APPROVED
Minutes of a Regular Meeting
Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees, May 13, 2003
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 7:34 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
Supervisor Walter moved item 13.1 up to follow the approval of the minutes, and a correction was made to item 12.5 to read “…..at a pay rate of $9.00 per hour.” He also removed item 12.4 from the agenda and indicated to the Board a corrected agenda was passed out because item 15.2 was missing two sentences.
5.0 Public Hearings/Presentations
6.0 Approval of Minutes
6.1 Request to Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on April 22, 2003.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Conner, to approved the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on April 22, 2003, as corrected.
Clerk Lirones said she wanted to point out the revision of page 12 which she had passed out. She informed the Board the correction had already been made to the minutes.
Trustee Burhop said on page 5, the 3rd paragraph in the 2nd line the word said should be added.
Trustee Brostrom said on the same line the comma after the word “time” should be removed and in the same paragraph, the 3rd line from the bottom should read “…before the next meeting….”
Trustee Burhop said on page 11, the 3rd paragraph in the last line an “n” should be added to the word “spoke”. She also said in attachment #7, it looked as if bullet point #1 was out of alignment.
Supervisor Walter informed the Board that the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners did turn around and approve the resolution opposing House Bill 4009. He said the Commissioner he spoke with today indicated Pittsfield’s Commissioner had switched his vote and voted in favor of the resolution this time.
Trustee
Brostrom said on page 4, 5th paragraph in
the 2nd line, there should be a “d” added to the word
“believe”. He said on page 12, starting at line 8 it seemed s
to indicate the petitions had not yet been circulated as of.
He suggested changing the word “would” to “had” and adding the letter “d”
to the word “circulate”.
MOTION CARRIED.
7.0 Consent Agenda
8.0 Items from the Treasurer
8.1 Request to ReceivePittsfieldTownship Treasurer’s Report For Year Ending December 31, 2002.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Pittsfield Township Treasurer’s report for the year ending December 31, 2002.
MOTION CARRIED.
9.0 Items from the Clerk
9.1 Request Approval for Payment of Payables, checks 41976–42095 in the amount of $484,333.29.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Clerk Lirones, to approve payment of the payables, checks 41976-42095 in the amount of $484,333.29.
Trustee Marine asked what the Washtenaw County Consortium dues for 2003 check was for.
Supervisor Walter said the check was for the township’s membership in the solid waste consortium. He said this group has given the township money for solid waste reduction in the past. He also said that money will not be coming to the township at this time because of county reductions, but the township still belongs to the consortium.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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9.2 Request Approval for Payment of Payables, checks 42097–42263 in the amount of $723,933.53.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve payment of the payables, checks 42097-42263 in the amount of $723,933.53.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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10.0 Items from the Supervisor/Assessor
10.1 Request to Approve Resolution Authorizing the Township Supervisor’s Office, Internship, to be filled by Ms. Rachel Wiertella from May 14, 2003 through August 29, 2003, for up to 20 hours per week, at a pay rate of $11.00 per hr.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the resolution authorizing the Township Supervisor’s Office Internship to be filled by Ms. Rachel Wiertella from May 14, 2003 through August 29, 2003, for up to 20 hours per week, at a pay rate of $11.00 per hr.
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorizes the hiring of Ms. Rachel Wiertella, for the position of Township Supervisor’s Office student intern, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Rachel Wiertella would serve in the position of Township Supervisor’s Office student intern, from May 14, 2003 through August 29, 2003, for up to 20 hours per week, at a pay rate of $11.00 per hr.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorizes the hiring of Ms. Rachel Wiertella, to serve as the Township Supervisor’s Office student intern, effective May 14, 2003 through August 29, 2003, at a pay rate of $11.00 per hr, for up to 20 hrs. per week.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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10.2 Request to transfer $3,000 from contingencies to Historical Commission Miscellaneous Account and to Approve Resolution for April Beisaw, Archeologist, to continue her analysis of the Town Hall School site for Phase II Archeological Survey at the cost of $2,710.00 to be charged to account #803-955.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the request to transfer $3,000 from contingencies to the Historical Commission miscellaneous account and to approve the resolution for April Beisaw, Archeologist, to continue her analysis of the Town Hall School site for Phase II Archeological survey at the cost of $2,710.00 to charged to account #803-955.
