APPROVED
Minutes of a Regular Meeting
Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees, August 12, 2003
E.A. Jackson Morris Hall, The Robert A. Lillie Service Center
6201 W. Michigan Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
___________________________________________________________________________________
1.0 Call Meeting to Order
Supervisor Walter called the
meeting to order at 7:32 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 added item 12.7 to the agenda, authorizing the Supervisor to sign the development agreement for Woodside Meadows once it has been approved by the Senior Planner, Chair of the Planning Commission, Township Attorney and the Utilities Director. He removed item 11.4 from the agenda, stating that some of the Trustees had indicated that they would like to see three quotes obtained for the proposed repairs and maintenance for Fire Station number two.
5.0 Public Hearings/Presentations
5.1Public Hearing to Receive Comments for Street Lighting Special Assessment District, Hickory Pointe, Phase IV.
Supervisor Walter opened the public hearing.
There were no comments.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to close the public hearing to receive comments for Street Lighting Special Assessment District, Hickory Pointe, Phase IV.
MOTION CARRIED.
6.0 Approval of Minutes
6.1 Request to Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on July 22, 2003.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held on July 22, 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
7.0 Consent Agenda
8.0 Items from the Treasurer
9.0 Items from the Clerk
9.1 Request Approval for Payment of Payables, checks 42984–43118 for the amount of $784,862.42.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve payment of the payables, checks 42984-43118, in the amount of $784,862.42.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
9.2 Request Approval for Payment of Payables, checks 43119–43282 for the amount of $665,229.80.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve payment of the payables, checks 43119-43282, in the amount of $665,229.80.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
9.3 Request for Action: Resolution #03-40, Establishing Street Lighting Special Assessment District for Hickory Pointe IV.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve resolution #03-40, establishing a street lighting special assessment district for Hickory Pointe IV. (See attachment #1).
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
9.4 Request for Action: Resolution #03-41, to set Public Hearing date of Tuesday, August 26, 2003, to Receive Comments re: The Establishment of Street Lighting Special Assessment District for Avis Farms South.
Motion by Trustee Burhop, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve resolution #03-41, to set a public hearing date of Tuesday, August 26, 2003, to receive comments regarding the establishment of street lighting special assessment district for Avis Farms South. (See attachment #2).
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
9.5 Request Approval of Resolution Authorizing Reduced Work Schedule, for Ms. Kitty Higginbottom-Assistant to the Clerk, to 28 hours per week effective, August 10, 2003.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the resolution authorizing a reduced work schedule for Ms. Kitty Higginbottom, Assistant to the Clerk, to 28 hours per week, effective August 10, 2003.
WHEREAS, Ms. Kitty Higginbottom, Assistant to the Clerk, has requested to work a reduced work schedule of 28 hours per week, and
WHEREAS, the administrative specifics of this arrangement have been discussed and agreed upon by Ms. Christina Lirones, Township Clerk, and Ms. Kitty Higginbottom, Assistant to the Clerk, in consultation with the Human Resources Manager, Ms. Kristin Orlowski, and
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees may authorize a reduced work schedule arrangement for Ms. Kitty Higginbottom, Assistant to the Clerk,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorizes a reduced work schedule arrangement, of 28 hours per week, for Ms. Kitty Higginbottom, Assistant to the Clerk, with an effective date of August 10, 2003.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
10.0 Items from the Supervisor/Assessor
10.1 Resolution to set First Meeting, August 13, 2003 at 6:00 p.m., of the Compensation Commission.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve resolution #03-44 to set the first meeting of the Compensation Commission on August 13, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. (See attachment #3).
Supervisor Walter said the ordinance that created the Compensation Commission sets the first meeting for August 15, 2003 at 8:00 p.m., unless otherwise determined by the Board of Trustees. He said since that date was not feasible for some of the Commissioners, an alternate date was chosen.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
10.2 Resolution Requesting Approval of T.E.A.M. as the Pittsfield Township EAP(Employee Assistance Program) Provider at a cost of $4,719.00 per year and budgeted under line item #226-818.
Supervisor Walter introduced the item, and asked if Board members had any questions regarding the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Ms. Kristin Orlowski, Human Resources Manager.
Trustee Burhop asked how many employees the plan would cover.
Ms. Orlowski said it would cover 160 employees.
Trustee Marine asked how Ms. Orlowski decided on this firm, whether cost was a factor in that decision, and whether she had reviewed other firms. He said he has seen information on this firm, but has not seen any information on the other firms she may have inquired about.
Ms. Orlowski said she had looked at other providers including St. Joseph Mercy, which is a local provider. She said this firm provides benefits such as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) who is certified to deal with Department of Transportation drug testing requirements and employees that are affected by that program, while St. Joseph Mercy does not. She said there are several employees in the Utilities Department that are covered by the DOT regulations and the township is required to have an SAP for drug testing. She the township’s previous SAP is no longer providing that service. She said the second reason is because T.E.A.M.’s approach is much different from St. Joseph Mercy. She said St. Joseph’s has a traditional EAP, which means employees may meet with a counselor once or twice, and then are referred to someone else. She said this causes a real disruption in the service that is provided to the employee, whereas T.E.A.M. keeps 90% of the issues within their EAP program and only refers out issues that are maybe outside the norm of what they deal with. She said there are some other out of state organizations that she researched on the internet; however these firms are more suited for corporations.
