Minutes: April 11, 2023 Regular Board Meeting

Presented for approval at the May 9, 2023 Board Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chair Michelle Meis, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  Supervisors present includes Stan Iskierka, Branden Mell, Doug Johnson, and Betsy Rising.  Clerk Mary Winter and, Treasurer Mary Dillner via Skype were also present.

Agenda

Motion to approve the agenda by Stan Iskierka, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.

Board Meeting Minutes

Motion to approve the minutes by Betsy Rising, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report by Betsy Rising seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.

Bills

Motion to approve paying bills by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.

  • CenturyLink – moved here from Contract Committee – Supervisor Branden gave an update to the board on the final cost to Nessel Township for the broadband installed in the township.  After reviewing all cost from Century Link (now known and Lumen) Branden recommends the board approve paying the final bill of $1,1018,124.90
  • Motion to approve final billing from Lumen for Nessel Township broadband for $1,018,124.90 by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved

Variance

  • Motion to approve Doug Johnson variance by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.  (Supervisor Doug Johnson abstain)

Open Forum

  • Moved Shorewood from Road Committee to here.
    • Resident Colleen Rolloff was here representing Shorewood Sanitary District.  Colleen is requesting the board and the Shorewood Sanitary District work together to come up with an effective plan that is agreeable to both sides to plow the Shorewood District roads next winter.  This past winter was extremely difficult with the amount of snow we received and the lack of room to push the snow off the roads.
    • Colleen will find out when their board is available to meet with our board to discuss issues and any options open to both sides.
    • Colleen will contact clerk with options who will share with the board.
    • Even if all obstacles are removed it is not enough width to maintain the roads properly.

Road Maintenance Report

  • Did a lot of plowing, cutting ice and grading.
  • Thawed roads made it difficult on all roads.
  • Working on main/major roads for potholes.
  • Supervisor Stan gives John a list of roads to work on.
  • John goes out every day to get to what he can with the current conditions of the roads.
  1. Liquor License Approval – Resolution 01-2023
  • Moved Liquor License Renewal here from New Business.
  • Motion to approve Liquor License Renewal Resolution 01-2023 by Betsy Rising, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.

Committee Reports

  1. Road Committee –
  • Clover Trail – Supervisor Stan relayed information on a private resident touching our township roads.  Mike Stenmow & Rich Gibbs are knocking the crown off the road.  Nessel township must pay our contractor to repair the road back to usable condition for our residents.  The board will support a letter written to these residents that will serve as documentation we have spoken to them.  Let these residents know if the road needs attention they must contact the road committee of Nessel Township and never touch a township road again.  Supervisor Stan will look up the statue that prohibits a resident from touching a township road. Stan will draft the letter.
  • Supervisor Betsy stated that she has received complaints about Dogwood Ave on top of the hill.   
  • Supervisor Stan stated there are a lot of renters in homes around the lake.
  • Shorewood – moved up on the agenda to Open Forum
  1. Budget Committee –
    • Nothing at this meeting.
  1. Contract Committee –
    • Century Link – Moved up earlier in meeting under Bills
    • Maintenance Contract Review – Supervisor Branden explained the board has the option to extend the current contract for Muddy Gap Hollow for 2 years, 1 year at a time.  The board has until May 1, 2023 to let Muddy Gap know if we will extend the contract to them.  After 4 years the contract must go out to bid.
      • Motion to approve to extend Muddy Gap Hollow contract for our road maintenance for one year by Branden Mell, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.
      • John from Muddy Gap was at the meeting and has accepted the extension of his contract.
      • Supervisor Branden will write up a draft for the extension of the contract for Muddy Gap.
  1. Policy Committee –
    • Nothing at this meeting.
  1. Clerk’s Township Update –
    • Clerk present monthly report of township happenings.

Old Business

  1. Road Tour Date
  • Road Tour Date will be Tuesday April 25, 2023.  Clerk will post on door.

New Business

  1. Approval of Dust Control Letter for Residents and Newspaper
    • Motion to approve Dust Control Letter for Residents and Newspaper by Branden Mell, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.
  1. Open Quotes – Gravel
  • Board discussed 2 quotes received for Gravel for township roads.
  • Motion to approve to use Hass Construction at $14.00/cubic yard by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved.
  1. Open Quotes – Chip Sealing
  • Board discussed the 3 quotes received for Chip Sealing township roads.
  • Motion to approve using Fahrner for Township Chip Sealing totaling $57,521.00 by Branden Mell, seconded by Stan Iskierka Rising.  Approved.     
  1. Open Quotes – Crack Sealing
  • Board discussed the 5 quotes received for Crack Sealing township roads.
  • Motion to approve using SealTech Option 2 for Township Crack Sealing totaling $15,223.00 by Branden Mell, seconded by Betsy Rising.  Approved
  1. Liquor License Approval – Resolution 01-2023
  • Moved up on agenda to following Road Maintenance Report
  1. Rush City Fire Dept.
  • Board discussed the invoice from Rush City Fire Department.  We budgeted $38,000
  • Motion to approve invoice from Rush City Fire Department invoice for $40,312.00 by Betsy Rising, seconded by Stan Iskierka.  Approved.
  1. Approval of Lawn Service Contract
  • Motion to approve Lawn Service Contract for $70.00/mow and $100.00/for cleaning rock beds and Township sign by Branden Mell, seconded by Doug Johnson.    Approved.
  1. Reminder – LBAE meeting Wednesday April 19, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.

Chair Michelle read the Township Clerk’s resignation.  The current clerk will post a help wanted ad after reviewed and approved by Chair in both local papers and on the Nessel Township website.

Motion to adjourn by Betsy Rising, seconded by Stan Iskierka at 9:11 pm.   Approved.