The Regular Meeting of the Columbia Township Board was called to order by Supervisor Beckwith. Present were Beckwith, Burgett, Fogarty, Hurley, and Harrington. In attendance were 19 citizens.

Consent Agenda: Regular Meeting Minutes-July 15, 2003; Special Meeting Minutes- August 14, 2003; Planning Commission Meeting Minutes-July 1, 2003; bills through August 18, 2003; Treasurer’s Report. Motion by Burgett, seconded by Hurley, to approve the Consent Agenda. Carried unanimously.

Clerk: No Report

Public Comment: "Pray for our Troops" or something like that should be put on the sign at the Township Hall.

Several comments expressed about how nice the new paved parking lot looks.

Additions/Corrections to Agenda: None

Guest Speaker: None

Supervisor: 26 Ambulance calls in July. Average response time was 6.5 minutes.

Sheriff: 146 complaints received in July: 2 accidents, 13 alarm activation, 4 animal control, 4 assault, 6 breaking & entering, 7 civil/property disputes, 2 criminal sexual conduct, 2 drug related, 3 explosives, 36 fire/ems, 1 fraudulent activity, 19 general assistance, 5 invasion of privacy, 3 larceny, 7 MDOP, 9 obstructing justice, 2 under the influence of liquor, 6 public peace,1 reckless firearm, 5 suspicious situation, 9 traffic violation.

State Police: No Report

County Commissioner: No Report

Fire Chief: 12 calls in July, including 2 downed wires, 1 car fire, 2 illegal burns, 1 CO detector activation, 1 false alarm, 1 assist, 1 fuel spill, and 1 personal injury. Average response time for July was 5.28 minutes.

The Columbia Township Fire Department is donating a book, in the Memory of Cookie Page, to the Book Station.

Planning Commission: The Planning Commission will be continuing with the Zoning Ordinance update by working on the Agricultural Zoning District in September.

Neighborhood Watch: Next meeting-September 4, 2003-7:30 pm. John Huzienga, presented a plaque honoring Neighborhood Watch, to the Township Board.

Book Station: No Report

Hospital: Construction is moving along on the work at South Haven Hospital. Louise Huber was honored by the Samaritan Counseling Center as one of their "Samaritans of the Year".

Senior Services: The Senior Sentinal, SHASS monthly newsletter, will be mailed to 403 residents of Columbia Township in September. This will be a one time mailing. Computer classes have started at the Book Station.

Recreation/Cemetery: No Report.

Zoning Administrator: 8 Building Compliances issued in July. 2 additions, 3 pole buildings, 1 garage, 1 remodel, and 1 deck.

Blight Officer: Blight Complaints—13 open; 2 closed.

Correspondence: A letter from Van Buren County Sheriff Dale Gribler, commending John Huzienga of Neighborhood Watch.

Ruth Medler thanks everyone for the cards and concerns.

Notices:        Senior Bingo/Lunch--August 27-1:00-3:00 pm