Trustee Marine asked how many visits an employee would receive before they are referred out.
Ms. Orlowski said there is short term counseling that is focused on coming to resolution of problems; however she did not know the number of visits or if there is a limitation.
Trustee Marine said his worry was that employees would be counseled for a few visits for a problem, and then it is called a success. He said there were a lot of problems that could not be dealt with in just a small number of visits.
Ms. Orlowski said she felt Trustee Marine had a legitimate concern. She said she had checked references, and one firm she had spoken with had dealt with several EAPs; the firm had nothing but praise for T.E.A.M.
Clerk Lirones said Ms. Orlowski had prepared a memo to address some of the concerns Trustee Marine had, as well as a few of her own concerns. She said there are only two providers in this area and St. Joseph Mercy doesn’t provide the DOT service, which is necessary because of the township’s Vactor truck. She said she thought this was a great program.
Trustee Conner asked if the benefits of this program would extend to the employee’s immediate family and if there is any additional charge for that.
Ms. Orlowski said the fee that is listed covers the employee, anyone in the immediate household, family members, and even possibly someone not living in the household in special circumstances.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve T.E.A.M. as the Pittsfield Township EAP (Employee Assistance Program) provider at a cost of $4,719.00 per year and budgeted under line item #226-818.
WHEREAS, the Total Employee Assistance & Management, Inc. (T.E.A.M.) submitted an EAP proposal outlining the benefits & services they will provide to Pittsfield Charter Township employees, and
WHEREAS, the T.E.A.M. EAP program will include all non-union employees, AFSCME employees, police officers, firefighters, and dispatchers, and
WHEREAS, the total cost of the EAP program is $4,719.00 per year and has been budgeted under line item #226-818,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, by official action of the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees, T.E.A.M. is selected as the Pittsfield Charter Township EAP provider, effective August 13, 2003.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
10.3 Request to Approve Appointment of Helen Richards to the Historical Commission, to fill Anita Wilson’s seat, appointment to expire June 23, 2004.
Motion by Trustee Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve appointment of Helen Richards to the Historical Commission, to fill Anita Wilson’s seat, with the appointment to expire June 23, 2004.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.0 Items from the Office of Public Safety
11.1 Request to Purchase Training Videos & PowerPoint Presentation-Fire Department, from Elsevier Science USA, at a cost of $1,190.00 and charged to account #336-956.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the purchase of training videos and powerpoint presentation for the Fire Department, from Elsevier Science USA, at a cost of $1,190.00 and charged to account #336-956.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
11.2 Request Approval to Sign Interagency Services Agreement-University of Michigan.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the request to sign an interagency services agreement with the University of Michigan.
Supervisor Walter commented that this had to do with handling the University of Michigan football games.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
11.3 Request to Receive Fire Department Incident Summary Report for the month of June 2003.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to receive the Fire Department incident summary report for the month of June 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.4 Request Approval to Repair Station 2-Fire Department Building Maintenance and approve the following vendors, and to charge to account #336-778-Building Maintenance and Supply.
Item 11.4 was removed from agenda, in order to receive more quotes for the work.
11.5 Request Approval of Enrollment in Legal & Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice (100%) and Labor Law Issues in Criminal Justice (100%), for Officer Pam Hamilton, with classes beginning September 2, 2003 and ending December 12, 2003 and total cost is $1,400.00.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve enrollment in Legal and Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice (100%) and Labor Law Issues in Criminal Justice (100%), for Officer Pam Hamilton, with classes beginning September 2, 2003 and ending December 12, 2003, at a total cost is $1,400.00.
Trustee Brostrom said the amended form has a new category that asks if the course is a degree required course. He asked if this means requirements for the major or requirements to receive a degree.
Ms. Orlowski read the paragraph of the Public Safety contract that pertained to reimbursement which states, “reimbursement for general education courses required as part of an academic degree program except for a course which instructs the employee in any sport, game, or hobby shall be 50% of tuition only”.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.6 Request Approval of Enrollment in Writing the Critical Analysis (100 %), Criminology & Deviance (100%), Dimensions in Criminal Justice (100%) and Foundations of Christianity (100%), for Officer Gordon Schick, with classes beginning September 16, 2003 and ending February 10, 2004 and total cost is $3,540.00.
Supervisor Walter said the reimbursement for Foundations of Christianity should be changed to 50% based on the paragraph Ms. Orlowski had just read pertaining to reimbursement. He said the course is required in this particular program, but not directly related to Officer Schick’s job.
Treasurer Skrobola said he was not sure if that was clear according to what Ms. Orlowski just read, indicating that he thought the question had to do with whether the class was for a sport or a hobby. He asked Ms. Orlowski to read the paragraph again.
Ms. Orlowski read the paragraph again.
Treasurer Skrobola asked how 50% reimbursement would apply for this class since it was not a sport, game, or hobby.
Clerks Lirones said she believed paragraph B made reference to this type of class.