WHEREAS, THE Historical Commission is requesting approval of the proposal by April Beisaw of Phase Archaeology, for a Phase II excavation of the Town Hall School Site, Pittsfield Township, and
WHEREAS, the goals of Phase II are:
1)Delineate and expose the brick foundation of the 1852 - 1895 Town Hall School that was discovered in the Phase I survey of the property.
2)Test for the possible existence of a coal pile directly south of the brick foundation.
3)Recover additional artifacts that would provide data as to the architecture and furnishing of the original brick school, and
WHEREAS, the Phase II excavation will result in a technical report and an archaeological assemblage retained by the Township, and
WHEREAS, the Historical Commission on May 1, 2003 passed a motion to recommend to the Pittsfield Township Board of Trustees to approve the expenditure of $2710.00 from the Historical Commission budget, and
WHEREAS, the Historical Commission envisions an historical village at the intersection of Morgan and Thomas Road and believes the site of the Town Hall School and the original Town Hall to be the key components of this village.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorize the expenditure of $2710.00 for this Phase II archeological survey.
Supervisor Walter explained that this was for phase II of Ms. Beisaw’s archeological dig, adding that Ms. Beisaw has already done a fair amount in phase I. He then asked Marcia Ticknor, chair of the Historical Commission, if she had anything to add.
Ms. Ticknor said during the afternoon of the last clean-up day held last summer in the Pittsfield Preserve Ms. Beisaw did some test holes and found footings and the foundation for the original brick school that was on the site. She said Ms. Beisaw then wrote up a proposal to go in and do more digging. She also said Ms. Beisaw is the archeologist that did the research at the Blaess School for the Saline Historical Society.
Trustee Conner asked what kind of artifacts were found at the BlaessSchool and the township school site.
Ms. Ticknor said at the Blaess School Ms. Beisaw found that the original school on that site had burned which left an 8-inch layer of material from the original school. She said slate pencils were found, along with pieces of the furnace, bricks, pipe stems from clay pipes, hinges from the doors and other items. She also said Ms. Beisaw has given presentations to different groups in the area about using the retrieved items to learn about the history of a site.
Trustee Marine said Ms. Beisaw was fascinating and has given a presentation to the Historical Commission . He said Ms. Beisaw knows what she’s doing and has also been working on the eligibility of Valentine School for the historic registry.
Ms. Ticknor said the township was lucky to have someone with Ms. Beisaw’s credentials working on this project.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.0 Items from the Office of Public Safety
11.1 Request to Approve the Purchase of Wardrobe Cabinets for Station 2-Fire Department, from All A Board Inc. at a cost of $1,412.00, and charged to account #336-778.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Conner, to approve the purchase of wardrobe cabinets for Station 2-Fire Department, from All A Board, Inc. at a cost of $1,412.00, and charged to account #336-778.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.2 Request to Replace Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Voice Amplifiers-Fire Department, from West Shore Fire Services at a cost of $11,510.00 and charged to account #336-777 Fire Equipment and Supplies.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the request to replace Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Voice Amplifiers-Fire Department, from West Shore Fire Services at a cost of $11,510.00 and charged to account #336-777 Fire Equipment and Supplies.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.3 Request to Approve the Waiver of False Alarm Fee for October 27, 2002 (the sixth false alarm call) and Deny the Waiver of Fees for October 12, 2002, October 13, 2002, October 27, 2002 (the fifth false alarm call), November 20, 2002, and November 28, 2002, for Keevan A. Cole General Manager of Red Robin Restaurant.