APPROVED
Minutes of a Regular Meeting
Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees, April 8, 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 7:30 p.m. A quorum was present.
2.0 Pledge of Allegiance led bySupervisor Walter.
3.0 Roll Call – all members present except for Treasurer Skrobola.
4.0 Open Meetings Act/Public Comment I
5.0 Public Hearings/Presentations
6.0 Approval of Minutes
6.1 Request to Approve Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held on March 25, 2003.
Clerk Lirones commented that the colons inserted after the “motion carried” section of the roll calls needed to be deleted. She added that on page 9 the word “that” had been repeated in the first line, and that “Mr. Cooperrider” should be written as “Director Cooperrider”.
Trustee Brostrom said that on page 9, the 2nd line in the 2nd paragraph should read “…is always open and asked…”. He said that on page 8 Chet Hill’s company had already been named and so this did not need to be repeated in the 3rd paragraph. He added that a semi-colon should placed between the words “favored” and “therefore” in the first paragraph of page 10.
Motion by Trustee Burhop, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve minutes of the regular Board meeting held on March 25, 2003, as corrected.
MOTION CARRIED.
7.0 Consent Agenda
8.0 Items from the Treasurer
8.1 Present Policy for Automated Clearing House (ACH), and Request Approval of Resolution #03-15 to Authorize Electronic Transactions Under Public Act 738 of 2002.
Motion by Trustee Burhop, supported by Clerk Lirones, to present the policy for Automated Clearing House (ACH), and request approval of Resolution #03-15 to authorize electronic transactions under Public Act 738 of 2002. (See Attachment #1)
Trustee Marine asked for more information on the ACH policy.
Supervisor Walter said that recent legislation would allow electronic transactions.
Trustee Burhop said that it is a matter of facilitating transactions between banks electronically instead of exchanging paper documents. She said it is similar in concept to the direct deposit of paychecks.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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8.2 Request Approval to Adopt Resolution Regarding Warner Family Donation.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to adopt the resolution regarding the refund of the Warner family donation. (See Attachment #2)
Trustee Brostrom suggested that the wording in the second “whereas” be changed to read “specifically to”.
Trustee Marine noted that the donation had been given some time ago and wondered why the scholarship had not been set up.
Supervisor Walter said that further donations for this purpose had been anticipated, with the idea that the township would administer the fund. He said that the Warner family had decided to set up a different fund for the same purpose instead, and had requested that the donation be returned for that purpose.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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9.0 Items from the Clerk
9.1 Request Approval for Payment of Payables, checks #41879-41975, in the amount of $461,292.77.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve payment of the payables, checks #41879-41975, in the amount of $461,292.77.
Trustee Marine asked why there was a bunny suit rental on the expenditures.
Clerk Lirones clarified that it is for the Parks & Recreation annual Easter egg hunt.
Trustee Marine asked what the wrap around nursery seat was for.
Clerk Lirones said that she believed this item was also from Parks & Recreation, and that she thought it was a table seat for children.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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9.2 Request Motion to Receive Control Account Report for the month of February 2003.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the control account report for the month of February 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
9.3 Request Motion to Adopt Telecommunications Rights-of-Way Resolution #03-16, so that the Township may Receive Funds for Right-of-Way Improvement and Maintenance.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to adopt the Telecommunications Rights-of-Way Resolution #03-16, so that the township may receive funds for right-of-way improvement and maintenance. (See Attachment #3)
Clerk Lirones commented that the “A” and “@” signs should be disregarded as formatting errors.