Ms. Orlowski then read paragraph B which states “as determined by the employee’s Department Head, the course is directly related to the assigned duties of the employee in his/her present position in direct application of knowledge to be gained in the course can be clearly stated or the course is in preparation for possible future duties that may be assigned the employee in his/her present position.”
Treasurer Skrobola said Director Phillips related to him that in conversations with Federal Law Enforcement Agencies and State and Local Agencies, both have recommended that law enforcement officers be educated in understanding the three major religions and their foundations. He said he did not know the reasons for this but if that is the case, this course would seem to fit under what Ms. Orlowski has just read.
Supervisor Walter said he also had conversations with Director Phillips on this matter and has asked him to provide some directive from either Homeland Security or the FBI to back that up. He said he had not received that yet and this was just an authorization to enroll. He said the course could be approved for enrollment at the 50% level and if it turns out it should be 100% at the time of reimbursement it could be reversed or it could be left at the 100% level, whichever is the pleasure of the board.
Treasurer Skrobola suggested leaving it at the 100% level and if there is not supporting information, it could revert to the 50% level at the time of reimbursement.
Trustee Conner asked if it is implied that the Board has the final say over the level of reimbursement for a particular course.
Ms. Orlowski said the Board has final approval.
Trustee Marine said he does not believe the township should be reimbursing Officer Schick for this class at all. He said this class is clearly a religious education course and he has trouble spending public funds for religious education, adding he was not sure if the township could do that.
Treasurer Skrobola said in reference to the paragraph Ms. Orlowski read, if the class is part of the course requirement the board should reimburse it. He said he was not advocating one way or the other relative to the nature of the course, but rather in how it is described as part of the required course for completion of the degree.
Trustee Brostrom asked if paragraph B pertains to the 100% reimbursement.
Ms. Orlowski said the 100% reimbursement is covered in paragraph C. She then read paragraph C which states, “reimbursement upon satisfactory completion of an approved course with a grade of C or better for undergraduate courses, B or better for graduate courses shall be 100% of tuition only”.
Trustee Brostrom asked if the courses that would have that reimbursement are the courses that are described in the previous paragraph, adding that he was not sure of the guidelines for 100% reimbursement.
Ms. Orlowski said the only guideline for 100% reimbursement is the statement she just read.
Supervisor Walter said it seems the issue is whether the class does indeed contribute to the officer’s current job; if it does, it should be reimbursed at 100%. He said some of the Board members have questioned that, and in conversations with Director Phillips, he has said both Homeland Security and the FBI highly recommend that law enforcement officers get more training in the major religions. He said at this point he did not believe it was a major consequence whether the level was 100% or 50% in the motion because the reimbursement will come at the completion of the course. He said that would give the Board time to change it if necessary.
Treasurer Skrobola said Officer Schick should be informed the reimbursement has a potential to change.
Supervisor Walter agreed.
Trustee Marine said, with all respect to the FBI, Homeland Security, and Director Phillips, this is teaching Christian principles, and he did not believe this had anything to do with the social or cultural aspects of performing anybody’s job unless they are a minister. He said Officer Schick has chosen to earn his criminal justice degree at Concordia College; however he could earn the same degree at Eastern Michigan for less money. He said he realizes this class is part of a curriculum and part of the course requirements that he has to take but he could not vote or justify using public funds to support religious education.
Trustee Conner said Concordia College is a religious school which is why they would require courses in Christianity.
Clerk Lirones said she agreed to some degree that it is problematic having the township pay for religious schools of any kind; however the way the contract is written the township does not tell employees they have to attend a public school and she is not sure the township could do that. She said this is a degree required course and it has been determined that degree required courses that are not directly related to law enforcement should be reimbursed. She said if this class were not degree required she did not believe the township would be asked to pay for it. She said she believed the township is obligated by the contract, because of the way it is written. She said the administration was currently working on the police contract, and working on a different way of handling tuition reimbursement. She said because the township does not tell employees they have to attend a public college, they are allowed to attend any college they choose. She said this is a degree required course for Officer Schick to receive his degree in criminal justice and she feels comfortable reimbursing him at either level.
Trustee Marine said he believed this was something that definitely needed to be worked on. He said Clerk Lirones was correct in that the contract does not say the township has to send employees to public schools; on the other hand it does not say the Board has to approve any university the employee chooses. He said he is truly not certain that as a public body the township is allowed to use public funds to pay for religious education. He said the alternative would be for Officer Schick to pay for his own religious education while the township continues to pay for his relevant courses; or, for Officer Schick and any other officers to go to a university where all courses taken can legitimately be paid for by a public entity. He said he believed this recommendation should be turned down.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Clerk Lirones, to approve enrollment in Writing the Critical Analysis (100%), Criminology & Deviance (100%), and Dimensions in Criminal Justice (100%); Foundations of Christianity is tentatively approved at 100%, but may be reduced to 50%, pending receipt of back up information. The enrollments are for Officer Gordon Schick, with classes beginning September 16, 2003 and ending February 10, 2004, at a total cost is $3,540.00.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter. |
|
NAYS: |
Marine |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
11.7 Request Approval of Enrollment in Fire Department Organizational Administration (100%), American Government (100%), and Computer Information Systems (100%), for Fire Sergeant Craig Liggett, with classes beginning September 4, 2003 and ending December 21, 2003 and total cost is $726.00.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve enrollment in Fire Department Organizational Administration (100%), American Government (100%), and Computer Information Systems (100%), for Fire Sergeant Craig Liggett, with classes beginning September 4, 2003 and ending December 21, 2003 and total cost is $726.00.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.8 Request Approval of Reimbursement in the amount of $404.70 (100%), to Dispatcher Charles Bartenslager, for studies in Computer Science Concept and Practical Application, with classes that began April 2003 and ended June 2003.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve reimbursement in the amount of $404.70 (100%), to Dispatcher Charles Bartenslager, for studies in Computer Science Concept and Practical Application, with classes that began April 2003 and ended June 2003.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
11.9 Request Approval of Reimbursement, for Lieutenant Raymond Hagen, for class taken June 21, 2003 and ending June 27, 2003, for the amount of $369.00 (50%).
