Bedford Township,
Michigan                                       

BEDFORD TOWNSHIP BOARD MINUTES
8100 JACKMAN ROAD, TEMPERANCE, MI  48182
May 20, 2008

PRESENT:
Walt Wilburn, Supervisor
Robert A. Schockman, Clerk
Sherri S. Meyer, Treasurer
Paul Francis, Trustee
Larry O’Dell, Trustee
Rick Steiner, Trustee
Dennis Steinman, Trustee

EXCUSED:

ALSO PRESENT:
Tom Graham, Attorney

The Regular Meeting of the Bedford Township Board was called to order by Wilburn at 7:00 PM followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC HEARING

Approval of IFEC for MTS Seating, 7100 Industrial Drive

A motion was made by Steinman, seconded by Steiner, to open the public hearing for the IFEC for MTS Seating, Inc.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

No one from the audience spoke.

A motion was made by Schockman, seconded by Steiner, to close the public hearing for the IFEC for MTS Seating, Inc. Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

Schockman spoke, informing the board this IFEC request was for 12 year tax abatement on $602,831.00 dollars worth of new equipment resulting in 15 new jobs.  A motion was made by Schockman, seconded by Steinman, to approve the IFEC for MTS Seating, Inc.   Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

Approval of Resolution to Establish the Secor Road Sewer Line Special Assessment District

A motion was made by Steinman, seconded by Meyer, to open the public hearing for the resolution to establish the Secor Road Sewer Line Special Assessment District.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

Randy Nelson, 6425 Secor, spoke against the issue

Ken Arnold, 8300 Adler, Township Engineer, explained the process.

Michelle Stadniczuk, 6437 Secor, spoke, in support of the issue.

Charles Fleitz, 6277 Secor, spoke, questioning the standing water problems in the area.

Randy Nelson, 6425 Secor, spoke, questioning how the standing water issue could be resolved with the installation of sewers.

Ken Arnold, 8300 Adler, Township Engineer, spoke, stating it is illegal to put standing water into the sewer system, although the Road Commission may require minor changes to the drains when the sewer lines are installed. 

A motion was made by Steinman, seconded by Steiner, to close the public hearing for the resolution to establish the Secor Road Sewer Line Special Assessment District.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

Schockman presented the information on the proposed sewer line extension, stating approval of this resolution would establish the district, which consists of 25 parcels.  Residents of 15 of the 25 parcels, or 60% signed the petition which equates out to 70% of the front footage.  The total cost is estimated to be $408,000, with an estimated individual parcel cost of $16,320.00. 

A motion was made by Schockman, seconded by O’Dell, to approve the resolution to establish the Secor Road Sewer Line Special Assessment District as presented.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

Approval of Timberlake Dev. & PUD Special Assessment District for Streetlights

A motion was made by Steiner, seconded by Schockman, to open the public hearing for the Timberlake Dev & PUD Streetlight Special Assessment District.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

No one from the audience spoke.

A motion was made by Steinman, seconded by Steiner, to close the public hearing for the Timberlake Dev & PUD Streetlight Special Assessment District  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

Schockman spoke, informing the board that this district includes 11 parcels and the developer has already paid for the proposed streetlights.  Approval of this special assessment district is for light usage only, with the first year costs estimated to be $55.31 per parcel owner.

Motion was made by Schockman, seconded by Meyer, to approve the Timberlake Dev & PUD Streetlight Special Assessment District as presented.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA – The motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Steinman to approve the agenda with the addition of item 7H under Reports from Staff, Report and Recommendation on Rauch Road.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Michelle Stadniczuk, 6437 Secor, thanked the board for approving the Secor Sewer Special Assessment District.

RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS

Proclamation Recognizing Bedford Senior Send Off Day

Wilburn read the proclamation, recognizing the importance of the PTSA hosting this event.  A motion was made by Schockman seconded by O’Dell to approve the proclamation recognizing June 11, 2008 as Bedford Senior Send Off Day.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

CONSENT AGENDA – Motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Steiner to approve the consent agenda as published, motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

REPORTS FROM STAFF –

Request for Waiver of Building Permit Fees for Barrier Free Access Ramp at 7574 Crosscreeks

Meyer spoke, explaining this request was from United Way and the AFL-CIO Community Services who would like to build an access ramp for a resident in Crosscreeks.  The costs of the project will be covered by the United Way Project Ramp Program.  She also stated the owner of Crosscreeks has given approval for the ramp to be built.  A motion was made by Meyer seconded by Francis to approve the request for a waiver of the $25.00 building permit fee in order to build a barrier free access ramp at 7574 Crosscreeks.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

Approval of Sewer Ordinance Amendment No. 24A-26

Meyer spoke, stating this ordinance amendment would allow the board to change the Sewer connection inspection fee from $25.00 to $50.00.  The $25.00 fee has been in place since the inspection of sewer lines began.  A motion was made by Meyer seconded by Schockman to approve the sewer ordinance amendment no 24A-26.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None

Request for Hickory Creek Plats V-VII Tentative Preliminary Plat Approval Extension

Steinman spoke, explaining the request is due to the slow building economy, their current approval having expired on May 1, 2008.  A motion was made by Steinman seconded by Meyer to approve the request for a one year extension of the Hickory Creek Plats V-VII tentative preliminary plat approval subject to the same terms and conditions in the original approval.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None

