The Torch Lake Township Board met for its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16. Supervisor Brian Cadwell could not attend because of an emergency at MTU, but all of the other board members were present. Trustee Denise Lepisto conducted the board meeting in Brian's absence.
March Minutes
Treasurer Diane Zurcher and Clerk Karen Rovano explained that Diane, after reading an advance copy of the official minutes, had asked Karen to include more details on the record concerning the March discussion about the bill submitted for work by deputy treasurer Jim Zurcher. Both Karen and Diane checked with the Michigan Townships Association and determined that the amount of detail provided was up to Karen's discretion. The board approved the minutes as written on a 3-1 vote, with Diane opposed.
New Bootjack Fire Station
Although Brian was not able to attend the board meeting, he had communicated to Chief Dan Sarazin and board members that his investigation -- including checking with the Michigan Townships Association -- revealed no impediment to the township accepting the new fire station after its construction. Dan explained that any delay in the board's approval would adversely affect the timing of soliciting funds, letting contracts, and starting construction when weather is good.
During construction, ownership of the new building would be held by the BFRD Foundation. The exact timing of the turnover of the deed to the township would depend upon the payment of all building loans. Dan said that there might be a period where a $1 per year lease would be needed, but that would be up to the lawyers. He also explained that the foundation wanted one or two board members to be directly involved in the project.
Denise reviewed with the other board members the resolution that Brian had provided. It passed without dissent.
DMG Reporter Kurt Hauglie attended the board meeting and posted this article on April 17: Torch Lake Township board approves new Bootjack fire hall.
Burn Ordinance in Effect
Chief Dan Sarazin reported that six burn permits had been issued under the new ordinance. No problems have arisen, and the process is running smoothly.
Reassessment Status
Dave Peterson reported that the final field work will be finished when the snow melts.
Denise read correspondence from Josh Stein regarding the Rice Lake parcel for sale. Some inquiries have been received and Josh feels confident that the parcel will be sold this summer.
Township Web Site
The board approved the construction of a township web site by our company, SoftMedia Artisans. Earlier this year Brian had asked for a proposal, and I met with him about our proposal last week.
I'll post here about progress on building the site. The new web site is to provide basic information about the township and to communicate up-to-date information about upcoming meetings and events. It will also provide access to township documents that previously had to be copied upon each request.
No Smoking Policy
The board received notice that it is legally required to provide a smoke-free work environment for all township employees by May 6, 2008. Furthermore, all employees must be given three weeks advance notice of the new policy.
Dan Sarazin mentioned that the no-smoking policy has been in effect at the Bootjack Fire Hall for quite awhile now. The board established a no-smoking policy for all enclosed work areas to take effect on May 6.
Deputy Treasurer Reimbursement
The issue of reimbursement of Jim Zurcher for work done as deputy treasurer last year was added to the agenda again this month at the request of Trustee Lou Ambuehl.
Funds from last year's budget line for telephone, computer, and copier had not been spent, so $500 was available for deputy treasurer work. The board agreed without dissent to use those funds to pay Jim's bill. Diane said she was satisfied with that action.
Garbage Fees
Diane presented a list of parcel owners requesting modifications to their fees for garbage pickup. In all but one case, the request was for a decrease in the fee. In most cases, the owners were no longer living there, or had arranged for separate dumpster service.
Diane explained that the garbage charges are indeed fees for services used rather than assessments for services available. Denise pointed out that people pay for fire protection regardless of actual usage, and that the garbage trucks drive by even though people don't use the service. In fact, there is no way for the refuse workers to know whether someone has opted out of the garbage pickup or not.
Diane suggested that it might be practical to pass an ordinance to treat the garbage pickup as an assessment instead of a fee. In the meantime the board, without dissent, agreed to honor the written requests.
Other Items
- The National Park Service is seeking members for the Keweenaw Historic Park Advisory Committee. Details are available at the Hubbell Community Center.
- Copies of a new agreement between Schoolcraft and Torch Lake townships concerning refuse collection were provided to board members for review and action next month. The old agreement expired years ago.
- Diane reported that the 2007 tax year books have been closed out and turned over to the county.
- Dan Sarazin stated that road work from Rice Lake to the middle of Mud Lake will be done this year, as holdover work from last year. It is the work from Chipmunk Trail to Dreamland that won't be done until 2011.
- The board discussed banning commercial activity on township property in response to incidents where vendors have parked trucks on township land. Lou Ambuehl asked that the matter be tabled for now, and the board took no action.
- The board discussed offering the old Lincoln School Bell to the Houghton County Historical Society because it is now taking up space in the township garage. Diane pointed out that the bell might enhance a new township community center, should one ever be built. The board tabled action on the matter for now.
- The board approved renting portable toilets for the parks and boat launch from May through October, with extra toilets to be available during July.
Next Board Meeting
The next Torch Lake Township board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. It will take place at the Hubbell Community Center.
Lynn Torkelson