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve reimbursement, for Lieutenant Raymond Hagen, for class taken June 21, 2003 and ending June 27, 2003, for the amount of $369.00 (50%).
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
11.10 Request Approval of Reimbursement, for Officer Pamela Hamilton, for class taken May 28, 2003 and ending July 17, 2003, for the amount of $975.00 (100%).
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve reimbursement, for Officer Pamela Hamilton, for class taken May 28, 2003 and ending July 17, 2003, for the amount of $975.00 (100%).
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
11.11 Receive Letter of Retirement from On Call Firefighter Scott Goodwin.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to receive the letter of retirement from On Call Firefighter Scott Goodwin.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.12 Receive Pittsfield Police Department Call Activity Statistical Report for the month of July 2003.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Pittsfield Police Department call activity statistical report for the month of July 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.0 Items from the Office of Municipal Services/Planning and Zoning
12.1 Request Approval of Great Lakes Waste/B.F. I. Report and to pay Bill in the amount of $49,975.84.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the Great Lakes Waste/B.F.I. report and to pay the bill in the amount of $49,975.84.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
12.2 Receive Building Department Permit List for the month of July 2003.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Building Department permit list for the month of July 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.3 Receive Housing Inspection Report for the month of July 2003.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to receive the Housing Inspection report for the month of July 2003.
Supervisor Walter said the Housing Inspector has come up with the idea of giving very nice certificates when inspections have been passed. This also serves as a reminder for when the inspection expires.
Trustee Conner asked when inspection expires.
Supervisor Walter said inspections are good for one year.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.4 Request Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Promotion of Ms. Marge Burkheiser to the Position of Department Assistant II-Planning, effective August 13, 2003, at an hourly wage of $11.64 per hour as stipulated AFSCME Union Contract.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to approve the resolution authorizing the promotion of Ms. Marge Burkheiser to the position of Department Assistant II-Planning, effective August 13, 2003, at an hourly wage of $11.64 per hour as stipulated AFSCME Union contract.
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees would like to authorize the promotion of Ms. Marge Burkheiser from the position of Department Assistant I to the position of Department Assistant II, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Burkheiser meets the qualifications set forth in the Department Assistant 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 authorize the hiring of Ms. Marge Burkheiser, to serve in the position of Department Assistant II-Planning, effective Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at an hourly wage of $11.64 per hr. as stipulated by the AFSCME Union contract.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
12.5 Request Approval to Authorize Supervisor of Pittsfield Township, to Sign Development Agreement CSPA 02-20 Arbor Woods Phase III.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Clerk Lirones, to authorize the Supervisor of Pittsfield Township to sign the development agreement for CSPA 02-20 Arbor Woods Phase III.
Senior Planner Spencer said on page 6 of the development agreement the letter “t” is missing from the word “seventy” and in section B of the same page, on the 8th line the word “in” should be added. He said on page 8, 3rd line from the bottom, the letter “s” should be added to the word “fact”.
Trustee Burhop said Planner Spencer and his staff had done a terrific job on this, which makes the township look very professional. She said the Planning Department should be commended for the job it has done.
Treasurer Skrobola said he agreed with Trustee Burhop’s statement, adding that this reflects Planner Spencer’s usual excellent effort.
Trustee Marine asked if there were any major issues the Board should be aware of.
Planner Spencer replied, no, this agreement was close to the township’s standard agreement. He said this was originally a court ordered rezoning and this was the final phase in the consent agreement.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
12.6 Request to Approve Resolution #03-45, to Rename Streets in Ashford Village VI (SP 97-4).
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Clerk Lirones, to approve resolution #03-45, to rename streets in Ashford Village VI (SP 97-4). (See attachment #4).
Planner Spencer said the letter “e” was missing from the fourth “WHEREAS” in the resolution which would be corrected. He said this resolution was for the renaming of streets in Ashford Village as requested by the Board.
Clerk Lirones said she is glad the developer changed the name of Hylander Court, which would have caused problems for public safety due to an existing street with a name that sounded the same but was spelled differently.