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the waiver of false alarm fee for October 27, 2002 (the sixth false alarm call) and to deny the waiver of fees for October 12, 2002, October 13, 2002, October 27, 2002 (the fifth false alarm call), November 20, 2002, and November 28, 2002, for Keevan A. Cole, General Manager of Red Robin Restaurant, per the recommendation of Captain McGuire in her memorandum dated April 18, 2003.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.4 Request to Deny the Waiver of False Alarm Fee for March 26, 2003 for Mr. and Mrs. Mei Mei Uy.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to deny the waiver of the false alarm fee for March 26, 2003 for Mr. and Mrs. Mei Mei Uy, per the recommendation of Captain McGuire in her memorandum dated April 23, 2003.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.5 Request Approval of Reimbursement for class taken by Sergeant Brandon Williams, PHI 363 Existentialism (100%) for amount of $675.00.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve reimbursement for the class taken by Sergeant Brandon Williams, PHI 363 Existentialism (100%) for the amount of $675.00.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.6 Request Approval of Reimbursement for classes taken by Officer J. Wickman, Analytical Techniques in Public Administration (100%), and Communication for Leaders (100%) for amount of $1,230.00.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve reimbursement for classes taken by Officer J. Wickman, Analytical Techniques in Public Administration (100%), and Communication for Leaders (100%) for the amount of $1,230.00.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.7 Request Approval of Reimbursement for classes taken by Lieutenant Raymond C. Hagen, Public Organization Theory (100%), and Public Personnel Administration (100%) for amount of $1,476.00.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve reimbursement for classes taken by Lieutenant Raymond C. Hagen, Public Organization Theory (100%), and Public Personnel Administration (100%) for the amount of $1,476.00.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.8 Request Approval of Reimbursement for class taken by Dispatcher Bartenslager, Art Appreciation (50%) for amount of $202.35.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the reimbursement for class taken by Dispatcher Bartenslager, Art Appreciation (50%) for the amount of $202.35.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.9 Request Approval to Enroll in Photography I (100%) for Police Officer Karma Thomas, at Washtenaw Community College for a cost of $255.00, with class starting May 13, 2003 and ending July 17, 2003.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve enrollment in Photography I (100%) for Police Officer Karma Thomas, at Washtenaw Community College for a cost of $255.00, with class starting May 13, 2003 and ending July 17, 2003.
Trustee Burhop asked how relevant this photography class is for a police officer.
Director Phillips said officers are trained in photography in the police academy and that training is done on an in-service basis as well. He said this class would provide training in newer digital technology, and it was an appropriate class for a Public Safety officer. He also said photography has been very important when prosecuting cases, particularly in cases of domestic violence.
Trustee Burhop asked if Public Safety officers developed their own photographs.
Director Phillips said no, and added that this class is just for basic camera operation.
Trustee Brostrom said at the last meeting it was asked if the enrollment request form could be redesigned to indicate whether classes were part of the major program requirements.
Clerk Lirones said she mentioned that to Human Resources Manager Kristin Orlowski, and she will be looking into it. She said there should be a change soon.
Trustee Marine said with the digital technology that is available he was surprised Public Safety officers were not developing their own photographs.
