COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES

The regular meeting of the Columbia Township Board was called to order by Supervisor Burgett. Present were Grahek, May, Landers, and Harrington. 32 people also attended.

Minutes of the previous regular meeting were read and approved with a correction in the Road Fund investments and total. Motion by Landers, seconded by May. Roll call vote unanimous.

Treasurer's Report was read and approved as follows:

Investment activity included purchase of a $15,000.00 Road Fund CD. Motion by Grahek, seconded by Harrington. Roll call vote unanimous.

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

General Fund: $29,267.53 Road Fund Investment: $15,000.00

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

The Board discussed possible Auditors and decided to remain with Timothy K. Hutchens. Motion by Grahek, seconded by Burgett, roll call vote unanimous. Grahek then moved to authorize Burgett to sign on behalf of the Twp a letter of agreement with Hutchens. Seconded by Landers, carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Burgett presented proposed contracts signed by the Building, Mechanical, and Electrical Inspectors. Grahek indicated he had made the changes discussed at a workshop and moved to approve the contracts. May seconded. Carried by unanimous roll call vote.

A group of people requested permission to remove the cactus from the ballfield and to make improvements to the field if the Township would pay for the materials, not to exceed $1000.00. Burgett said he was afraid the Township would be sued. Grahek moved to table the issue pending consultation with the Attorney, then address it at a special meeting. Landers seconded. Carried by 4 votes, with Harrington opposing because no time limit was set.

The Board discussed setting a time and date for the annual Budget Hearing. Grahek moved to set it for March 27th at 6:00 PM, with notices in the Tribune on the prior Friday and Monday, and in the Reminder on the prior Monday. May seconded. Carried unanimously.

Burgett said he was able to make a deal on a rebuilt Canon NP 1520 copier for $1000.00, and a maintenance agreement that would cost a total of $.03 per copy. Grahek moved to approve the purchase and the agreement. Burgett seconded. Carried by unanimous roll call vote.

May announced that the Township needs to designate another financial institution to do banking with so we don't go over our account limits. He moved to adopt a resolution designating SJS Federal Savings Bank as one of the Township's financial institutions. Seconded by Burgett, carried by unanimous roll call vote.

The Board discussed a possible $30,000.00 "COPS" grant that the Undersheriff had offered if Columbia Twp Co-apply with Geneva Twp. According to the Undersheriff, the grant would mean a full time Deputy between the two Townships, and would cost each Township slightly over $11,000.00. Grahek moved to co-apply with Geneva for the grant. Burgett seconded. Carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Grahek announced that the Board needs to appoint a third member to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and moved to appoint Jack Bowen. Burgett seconded. Carried by unanimous roll call vote.

Elizabeth Estavillo requested that notices be published asking for people to serve on the Planning Commission.

BBACG Rep. Goss announced that Fire Chief Ellis had resigned. He didn't know whether there would be a new Chief or an Administrator.

Hospital Rep. Jan Conway announced the Hospital is going over contracts for remodeling.

Stan Morehead announced that VFW Post 1214 is building a veterans memorial and requested the Township make a contribution.

Cookie Page requested volunteers to help update the cemetery maps. She suggested it as a possible Scout project. She also requested that the Township draft rules and regulations for the cemeteries, such as a requirement for a vault.

Grahek moved to adjourn. Seconded by Burgett. Meeting adjourned at 9:23 PM.

Gerald P. Grahek

Columbia Township Clerk