COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES

The regular meeting of the Columbia Township Board was called to order by Clerk Grahek. Present were May, Landers, and Harrington. Absent was Burgett. 22 people also attended.

Grahek announced that Burgett was doing well in recovering from his surgery. He also announced that the new Twp Hall is finishing well below the reduced budget of $135,000.00. And equipment is about $4,000.00 below the budget of $10,000.00.

Minutes of the previous regular meeting were read and approved with a motion by May, seconded by Landers. Carried unanimously.

Treasurer's Report was read by May and was approved as follows:

Three Gen Fund CDs matured totalling $88,975.06, with $2,189.15 interest. $25,630.62 was put in Gen Fund Checking Acct. The two other CDs were reinvested: $25,630.62 at Pinnacle to mature 10-02-97 and $37,713.82 at First of America to mature 08-02-97. Motion by Landers, seconded by Harrington. Roll call vote unanimous.

Clerk's Report of monthly bills was read and approved as follows:

General Fund $20,693.85

Motion by Landers seconded by May. Roll call vote unanimous.

Grahek announced that it looks like we will have enough money to prepare the section of 8th Avenue for paving and asked for a motion to authorize the work. Harrington so moved, seconded by May, carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Harrington announced he had ordered a 2' by 4' sign saying "Thompson Cemetery 400' West". The sign would be one sided and would cost $64.00 plus posts.

KeVen Richcreek gave the annual Audit Report performed by Timothy K. Hutchens CPA. The report was very favorable and complimented the Twp on its handling of increased road projects, the planning of the new Twp Hall in the budget, and the extra $7000 the Twp earned in interest because of wise investments. The Report also pointed out the need for a Deputy Treasurer and, for the future, recommended an organizational chart and an electronic data processing manual. Landers moved to accept the Report, seconded by May. Carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Grahek announced that the Twp Board had received a letter from Russell Gibbs citing concern about the cactus on the ballfield, and asking the Twp's intentions regarding the ballfield. Grahek offered Gibbs the opportunity to head a committee to study the cactus problem, including determination of the degree of danger and, if necessary, how the cactus can be eliminated. Gibbs accepted, and

Sue Harrington volunteered to be on the committee.

Grahek also offered Gibbs an opportunity to head a ballfield committee which would study such things as amount of public support, usage, liability, cost, how many Twp youngsters would benefit, how much volunteer help could be expected, how much in donations, and how to get grant money if any is available. Gibbs declined, citing lack of time, but said he would serve on it. No one else volunteered.

BBACG Fire Rep David Goss reported that as of Sep. 1 the Lee Twp Fire Dept will respond to all structure fires north of CR 380 between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. He also asked that the Board authorize the Supervisor to sign a quit-claim for the lot next to the Grand Jct fire station according to the conditions previously approved. Landers so moved, seconded by May. Carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Hospital Rep. Jan Conway announced that hospital personnel would be at the Oct. 15 Board meeting to answer questions regarding the hospital, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.

Bill Bartles submitted a petition for road work to be done on 47th Street.

May appointed Peter Stanislawski as the Deputy Treasurer.

Landers moved to adjourn, seconded by May. Meeting adjourned at 9:04 PM.

Gerald P. Grahek

Columbia Township Clerk