Director Phillips said three cameras are used in the department. He said digital photography was something new for Public Safety and there are some rules of evidence that apply to digital photography. He said Public Safety uses a 35mm camera as well as a Polaroid One Step camera for developing photos on the scene.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.10 Request Approval to Enroll in Computer Science Concepts & Practical Application (100%) for Dispatcher Bartenslager, at Eastern Michigan University for a cost of $404.70 with class starting May 6, 2003 through Summer 2003.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the enrollment in Computer Science Concepts & Practical Application (100%) for Dispatcher Bartenslager, at EasternMichiganUniversity for a cost of $404.70 with class starting May 6, 2003 through Summer 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.11 Request to Purchase Technical Rescue Equipment-Fire Department, from Time Emergency Equipment at a cost of $2,758.50 and charge to account #336-777 Fire Equipment.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the purchase of Technical Rescue Equipment-Fire Department, from Time Emergency Equipment at a cost of $2,758.50 and charged to account #336-777 Fire Equipment.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.12 Request to Replace Evidence Lockers-Police Department, from Rayhaven Equipment Co. at a cost of $1,818.74 and charge to account #301-970.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the replacement of evidence lockers-Police Department, from Rayhaven Equipment Co. at a cost of $1,818.74 and charged to account #301-970.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.13 Motion to Receive Police Department Call Activity Statistical Report.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Police Department call activity statistical report.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.14 Request to Repair Fire Apparatus-Tower 2 Aerial Ladder through Sutphen Corporation, for the estimated amount of $16,100.00 and charge to account #336-863 Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the repair of Fire Apparatus-Tower 2 Aerial Ladder through Sutphen Corporation, for the estimated amount of $16,100.00 and charge to account #336-863 Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.15 Request to Receive Fire Department Incident Summary Report.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to receive the Fire Department incident summary report.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.0 Items from the Office of Municipal Services/Planning and Zoning
12.1 Motion to Receive Building Department Permit Summary for the month of April 2003.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Building Department permit summary for the month of April 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.2 Request to Approve Resolution Authorizing the Promotion of Mr. David Prichard to the Position of Utilities Field Technician II, effective Wednesday April 23, 2003 at an hourly wage of $12.17 per hr. as stipulated by the AFSCME Union contract.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the resolution authorizing the promotion of Mr. David Prichard to the position of Utilities Field Technician II, effective Wednesday April 23, 2003 at an hourly wage of $12.17 per hr. as stipulated by the AFSCME Union contract.
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees would like to authorize the promotion of Mr. David Prichard from the position of Utilities Field Technician I to the position of Utilities Field Technician II, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Prichard meets the qualifications set forth in the Utilities Field Technician II job description and has successfully completed the pre-employment hiring process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorizes the hiring of Mr. David Prichard, to serve in the position of Utilities Field Technician II, effective Wednesday, April 23, 2003, at an hourly wage of $12.17 per hr. as stipulated by the AFSCME Union contract.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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12.3 Request Approval of Great Lakes Waste/B.F.I. Rubbish Report and to Pay Bill in the amount of $49,759.05.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Clerk Lirones, to approve the Great Lakes Waste/B.F.I. rubbish report and to pay the bill in the amount of $49,759.05.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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12.4 Motion to Approve Promotion of Ms. Kristine Goddard from the position of Assistant Planner to the position of Acting Associate Planner and be placed at Grade 6, Step 1 of the non-union administrative pay scale of $41,538.00 or $1,597.62 per bi-weekly pay period, effective May 14, 2003.
(Item 12.4 was removed from the agenda)
12.5 Request Approval of Resolution Authorizing an Extension of the Planning Department Internship filled by Ms. Jayda Sanford, through September 30, 2003, at a pay rate of $9.00 per hour, for up to 30 hours per week.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the resolution authorizing an Extension of the Planning Department Internship filled by Ms. Jayda Sanford, through September 30, 2003 at a pay rate of $9.00 per hour, for up to 30 hours per week.
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees previously authorized the hiring of Ms. Jayda Sanford, for the position of student intern, from October 23, 2002 through April 30, 2003 for up to 30 hours per week, at a pay rate of $8.50 per hr, and
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorizes an extension of Ms. Jayda Sanford as the Planning Department student intern through September 30, 2003, at a pay rate of $9.00 per hr.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorizes the extension of Ms. Jayda Sanford, as the Planning Department student intern through September 30, 2003, at a pay rate of $9.00 per hour, for up to 30 hours per week.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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13.0 Items from the Parks & Recreation Department
13.1 Request Approval to Accept the name “The Pittsfield Preserve” for the Central Area Rural Preserve.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to accept the name “The Pittsfield Preserve” for the Central Area Rural Preserve.
Supervisor Walter informed the Board that Kim Giles, the winner of the “Name the CentralAreaPark” contest was present and that he, along with Parks and Recreation Director Cooperrider would like to make a presentation to her.
Clerk Lirones said she had spoken at a senior citizens group at Weatherstone today, and they loved the name.
