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 34 citizens.

Consent Agenda: Regular Meeting Minutes-July 20, 2004; Special Meeting Minutes- June 23, 2004; August 13, 2004; Planning Commission Meeting Minutes-July 6, 2004; bills through August 16, 2004; Treasurer’s Report. Motion by Burgett, second by Hurley, to approve the Consent Agenda. Carried unanimously.

Clerk: Bills paid after the consent agenda.

Michiana Fire $70 #20 refills

Verizon $69.05 FD phone

First National Bank $647.98 FD Paint/Supplies

Keith Gasper $340.29 Cemetery Maintenance

Vic Sedlak $23.15 Film

Mi. Election Res. $341.97 Ballots

First Natl Bank $617.74 Postage/Off. Supplies/Payroll Update/Election Meals

Motion by Burgett, second by Fogarty, to approve the bills paid after the consent agenda. Carried unanimously.

Public Comment:

1-Harold Johnson-Thanks for the support for him for County Commissioner. He heard that Columbia Township may have a full time Fire Department in the next couple of years.

2-Jim Sykora-Complimented John Huizenga and his Neighborhood Watch group on doing a good job. The members should be posted so they could be thanked individually.

3-Mitch Gibson-Does not agree with the fire department spending or the meetings that the Board has.

Additions/Corrections to Agenda: None

1-Sandi Wagoner read a 3 page letter to the Board about the problem she had with the purchase of cemetery sites.

2-Ron Kreiger gave background about the tree sites in the cemetery.

3-Doug MacKinder stated that he thought the cemetery site with the tree should stay in the township’s possession.

Supervisor: Ambulance average response time for July was 9:14 for 17 calls.

Sheriff: 107 complaints received in July: 1 abandoned vehicle, 11 accidents, 12 alarm activation, 16 assault, 1 att pick up, 8 be on the look out, 1 breaking & entering, 1 civil/property disputes, 1 delinquent minor, 1 embezzlement; 5 flee/allude, 1 fraudulent activity, 15 general assistance, 1 health & safety, 4 invasion of privacy, 1 lost/found property, 2 MDOP, 1 obstructing justice, 1 open intoxicant, 7 public peace, 1 runaway, 1 stolen vehicle, 5 suspicious situation, 3 traffic violation, 2 VCSA, 4 vehicle inspection.

State Police: No Report.

County Commissioner: No Report.

Fire Chief: 7 calls received in July, 1 car fire, 2 medical assist, 2 personal injury, 1 structure, 1 downed wire. Average response time was 5.29 minutes. The Columbia Township Fire Department has received a truck from the DNR to be fixed up and used as a second grass truck.

Planning Commission: John Lemmer was appointed to the Planning Commission. On August 10, 2004, a public hearing on the proposed zoning ordinance amendments was held. Discussion showed that additional information needs to be obtained. September 11, 2004 a workshop will be held to discuss farm land and open space preservation.

Neighborhood Watch: A triathlon will be held on August 29, 2004 for Cops for Kids.

Book Station: No Report.

Hospital: The new women’s center is scheduled to be completed by late September. A Women’s Walking Week-End will be held on August 25-27.The Ambulatory Care Center is now open. A new program has been created "Tai Chi in the Park" which is being held on Friday mornings at Stanley Johnston Park.

South Haven Senior Services: More seniors need to take advantage of the services provided by South Haven Senior Services.

Recreation/Cemetery: Thompson Cemetery needs to be cleaned up again.

Zoning Administrator: 11 Zoning Compliances issued in July: 2 wood frame, 3 modulars, 2 used mobiles, 1 addition, 2 pole buildings, 1 deck.

Blight Officer: No report.

Correspondence: None

Notices:

Public Comment:

1-Sandi Wagoner-The roots from a tree will spread out further than one cemetery site.

2-Jim Sykora-He has heard a rumor about a full time fire department for Columbia Township. Farley stated he had not heard the rumor.

3-Frank Grubisich-Stated that a complaint had been filed against himself and Lanny Gibson for entering the construction site of the Emergency Services Building.

Adjourned: 8:37 PM

Mary Burgett, Clerk

Dean Beckwith, Supervisor