Request for Hidden Lakes Plats II-IV Tentative Preliminary Plat Approval Extension

The current approval for Hidden Lakes Plats II-IV will expire on June 5, 2008.  A motion was made by Steinman seconded by Schockman to approve the request for a one year extension of the Hidden Lakes Plats II – IV tentative preliminary plat approval subject to the same terms and conditions in the original approval.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None

Request for Apple Creek Estates Tentative Preliminary Plat Approval Extension

The current approval for Apple Creek Estates will expire on June 5, 2008.  A motion was made by Steinman seconded by Steiner to approve the request for a one year extension of the Apple Creek Estates, Plats I, II, & III tentative preliminary plat approval subject to the same terms and conditions in the original approval.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None

Request for Prairie Woods Plats V-VI Tentative & Final Preliminary Plat Re-Approvals

The current approval for Prairie Woods, Plats V-VI expired on December 20, 2007.  A motion was made by Steinman seconded by Steiner to approve the request for a two year re-approval of the Prairie Woods tentative & final preliminary plat subject to the same terms and conditions in the original approval.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None

Request for Timberlake Village Rezoning from AG to PUD and Final Site Approval for 58-02-644-002-00

Steinman read the narrative written by Planning/Zoning Coordinator Jenkins, explaining the issue.  Both Monroe County Planning and the township Planning Commission have approved the rezoning.  A motion was made by Steinman, seconded by Steiner to approve the final PUD site plan and rezone to PUD for Timberlake Village located on parcel number 58-02-644-002-00 subject to terms and conditions outlined in the Planning Commission recommendation of April 9, 2008, and further subject to approval of the PUD agreement and condominium documents by the township attorney.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None

Report and Recommendation on Rauch Road

O’Dell presented a report and recommendation regarding road improvements to two miles of Rauch, between Secor and Jackman.  This improvement will be a joint effort of Ida Township, Bedford Township and the MCRC.  Costs are estimated to be $140,000 from Ida Township, $140,000 from Bedford Township, and $100,000 from the Road Commission.  The project would start early this summer and be complete before school starts in the fall.  Discussion followed, with various board members questioning the timing and where the money would come from.  Francis stated he fully supports the Rauch Rd. project, but would vote against the issue because he objected to the form and process.  He stated the issue should have been brought to the board with complete information, and the board allowed time to consider it, rather than approving it “off the cuff” the same night the issue is presented.  Also, since the issue affects the 2008-09 budget year, the issue should have been considered along with other expenditure requests at the budget hearings.   A motion was made by O’Dell, seconded by Steinman to authorize $140,000 in funds be expended from the general fund balance to improve two miles of Rauch Road.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: Francis.  Absent: None.

NEW BUSINESS –

Approval of Bills - Motion was made by Meyer, seconded by Schockman to approve the following vouchers for payment: General Fund-$254,616.42, Fire District-$17,457.36, Police Fund-$58,325.50, Park Fund-$113,883.70, Transit System Fund-$15,161.00, Building Inspection Fund-$100.00, Library Operating Fund-$6,162.20, EDC Fund-$215.89, Water Revenue Fund-$250.00, Barbara Lee/Harmony/Etc-$26,233.75, Capital Improvements 2007-$33,638.00, DDA Fund-$3,079.21, Sewer Operation & Main. Fund-$365,391.08, & Trust & Agency Fund-$8,967.34.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

Approval of Additional Insurance Coverage – Fireworks

Schockman stated board approval was needed for the Park Board’s 2008 fireworks display, to be held on Friday, June 27, 2008.  A motion was made by Schockman, seconded by Meyer to approve the permit for the Park Board’s annual fireworks display on June 27, 2008.   Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

Schockman spoke, explaining this approval is needed because our insurance company no longer automatically covers liability for fireworks displays.

A motion was made by Schockman, seconded by Meyer to approve the special endorsement insurance policy, at a cost of $1,800.00 for the Park Board’s annual fireworks display on June 27, 2008.  Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, Meyer, O’Dell, Schockman, Steiner, Steinman, Wilburn.  Nays: None.  Absent: None.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Darryl Lukasik, 1734 Pine Valley – questioned the township’s fiscal year end date.

REPORTS FROM TOWNSHIP BOARD MEMBERS

Steinman – commented on and thanked everyone involved in this year’s Relay for Life and reminded residents of the upcoming road closure on Sterns Road.

Steiner – commented on and thanked everyone involved in this year’s Relay for Life and also thanked the board for approving the appointment of two alternates to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

O’Dell - commented on and thanked everyone involved in this year’s Relay for Life and thanked the board for their approval of the repairs to Rauch Road.

Francis - commented on and thanked everyone involved in this year’s Relay for Life and mentioned the reports from the new accounting package are much more complete and easy to read.

Meyer – Thanked everyone who worked on the Relay for Life Committee.

Schockman - commented on and thanked everyone involved in this year’s Relay for Life and invited everyone to a Memorial Day service on Monday, May 26th, at 11:00 am at Lambertville Cemetery.

Wilburn – commented on Relay for Life, stating that $139,000 had been raised this year, with a goal of $130,000.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m.

Robert A. Schockman
Bedford Township Clerk

Garnet Francis
Recording Secretary