Director Phil Maly that the levels in the elevated 750,000 gallon tank had fallen quite low in the summer but were fairly full now. He explained that this proposed tank would provide the volume of water at those times when it was needed, so a constant inflow of water was not needed, as long as there was enough water flow to fill the tank over time until peak needs occurred. He said water in the proposed tank could be replenished at a slow rate, since it would not be needed all the time.

Supervisor Walter commented that the watering hour restrictions this summer were counterproductive to water conservation because the township had to ask people to water in the heat of the day when water evaporates. He said that if the water supply could sustain use during the peak hours, it will have a good effect on conservation.

Trustee Conner asked if YCUA would have other motivations to build capacity, for example, to sell water to other communities besides Pittsfield.

Mr. Gaugler said he wasn’t sure about YCUA’s motivations.

Mr. Czachorski said that once this project is built, YCUA will have to have the necessary infrastructure in place to fill the tank.

Clerk Lirones said that meetings were held between Pittsfield, YCUA, and MDEQ. She said MDEQ feels the township has failed to meet its obligations, and has said that it will fine the township, but will hold off if the township will start this project, which was promised in 1984. In correspondence from MDEQ, Pittsfield is portrayed as failing to provide infrastructure, and YCUA is able to say that it is doing all it can, but Pittsfield is not. She said the township has to start the engineering, so MDEQ will not just focus on Pittsfield’s shortcomings, but also put pressure on YCUA for its upgrades. She concluded by saying that the Morgan Road booster station was intended to be temporary, and has instead been the sole water source for the western districts.

Trustee Conner asked about the time frame for the aerial survey, and what would be learned from it.

Mr. Gaugler said that all of the site plan sheets will have to be done by aerial survey and that right now, after the leaves have fallen off of the trees and before the snow comes, is the ideal time of the year to do it.

Trustee Marine said that this project seemed counterintuitive to him because Pittsfield is being pressured by MDEQ to build a tank that YCUA cannot fill. He said that if YCUA does not increase capacity, the township will be stuck with a $10 million empty tank.

Mr. Gaugler said that the point of the confrontation will be to gain the support of MDEQ and put pressure on YCUA to cooperate.

Trustee Marine questioned putting the booster station on the new park land. He said that a master plan for the new park land had already been initiated and meetings of the citizens’ committee had taken place regarding the use of this land. He said that planning to build something before the actual land use was planned would tie the township’s hands, preventing it from doing other things in the future.

Mr. Gaugler said that this location had been suggested by the administration and that the station could be moved 1 mile in either direction and still function properly, but that its current placement is ideal.

Trustee Conner asked how much of the tank will actually be above ground.

Mr. Gaugler said that it may be placed partially into the embankment, the top of which may be used as an observation deck for the wetland in the park.

Trustee Marine said he was concerned about planning to do a project in an area that hasn’t yet been planned, and does it cause a problem in the $11.5 million piece of property the township had just purchased.

Supervisor Walter said that this is a very small project for such a large plot of land. He added that when the central area land had been purchased, three structures had been included in the picture – a new Public Safety building, a ground storage tank, and a recreation center. He said these structures had been mentioned to the planner, Mr. Strader, and to Parks Director Dan Cooperrider. He said that this will not be a big intrusion, and could in fact be an amenity to the park, and is not inconsistent with the development of the park. He described tank styles that are available that have been incorporated into parks in other areas. He concluded by describing other locations that had been contemplated for the tank, but that this made the most sense since the tank needed to be as close as possible to districts two and three, without locating it so far away from YCUA that it could not be filled by YCUA without boosting the pressure.

Trustee Conner asked about the placement of the tank in the ground in relation to the water table in the wetland.

Mr. Czachorski said that due to the proximity to the wetland, the deepest the tank could be put in the ground is about 15 feet.

Trustee Conner remarked that the proposed plan is dependent on YCUA’s cooperation.

Mr. Gaugler agreed and said that there was a bar chart included in the Board packet which detailed the optimal schedule for the water system improvement schedule. He said he did not believe it was realistic due to its dependency on YCUA’s cooperation.

Trustee Burhop asked about the concept of placing the tank at the highest elevation possible to reduce the cost of pumping from the tank.

Mr. Gaugler explained the inverse relationship between the elevation of the tank and the respective pumping cost for Pittsfield. He said from the engineering and conservation perspective, the tank should be placed high rather than low.

Supervisor Walter pointed out that the tank should be placed as high as possible in relation to YCUA’s pressure, not on the highest possible land in the township.

Mr. Czachorski said that the proposed location represents an ideal balance between being on high ground, but not so high that YCUA will be unable to fill the tank.

Treasurer Skrobola said that the planning of this project is a priority, and that the tank’s geographic location also takes priority in the park planning process. He added that this spot, set into the slope, is good from an aesthetic standpoint as well.