Planner Spencer agreed, adding that there could have been postal problems as well.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
12.7 Request Approval to Authorize Supervisor of Pittsfield Township, to Sign Development Agreement for Woodside Meadows subject to the approval of the Senior Planner, Planning Commission Chair, Township Attorney, and Utilities Director.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Treasurer Skrobola, to authorize the Supervisor of Pittsfield Township to sign the development agreement for Woodside Meadows, subject to the approval of the Senior Planner, Planning Commission Chair, Township Attorney, and Utilities Director.
Supervisor Walter said this development agreement is not quite finished, however it is very close. He said the administration would like to have the Board’s authorization ready, so that once it is finished it can be signed.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
13.0 Items from the Parks & Recreation Department
13.1 Receive and File a Letter of Recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission to Accept the Donation of Property (28.94 acres), from Don Chisholm, Manager of State and Twelve Investment Company, L.L.C., and Motion to Authorize Supervisor to work out details with Mr. Chisholm, to accept the gift.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to receive and file a letter of recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Commission to accept the donation of property (28.94 acres), from Don Chisholm, Manager of State and Twelve Investment Company, L.L.C., and authorize the Supervisor to work out details with Mr. Chisholm to accept the gift.
Planner Spencer said this was a piece of property the developer wanted to get two home sites on originally. He said there was room for two homes to be placed on the high ground along Fosdick Road, and the remaining land is all wetlands. He said in order to get the two lots that met the legal requirements of the zoning ordinance, the developer had to create 10 and 16 acre lots. He said the developer felt it would be good for the township to receive the remaining property; it could not be used for development, and this donation provides some extra protection for a natural resource.
Trustee Brostrom asked if this property was located at the southeast corner of Fosdick Rd. and Michigan Ave, which was partially cleared last year, and if there were plans to do any new planting in the partially cleared area.
Planner Spencer replied yes, the property is at the southeast corner and extends to the railroad tracks. He said the home building sites were partially cleared which was the upland area; these do not encroach in the wetlands. He said the property the township would have is to the east, adding that there is a fairly large buffer of wetland between those home sites and the donated land’s boundary.
Supervisor Walter said one advantage was that the township gets the right to manage the area. He said the area should be kept in as natural a state as possible.
Clerk Lirones said this is a very good thing for the township. She said a number of residents, particularly Amy Smola, have spearheaded an effort to conserve this wetland and will be delighted to hear about this donation.
Trustee Conner asked if Don Chisholm was also the developer of Stonebridge.
Planner Spencer replied yes.
Trustee Burhop asked if the biggest homesite was the closest to the railroad tracks.
Planner Spencer said yes, adding that after homeowners take over the properties, there is some opportunity for the township to negotiate to acquire development rights for that wetland area as well.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
14.0 Unfinished Business
15.0 New Business
15.1 Request Approval of Resolution #03-42, Opposing Holcim Cement Waste Burning Permit.
Motion by Treasurer Skrobola, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve resolution #03-42, opposing Holcim Cement Waste Burning permit. (See attachment #5).
Supervisor Walter said this came as a request from a number of people, including the Ecology Center and some UAW members due to the Holcim Cement Dundee Plant planning to burn all types of waste oils and various kinds of trash. He said with the township facing sanctions for being a non-attainment area in terms of the Federal Air Quality standards, something like this would make the problem a lot worse. He said not only will it have an environmental impact, it could also lead to more vehicle inspections, have an economic deterrent, and cause problems for residents living within a 35 mile radius of the plant. He said this resolution would let the State DEQ know the township does not want to make the problems any worse.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
15.2 Request Approval of Resolution #03-43, Supporting Forest Stewardship Grant Application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve resolution #03-43, supporting a forest stewardship grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. (See attachment #6).
Trustee Marine asked Deputy Clerk Jan BenDor if she could give him a little information about the program, and also tell him how much of the funds will come from developers and how much the township will be liable for.
Clerk Lirones said she could answer the questions about funding. She said the developer contribution results from a fairly new addition to the township’s land development standards which have been expanded for projects where all of the tree mitigation can’t be done on site. She said financial contributions are being allowed in lieu of tree mitigation in the township’s public parks, adding that the first contribution will be from the developer of Pittsfield Glen in the amount of $78,712. She said the township should not have a problem making a match because of this new fund.
Deputy Clerk BenDor said the Natural Resources Commission plans to follow the same program that is offered by the Michigan Nature Conservancy and their recommendation on how to remove buckthorn from wooded areas. She said there are two kinds of buckthorn; one comes from Asia and the other comes from Europe, both of which are bad news. She said buckthorn travels via birds, and once it gets started will soak up all the water so that nothing else will grow around it, adding that just one buckthorn invasion can dewater a wooded wetland. She said it is very important to get rid of this in the Pittsfield Preserve, and that the community and woodland owners are shown how to do this safely and effectively. She said some of the budget is for the time of the advisors from the Michigan Nature Conservancy, who are also certified by the Department of Agriculture to supervise volunteers in the use of Round-Up, the primary substance used to eliminate buckthorn. She said applicator tools will need to be built according to the plans supplied by the Nature Conservancy, and there is hope of having a series of workshops where the community will be involved in working in the Preserve while learning how to do buckthorn removal for their homesites.
|
ROLL CALL VOTE: |
|
|
AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Skrobola, Walter, Marine. |
|
NAYS: |
None. |
|
ABSENT: |
None. |
|
ABSTAIN: |
None. |
|
MOTION CARRIED. |
|
Supervisor Walter said he wanted to announce that the terms of three Planning Commissioners expire at the end of September, Clerk Lirones who is the Board representative, Norman Schneyer, and Russell Banush. He said if someone has suggestions or is interested, they should get in touch with him. He indicated that he will be making nominations, probably in September.
