Sylvan Township, Michigan

December 7, 2004

The regular board meeting of the Sylvan Township Board was held December 7, 2004 at 7PM at the Sylvan Township Hall, 18027 Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.

The following board members were present: Supervisor Williams, Clerk Koch, Treasurer Grau, Trustees Solo and Merkel.

Also present: Lisa Allmendinger-Ann Arbor News, Reuben Lesser, Dan Ellenwood, Marc Polk, Paul Kalmbach, Scott Baird, Mary Anne Mangelsen, Tom Caplis, Richard Bollinger, Jamie Bollinger, Paul Bollinger, Donald Bollinger, Tom and Teresa Bareis, Don Schoenberg, Earl Heller, Rene Papo, Sam Skidmore, Kurt Koseck, Jim and Kathy Neiderheide, Corinne Sikorski, Trent and Barb Satterthwaite, David Brooks, Scott Cooper, Lou Colombo, Gerald Smith.

Meeting was called to order and the pledge recited.

Motion by Grau, seconded by Koch to approve the minutes as presented. Carried.

Motion by Merkel, seconded by Grau to pay bills as presented. Carried.

Public Participation:

David Brooks read a prepared statement welcoming the new members of the board as well as those who retained their seats.

Sam Skidmore inquired about the status of his Land Transfer.

Brian Koch congratulated the board and ask the Supervisor about his plans for traffic flow if the by-pass is dead and also how you plan to work with the City Officials and with the encumbant board members?

Reuben Lesser clarified that the board did not referred to a “by-pass” but an alternate route, board never pushed for a by-such as such, always worked with developers on an alternate route.

Public comments was closed.

Zoning Inspector Lange reported 4 zoning permits and 1 new address were issued in November.

Reports:

Supervisor Williams reported on getting settled in office, will be attending a Lakes Project construction meeting next week and will follow up with a letter to the lake residents. Will also be attending a Supervisors CEO meeting to discuss the jail proposal.

Clerk Koch reported on receiving the Official Call for a Special Election to be held Tuesday, February 22, 2005 to vote on a County Jail millage.

Treasurer Grau reported winter tax bills are out.

Trustee Solo reported he has signed up for Web Site training and hopes to have the Township’s web site up and running by the first of the year. Also attended the MTA Dinner and will be attending the New Officials Training session by MTA.

Trustee Merkel reported on Planning Commission meeting.

Other reports:

Reuben Lesser reported on the CAFA meeting, upcoming budget to be reviewed, the amendment to the Articles of Incorporation have been signed by all municipalities. Next meeting is December 16^th at 7pm at Sylvan Township Hall.

Corinne Sikorski reported on WWRA, a new manager has been selected, Clifford Tracy, replacing retiring Bob Reding. There are upcoming meetings with Atwell Hicks to discuss enlarging the site.

No Old Business.

New Business:

Motion by Merkel, seconded by Grau to re-appoint the 3 existing members, Walter Hahn, Bill Sotirion and Don Schoenberg to another 2-year term. Discussion was lead by Trustee Solo stating that perhaps a more open process to these appointments could occur when the term expires. Perhaps conduct interviews with new applicants as well as the existing member. Feels that the current process is to closed of a system and would like a more open policy. Solo ask sitting board members in the audience if this would be a problem. Feedback was received with the indication that if experience is not a qualification – what is? There were other comments to open up the policy. Motion carried.

Motion by Grau, seconded by Solo to approve the Agreement Waiving Objection to Errors in Special Assessment Billings and Approving Certain Special Assessment Splits as it relates to Norfolk, Magellan and Cook. Roll call vote – all ayes – Carried.

Motion by Solo, seconded by Merkel to approve Williams, Grau and Koch to attend the Annual MTA Conference in Detroit in January. Carried.

Motion by Merkel, seconded by Koch to appoint Williams as alternate to the Washtenaw MTA Chapter. Carried.

Motion by Koch, seconded by Solo to adopt the Resolution Clarifying the Position of the Sylvan Township Board Regarding the Through Road to be Construction by Norfolk Development on the condition that it does not conflict with the Land Development Standards. Carried.

Motion by Grau, seconded by Koch to adjourn.

LuAnn S. Koch

Sylvan Township Clerk