Trustee Marine asked how many names were submitted.
Supervisor Walter said there were 10 entries and 12 names. He said one contestant gave several names with one entry. He also said the selection committee focused on criteria for the name and he felt the committee members had done an excellent job.
Rose Cook of YpsilantiTownship asked if The Pittsfield Preserve was a park.
Supervisor Walter said yes, it was the 535 acres the township had recently purchased, and the Central Area Rural Preserve had been used as a temporary name until tonight.
Ms. Cook asked Supervisor Walter if he thought the word “reserve” would be more suitable.
Supervisor Walter said one of the things the township is trying to do is preserve the natural areas and habitat there. He said he did not want to second guess the committee that made the choice.
Trustee Marine asked who was on the committee and when the contest took place.
Supervisor Walter said the contest was held a little over a month ago. He said Trustee Conner was on the selection committee, also Ed Wall, Marcia Ticknor, Karen Zera, and others. He said there were people with various connections to the history of the area and he thought it was a good group.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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Supervisor Walter asked Director Cooperrider and Ms. Giles to come forward. He then presented Ms. Giles with a certificate of congratulation as the winner of the contest and informed her the name had been well received and the township was proud to name the new park The Pittsfield Preserve.
Director Cooperrider presented Ms. Giles with a hat, T-shirts, and a sweatshirt from the Parks and Recreation Department.
Ms. Giles said she and her three little boys sat down together to come up with the name and they were glad they were able to contribute something to the park.
Director Cooperrider informed Ms. Giles if she could give him the sizes of her three boys, Parks and Recreation would also present them with shirts.
Ms. Giles said they would love it.
13.2 Receive the Recommendation to purchase the Old Township Hall.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to receive the recommendation to purchase the Old Township Hall.
MOTION CARRIED.
14.0 Unfinished Business
Trustee Marine said recently he had been faced with an issue he felt needed to be brought up to the Board. He said when the Board appointed the Natural Resources Commission, he was honored to be among those appointees as a non-voting ex offico member, as provided in the ordinance. He went on to say at the time he asked for clarification of what an ex-officio member was. It was explained that he would be a non-voting member of the Natural Resources Commission. He said it seems there have been some minor changes to his position. He said he felt it was incumbent upon the Board to fully define the role of what an ex-officio member is for his personal purposes, and if the Board is going provide for the role of ex-officio member, and appoint ex-officio members to Commissions or Boards, this should be defined in an ordinance. He said he believed if anyone is appointed again to an ex-officio position, that appointee should not be in a position that is not well-defined.
Supervisor
Walter said the term ex-officio has become looser term over time, and is
often used in two ways. For example, the County Parks Commission may have
ex-officio members, such as the Washtenaw County Drain Commissioner and the
Chair of the Washtenaw County Road Commission. He said in each case they
are full members and they hold full membership by virtue of the office they
hold. He went on to say another informal use of the word has been as a non-voting
observer status, something like the Delegate from Washington, D. C. to the
Congress of the United States. The Delegate is a non-voting position; however,
they do have floor rights and debate rights. He said at the time the
appointments were made to the Natural Resources Commission, there was a
requirement that one member be from the Board of Trustees, and two Trustees
were interested. He said Trustee Marine had indicated strong interest in
participating, and the Board had agreed to make Trustee Marine an ex-officio
member. He said the ex-officio member should have been defined
better at the time, but it was indicated that Trustee Marine would have all the
floor privileges of speaking and debate, but that he would not be able to
vote. He said that was the only issue brought up at the time; however,
since then, the other issue raised by Trustee Marine has been the question of a
per diem. Supervisor Walter said he did not know how the rest of the Trustees
felt about paying the per diem to an ex-officio member. He said there
should probably be some discussion on that issue, and then asked Trustee Marine
if he would like to add that to the agenda of the next meeting.
Trustee Marine said he believed there was also a second issue. He said at the last Natural Resources Commission meeting, Chairperson Anita Zot gave an introduction for each member of the Commission, but did not mention him. He said he was not looking for glory or money; however he did assume he was a member and the reason he was not mentioned, for which Ms. Zot apologized, is because his name is not listed as a member on the website. He said his question to the Board is whether he is a member or not.