Bruce Laidlaw, Township Attorney, commented that the errors were a result of the document transfer from Wordperfect to Word. He went on to say that up until last year, communities in Michigan could set up their own fees and regulations for installing telecommunication facilities in road rights-of-way. He said that a number of telecommunication facilities were being wired in the Detroit metropolitan area, and that the fees that cities have imposed range from next to nothing to very high. He said that the legislature had passed the Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Rights-of Way Oversight Act, or METRO Act, last year to make these regulations uniform. He explained that the fees that can be charged are set by statute, and then the statute authorizes and requires the payment of fees to each township with telecommunication facilities, such as telephone and internet modem lines, on a linear foot basis. He said that there is a provision for jurisdictions to opt in or opt out, and with this resolution the township will opt in. He said that there is nothing to lose by adopting this resolution.
Supervisor Walter asked if there were any obligations on the township’s behalf.
Mr. Laidlaw said that the obligations are to follow the time and fee schedules set by the state law.
Supervisor Walter asked if it would come under the purview of the Road Commission if a company wanted to bury lines in the right-of-way, rather than run them overhead.
Mr. Laidlaw said that if it is in the Road Commission controlled right-of-way, then the Road Commission would have to be consulted regarding the engineering work involved, but that the fee will be paid to the township.
Trustee Conner asked how many linear feet there were running through the township.
Mr. Laidlaw said he did not know, but that the regulated companies ultimately have to file maps to the METRO authority showing where their lines are. He said that at this point the authority consists of Robert Tuttle, who does not yet have staff in his office, and so it will be a while before those maps are available.
Supervisor Walter asked if the fees would be received retroactively.
Mr. Laidlaw said yes, according to Mr. Tuttle, and that the money can only be used for right-of-way improvements and maintenance.
Clerk Lirones asked by what date she needed to mail a copy of this resolution to the METRO Authority in Lansing.
Mr. Laidlaw said by the 29th of April, and that a copy also needed to be sent to any telecommunications providers that are operating in the right-of-way.
Supervisor Walter asked if companies will be required to pay back fees for lines installed without permission.
Mr. Laidlaw said yes.
Trustee Marine asked how much money the fees amounted to.
Clerk Lirones said 2 cents per linear foot.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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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 Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Hire of Ruth Turner as a Housing Aide – Casual Employee, for up to 20 hrs. per month, effective April 8, 2003.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the resolution authorizing the hire of Ruth Turner as a Housing Commission Aide – casual employee, for up to 20 hours per month, effective April 8, 2003.
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorizes the hiring of a casual housing aide employee, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Ruth Turner will assist with Housing related work for 10 hours per month,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorizes the hiring of Ms. Ruth Turner to serve in the position of a casual housing aide, effective Tuesday, April 8, 2003 at an hourly wage of $10.50, for up to 20 hrs. per month.
Trustee Brostrom said that in the “NOW, THEREFORE” section the “Mr.” should be corrected to read “Ms.”
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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10.2 Request Approval of Student Intern Pay Rates effective April 8, 2003. Undergraduate Student Intern pay range of $8.50-$10.50 per hour (dependent upon experience and discretion of department head), and Graduate Student Intern pay range $10.50-$12.00 per hour (dependent upon experience and discretion of department head).
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve student intern pay rates, effective April 8, 2003 as follows: Undergraduate student intern pay range of $8.50 - $10.50 per hour (dependent upon experience and discretion of departmental head), and graduate student intern pay range $10.50-$12.00 per hour (dependent upon experience and discretion of departmental head).
