March 2008 Minutes
All minutes are unofficial until approved at the next township board meeting
BIG PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
MARCH 11, 2008
The regular meeting of the Big Prairie Township Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Supervisor Wright. The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Roll call showed the following Board members present: Wright, Baker, Ruehmeier, Anderson and Davison.
Motion by Anderson seconded by Davison to approve the agenda as presented, motion carried.
Minutes: Motion by Ruehmeier seconded by Davison to approve the minutes of the regular February 12, 2008 meeting, motion carried. Motion by Davison seconded by Ruehmeier to approve the minutes of the March 6, 2008 workshop meeting, motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning Balance 31,243.74
Income 541.49
Disbursements 14,037.66
Balance 21,681.43
Report filed for audit. Treasurer has settled the taxes with the County. A new law should help the Treasurer collect on personnel property taxes.
Correspondence read. The Supervisor will check with County on flood insurance.
Zoning Administrator’s Report: Written report was reviewed. Motion by Anderson seconded by Davison to pay $27.50(½ of class) for Zoning Administrator, motion carried.
Planning Commission: They held their election and the Chairman is Dan Kuikstra, Secretary, Shirley Jackowski and Vice Chairman is LaVonne Morsaw. Meeting dates are the third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. , received a draft of ordinance and are finishing the maps.
Assessor: Jackie was attending another meeting so Chuck reported a total of 49 at the Board of Review, not including the ones mailed in.
Fire Dept. Chief reported 13 runs for February, 12 medical, I fire assist with White Cloud.
Anderson reported the web site is up and running, will add to it as things are presented.
Clerk reported the claim was filed with insurance for building and truck. Baker has nominating petitions for any one interested in running for election. Deadline is May 13, 2008 . Mr. Wright contacted Norm Ochs and will meet with him.
Comments or requests from the audience: Missy Clark had some concerns over Planning budget mileage and LSL expenses. She felt a more detail mileage should be turned in by zoning administrator and not sure he should have needed to consult with Planner, should go through the Planning Chairman. Would like to see the attorney bills more detailed. Supervisor will talk to zoning administrator for more detail in mileage.
Motion by Davison seconded by Baker to approve and pay the bills including additional bills just received, motion carried.
The zoning amendment has been at the County Zoning since January 18,2008, their meeting was cancelled due to weather so will not address until the March meeting.
Board discussed the 16ft. amendment. Ruehmeier hopes this is only temporary and not necessarily what the new is when zoning ordinance is complete. Motion by Wright seconded by Baker to approve the ordinance amendment.
Roll call vote: Wright, yea, Baker, yes, Ruehmeier, yea Anderson , yea, Davison, yea
Ordinance adopted and will be published.
Mileage and food allowance: This is not in policy form and some get it and some don’t. The Board needs to have one policy. Discussion followed. Motion by Wright seconded by Davison that the Township pay .40 per mile for using own vehicle on Township business excluding mileage to Hall for meetings, motion carried.Motio by Wright seconded by Ruehmeier to allow $15.00 per day food allowance, excluding alcohol, while engaged in Township business, outside of the Township, motion carried.
Park Commission Rules and Regulations: Clerk questioned having the Attorney look over these. Board felt simple common sense additions and no need for attorney review.
Motion by Anderson seconded by Baker to adopt the Rules and Regulations of the Park Commission as presented,
Roll call vote: Wright, yea, Baker, yea Ruehmeier, yea, Anderson , yea, Davison, yea
Rules adopted and will be published.
Clerk to contact Everett on the Cemetery budget meeting date and notify the Board.
No further business to come before the meeting, meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Subject to Board approval Judith Baker, Clerk