Supervisor Walter said Trustee Marine’s appointment was made by the Board on the spur of the moment, and he felt Trustee Marine should not have been appointed until the role of ex-officio was clarified. He said he apologized if there has been a problem, and he believed it was a problem the Board should think about and discuss. He said if Trustee Marine wished this to be an agenda item, it could be placed on the next agenda.
Trustee Marine said he would like this to be an agenda item for the next Board meeting.
15.0 New Business
15.1 Request to Authorize Supervisor to Appoint Committee to study Flag Ordinance.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to authorize the township Supervisor to appoint a committee to study the sign ordinance as it pertains to the American Flag.
Supervisor Walter said he had spoken with three people who would like to be on the committee and he would like to ask for other volunteers from the community to serve on the committee. He said he would like the committee to look at the ordinance to figure out essentially how the township can honor the community’s feelings in the way the flag is displayed, while at the same time honor the intent of the 1942 U.S. code which prescribes how the flag is to be displayed. He also said if the township is going to permit massive displays beyond what has normally been done in the past, he would like to have community input and input from the Board before any changes are made to the ordinance.
Treasurer Skrobola said he thought the committee and the involvement of the community is a good idea. He then asked if the committee would be charged with recommending changes to the Board and what the size of the committee would be.
Supervisor Walter said yes, the Board is the only body that has the authority to change the township’s ordinances. He said he thought 7 to 9 people would be a good size, adding that he had spoken with the county’s veteran affairs person who is willing to serve, and that the two representatives from the affected car dealerships have indicated a willingness to serve. He said throughout this controversy, he has appreciated the opinions of the people he has spoken to with few exceptions. He said most people have been pretty reasonable and there isn’t necessarily a consensus of opinion. He also said he has had at least two veterans indicate they were uncomfortable with the massive display of the flag. He believed some of that may be generational; however some people do believe the flag should have a special place of honor, whereas others like the massive displays. He said what needs to be done is to figure out how to honor the flag and do this in a respectful way.
Clerk Lirones asked if the motion could be amended to read “…authorize the Supervisor to appoint a committee to study the sign ordinance as it pertains to the American Flag”. She then said she believed the recommendation would have to go to the Planning Commission first, and then to the Board.
Supervisor Walter said yes,
that was correct. He said the recommendation would have to have quite a
bit of review. He also said the township would not be asking the two
dealerships to take down their flags until the situation has been
reviewed. He said he felt this is what a lot of people fought and died
under the flag for to do, that is, if there were laws or
regulations that don’t make sense, there should be a peaceful way of changing
them.
Trustee Marine said he had no problem with this at all; however he didn’t understand why there was a need to make a public resolution. He said the township often will change, amend, and write ordinances by asking citizens to come together. He said he was concerned that it was the state of our culture that when something like a flag amendment comes to light the Board is forced to take a public stand instead of just putting together a committee. He said there was no need to make a resolution and vote on it at a Board meeting, adding that the Board often amends ordinances and motions are not made to do that.
Supervisor Walter said he
believed it depends on the nature of the ordinance. He said this
ordinance has had a lot of informal input from people and the media. He
said he felt that this is a situation where people have very strong feelings
one way or another and he thought the best way to respect that is to give them
a forum of this sort. He then said ordinance changes come about by all
sorts of means, sometimes by a group of people coming together and complaining,
while at other times a township will notice something is going wrong. He
said this committee would be a reasonable way to give people an opportunity to
express their feelings and while at the same time listen to other
people and hopefully come to a consensus. He said he was trying to make
this as open and as transparent a process as possible. He said WAAM radio
has asked to speak with him on the air tomorrow morning, and because he has
heard from several people, and received numerous emails and phone calls, he
would like to tell the public that if people are interested, they can send him
information about themselves and they may be appointed to the committee.
He said somehow there needs to be a public process before changes are
recommended.