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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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 Authorized Repairs to Major Crimes/LAWNET Vehicle, unit (9616), a 1996 Pontiac Bonneville. The authorized repairs will be done through the primary repair facility, Crispin Chevrolet, at an estimated amount $2,500.00, charged to account #301-863 – Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve authorized repairs to Major Crimes/LAWNET vehicle, unit (9616), a 1996 Pontiac Bonneville. The authorized repairs will be done through the primary repair facility, Crispin Chevrolet, at an estimated amount of $2,500.00, charged to account #301-863 – Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.2 Motion to Receive Correspondence to serve as Notification that the following Paid On-Call Fire Fighters have resigned from the Pittsfield Fire Department: Jim Keeton, John Jurek, and Jason Raschke.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive correspondence to serve as notification that the following Paid On-Call Fire Fighters have resigned from the Pittsfield Fire Department: Jim Keeton, John Jurek, and Jason Raschke.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.3 Request to Approve Purchase of Truck Washing Soap – Public Safety Stations, from Continental Research Corporation at a cost of $3,960.00, charged to account #336-778 Building Maintenance and Supplies.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the purchase of truck washing soap, for Public Safety Stations, from Continental Research Corporation at a cost of $3,960.00, charged to account #336-778 – Building Maintenance and Supplies.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.4 Request to Purchase Forcible Entry Simulator – Fire Department, through S & J Entrance and Window Specialist Inc. at a cost of $2,486.00, charged to account #336-956.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve purchase of Forcible Entry Simulator – Fire Department, through S & J Entrance and Window Specialists Inc. at a cost of $2,486.00, charged to account #336-956.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.5 Request to Approve Replacement of Fire Department Air Monitor, through Argus Supply Company, at a cost of $2,999.00 and charged to account #336-777 – Fire Equipment and Supplies.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve replacement of Fire Department Air Monitor, through Argus Supply Company, at a cost of $2,999.00, 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, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.6 Request to Approve the Replacement of Fire Department Turnout Gear, through Globe, at a cost of $9,540.00 and charged to account #336-725 – Uniform Expense.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Marine, to approve the replacement of Fire Department turnout gear, through Globe, at a cost of $9,540.00, charged to account #336-725 – Uniform Expense.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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11.7 Request Approval to Enroll in Studies in Local History (50%) for Lieutenant Raymond Hagen, at Eastern Michigan University, for a cost of $369.00, with class starting June 21, 2003 through June 27, 2003.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve enrollment in Studies in Local History (50%) for Lieutenant Raymond Hagen, at Eastern Michigan University, for a cost of $369.00, with class starting June 21, 2003 through June 27, 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.8 Request Approval to Enroll in Advanced Criminal Justice Administration (100%) for Officer Pamela Hamilton, at Madonna University for a cost of $975.00, with class starting May 5, 2003 and ending July 26, 2003.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Marine, to approve enrollment in Advanced Criminal Justice Administration (100%) for Officer Pamela Hamilton, at Madonna University, for a cost of $975.00, with class starting May 5, 2003 and ending July 26, 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.9 Request Approval to Enroll in PLSC 565 – Studies in State and Local Government (100%) for Officer James Wickman, at Eastern Michigan University, for a cost of $738.00, with class starting September 3, 2003 and ending December 17, 2003.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve enrollment in PLSC 565 – Studies in State and Local Government (100%) for Officer James Wickman at Eastern Michigan University, for a cost of $738.00, for the class starting September 3, 2003 and ending December 17, 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
11.10 Motion to Receive Police Department Call Activity Statistical Report for the month of March 2003.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Burhop, to receive the Police Department call activity statistical report for the month of March 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.0 Items from the Office of Municipal Services/Planning and Zoning
12.1 Request to Approve Resolution RZ #02-01 Sam’s Club [Second Reading].
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Conner, to approve Resolution #RZ #02-01 Sam’s Club [Second Reading]. (See attachment #4)
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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Nick Miller, representing Sam’s Club, thanked the Board.
12.2 Request to Approve Resolution for Authorization to Accept the 2003 Lawn Mowing Contract with Liberty Lawn Services, LLC at a rate of $1,100.00 per cutting for all Township Properties.
Trustee Brostrom said that in the second “Whereas” the word “have” should be replaced with “has”, and that the word “and” should be dropped from the end of the same paragraph.
Trustee Marine asked if this was the same company that had been doing the mowing for the last year or two.
Clerk Lirones said that last year there had been an advertisement allowing any company to bid and that the lowest bidder had been hired, with an unsatisfactory result. She said that this year the bids had been offered to only 5 qualified bidders so the Board could confidently select the lowest bid, which had been provided by Liberty Lawn Services, LLC. She said that Liberty Lawn Services, LLC had been hired by the township 2 years ago under the name of “Full Circle Lawn Service” and had provided excellent service.