Clerk Lirones said she has handed out a copy of the rezoning notice to the Board members for RZ #03-04 Fairwood Green. She said the owner of Hickory Woods golf course has applied for a rezoning, and this is one of the last open areas in this sector of the township; it is shown in the Comprehensive Plan for recreation/conservation. She said Ashford Village, Hickory Pointe, Meadowview, Arbor Meadows, and residents on Crane and Munger Roads were all notified. She suggested the Trustees may want to come to the Public Hearing August 21, 2003 at 7:30 p.m., to hear some of the public comments on this rezoning, which she believed would be of great interest for a large number of residents. She said she did not believe the Planning Commission will be taking any action on this at the meeting, due to the petition being so complex.
16.0 Public Comment II
Todd Carter, resident of 6156 Gyers Meadow Lane, asked if there were any instructions on how to how attend a township meeting and when was the appropriate time for the public to discuss a topic with the Board.
Supervisor Walter said the Board has been very accommodating regarding public comments. He said his preference would be to have an indication at Public Comment I if someone is concerned about a particular item; the Board may ask that person to hold comments until the item comes up. He said as long as the situation doesn’t get out of hand the Board is trying to be as open and friendly as possible; however if a situation takes place where people are arguing, shouting, or saying disrespectful things to each other he may have to gavel it down.
Clerk Lirones said the Board refers to information in packets that are available at both the Supervisor’s and Clerk’s counter on the Friday afternoon before a Board meeting. She said they are also brought down to the hall for the meeting. She said this information would help an audience member to more fully understand what is being voted on.
Mr. Carter then asked how to place an item on the agenda.
Supervisor Walter said agenda items usually need to be brought into the Supervisor’s office by the Wednesday before the meeting, and the back up paperwork should be in by Thursday, in order to deliver the packets to the Board members on Friday. He said one is also free to bring up items for discussion at any meeting.
Mr. Carter thanked Supervisor Walter for his answers and said he appreciated the township getting information on line, which is where he picked up tonight’s agenda.
17.0 Adjournment by Supervisor Walter at 8:35 p.m.
_____________________________
Yolanda Holmes, Department Assistant
Recording Clerk
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 AUGUST 26, 2003.
PITTSFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN
RES #03-40
STREET LIGHTING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
Hickory Pointe Subdivision Phase 4
RESOLUTION NO. 2
Minutes of
a Regular Meeting of the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township,
Washtenaw County, Michigan held at the Township Administration Building located
at 6201 W. Michigan Avenue in said Township, on the 12th day of
August 2003, at 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
Members Absent: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Member Conner and supported by Member Burhop.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Act 188, Public Acts of Michigan of 1954, as amended, this Board has tentatively declared its intention to provide street lighting of the public streets within Hickory Pointe Subdivision Phase 4, Lots 194 through 258; and
WHEREAS, this Board has caused to be prepared plans showing the street lighting improvements and location thereof; and
WHEREAS, this Board has tentatively designated the special assessment district against which the cost of the street lighting is to be assessed; and
WHEREAS, after due and legal notice, this Board has met and heard all persons interested with respect to the special assessment district.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,
1. The Township Board determines to provide a street lighting system for all streets within said Subdivision, said system consisting of ten (10) 100 Watt HPS “Colonial” streetlights to be owned and installed by the Detroit Edison Company, and full service of the system including general maintenance and cleaning, bulb and glass replacement, pole repair and replacement, electrical maintenance and vandalism repair.
2. The Township Board hereby approves the plans and estimated initial cost of $2,666.02 to provide such street lighting for a period of one year, as originally filed with the Township Clerk.
3. The Township Board finally determines that the special assessment district against which all of said cost shall be assessed shall consist of all of the lands in Hickory Pointe Subdivision Phase 4, Lots 194 through 258, inclusive, and directs the Supervisor to make a special assessment to defray said cost by assessing the sum of $41.02 against such lands in a column provided therefore in the regular tax roll for the year 2003 which special assessment is hereby confirmed.
4. All other resolutions and parts of resolutions, insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution, hereby are rescinded.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
____________________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
DATED: August 12, 2003
CERTIFICATE
I, Christina L. Lirones, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted by the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township, County of Washtenaw, State of Michigan, at a Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, August 12, 2003, and that said meeting was conducted and public notice of said meeting was given pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, and that the minutes of said meeting were kept and will be or have been made available as required by said Act.
_______________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
DATED: August 12, 2003
PITTSFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN
RES #03-41
Avis Farms South (UnitS 1-14)
STREET LIGHTING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO. 1
Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan, held at the Township Administration Building in said Township, on the 12th day of August 2003, at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
Absent: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Member Burhop and supported by Member Brostrom.
