COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES

The Regular Meeting of the Columbia Township Board was called to order by Supervisor Beckwith. Present were Beckwith, Burgett, May, Harrington, and Hurley. In attendance were 22 individuals.

Consent Agenda: November 21, 2000, regular meeting. December expenses through December 19, 2000.

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

Clerk's Report: Invoice received after preparing the consent agenda.

General Fund:

To: For: Amount:

Lake Michigan Mailers Tax Bill Postage $123.11

Burgett moved to approve the additional invoice for payment, seconded by May. Carried unanimously.

Supervisor introduced Dave Pabis, Electrical Inspector. He stated that he is very impressed with Columbia Township.

Public Comment: The clerk is doing a great job.

Questioned if a mobile home is replaced with a like size, will it fall under the Gast Exemption.

Questioned if state law requires burn permits as stated in the newsletter.

Additions to Agenda: Motion by Beckwith to add Number 12 to new business, seconded by May. Carried unanimously.

Sheriff: 59 complaints were answered during November, this is down from last month. In January all radios will be replaced with 800 megahertz radios. Scanners will not be able to pick up transmissions.

County Commissioner: The County Budget is finalized and approved for next year.

Fire Chief: 10 fire calls in November. Try to keep drives & fire lanes clear of snow for fire trucks, ambulance, and police. Newer furnaces have vent pipes that get covered with snow in the winter. This can cause carbon monoxide fumes. Make sure & keep pipes clear of snow. We still have Christmas trees on sale at the station for $15.

Planning Commission: Written report.

Neighborhood Watch: Make sure to watch for footprints in the snow to unoccupied homes.

Book Station: No Report.

Hospital: No Report.

Recreation: Ornamental trees will be marked so the jail work crew does not cut them down.

Correspondence: Ron Bus has sent a letter with a number of questions to the Columbia Township Board. The Board is in the process of preparing a written response to Ron Bus’ letter. The Columbia Township Board will fairly and factually answer Mr. Bus’ questions. A copy of the complete letter and response and attachments will be available for public inspection at the Columbia Township Office during regular business hours after December 26, 2000.

Jephtha Lake Public Access—The attorney believes this will be resolved so the Township will be pleased.

1. We need ideas for additional space at the Township Hall. The document room is full and we will be needing additional office space for the sheriff to have a computer. Space is also needed for the Fire Chief. No action was taken.
2. Motion by Beckwith, seconded by Hurley to give keys only to Board members & employees that need access to the hall. A motion to amend was made by May to have the Clerk, Mary Burgett, be the record keeper for who is given a key. The amendment was approved. Motion by May to approve the amended motion, seconded by Hurley. Carried unanimously.
3. Snow plow bids received

Lonnie Johnson—3-6" of snow--$60.00 each time plowed—6-9" of snow--$100.00 each time plowed

Cecil Mustain—3-6" of snow --$80.00 each time plowed—6-9" of snow--$120.00 each time plowed

Motion by May to accept Lonnie Johnsons’ bid, seconded by Harrington. Carried unanimously.

4. The Fire Department will be holding a dog clinic for vaccinations on February 11, 2001 from 2-4 PM.
5. Motion by Burgett to adopt the State of Michigan Federal Surplus Property Program Resolution, seconded by Beckwith. Roll call vote, Beckwith Aye, Burgett Aye, May aye, Harrington aye, Hurley aye. Resolution adopted 12/19/00.
6. Motion by Beckwith to nominate Gerald Grahek for the Board of Review for 2001, seconded by Hurley. Carried unanimously. Motion by Beckwith to nominate Jane Driscoll and Barbara Bray for the Board of Review for 2001, seconded by May. Carried unanimously. A Board of Revue Training Session will be held in Kalamazoo.
7. Motion by Beckwith to appoint George Harrington to the Planning Commission for 2001, seconded by May. Carried unanimously.
8. Motion by Burgett to adopt the Mileage Resolution. Motion by May to amend the Mileage Resolution to have the rate adjusted automatically to the new IRS rate. Seconded by Harrington. Carried unanimously. Motion by Burgett to approve the amended motion, seconded by Hurley. Roll call vote, Beckwith aye, Burgett aye, May aye, Harrington aye, Hurley aye. Resolution adopted 12/19/00.
9. Motion by Burgett, seconded by Harrington to adopt the Resolution Protecting Public Lands in Penzo’s Silver Lake Subdivision. Roll call vote, Beckwith aye, Burgett aye, May aye, Harrington aye, Hurley aye. Resolution adopted 12/19/00.
10. The first budget workshop date is to be 12/28/00 at 7 PM.
11. Motion by Burgett to adopt the Indemnification of Township Officers and Employees Resolution, seconded by Harrington. Roll call vote, Beckwith aye, Burgett aye, May aye, Harrington aye, Hurley aye. Resolution adopted 12/19/00.
12. Motion by May, seconded by Harrington to purchase Computer Backup, not to exceed $200. Carried unanimously. Motion by Burgett to purchase a scanner for $80, and Print Shop Deluxe for $53, seconded by Harrington. Carried unanimously.

Supervisor announced that refreshments are provided for the public in honor of Christmas.

PUBLIC COMMENT: FOIA requests by Harold Johnson.

Concern was raised for the firemen that have to work on Christmas. The fire fighters have grown from 2 to 10.

A question was raised if there is an ambulance contract.

Public comments are supposed to be limited to 3 minutes.

Adjourned: 8:32 PM

Mary Burgett
Columbia Township Clerk