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. 9 people also attended.

Minutes of the previous regular meeting were read and approved with a motion by Landers, seconded by Harrington. Carried unanimously. Minutes of a special meeting of 10-25-96 were then read and approved with a motion by May, seconded by Burgett. Carried by 4 votes, with Landers abstaining because he didn't attend.

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

Investment activity included the purchase of a $15,000 and a $25,000 CD and the cashing in of a $20,000 CD. Motion by Grahek, seconded by Burgett. Carried unanimously.

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

Gen Fund bills: $13,580.97

Gen Fund to Road Fund: $12,255.77

Purchase CD's: $40,000.00

Motion by Landers, seconded by May. Carried unanimously.

There was no report from the Cactus Committee.

The Board then discussed its preferences in regard to terms for the contracts with the proposed inspectors. May moved to state a preference for 6 month contracts with termination options by either party upon 60 days notice. Seconded by Grahek, carried unanimously. Grahek moved to state a preference for a 10% admin fee only on construction permits. Seconded by Burgett, carried unanimously.

Grahek introduced a resolution clarifying that the Board has the sole hiring authority for the Township, and that this authority could be delegated by the Board to one or more of it's members.

Burgett seconded and the resolution carried unanimously.

May moved to purchase a new John Deere lawn mower for $750 plus the one currently owned by the Township. Grahek seconded. Carried by 4 votes, with Harrington casting the lone dissenting vote.

May announced the tax collection schedule. He also announced that it is printed on all the tax bills.

The Board considered 4 blight cases submitted by Enforcement Officer Tash. Grahek moved to adopt resolutions to turn them over to the Attorney for legal action. Burgett seconded. Carried by 4 votes, with Harrington casting the dissenting vote.

Harrington then moved to contract with Lon Johnson to clean up a blighted property for not more than $300. May seconded, carried unanimously.

The Board then discussed snow plowing requirements for the Twp Hall parking lot. Landers moved to set a standard of 6" or more of snow for it to be plowed. Burgett seconded, carried unanimously.

Grahek then announced that the Planning Commission had appointed Elizabeth Estavillo as the new Zoning Administrator, and that she was in the process of setting up a system to administer the Twp's Zoning Ordinance. He explained that the law puts the Zoning Administrator in charge of administering the Zoning Ordinance, accountable to the Board as a board, but not as individuals. He also noted that if she sets winter hours they will be published.

BBACG Rep David Goss announced that if the Fire Chief resigns, Asst. Chief Ellis will take over as Chief until the June election.

Grahek moved to adjourn, seconded by Burgett. Carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:28 PM.

Gerald P. Grahek

Columbia Township Clerk