WHEREAS, it appears to this Board that it would be conducive to the public health, safety and welfare of the Township and its inhabitants that the public streets within Avis Farms South (Units 1-14), be lighted by artificial means; and
WHEREAS, this Board has the power and authority pursuant to Act #188, Public Acts of Michigan of 1954, as amended, on its own motion and without petition to exercise the powers granted by said Act 188 with respect to providing such street lighting; and
WHEREAS, this Board desires to proceed with providing such street lighting, and to defray the cost thereof by a special assessment against the taxable lands and premises within said site; and
WHEREAS, the Detroit Edison Company has proposed to provide such street lighting to consist of nine (9) 250 Watt HPS “Shoebox” streetlights for an initial annual charge of $2,979.09 such lighting system to be owned and installed by said Company, and such charge to include full service of the system including general maintenance and cleaning, bulb and glass replacement, pole repair and replacement, electrical maintenance and vandalism repair.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,
1. The plans showing the street lighting improvements and location thereof and the estimate of cost of providing such street lighting, be filed with the Township Clerk and be available for public inspection.
2. The Township Board tentatively declares its intention to provide said street lighting.
3. The Township Board tentatively designates a special assessment district against which the cost of such street lighting is to be assessed consisting of all the lands in Avis Farms South (Units 1-14).
4. The Township Board hereby estimates the cost of providing such street lighting for the initial year to be $2,979.09.
5. The Township Board shall meet at the Township Administration Building located at 6201 W. Michigan Avenue in said Township on the 26th day of August 2003, at 7:30 p.m., to hear any objections which may be offered against creating such special assessment district.
6. The Township Clerk is hereby ordered to cause a notice of such hearing to be published at least five (5) days before the time of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the district, and to cause notice of said hearing to be mailed by first class mail to each owner or party in interest in property in the special assessment district whose name appears upon the last tax assessment records of the township, at least ten (10) days before the date of such hearing.
7. Said notice shall be in substantially the following form:
NOTICE OF HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
BY THE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF PITTSFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP
TO: ALL OWNERS OF OR PARTIES WITH AN INTEREST IN PROPERTY LOCATED
IN AVIS FARMS SOUTH (UNITS 1-14)
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township has tentatively declared its intention to provide street lighting of all streets within Avis Farms South (Units 1-14), to consist of nine (9) 250 Watt HPS “Shoebox” streetlights for an initial annual charge of $2,979.09 and has tentatively designated the special assessment district against which the cost of such street lighting is to be assessed as consisting of all lots in Avis Farms South (Units 1-14).
Plans and estimates for said street lighting have been prepared and are on file with the Township Clerk for public examination.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board will meet on Tuesday, August 26, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. in the Township Administration Building located at 6201 W. Michigan Ave., for the purpose of hearing any objections, which may be offered against creating the district and defraying the expenses thereof by special assessment.
This notice is in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Pittsfield Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting or public hearing upon ten (10) day notice to the Pittsfield Township Board.
s/Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
8. All other resolutions and parts of resolutions, insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution, hereby are rescinded.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
_______________________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
DATED: August 12, 2003
CERTIFICATE
I, Christina L. Lirones, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted by the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township, County of Washtenaw, State of Michigan, at a Regular Meeting held on August 12, 2003, and that said meeting was conducted and public notice of said meeting was given pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, and that the minutes of said meeting were kept and will be or have been made available as required by said Act.
____________________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
DATED: August 12, 2003
PITTSFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN
RESOLUTION #03-44
TO DETERMINE DATE OF FIRST MEETING FOR 2003
Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan, held at the Township Administration Building located at 620l W. Michigan Avenue in said Township, on the 12th day of August 2003 at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
Absent: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Member Brostrom
and supported by Member Burhop.
WHEREAS, the Compensation Commission Ordinance requires the first meeting
of the Compensation Commission be held August 15 at 8:00 p.m. unless the Board determines by resolution a different time and date.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the first official meeting of the
Compensation Commission is set for August 13, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. at the Pittsfield Township
Hall, 6201 W. Michigan Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
____________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
August 12, 2003
CERTIFICATE
I, Christina L. Lirones hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted by the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township, County of Washtenaw, State of Michigan, at a Regular Meeting held on August 12, 2003, and that said meeting was conducted and public notice of said meeting was given pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, and that the minutes of said meeting were kept and will be or have been made available as required by said Act.
_____________________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
DATED: August 12, 2003
RESOLUTION No. 03-45
A RESOLUTION TO RENAME STREETS IN
ASHFORD VILLAGE NO. 6 SUBDIVISION (SP-97-4)
August 12, 2003
Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan, held at the Township Administration Building in said Township, on the 12th day of August 2003, at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
Absent: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Member Skrobola and supported by Member Lirones.