Clerk Lirones said this is not the first time citizens committees have been set up at the Board level and that this was not a big deal either way.
Treasurer Skrobola said he would agree with Clerk Lirones. He said some ordinances are more sensitive on a general basis than others and this is one of them. He said the more open the process in this case, the better.
Trustee Burhop said she hoped people would remember that at the United Nations there is only one United States Flag, as well as one that flies over the Capitol, and one that flies over the White House. She said it is important to note that there is no grand display there.
Supervisor Walter said that is
one of the things he has discussed with people that have called him about the
issue. He said there are a lot of very patriotic and concerned people
that prefer to have a singular place of honor for the flag, and then there are
others who feel good when to seeing a massive display of the
flag. He said if the township is going to permit massive displays of the
flag, some parameters should be set to make sure it is done respectfully and in
accordance with the U.S. Code of 1942. He went on to say the U.S. Code of
1942 describes how the flag is to be handled and displayed; however, there are
no penalties in the code, which leaves it up the local governments to deal
with.
Rose Cook of Ypsilanti Township said she was an American, a patriotic American. She said she had some input for the committee to use during its study. She said she would like a copy of what is drawn up when the study is completed. She asked the Board members if they had fought an enemy for their country and their flag. She added that our military men and women fought and died so that the members of the Board could labor and reap riches for those American Flags that fly freely and proudly in Pittsfield Township today. She said the American Flag reminds us of life and death, so that we too may be free to love and share equally in all our fruits of life. She said she would like to meet the military veteran who is uncomfortable with American Flags flying anywhere but places of honor. She then asked Supervisor Walter if she could have the name of the military veteran.
Supervisor Walter said he does not release the names of people he has spoken with. He said it would be the choice of the military veteran if he cared to stand and reveal his feelings.
Ms. Cook went on to say flags flying freely by two car dealerships are flown in honor of all servicemen. She said in these times of uncertainty, more flags should be flown everywhere, including at every township hall and public building without any limitations. She then asked the Board to discard the ordinance forever, as it is a disgrace to the township. She said if someone is or was a child or person born in the United States, they would never limit a time, a place, or how many American Flags are flown and by whom. She said she looked proudly to every home, business or property to display with honor and respect the Bible and the biggest well kept flag ever. She said a fine of $100 for every year this ordinance was in existence should be paid to disabled veterans everywhere. Ms. Cook then ended her letter.
Supervisor Walter thanked Ms. Cook. He said Ms. Cook had displayed very eloquently the passion that the township administration has heard on this issue. He said he wanted to make sure the township can craft an ordinance that is respectful of the flag and the desires of people to display it. He again thanked Ms. Cook for her statement.
MOTION CARRIED.
15.2 Receive the request from the Historical Commission to Approve the Purchase of Old Town Hall, located at Morgan and Thomas Roads, Section 15; and not to exceed $125,000.00 and to Authorize the Supervisor to Enter Into Negotiation for the purchase of this property.
Supervisor Walter said the first township hall built for Pittsfield Township was built in 1853 and was located on Morgan Road, east of where Thomas Road dead ends. He said it has some very important historical value; however, a few glitches have arisen in the attempts to try to negotiate a purchase of the old township hall. He said because this falls in the area of land negotiation he did not want to publicly indicate what the glitches are. He said at this point he had hoped to ask for a motion authorizing him to enter into negotiations; however, he did not think the township was at a point where that could be done now. He said there needed to be more investigation of the property and its value. He said he had spoken with people from the Historical Society, the Historical Commission and the Parks Commission, and they anticipated that the purchase would involve some significant private participation through the Historical Society; however, at this point the only report he could make is that it is felt that a lot more investigation is needed before entering into negotiation.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to receive the recommendation from the Historical Commission and to authorize the Supervisor to continue investigating the possible purchase of the Old Township Hall.
Trustee Marine asked how much time the township would have to investigate this if the property is actually on the market.