Richard Arms, of Liberty Lawn Services, LLC, explained that the company name had changed due to a potential sale of the company that did not go through.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the resolution for authorization to accept the 2003 lawn mowing contract with Liberty Lawn Services, LLC at a rate of $1,100.00 per cutting for all township properties.
WHEREAS, the Township has a need for lawn mowing services for township properties, and
WHEREAS, the Township has received three bids on the proposed work and has found a fair and reasonable price,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township accepts the contract with Liberty Lawn Services, LLC for lawn mowing for the 2003 mowing season at a rate of $1,100.00 per cutting.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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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 $49,461.75.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Burhop, to approve the Great Lakes Waste/B.F.I. Rubbish report and payment of the bill in the amount of $49,461.75.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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12.4 Motion to Receive Building Department Permit Summary for the month of March 2003.
Motion by Clerk Lirones, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to receive the Building Department permit summary for the month of March 2003.
MOTION CARRIED.
12.5 Request Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Hire of Mr. Timothy S. Watterson to the Position of Field Technician I – Utilities Department, effective April 14, 2003 at an hourly wage of $10.85 per hr. as stipulated by the AFSCME Union Contract.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Brostrom, to approve the resolution authorizing the hire of Mr. Timothy S. Watterson to the position of Field Technician I – Utilities Department, effective April 14, 2003 at an hourly wage of $10.85 per hr. as stipulated by the AFSCME Union Contract.
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorizes the hiring of a Field Technician I – Utilities Department Position, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Timothy Watterson meets the qualifications set forth in the Field Technician I – Utilities Department 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. Timothy Watterson, to serve in the position of Field Technician I – Utilities Department, effective Monday, April 14th, at an hourly wage of $10.85 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, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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12.6 Request Approval of Resolution Authorizing the Hire of Ms. Tracy L. Zeller to the Position of Field Technician I – Utilities Department, effective April 14, 2003, at an hourly wage of $10.85 per hr. as stipulated by the AFSCME Union Contract.
Trustee Burhop commented that this person seemed to be a “job-hopper” and said that she hoped that she decides to stay at Pittsfield for a longer period of time.
Motion by Trustee Conner, supported by Trustee Marine, to approve a resolution authorizing the hire of Ms. Tracy L. Zeller to the position of Field Technician I – Utilities Department, effective April 14, 2003, at an hourly wage of $10.85 per hr., as stipulated by the AFSCME Union contract.
WHEREAS, the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorizes the hiring if a Field Technician I – Utilities Department position, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Tracy Zeller meets the qualifications set forth in the Field Technician – Utilities Department 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 Ms. Tracy Zeller to serve in the position of Field Technician I – Utilities Department, effective Monday, April 14th, at an hourly wage of $10.85 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, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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13.0 Items from the Parks & Recreation Department
14.0 Unfinished Business
15.0 New Business
15.1 Request the Board to go into Executive Session to meet with Attorneys in regards to Home Builders Lawsuit.
Motion by Trustee Brostrom, supported by Trustee Burhop, to retire into Executive Session to discuss with the township’s attorneys pending litigation in a matter which may have a detrimental impact on the township.
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ROLL CALL VOTE: |
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AYES: |
Brostrom, Burhop, Conner, Lirones, Marine, Walter. |
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NAYS: |
None. |
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ABSENT: |
Skrobola. |
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ABSTAIN: |
None. |
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MOTION CARRIED. |
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The Board members adjourned to executive session at 8:10 p.m.
The Board members returned to public session at 8:40 p.m.
16.0 Public Comment II-none.
17.0 Adjournment by Supervisor Walter at 8:40 p.m.
_____________________________
Arianne Garza, 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 APRIL 22, 2003.