Trustee Marine agreed that the site had been discussed, but his only concern is the process of developing this project outside of the larger plan for the park land. He felt this might be disruptive to what is desired for that land. He added that in regard to cost and timelines, he wanted to see worst case scenarios, not best case. He also asked how big of an intrusion the whole project will be.

Mr. Gaugler said that the actual digging of the pipe will be a major intrusion in the construction process, but once it’s in, it will be out of the way. The booster station, on the other hand, will be a major facility twice as big as the one behind Meijer’s near Weatherstone, and the tank will be about 30 ft. high with a 200 ft. diameter.

Clerk Lirones commented that the park plan will have to yield to the water project in this instance because the engineers will have to choose the best place for the tank. She pointed out that this project is being planned for placement directly in front of her home and she has approached it with great trepidation, and expressed concerns about the placement, how it would look, and getting down Textile Road. In spite of this, she said that there is no question that this is the best spot for it to go in the community, and she was willing to make that sacrifice. She said this had an impact on no one as much as on her house, and that she did not want water and would never use municipal water and the project would not help her, but it would help the community. She said that the Board could look at the design of the park around the reservoir in the same fashion. She said it would be done in a sensitive fashion to look as good as possible. She said that she was a little sad about it, but she thought it was absolutely the best thing for the community, and she has never hesitated to say that this should go directly across from her house, despite the fact that she is not on municipal water.

Trustee Conner said the aerial study would show the best location for the tank. He said that in New Hampshire there was a water tank that was an observation deck, with a beautiful vista, and being up thirty feet could be pretty fantastic.

Supervisor Walter said there was a very nice wetland here.

Trustee Marine questioned Mr. Gaugler’s statement that the engineers were directed to this site by the administrators, and he asked if this was the best site, or if that was still to be determined. He said that if Clerk Lirones could live with it at this site, he could too.

Mr. Gaugler said that this was the ideal site, though not the only site, and pointed out that other sites could be purchased, but they all have deficiencies due to the fact that the township doesn’t already own them. He added that this was also an isolated site, surrounded by development that has already been built out.

Clerk Lirones said that one reason this site is ideal is because it will not cost the township any additional money to purchase land, and the land had been purchased for a tremendous value.

Trustee Marine agreed.

Treasurer Skrobola commented that the tank’s manufacturer showed creative and attractive designs, and placing the tank 50% underground would also help. He added that historically, especially in the last decade, the township had constructed attractive buildings. He said the pump station could be built in the same residential style as other township facilities, and with appropriate landscaping, it could be a pleasant site, all things considered.

12.10 Request to Authorize Ayres, Lewis, Norris & May, Inc. to Proceed with Aerial Survey Mapping for the Textile Water Transmission Main, Ground Storage Reservoir and Booster Station Project.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to authorize Ayres, Lewis, Norris & May, Inc. to proceed with aerial survey mapping for the Textile water transmission main, ground storage reservoir, and booster station project.

WHEREAS, The Pittsfield Township Utilities Department has long had a capital improvement plan to construct major infrastructure improvements for District II and District III, and

WHEREAS, The Pittsfield Township Board recognizes the necessity of proceeding with this project to aid in meeting the ultimate water demand needs in District II and District III, and

WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Township Board understands the issues associated with dealing with the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority in achieving a quality water system, and

WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Township Board wants to proceed with design to ensure the township is prepared for construction of this project as soon as all permitting and political issues are resolved,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pittsfield Township Board authorizes Ayres, Lewis, Norris, & May, Inc. to proceed with aerial survey mapping, at a cost not to exceed $5,000.00, to be paid from the Utilities Capital Improvement Fund.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

13.0 Items from the Parks & Recreation Department

14.0 Unfinished Business

15.0 New Business

15.1 Motion to Approve a Resolution Endorsing the Reappointment of Fred Veigel to the Washtenaw County Road Commission.

Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve a resolution endorsing the reappointment of Fred Viegel to the Washtenaw County Road Commission.

WHEREAS, Pittsfield Charter Township has a good working relationship with the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC), and

WHEREAS, Fred Viegel, the chair of the WCRC has been helpful to Pittsfield Township whenever we have needed to solve problems, and

WHEREAS, Fred Viegel has experience and the ability to help guide the WCRC during the transition to a new administration,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees request that the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners re-appoint Fred Viegel to the Washtenaw County Road Commission.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be sent to each member of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners.

ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES:	Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter.
NAYS:	None.
ABSENT:	Brostrom.
ABSTAIN:	None.

MOTION CARRIED.

16.0 Public Comment II-none.

17.0 Adjournment by Supervisor Walter at 9:35 p.m.

_____________________________
Arianne Garza, Department Assistant
Pittsfield Charter Township

_____________________________
Christina L. Lirones, ClerkPittsfield Charter Township

_____________________________
James R. Walter, Supervisor
Pittsfield Charter Township

MINUTES APPROVED, AS CORRECTED, AT THE PITTSFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 26, 2002.