Supervisor Walter said that was hard to determine, since WashtenawCounty has a point of sale ordinance from the health department. He said it was not clear, until the septic system is upgraded on the site, that the current owners could actually sell the structure. He said he believed there was no way to put a timeline on this.
Trustee Marine said he was concerned that the timeline could be long or short. He said if the township is serious about wanting this piece of property, which is certainly a valuable piece of property for the township, he believed the township would have to make some type of commitment to hasten its own investigation into this issue. He said if any action is delayed, the township won’t be making its own decision, someone else will be making it for the township.
Mary Ellen Wall, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, said she thought there were some unknown factors that needed to be waited out, and the property may not actually be available for sale, so the investigation should continue. She said she believed the township should be patient and just work through the process. She then said she believed there was time, and there may not be as big a hurry as previously thought.
Treasurer Skrobola said he agreed with Ms. Wall, and he felt the township needed to do the due diligence that is required on this property, as is necessary in any purchase of any property.
Trustee Marine said he agreed with that, but that his concern was that there would not be much time. He said it now seems like there will be time.
Ms. Wall said in the meetings she has attended, she believed everyone agreed that this is a piece of property that the township might like to add to an historical village at some point in time. She said there would need to be a major fundraising campaign, with the Historical Society doing the fundraising. She also said an endowment would need to be set up for ongoing maintenance and preservation.
Supervisor Walter said due diligence must be completed, to ensure an appropriate price is paid and that the township has the resources to properly develop the property.
Trustee Conner asked for clarification of Ms. Wall’s statement that the property might not be for sale.
Ms. Wall said she understood the property was for sale and that there is a for sale sign in front of it, but there are some required inspections that must be passed before the property can actually be sold.
Trustee Conner asked if the inspections could be contingencies to sale.
Supervisor Walter said it could be, however he did not want to get into the details of someone else’s business, indicating the property owners needed to resolve some issues. He said the Board has to look out for what’s right for the township, and be sure that the township has the means to handle it.
MOTION CARRIED.
15.3 Request to Approve Contract Proposal from Barbara Barton to complete Inventory of Endangered Species in The Pittsfield Preserve at a total cost of $6,600.00.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the contract proposal from Barbara Barton to complete the inventory of endangered species in The Pittsfield Preserve at a total cost of $6,600.00.
Clerk Lirones said Ms. Barton had already started the inventory of endangered species, but at the time of year she was doing the inventory, some of the species were not active and couldn’t be counted. She said this would be a continuation of a project that was already begun and should be helpful in acquiring grants for the area.
Trustee Conner said a lot of great work is being done to quantify and delineate the property. He said some strides will also need to be made toward protecting The Pittsfield Preserve in perpetuity.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
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15.4 Request to Approve Contract Proposal from Dr. Gary Hannan to Map Woody Vegetation types in The Pittsfield Preserve at a total cost of $12,147.00.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the contract proposal from Dr. Gary Hannan to map woody vegetation types in The Pittsfield Preserve at a total cost of $12,147.00.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
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15.5Request the Board to go into Executive Session with Board of Trustees, Fred Schwarze, Labor Attorney, John Phillips, Public Safety Director, and Kristin Orlowski, Human Resources Manager, to provide an update on POAM negotiations.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, for the Board of Trustees to enter into executive session with Fred Schwarze, Labor Attorney, John Phillips, Public Safety Director, and Kristin Orlowski, Human Resources Manager, to provide an update on POAM negotiations.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
The Board members adjourned to executive session in the large conference room at 8:47 p.m.
The Board members returned to public session, which was called to order by Supervisor Walter at 9:44 p.m.
16.0 Public Comment II-none.
17.0 Adjournment by Supervisor Walter at 9:45 p.m.
_____________________________
Yolanda Holmes, Department Assistant I
Recording Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
_____________________________
Christina L. Lirones, ClerkPittsfield Charter Township
_____________________________
James R. Walter, Supervisor
Pittsfield Charter Township
MINUTES APPROVED, AS CORRECTED, AT THE PITTSFILED CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING HELD MAY 27, 2003.
