COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES

The Regular Meeting of Columbia Township Board was called to order by Supervisor Beckwith. Present were Beckwith, Speicher, May, Harrington and Landers. In attendance were 24 individuals.

Special Guest: Consumers Energy - Palisades Nuclear Plant spokes person Mark Savage presented the Township with a check in the sum of $2,500.00 in response to a request for assistance from the Township Supervisor. The request was related to obtaining 440 volt service to the Columbia Township Fire Station in Grand Junction to operate the eight inch water well. Consumers Energy through their employee recognition program awarded $500.00 for each of the Employees, Nadine Stacks, Bert Stacks, Bryan Sosinski, AL Baerren and Ken Speicher.

Consent Agenda: January 18, 2000, regular meeting, expenses through February 13, 2000 and Treasurers report were presented.

Harrington moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Landers. Carried unanimously.

Clerk’s Report: Consent agenda and additional monthly expenses:

General Fund:

Expenses in Consent Agenda: $21,259.57

CK-10681

CK-10682

CK-10683

Expenses in Consent Agenda: $39,288.61

Speicher moved to approve payment of the additional invoices received after consent agenda, seconded by Harrington. Carried unanimously.

Sheriff Report: Provided a letter explaining the weekend work alternate program available to non profit organizations.

Commissioner Report: Thanked Mark Savage, Consumers Power for giving something back to the area community.

Planning Commission: Recommended Vic Sedlak as Zoning Administrator and suggested adding George Harrington and Jeff Sauer to the Planning Commission.

Library Committee: Asked for community involvement. Announced the Sadle Hawkins Dance for February 26th at the Township Hall and a Pampered Chef Party on March 18th at the Township Hall.

Supervisor’s Report: Mentioned all the fire department employees were certified in CPR. Recommended no further action on electrical generator for the Township Hall based on the controversial issue being caused by the very people who originally suggested it. Mentioned there will be no addition to the existing fire station as the new fire truck fits in the existing building without modifications. Mentioned the Township did not spend $2,000.00 on a private drive or fire lane, this is an inaccurate report by some members of the public. The fire department has responded to 47 fire calls with an average response time of 6-1/2 minutes. There will be special meetings for development of the 2000 budget over the next three Tuesdays.

1. Recognized: Letter received from Lee Township for the record they have a very good working relationship with the Columbia Township Fire Department and will continue with mutual aid. The letter also provides an important message to the citizens of Columbia Township that they have had no problems with working with the members of Columbia Township weather it be the Township Board or Fire Department.
2. 2000 Budget: Beckwith stated he would like to set the budget hearing for the next three Tuesdays at 7:00 pm. No action taken by board (supervisor authorized to call meetings).
3. Dog Clinic: Speicher moved to approve the use of fire station for Dog Clinic on February 20th, seconded by Harrington. Carried unanimously.
4. Zoning Administrator: Speicher moved to approve the Planning commissions recommendation of Vic Sedlak as Zoning Administrator, seconded by Landers. Carried unanimously.
5. Planning Commission: Beckwith moved to appoint Jeff Sauer to the Planning Commission, seconded by May. Carried unanimously.

Throughout the meeting the public provided their opinion on fire protection and ambulance services. A selective small negative group found great satisfaction in personal attacks at the character of two Township Board Members. A majority of the public found it offensive including all the Board Members.

Adjourned: By call of Supervisor, adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Kenneth J. Speicher

Columbia Township Clerk