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees has a duty to make sure street names are not duplicated or similar sounding to other street names within the vicinity in order to help ensure the delivery of emergency services and
WHEREAS, the Township has an interest in having street names that are not frivolous or offensive in nature, and
WHEREAS, State Act 288 of 1967 provides to municipalities the right to change subdivision street names, and
WHEREAS, the developer, of Ashford Village No. 6 Subdivision was advised by the Township Board that three streets named on the final plat of Ashford Village No. 6 Subdivision must be renamed, and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees hereby renames the following streets in Ashford Village No. 6 Subdivision (SP 97-4):
Williams Court shall become Willingham Court
Bo Court shall become St. Martin Court
Hylander Court shall become Tiffany Court
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOTPED.
__________________________________
Prepared by and return to:
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
6201 W. Michigan Ave.
Ann Arbor MI 48180
DATED: August 12, 2003
CERTIFICATE
I, Christina L. Lirones, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted by the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township, County of Washtenaw, State of Michigan, at a Regular Meeting held on August 12, 2003, and that said meeting was conducted and public notice of said meeting was given pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, and that the minutes of said meeting were kept and will be or have been made available as required by said Act.
______________________________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
6201 W. Michigan Ave.
Ann Arbor MI 48108
DATED: August 12, 2003
PITTSFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN
RES #03-42
OPPOSE HOLCIM CEMENT WASTE BURNING PERMIT
Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan held at the Township Administration Building located at 6201 W. Michigan Avenue in said Township, on the 12th day of August 2003, at 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
Members Absent: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Member Skrobola and supported by Member Burhop.
WHEREAS, the Holcim Cement Dundee Plant has applied to the USEPA and the MDEQ for a permit to burn over 80 types of waste from manufacturing, coating, cleaning, and refining processes, with 2.6 million pounds of pollutants expected to be released into the region’s air and water annually, and
WHEREAS, the potential distribution of toxic and deadly substances, including dioxin, sulfur dioxide, lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and PCBs, will directly threaten local communities within a 35-mile radius, including Pittsfield Charter Township, and the release of climate-changing gases such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and methane will harm the global community, and
WHEREAS, the Ecology Center has been working to reduce the impact of Holcim’s current operations, now ranked as one of the top polluters in the state, and the Center expects that the burning proposal would not only add to pollution of the region’s air, but also damage local streams, aquifers and wells, destroy roads carrying hundreds of trucks, and degrade the peace of neighborhoods by added noise, and
WHEREAS, Holcim’s burning proposal violates principles of long term sustainability for the production of their own cement products, and the waste products Holcim proposes to burn should be recycled and reused for their valuable nutrients and embedded energy resources;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees opposes the granting of a burning permit to Holcim Cement, urges the MDEQ and the USEPA to reject the proposal and order the company to institute safe and sustainable methods for the re-use and recycling of its waste products, and authorizes the Supervisor to send letters of opposition to the appropriate decision-makers, with copies to the Ecology Center, Holcim Cement, and the Governor.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
_______________________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
DATED: August 12, 2003
CERTIFICATE
I, Christina L. Lirones, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted by the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township, County of Washtenaw, State of Michigan, at a Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, August 12, 2003, and that said meeting was conducted and public notice of said meeting was given pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, and that the minutes of said meeting were kept and will be or have been made available as required by said Act.
___________________________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
DATED: August 12, 2003
PITTSFIELD CHARTER TOWNSHIP
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN
RES #03-43
SUPPORT FOREST STEWARDSHIP GRANT APPLICATION TO THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Minutes of a Regular Meeting of the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township, Washtenaw County, Michigan held at the Township Administration Building located at 6201 W. Michigan Avenue in said Township, on the 12th day of August 2003, at 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
Members Absent: None
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Member Conner and supported by Member Brostrom.
WHEREAS, the Michigan DNR Forest Stewardship Program, funded through the USDA Forest Service, has the goal of increasing understanding of the benefits of actively managing forest ecosystems through forest stewardship methods, and funds such activities as management plan development, workshops, demonstration areas, and large ecosystem projects, and
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Preserve includes 200 acres of forested land for which a long term management plan needs to be developed, incorporating Township goals for habitat improvement, passive recreation, nature education, and forest quality restoration, and
WHEREAS, invasive species such as buckthorn threaten to take over areas of the Preserve, changing the ecosystem so that native trees and other plants cannot thrive, and spreading quickly to also threaten private woodlands throughout the Township, and
WHEREAS, healthy trees and forests have the potential to provide excellent storm water management throughout the township, while residents have shown increased interest in the protection of trees and woodlands, and have asked for assistance in learning how to remove invasive species.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees supports a grant application to the Forest Stewardship Outreach and Education grant program, for forest management plan development, a demonstration project, and public education workshops, with the requested grant funds to be matched by $8,000 in local funds, comprising donations by developers to the tree mitigation fund and the township’s Phase II Compliance budget.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Skrobola, Walter
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
RESOLUTION DECLARED ADOPTED.
_________________________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
DATED: August 12, 2003
CERTIFICATE
I, Christina L. Lirones, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted by the Township Board of Pittsfield Charter Township, County of Washtenaw, State of Michigan, at a Regular Meeting held on Tuesday, August 12, 2003, and that said meeting was conducted and public notice of said meeting was given pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, and that the minutes of said meeting were kept and will be or have been made available as required by said Act.
_____________________________
Christina L. Lirones, Clerk
Pittsfield Charter Township
DATED: August 12, 2003
