COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES

The regular meeting of the Columbia Township Board was called to order by Burgett. Present were Grahek, May, Landers, and Harrington. 33 people also attended.

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 and approved as follows:

Revenue sharing money totaling $30,230.38 was added to Twp. accts. Motion by Grahek, seconded by Harrington, carried unanimously.

Deputy Scott Batten announced that some subjects have been arrested for B&E's. He also announced that there have been many car-deer accidents lately.

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

General Fund: $ 11,982.60.

Motion by Landers, seconded by Harrington, carried unanimously.

A watercraft control ordinance proposed by the DNR was discussed. It was noted that there were two petitions involved, one in favor of the ordinance, containing 133 signatures, and one opposed to the ordinance, containing 228 signatures. There was disagreement among some audience members as to where some of the signers lived. It was pointed out that the DNR did not take either petition into account. May moved to adopt the ordinance, seconded by Burgett. The motion carried by a 3 to 2 vote: Landers, Burgett, and May voted yes; and Harrington and Grahek voted no.

Snow plowing bids were reviewed by the Board and were awarded as follows: Twp Hall parking lot - Mike Kakarian for $40.00; Transfer station - Herb Murphy for $25.00. Both prices are per plowing. Motion by Grahek, seconded by May. Carried unanimously.

Proposed land divisions for prop. #s 8006-018-002-20 and 8006-003-018-02 were approved with a motion by Landers, seconded by Burgett. Carried unanimously.

Grahek announced that since the people want service from the Grand Jct. fire station and since BBACG has not seemed very willing to provide it, the Board has been looking into possible alternatives. He noted that South Haven Area Emergency Service seems willing to man the station for about the same rough estimate as BBACG. This could also serve eastern Geneva Twp. He noted that VBEMS might be a possibility if we separate Ambulance from Fire Service. They do not collect millage from the twps. they currently serve. He pointed out that the information is all very preliminary and much more work needs to be done. He invited help from anyone interested. He also pointed out that the people deserve all the information possible so they can make an informed choice.

Elizabeth Estavillo requested that two new members be appointed to the Planning Commission.

Jack Conway stood up and claimed to be the spokesperson for the people of the Township and claimed that Larry Burgett is supposed to run the Twp. He said Burgett couldn't do his job and claimed it was because of Elizabeth Estavillo. He then called her names and accused her of giving permission to bring a 12' wide mobile home into the Twp. He presented 12 petition pages to the Board, 5 of which had been circulated by Larry Burgett. The petitions had been signed by 137 people and called for Elizabeth Estavillo to be relieved of all Twp duties. They did not give a reason for the proposed firing. Conway then complained about an article that had appeared in the REMINDER with Estavillo's name on it. The article criticized Burgett for lack of leadership in the fire and ambulance issue, and suggested the possibility of a recall. Conway said Estavillo should be fired for publishing it to see how she likes it. Harrington tried to explain to Conway that the Twp is run by the Board, not just one Board member. He was interrupted and not permitted to finish. An audience member tried to explain that we have to follow due process rather than operate as a lynch mob. He was interrupted and not permitted to finish. Estavillo was not offered an opportunity to respond to the accusations. The matter was left unresolved.

Audience members criticized the bickering. An audience member asked if anything had been done to make an organizational chart or written job descriptions, as recommended by the auditor. Burgett did not answer. Audience members suggested that clarifying responsibilities and authorities could stop some of the bickering.

BBACG Rep Goss announced that all the information regarding manning the Grand Jct fire station would be presented at the Dec 8 Fire Board meeting. He said that all the questions would be answered then. He also recommended Jim Birner as his replacement.

VBC Commissioner DeLeo announced that John Murphy is the new VBC Administrator.

Hospital Rep Conway announced that the hospital has started its new construction, and that it did well in its audit.

Harrington Moved to adjourn, seconded by Grahek. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.

Gerald P. Grahek

Columbia Township Clerk