COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES

The regular meeting of the Columbia Township Board was called to order by Supervisor Larry Burgett. Present were Grahek, May, Landers, and Harrington. 18 people also attended.

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

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

Investment activity included purchase of a $20,000 CD for Gen Fund.

Motion by Grahek, seconded by Burgett. Roll call vote unanimous.

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

General Fund: $17,055.32 Road Fund $2,571.50

Motion by May, seconded by Burgett. Roll call vote unanimous.

May brought up the subject of the rental fee for the Twp Hall/Community Center and indicated he thought it was too high. After some discussion by the Board May introduced a resolution lowering the fee from $100 to $72. Landers moved to adopt the resolution, seconded by Burgett. Carried by four votes with Harrington casting the dissenting vote.

Grahek read the interim report submitted to the Board by the Cactus Committee. They are awaiting documentation from MSU.

Grahek brought up the issue of a Ballfield Committee and noted that he had run two ads, in addition to the minutes, asking for volunteers. There had been no response. He moved to run the ad one more time, and if there is no response it will be considered a dead issue. Seconded by Burgett. Carried unanimously.

Harrington reported that he had gotten the sign for the Thompson Cemetery, but it had not been erected yet.

Grahek announced that the Planning Commission had appointed Elizabeth Estavillo to be the new Zoning Administrator for a term of one year, the salary and effective date of office to be determined by the Twp Board. He also noted that the appointment has to be approved by the Board. After some discussion about salary he moved that the appointment be approved, the salary be set at $250 per month, and the effective date be the date of release from AGS. Seconded by Landers. Carried by four roll call votes, with Harrington casting the dissenting vote.

The Board next discussed the necessity for yard lights at the new hall. Burgett and May both indicated they had talked with Consumers and GTE. May moved to authorize the Supervisor to have yard lights installed as soon as possible and not later than Oct. 15. Seconded by Landers. Carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Grahek announced that the Board should decide whether or not to hold a hearing to increase taxes, also known as a "Truth in Taxation" hearing. He referenced a letter from Assessor Hal Manning indicating that without a hearing revenue would increase about $2700 because of new construction, whereas if we hold a hearing and vote to increase taxes, the increase would be about $6800. Landers moved to forego a hearing, seconded by May. Carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Burgett brought up the subject of the fax machine and said that we have had problems with it ever since we bought it and should probably get a new one. May moved to purchase a new fax machine with a maintenance agreement. Grahek seconded. Carried unanimously.

Hospital Rep. Jan Conway announced that hospital personnel will be at the Oct. 15 meeting to answer all questions regarding the hospital, Medicare, Medicaid, and anything else related. She also said she would like ads run in the paper to announce it. Grahek moved to run announcements in the last two issues of the Reminder prior to the meeting. Burgett seconded. Carried unanimously.

Co. Commissioner Doug DeLeo announced that the Board of Commissioners had rejected a proposed animal control ordinance.

Burgett announced that DeLeo was instrumental in getting the paving finished on CR 384.

Grahek moved to adjourn, seconded by Burgett. Carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.

Gerald P. Grahek

Columbia Township Clerk