Big Prairie Township

All minutes are unofficial until approved at the next township board meeting

BIG PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9, 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 Ruehmeier to approve the agenda with addition of County Surveyors Office., motion carried.

Mr. Tim Maris from the Newaygo County Surveyors office was present and spoke of the Assessors Plat. Their office is recommending sending a letter to all property owners and possible having another public meeting. Motion by Ruehmeier seconded by Anderson to send the letters, motion carried.

Motion by Anderson seconded by Davison to approve the minutes of the August 12, 2008 meeting, motion carried. Motion by Baker seconded by Anderson to approve the minutes of the August 25, 2008 meeting, motion carried. Motion by Anderson seconded by Davison to approve the minutes of the August 27th meeting, motion carried. Motion by Baker seconded by Ruehmeier to approve the minutes of the September 4, 2008 meeting, motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning balance 78,481.61
Income 5,603.86
Disbursements 33,596.29
Withholding 146.28
Balance 50,075.46
Report filed for audit.

Correspondence read. Wright read a letter from the Road Commission concerning re imbursement for road brining. He will contact the Road Commission .The AT&T Extension for right of way was discussed. Motion by Baker seconded by Ruehmeier to sigh the extension, motion carried.

Zoning Administrator’s report was reviewed. Motion by Ruehmeier seconded by Anderson that Big Prairie will pay the cost of MTA Convention up to 530.00 .Final cost to be split with the other Townships, motion carried.

Planning Commission: Davison questioned the commercial properties. The last of the ordinance should be finished by the 20th and ready for the County.

Fire Dept. Clerk read report. 26 runs for the month of August. 19 medical, 18 in Big Prairie and one in Goodwill. 7 fire runs, 6 in Big Prairie and one in Stanwood.
Unit 1520 will be going to Gaylord for the repairs from the accident. The old cab and Chassis will be auctioned on September 18, 2008

Board reports: Jodie had a letter from Newaygo Schools on collection of summer taxes at a charge of 3.00 per parcel. Motion by Ruehmeier seconded by Anderson to approve the property tax agreement with Newaygo Schools for summer tax, motion carried.

Comments: Ray Horning asked what was being done with property on Nash St. Mr. McManus questioned living in a trailer more than two weeks. The Supervisor and Zoning Administrator will meet with Mr. Horning and Mr. McManus on September 16th to discuss this problem. Dan Kuikstra asked about Cemetery being tuned back to prairie grass, can the land still be used. Mr. Wright said it can be used but won’t be needed for several years. The grant money is being used for this .Kuikstra also has concerns about the proposed trail. Who will maintain and keep up. This is still in preliminary stages.

Motion by Davison seconded by Baker to approve and pay the bills, motion carried.

Furnace bids. Wright discussed the sizes needed with mechanical inspector from the County and one bid filled the requested size. Motion by Wright seconded by Davison to accept the middle bids of 7,129.00 from Rueh’s for furnace and air conditioner, motion carried.

The Flood management issue was tabled.

Aflac Insurance was discussed. Four or five firemen showed interest. Motion by Anderson seconded by Ruehmeier to offer the insurance, motion carried.

Clean up Day is September 20, 2008. Help is needed for this.

No further business to come before the Board, meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Subject to Board approval Judith Baker, Clerk